Now & Then - The Beatles Take a Sad Song and Make It Better

With the Beatles at number 1 in the UK for the first time in 54 years, we look at the reaction and review the record that everybody is talking about. In this in-depth review we cover everything from Paul's surprise announcement to Peter Jackson's video and how Taylor Swift threw Apple's release schedule into disarray. We also take a deep dive into the sound quality of the single and its b-side 'Love Me Do' on12" and 7" vinyl.
Also, check out our video about the history of this track: • Now & Then | The Full ...
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[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

"I've done my part" is the most Ringo thing ever said.

[@FinarfinNoldorin]

I was 13 years old when I first heard the Beatles. I am now 74, and STILL loving their music. When I heard this song for the first time tonight, it brought SO many memories back to me of those magical days known as Beatlemania. What a wonderful time it was. Thank everyone that worked so hard to produce this piece of history so cherished by us long-term fans. They will always be a part of me, and there are no words to express my gratitude.

[@alankendrick1854]

Me too!! 14/74

[@dannielhmora]

Incredible:')

[@dannielhmora]

I’m 24 and I still can’t believe I lived the release of a new Beatles song and I went to see Paul live in Mexico City just a few days later 😭😭😭 this is the most close I have ever felt to the Fab Four and it has been one of the best experiences in my 14 years as a Beatles fan and in my entire life

[@RemasteringMcCartney_AndreyM]

As an 18 year old to experience the first, last, and only Beatles song to be released in my lifetime, this was the most emotional event of my life so far

[@Parlogram]

That's the power of The Beatles' music right there! Thanks for posting.

[@conorfurlong]

I love the Beatles but I hope you have more emotional experiences than this!

[@juliosanchez95]

I can't believe you only have 50000 subscribers. Should be much more! Your channel is superb!!!!@@Parlogram

[@daveherres3374]

I've been thinking about that. This a special gift to youth in that way and no one can take it away. A new Beatles song coming out was always a brilliant event. How well I remember. Enjoy it, mate.

[@hatmanndo]

@@Parlogram 👍

[@ArrivalEntertainment]

Now and then for me is a wonderful song and I’ve been listening to it a lot since it came out! The work that Giles Martin and Peter Jackson have been doing has been fantastic!

[@richardblayneamerican8149]

"Take a sad song and make it better." Perfect! That's exactly what Giles and The Beatles have done. I think we're all in agreement about the artwork on the front of the jacket. Oh well. 'Now And Then' has grown on me with each listening. I no longer need to play it; seems it's been on a tape loop in my head! The Peter Jackson video is amazing, indeed. But the ending- when all four Beatles vanish-made me so sad. It will be a bitter pill to swallow when the last Beatle passes. Thanks and take care.

[@billleary5779]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this new track. I do really like the song and more importantly what it represents. The song has generated so much goodwill among fans and seeing all the statistics about charts and sales is exciting and it’s a joy to see people so happy which makes this such a gift, not to mention the love and care that Paul has put into this track. Thanks for sharing!

[@bfarmer1647]

The actual song is Bplus average

[@cappuccinodriverno1]

It was just like going back to the 1960s for me . I went to a physical record store and bought the new Beatles single and the new Rolling Stones lp on black vinyl . I took with me and was photographed holding , with the new items, my copies of the first Stones lp and Love Me Do which I had bought in a record shop almost 60 years ago . Life is sweet .

[@brianmarcus6005]

The more times you listen to Now and Then it just gets better. A masterpiece of technology and emotion.

[@garyslogan]

I entirely agree with article you featured at the end, "I'm just adoring feeling 14 years old again". I used to belong the the Capitol Record Club in the late 60s and up until their breakup. It had been 53 years since I'd had the joy of receiving a vinyl Beatles record by mail. My teen years rushed back like an emotional tsunami. Every one, then and now (to turn the phrase) was a milestone. I have been walking on air ever since. Thank you for your excellent analysis of its quality, context of its making and release, and for sharing your own joy.

[@darinmurphy8032]

My relationship with this song is complex. Back in 2005, I was among the first ever to perform it live, in the Broadway musical LENNON, sanctioned by Yoko Ono. We based our version on John’s demo that Yoko gave us. In order to get into the new single, I had to block out my previous experience and pretend I’d never sung or even heard the tune before. That opened up my ears and mind, and Peter Jackson’s video brought it home to my heart. After 50+ years, the Beatles still know how to make a hit record and move the masses!

[@chrisromanoyeah1]

Receiving my copy in the mail was a very special occasion. I got to listen to a Beatles song released in my lifetime for the first time ever with my mom who grew up during Beatlemania. It was such an amazing experience and just reminded me how much I love the beatles. Congrats on 50K subscribers! 50,000 Parlogram Fans Can't Be Wrong!

[@Parlogram]

Cheers Chris!

[@thanosb.5403]

The outro to your message is hilarious!! You've made my day!!

[@austinspace]

I can't help but tear up every time I hear this song.

[@greeneyedmonster1174]

I spent most of the day waiting for my kids to come home from school so we can all listen together for the first time. My first go round I was a little "in my own head", but as I spun it again it grew on me, and has kept growing on me. My younger son is the bigger fan of my two boys, and I've often found him listening to the song or watching the video over and over again, learning the lyrics and he's just mesmerized. Reminds me when I was a little older than he is today when Free As a Bird came out, and I watched the video and learned the song best I could. And to think my parents did the same when the records came out, listening to them and discovering them. What a time to be a fan, and though I believe Now and Then will be the last "new" Beatles song, the advent of MAL will likely provide more archival material for us to discover. Great video!

[@elvisleeboy]

You're a better person than me, because I would have waited all day for my family to leave the house so I could listen to it alone.

[@RAFchurchlawford4469]

​@@elvisleeboy Elvis, it's now or never! Don't be cruel. Return to sender or you'll be lonesome tonight. Don't cry, daddy

[@jaysharpESQ]

Righto! (About Mal) but that doesn't mean it can't be applied to create more 'unofficial' Beatles tunes. As there's never a shortage of fan created wonders. Sometimes better even. There's a real love on SoundCloud I just nicked that includes cleaned up Lennon vocals applied via AI and I can't stop listening. Better mix more present guitars and drums too... I literally prefer it and really hope for more like this. Even a COMPLETE now and then with those lovely Lennon segue and passages/ connections (the removed / absent bridges)

[@nohandlehere_]

​@@jaysharpESQany suggestions on how to find that soundcloud?

[@neilfranklin5644]

The kids used to say nothing dad likes gets into the chart these days , but then this happened tailor's swiftly gone and the beatles are on the top.

[@Keither754]

I am 24 now (will be 25 in a month). The release of “Now and Then” - and how often it was played on the radio at my job in December and January - is what got me into the Beatles in the first place. Without “Now and Then” I don’t think I would be a Beatles fan, at least certainly not as big of a fan as I am now.

[@jimcabezola3051]

Bought "Now and Then" and its B-Side "Love Me Do" from Apple's Music Service. "Now and Then" made me feel the same way that "Real Love" and "Free as a Bird" did in the '90s. I felt awed that they were able to accomplish such feats of sound engineering. I like the brooding, introspective turn the lads produced in "Now and Then."

[@antype]

I was born in the USSR and my late dad who passed away in August 2016 (in Malaysia) introduced me to The Beatles in the 90s around the Anthology 1 release time , he would’ve loved this song. It’s a brilliant piece of music, he had many albums on cassettes and loved Free As A Bird and Real Love, listening to this makes me feel super emo and wishing that he had a chance to hear this final version. Thank you for your incredible content! Huge fan of the channel 😊

[@Parlogram]

Thank you for watching! 😊

[@merickbrother2122]

It's a wonderful song. I share the sentiment of the first gen Beatles fan you ended the video with. I was 2 years old when Free as a Bird was released, and really, the fact that Now and Then is a bookend to their career, a number 1 at that, it just fills me with joy. I'm happy for the lads and I'm happy for the fans. It's a good time to be a Beatles fan.

[@markhedges1194]

Absolutely!

[@trublu71]

I was so excited when this was released, and of course, hearing the news of its release! I am so glad that we have social media and the Internet so all of us Beatles fans can connect and share how we feel about the music! I am very satisfied with Now and Then. After hearing years of the fan edits, and the original had a good feeling about this. Peter Jackson and Giles Martin hit another home run! I only wish that John and George could be here to see how much they mean to us! Great video Andrew!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JerrileeJerome-mw6bs]

Listening to Now and Then, returning me to when I first saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was 10 years of age! That's one example of Ringo's Rewind: Forward, evaluating your past and applying the lessons you've learned as it applies to that particular situation! I love it!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ginghamt.c.5973]

For me, it has the Beatles ultimate magic touch; 1) To first grab your attention, 2) To grow on you, and most importantly; 3)To sound better with every listen - and reveal a little more treats for the ears. On top of All that - this particular song is so moving and relevant - With a beautiful video to match, The perfect finale. How Lucky are We ?! (Even the cover art - the background pastels especially - is growing on me !!! )

[@cynthiaforsythe8989]

You’re right! I had the blessing of being around for every new Beatles single and every new Beatles album and what we did was play it play it play it play it and play it. The radio played the new release on repeat. Nobody stopped to pick it apart we just listened to it over and over and fell in love.

[@bfarmer1647]

I would love to have what you are smoking because it gets worse for me. Luv the vid but the song is like 99 luft ballons

[@joshcuadra9275]

I could just be stating what others have already figured out, but the instrumental break on this song IS the "I don’t want to lose you" part. If you sing it over the top of the chords it matches up almost perfect. They took the spirt of the progression and retooled it. Should they have left some of that vocal in? Maybe, but I’m satisfied with what we got. Very clean single.

[@JimCutler]

Ringo's drumming is so good here, and that Paul modern guitar solo it to me, just incredible. I've grown to love Now and Then.

[@TheNewSoda]

Honestly it's the first Beatles song to ever come out in my lifetime that's why I care about it even if I don't personally think it's the best song John Lennon ever wrote I felt special knowing I get to live to hear a brand new Beatles song I wanted to hear it with my dad and I'm lucky to have that chance to do that so I want to say thank you to Yoko Ono because without her none of it would have ever been possible in the first place

[@benjaminolson7206]

It seems like a better song every time I hear it, which is probably a strong sign of being an actually great song.

[@cameronmarshall4772]

Hi Andrew. I tuned in to BBC Radio 2 to hear the first play and the only thing that spoiled it was DJ Scott Mills referring to The Beatles as “the original boy band”! I love the new song. Great to hear John’s voice again on something new. The video is even better. Keep up the great work Andrew😎

[@fartemis]

the fact that the beatles went #1 over 50 years after their disbandment shows the everlasting effect of their music 💙💙💙💙

[@avoyde]

it was such a weird feeling to hear a newly released Beatles song in my lifetime, very thankful I got to be here for atleast one!

[@daddyguerrero]

People can knock it or put it down, or they can like it. Either way, it’s still the Beatles. And yes, it may not measure up to their earlier masterpieces, but on the other hand, this or any Beatles song beats anything that’s being put out today. Thanks for the review. I really appreciate your insight.

[@darrellross8609]

The video did make me cry. 500 years from now and beyond, there will be "The BEATLES".

[@bfarmer1647]

That was the onions you were peeling. Come on, get real.

[@moondogaudiojones1146]

I was thoroughly impressed with this show as again you show the wave forms. I’m also astonished by the fact there’s an iTune version! I did not know. Time to find that. I loved this “little piece of plastic” for the mere hopes of being satisfied if it truly will be the last Beatles track. People my age are certainly pleased, just like the article so succinctly put it, took me back to when I was 14 as well. Great episode Andrew!

[@Parlogram]

Cheers Brian. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@silverclive]

Hi Andrew, congratulations on achieving 50k subscribers. You have a superb channel creating highly interesting and informative topics which are greatly enjoyed!!!

[@raywaites1539]

Well I was a little neutral on first hearing, it's grown on me 'Now, and Then' after watching the accompanying video a few times I became completely hooked on its brilliance. So it's a big thumbs up from me 👍

[@LeftyPem]

So you’re saying it will “Grow Old with You”? ;)

[@5roundsrapid263]

It took a few listens, but it did get stuck in my head. It’s so wonderful to have a GOOD song stuck in your head these days! 😄

[@goldmundbyrne7075]

Really enjoyed being taken back - lots of happy memories of friends and family.

[@TheFlickeringWindow]

I was already humming Now and Then after listening just twice. That's a good enough metric for me.

[@ryandellarmo6808]

Lovely video Andrew, I love the song and while it’s not admittedly in the leagues of “A Day in the Life” or “Tomorrow Never Knows”, I feel it serves as a perfect summation of the lads and the legacy they have. I also really loved the music video despite people’s criticisms, some of which I saw people saying that they found the more comical bits of John and lads in poor taste. But really in any bittersweet or somber time, John and the lads were always mucking about and making light out of the dark. Really got to me when we saw John and George together with Paul and Ringo, and I really loved how John initially waves at the camera. Still waiting on the records I ordered (my mistake ordering from their site directly). It’s just a really special thing, being able to have John and George and the band back for those few minutes again.

[@48musicfan]

The new song has grown on me. I agree George’s absence on lead guitar is truly missed. Regarding the video, I would have liked to have seen more footage of George, Paul and Ringo in the studio working on the track. Congratulations on reaching the 50,000 milestone! - Roger

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Roger!

[@bfarmer1647]

Tinea grows on you as well

[@DhaniRibeiroCorrea]

I love Now and then. Beautiful melody… Wonderful strings… and it has the Beatles magic. A very moving song that becomes better and better the more you listen to. A loving gift to this, very often, stupid world.

[@daveteves]

Thank you so much for acknowledging the 2009 fan mix of Now and Then. That version of that song came out exactly right in my life. I've only just discovered the Beatles for a few years then, and just as I thought I've heard every Beatles song, that version of Now and Then popped up on KZbin. I was like maybe 12 or 13 at the time and I was so mindblown to hear what I thought was a new Beatles song. That was then and now I actually got to experience a real authentic roll-out of a new Beatles song for the official release this year. And I'm so happy to share this experience with Beatles fans around the world.

[@errolfouquet7381]

As usual, a big thank you to you, Andrew for your great content. I ordered my 7” a few days before the release date and it should arrive tomorrow. I’m rather upset to hear that it’s not what it could’ve been sonically. I’m also with you, and undoubtedly most fans, with the drab and completely unimaginative cover. Really … what were they thinking?? Most of us here could’ve mocked up something so much better. Give us a photo of the Beatles for goodness sake! Oh well. I did listen digitally on my main stereo setup via Qobuz and got rather weepy. The sadness I felt the day John died returned as I was listening to him singing. I was so sure that he was going to return to touring after Double Fantasy and then, maybe he’d agree to a reunion Sigh. So tragic. Well, this is getting rather long and sad. I guess I’d better go watch that Peter Jackson video and lighten up. 😊

[@cradio52]

I really love this song - the story behind it and its long journey to becoming a finished work is so unique and fascinating. The Beatles and John in particular were constantly experimenting with cutting edge technologies and effects, so I do think John would have been thrilled by the whole thing. The song itself is quite touching, bittersweet and slightly melancholic which fits perfectly as “the last Beatles song,” I think. They didn’t overdo it with the orchestral touches either. Obviously it’s never going to stack up against their catalog but it’s a nice, pleasant coda to a legendary run. And I like that they seemed to make it sound more like the music John was doing around the time he recorded the original demo, rather than trying for another Strawberry Fields Forever or something. With that said, they are absolutely insane for not using that back cover “clock” image as the front cover. It seems like they got it backwards - the typeface on the front should have been on the back (maybe even make it smaller so you could also fit “Love Me Do” in the same typeface), with the clock on the front.

[@therealestatecuracao4441]

Hi. I do enjoy Now and Then very much. For all it’s The Beatles ! And the video clip is a Jackson masterpiece. I’m 61yrs so I can only remember the last years of the Beatles and all their solo work after that New stuff is really appreciated! Greetings from 🇪🇸

[@douglasspalding9609]

The restoration of the Star Club tapes? Now, THAT'S something I'd like to listen to.

[@terrymann1341]

Take a sad song and make it better, very well put, as I write this, (and I can't believe that I am writing this) The Beatles are back at No 1 with Now and Then. It's truly astounding to think that this song of all of four minutes has taken some 46 years from it's writing to being released and then to top the charts. It also for me marks the beginning of a revolution in how music is recorded and remixed, and who else but the Beatles could be on the forefront of this. I honestly believe that this will be the last single, as given their age I doubt Paul and Ringo will work on any other tapes like this. But I am happy with the single and I am more than happy with the Red and the Blue. I can only recommend all these new mixes on the Red album to everyone, esp the Rubber Soul tracks (got me wondering about the Rubber Soul Deluxe box, if these are anything to go by, that is going to be a cracker of a set.)

[@stevesstuff1450]

It's amazing to think this song that has been about 46 years in the making has hit the UK No.1 spot.....!! That must be another 'first' for the Beatles..!! 😂 It's a lovely song, and when I saw the video for the first time (and every time afterward) it moved me to tears having grown up during the 1960s with the Beatles being constantly on the radio, and Mum & Dad's record player, and seeping into my subconsciousness ; I was only 1 when Love Me Do first came out, but after that, their sound became the musical soundtrack to my life, and I've been collecting versions/variants of their albums ever since I was a teenager..!! 😉 Got the blue 45rpm version of Now And Then, and the new Red & Blue CD albums a few days ago from the Beatles website, and have just ordered the coloured LP releases from there too - they'd sold out a couple of weeks ago when I first tried, but they're back in stock... 😊 As you say, the new mixes on the Red album are sublime, but the basic 'sound' across the two albums is amazing; the clarity of the instruments and vocals is far, far removed from the cassette versions of those two albums that I got along with a Prinzsound (Dixons) cassette player one Christmas back in the mid '70s....I loved them then, but the difference today is just ridiculous!! 😂 I have the original vinyl releases too, but can't wait to get the new ones; the sound quality is fabulous!! 👍

[@htwhyppe]

I was 14 when Love Me Do came out, but knowing that another devotee was only one year old really squares the equation for me; thanks, forever, Beatles.

[@stevesstuff1450]

@@htwhyppe: If you were a baby, or a young teen during those years of the '60s when Beatles songs were never off the radio, and often on TV, and parents' record players, then it really did just seep into your brain; your subconscious, and it's been there ever since!! A wonderful warm memory of a time that will never be seen again, and to think they're No.1 again the charts is just beyond amazing!! 🤩 Beatles forever indeed..... 😉

[@AshCutlermusic]

Your videos are so brilliantly put together. Your attention to detail and perfectly constructed content sets you apart from other Beatle related channels. Congrats on the 50k subs. It is so deserved, and as ever, I look forward to the next instalment. 👊

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Ash! 🙏🏻

[@tapeomatic]

Although I’m a bit disappointed in the sonic quality of this track, as a Beatles fan, I’m grateful we have it. Both the song and video are very touching . I think Paul and Ringo poured their hearts into this project as a final tribute to John and George.

[@liammccaul6587]

Many thanks for your abolutely wonderful channel. I’ve been a Beatles fan since 1964 (am 70 years old now), and am enjoying the heck out of the red and blue albums and Now and Then. As a total experience the whole event has been wonderful. I shamelessly admit I love the song, and the various ways one can interpret it. Coming at the end of the streaming /cd track list version of the red and blue albums (what a showcase of masterful songwriting and performance!! Speechless, I am…), Now and Then finds its home. Touching, wistful, nostalgic (in that Beatles way!) and honest. I love it!

[@cowboys4life956]

I love the song and I also loved Free as a Bird and Real Love. Thank you Paul for never giving up on this song. Now we have a new song to add to the amazing Beatles catalog ❤❤❤❤

[@ricknbacker5626]

Greetings Andrew. What strikes me about Now And Then is how many young people are emotionally connecting to the songs essence. Its Beatley vibe and elemental lyrics are easy to consume. Since it is s new song, they can claim it for their own generation. Which I believe for these young people does open the door to the Beatles canonical material. In a way that Crabalocker fishwife, pornographic priestess, elementary penguin singing Hare Krishna most likely never would. It is on this level I believe Apple succeeded in their goal. What I don't understand is the open mocking of the songs simple lyrics. "Love love me do. You know I love you. I'll always be true" isn't exactly Act 1 Scene 5 of Hamlet either. The 'And if I make it through, t's all because of you' lyrics are instantly driven into the memory. I don't believe there are any lyrics on Free As A Bird or Real Love that evoke such an organic almost intuitive response. Those words connect whether one is the survivor, or the perceived savior and John sings those words beautifully. Cheers, RNB

[@WhollyRude]

For years I have hoped that Magical Mystery Tour would be restored and reedited. It may the moment for the technical know-how and the man who knows how to converge on that project.

[@suddenlypineapples5169]

I'm a fairly new and young fan. Last year for my 16th birthday, I went to Vegas and got to see Love for the first time. I had already heard about 5 songs. 3 without knowing about The Beatles, and A Day in the Life and Strawberry Fields Forever on purpose. When I got home, I decided to start listening to every studio album and single. Fast forward to now, and I have now listened to each studio album and single multiple times, listened to the Anthology Series, listened to the American albums, listened to the Bootleg 1963 Recordings, listened to every compilation, deluxe/super deluxe, and new mix I could find on Apple Music, and listened to everything I could about The Beatles. When I first listened to Now And Then on the 2nd, I couldn't, and still can't, find a single thing about it to criticize, even though there are criticisms to be made. I may not have been around for Beatlemania, and I may not have been around for the release of Free As a Bird and Real Love, but even being around for the last worked on Beatles song is still enough to be treasured. Last thing, CONGRATULATIONS PARLOGRAM FOR OVER 50K SUBS!!!!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! I hope to see the show myself one day.

[@suddenlypineapples5169]

@@Parlogram I say it’s fantastic

[@erwinwolters]

I really love this track. Great song. They did an amazing job. It's like you said, very moving and heartwarming.

[@bfarmer1647]

So is a burial in a cemetery. You choose which moves you more

[@joeh7630]

They need to use the same technology on John’s demos of Free As A Bird and Real Love.

[@David_Hirsh]

Guaranteed they already did, but didn’t want to release them along with Now and Then, eliminating comparisons (“Now and Then is the worst!”, etc) and keeping the focus rightly on this historic release. They will release them later, probably not in the too-distant future- perhaps as a Record Store Day offering.

[@michaelcrowley8339]

Andrew, I don't know how on earth you only have 50k subscribers now. You make such fantastic videos that are well-researched and well-produced. Sky's the limit for your (and your channel's) potential. Every Sunday is like Christmas, waiting for your latest video to come out.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you Michael. Much appreciated!

[@riccardociofi3162]

I started liking this song only for nostalgia, then I realised it’s a beautiful Beatles song. Thanks Andrew for this video.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Well said. While the song didn't really hit me at first when first listening to it, watching the music video did, which brought a tear to my eye. I'm a 2nd gen fan I guess you could say, so it's really cool to have one last new Beatles tune released in my lifetime. 😎 I just wish they'd given Free as a Bird & Real Love the same treatment, improving on what they did in the 90's! Kind of a missed opportunity there. Haven't heard the Dolby mix yet, but it's a shame the vinyl got so compressed. Speaking of vinyl, I bought the 12" red Target exclusive, as well as the standard black 12" & indie marbled 7".. Though it's tempting to collect all the other versions too, especially the clear one. 🙂 I ordered the colored red & blue LE boxset, so I'm anxious to hear how that sounds, though I kind of doubt it'll sound as good as the amazing analog 2014 pressings. 🍻

[@MattHayesVinyl]

It took a few listens but I now firmly believe Now and Then is superior to both Free As a Bird and Real Love. Even putting aside the obvious differences in John's vocals (they did what they could in the 90s), Now and Then has a lovely melody. Agreed about Love Me Do. This new mix did nothing for me whatsoever. As for the red and blue albums, the prices are outrageous so I am passing... for now. I would have preferred they wait on those until Free As a Bird and Real Love could have been remixed. Still, Christmas is coming and Apple weren't going to let this opportunity slip.

[@pagano60]

Just thought I'd throw this out there: Another thing that Paul and Ringo could have done for the B side is a rerecording of "Cry for a Shadow," the instrumental track written by John and George.

[@TheWolfbass]

Thank you Andrew! I can't express how much joy your videos have given me over the last months!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you like them!

[@TheWolfbass]

@@Parlogram I really do. I have a vast collection with things I haven't looked at for years but you make me re-discover so many details. Who would've thought that I had the DeAgostini "Help" all along? Almost bought it again (:

[@SethRomano]

How did you get a mix of the ‘95 Threetles version?! Wow!

[@prettyshinyspaghetti8332]

Its not a real version. Thats just a popular fan edit found on KZbin

[@Hectix_]

I was at work when the song released, so I told my boss I had to go for a quick break. Wanted my first listen to be without any interruptions! I absolutely love the track!

[@RobynHurley-zp9sh]

Awesome

[@mcarp555]

_Now And Then_ is not just a "new" song, but over the past week has become a phenomenon. I agree with the comment about the ugly cover (which I've come to live with) and the sad lack of George (especially in the solo; it's okay, but Paul is not a slide player), etc. And of course everyone cries over the video (me too). It's just wonderful and unlike _Free As A Bird_ only features the band, not Brian or George Martin, etc. This is a more sacred moment being shared, more personal. But something that cannot be left out of any discussion is that all of us were here together for it. We live, for better or worse, in a very divided age, with polarizing opinions everywhere. But for a few days last week, so many of us were united one last time out of our common love for a band that changed the world. Many of us remember that sad night in 1980 when we all gathered by our radios and followed along in our grief. This time, it's the Internet. I watched a lot of videos, some only minutes old and felt such a strong sense of community, as if every Beatles fan in the world came along to watch 'the boys' take their final bow together. It has been truly marvelous, and even if the feeling only lasts a short time and we all go back to bickering again, at least we did this. We will always look back and say, "We were there", like the original fans do about watching Ed Sullivan, etc. It's been 50 years since I got the original red and blue albums, and they opened up a whole new world for an innocent 13-year-old. To be here now, with all of you, half a century later is a special moment. One we should all take a step back from and commit to memory. We have lost so much over the years, but we've also gained so much. Whatever little quibbles there may be about _Now And Then_ regarding the mix or the cover or the costs, I'm glad to have it. I'm glad to have one more moment with the band I love. As I've said elsewhere, this song is better than we expected, and probably more than we deserved.

[@dianeog1]

Everyone that I have talked to about their reaction of when they heard “Now and Then” came up with the same answer that they were actually brought to tears and it was very emotional for them, I think it’s something that is in John Lennons voice that causes the reaction that people have been getting when they hear the song.

[@tommyguitar75]

There's a quote from the "I don't wanna lose you" melody in an inner string part at 2:39

[@lindylufromoz5111]

Hearing it for the first time gave a thump in my chest, a lump in my throat & tears to my eyes. It is magnificent. x x x x Linda.

[@Parlogram]

🤗

[@SamWesting]

Now & Then is fine for what it is. I’m just bothered by its inclusion in the revamped 1967-1970 album, as its origin & evolution took place outside that time period.

[@kevmichael2064]

I just got the 12 inch LP...and 1967-1970...I can't wait to hear it on my stereo

[@violao206]

Quite by happenstance, I heard the new track about 3 minutes after it was released! That is because I keep the Poet's Hour night owl schedule in me old age over here in the States. So when they released it midday back home in Britain on GMT time, I was still up, as I do... I canna help it--I am a musician. I also come from 3 generations of night owls so I come by it honestly. My twin brother (drums) and me (guitar/vox) were minted in '63. We grew up in Beatlemania here in the States. It was kinda emotional hearing it know I was sharing it with the world. It sorta felt like "All You Need is Love" kinda vibe to listen to it as it dropped.

[@benedictweisser3086]

The "I don't want to lose you" section was used as the chordal underpinning for Paul's "George tribute" slide solo (2:42 on the official music video).

[@68024]

About the "I don't want to lose you" part in Now & Then - I don't miss it, but I do think Paul could have made a choice to keep it in by rewriting the lyrics and singing it himself. Either way I don't think it's a big deal, I'm very impressed with what they managed to do with what they had to work with. I love the strings, I love the bass part, and John's voice is impressively cleaned up. Of course it's not Hey Jude or Let It Be, but that's just silly to even think that, after all it's 2023 and the band has been broken up for more than 50 years, so I just really enjoy it for what it is. And I couldn't agree more on what you said about the video. It's silly and even corny in some ways yet brings so much levity to the song itself and has a poignant ending too. The Beatles were never going to hold a funeral here!

[@Deemun666]

Thanks Andrew - another excellent video. Just a couple of minor points from my inner pedant. Now & Then was previewed on Thursday 2nd November; not Friday the 2nd as you state, with Peter Jackson's sublime video following the day after on Friday 3rd November. Also Free As a Bird was previewed on Radio One on a bright cold November morning (well it was bright & sunny where I was). I also heard it first on the car radio. I think if memory serves it was Friday 20th November. That evening ITV screened a 30 minute Beatles documentary built around the song, titled All Together Now, with contributions from Noel Gallagher, Lulu & Timothy Leary amongst others (I recorded it). The climax of the documentary was the first screening of The Free As A Bird video. The song was first released as the lead track on the first Anthology album the following week with the single following a couple of weeks later in December in 3 formats (72 vinyl, cassette and 4 track CD). Interestingly just two days after the preview video of Free As A Bird, Real Love was then previewed (also on ITV ) with a shorter documentary (approx. 10 mins), even though the song wasn't being released until over three months later. Happy Days. As a first generation Beatles fan it never ceases to amaze me how The Beatles keep coming back and like you I believe that Now & Then is far from the final word. Peter Jackson has already said that he could create new Beatles music from the Get Back sessions or there may be something from the Imagine sessions that both John & George worked on? But I'd simply settle for whatever is still left in the vault from the first from the first six albums which surely will be turned into expanded editions at some point along with upscaled de-mix releases for the Anthology albums and Star Club tapes etc. The opportunities for new Beatles music are there for several years to come yet!

[@nrod66]

Now and Then got me emotionally, Andrew. A beautiful melancholy song. Nelio.

[@12barman]

Hi Andrew! You label the Iamaphoney "fan" version as a 1996 bootleg. I don't doubt your expertise but this statement doesn't seem to be correct. Can you please tell what do you base it on?

[@dailyflash]

I hate the artwork. How on Earth did that get approved?

[@Keither754]

I mean the artwork isn’t “terrible”😅but it is somewhat boring/un-inventive

[@jimjam51075]

I kept seeing it on KZbin and thought it was an automatically generated placeholder graphic. edit: Wow...he says it looked like a placeholder in the video. Also found out the artist who designed it had a show with the same title as J. Savile's catchphrase. That's how in-touch the artist is.

[@LanceHall]

I was kinda shocked when Giles admitted he had never heard any of the fan remixes.

[@kateharrington3741]

Thank you so much for talking about the mix of the song! My first impression was “I can’t hear the strings! Why is it so muddy?” I spent an hour fiddling with the equalizer on my headphones with no improvement. The most disappointing aspect for me was the way Paul’s bass sounded. I was missing that classic bright round plectrum sound that Paul is famous for. You can hear his bass line but I wasn’t able to hear the start of the note. The treble sound of his bass is completely missing. Also, I was so excited about the strings when watching the making of film. But when I went to listen, I could barely make them out. The same goes for the harmonies. It is very hard for me to discern the individual voices. There are so many lovely things going on in this song, but I can barely make them out. The song is crowded, compressed, and muddled. I wish Giles Martin had mixed the song. It’s so frustrating- the music is there but I can’t hear it!

[@ThePoppermostTV]

The Atmos stereo mixdown (available on KZbin) is quite a bit better. More dynamics and you can hear the elements better. It doesn't fix the drum sound or lack of imagination in the arrangement or production though. Still an earworm in spite of that.

[@gregrappa1797]

Thank you for this phenomenal video (as well as all the other phenomenal videos) All the best

[@Parlogram]

Thanks for your support, Greg!

[@gregrappa1797]

@@Parlogram As always, my pleasure

[@linomoro6974]

I love it born 59 love the beetles still remember coming to Australia

[@tonyalexio5823]

We are all blessed to hear John again 😮!

[@Recordology]

The song really grows on you with repeat listening.

[@bfarmer1647]

I have heard it 79 times and I still think it's mediocre. The Beatles didn't release it for a reason. But money honey marking folk did. Doesn't that talk to you recodology?

[@stewartyboy]

As Samuel Johnson might have said if he'd heard it: 'it is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all.' The 'quality' of this track is neither here nor there; it's given us all a beautiful moment of connection and reflection. And that is much needed in these troubling times. More prosaically, as a vinyl head, I can't for see any sonic reason for wanting a recording that's digital to its wingnut core on vinyl, but perhaps the ring of cash registers was the sound Apple were aiming for?

[@michaelcarpenter2498]

Song is a great testament of what we can do now with technology, considering how it sounded on the demo. It is congested but made for a modern audience. Great video Andrew

[@peterdigwood2247]

Great video Andrew, and congratulations at hitting the 50k subscribers, we know a good thing when we see it. I wasn't aware of the middle eight in Now & Then that was left out so thanks for that. I must admit though that of the three songs Real Love is my favourite and is the track that best encapsulates the Beatles message and is the most 'hummable'. Also as a self confessed nerdy audiophile I always appreciate your comments on the sound quality of these releases.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you very much, Peter!

[@timvitkuske]

Great video, as always! I can't WAIT for your Red and Blue Album reviews!

[@alexcampbell8639]

I really enjoy watching the videos on this channel. Andrew is an excellent presenter with a really good speaking voice. I love the detailed and factual information he shares on The Beatles music, whilst keeping things light and energetic. Keep up the good work!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Alex! Glad you like them.

[@georgeprice4212]

I think that Caulderstone/Apple underestimated the want for the single. Not enough physical 7 inch singles pressed…and that front cover!

[@aeroping]

Nice touch displaying the Sony CF-580 cassette recorder, the same model John used for his demos. I had an earlier version of it and recordings sounded fantastic.

[@frodemadsgard2660]

I would have loved to hear this in a sparser arrangement. A string quartet, softer drums, softer piano. But that said, what an amazing last song from the best band ever.

[@KevinTheCaravanner]

What a wonderful video Andrew. You’ve said exactly what I feel. I too postponed listening to it on release day. When I did listen, I was initially underwhelmed because it sounded like a John Lennon dirge. But oh that chorus. And as for the video. It doesn’t so much accompany the song as elevate it to another level. The video is really emotional, the final sections in particular; all those photos are like someone’s life passing in front of their eyes before they die and then the Beatles fade off stage as if to say after all these decades “that’s it, time to leave this world”. I’ve been a fan since the 60s and the Beatles have always been in my head. This single is powerful.

[@arielsantos3060]

Appreciate your review and take on the Beatles mix of Now and Then. Although I am not a vinyl fan your take on the technical details standout and so thank you for making a Beatle fan appreciate good music even more 👍😊

[@cinetobi]

I liked it when I first heard it but I fell in love with it when I saw the video. "Now And Then" is the heartwarming and worthy farewell by the greatest band of all times. It touches me every time.

[@NLKINK]

It's nice that Now and Then is finally finished. It's not a masterpiece but a very decent song. At first I felt slightly disappointed, but the song has definitely grown on me. And to top it off, Mr. Jackson created a very nice videoclip. I hope he will get a chance to work on the Hamburg Starclub tapes.

[@user-wt3ub3cg5c]

This is a great song in my opinion. It is a Beatles song thru and thru. The lead in to the chorus by Ringo is simple yet brilliant and the background vocals and the harmony vocals with John are great; as are the soaring strings and tribute to George, slide guitar. Perhaps the individual pieces aren’t perfect but taken together as a whole they are beautiful and the testament to that, are the dozens of “reactions” to the song on you tube, the majority of which draw tears & hurrays & a very minimal thumbs down ( most of which sound like sour grapes by people who do that cuz they like being spoil sports). A final word. I am a baby boomer who grew up with the Beatles loving them as well as many other artists including Ray Charles, Motown and numerous other British Groups and rock in general: I have never heard another song that grabbed me so quickly and to which I could listen to it over and over again and again and still get such a deep happy/sad feeling! Mystical ! to bring people down

[@chriscampanozzi6516]

Andrew, great information as always. Thank you for your content.

[@Parlogram]

My pleasure, Chris!

[@jennywren9068]

I love it. I love them. To whomever doesn’t like it “TOO BAD” as Paul says. Magical !

[@johnthomas6034]

I had no history with this song having never heard the demo before. So, when it came out on Nov. 2, I listened to it with fresh ears. I was hesitant and nervous hoping that the song was not a dud. It felt like I didn’t breathe during my first listen and maybe because of that, I didn’t properly take it in. However, on my second listen, I tuned in to the gentle melody and subtle grace of the lyrics and I knew this was a modern Beatles classic. I am thankful that I was here to receive this song as a true gift because Nov. 2 is my birthday. Thank you.

[@paulreckamp7502]

I simply waited for the red and blue albums. They are worth the wait for the Rubber Soul updates. Pros and cons on the rest. I'll address them later when you do Andrew. I felt a deep visceral reaction when I heard John's singing voice again. It's like hearing your father's voice after 30 years of not hearing it. It is delightful. I thought the Peter Jackson mastering is amazing especially since the cassette tape was appalling to listen to. Thank you Peter Jackson! Keep it coming.☺️

[@machuachoo2241]

parlogram i love ur channel so much - 19 year old beatles fan

[@Parlogram]

Thank you!

[@YnotNomis]

I loved the new mixes, especially the the 62-66 songs. It gives them such a fresh sound. and having a true stereo version of 'She loves You" is just icing on the cake. Giles and Co. need to go ahead and remix all of the earlier albums.

[@MentalS6k]

I find it hard to dislike EVERYTHING the Beatles have done. So I don’t even try. I simply hit play & enjoy ☺️