PHIL SPECTOR & the BEATLES Let It Be |

This brief overview of Phil Spector's career focuses on his relationship with the Beatles and some of the controversy surrounding his arrangements on Let It Be.
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[@brandonjones2721]

He's probably easy to hate because of that whole murdering a person thing.

[@shyman99]

That does tend to turn off a few people.

[@tdunph4250]

I see what you mean but I am here for the music and informative video instead of the murder because that is what it is....

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

He was hated well before his conviction for murder. His musical legacy is impeccable. Separate the two. That's the way the world works.

[@jaustill237]

Second worst thing he did, after that hairstyle. Just own being bald, already.

[@tdunph4250]

@@jaustill237 when you are a well established comedian in a "woke" world then we'll be interested in what you have to say.

[@adayinthelife5772]

You can never discuss the Beatles too much.

[@johnyarusso4953]

The horns on Let it be were arranged by George Martin. Spector simply turned them up...WAY up

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, I missed that!

[@SuperGogetem]

When were they overdubbed? Because if so, this goes against the "stripped down" concept that Paul said he wanted to recreate on "Let It Be...Naked". I understand the guitar solo on the Let It Be single was overdubbed in April '69. Why was Paul already "tracking" this song?

[@michaelraufer9715]

i NEVER HEARD OF G.M. PRODUCING A SINGLE TUNE OF THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE.....

[@amtlpaul]

@@SuperGogetem They started doing overdubbing as early as February 1969, if memory serves, and they also did some in very early January 1970, when John had already left (and before Spector got involved) and the others also recorded "I Me Mine" as a trio at that time. So the 'no overdubs' rule was already out the window long before by then. Why? It didn't get them the results they wanted.

[@charlyW34]

@@michaelraufer9715 Hi Michael George Martin was actually scolded by John before the get back/let it be sessions began. John, who must have been a bit drunk, accuse Martin of using too much GD production on the recent sessions, and demanded a stripped down approach. These were comments he later regretted when asking Martin to come back and produce the Abbey Road sessions. Martin did his best to deliver a warts and all version of Get Back, but the fabs quickly decided that idea, as realized, was a big mistake. Once it became clear that an album was both contractually required, and needed to support the film of the same name, George and John turned over the bulk of the raw tapes to Spector in hopes of salvaging them. Reportedly, this was done entirely without Paul's knowledge, unless our host can clarify if this is more myth than fact. Bottom line? John is quoted as saying something to the effect that "Phil was given the biggest pile of shittiest shit ever, and he made it listenable". I know I grew up enjoying it, and at least one tune earned a Grammy, which to my knowledge was not turned down by Sir Paul. George Martin is also known to have been unhappy that his mention on the record was a mere "thanks to" credit, while the preamble note stated the unusual " re produced for record by Phil Spector".

[@varsityathlete9927]

All Things Will Pass, a new mix is coming out this year. Meant to be much cleaner

[@NigelCopy]

Yep. looking forward to that

[@danieldeburgh8437]

Yeah it is much crisper.

[@niconesta8566]

Seriously? That is awesome news.

[@thekitowl]

Can’t think of another producer who’s had his work unmixed twice.

[@MarkMikelVideos]

I didn't know this. 2021 should be a great year for Beatles fans. Can't wait!

[@robscuremusic]

I prefer the original Let It Be album to the Naked version. Obviously, the addition of Don't Let Me Down would have been great!

[@randalclarke5487]

Exactly

[@anirudhsundar8485]

In retrospective, George Martin would have always been the best choice. The long and winding road is an impacting song demonstrating Paul's songwriting prowess and what vocals! Such emotions. I am happy he released the naked version. That is what the world deserved to hear first. IMO Phil didn't do justice..

[@PeterStrachanMusic]

I think Spectre's version is the best

[@catherinewilson3880]

@@PeterStrachanMusic I think it's an awful overblown mess.

[@johnnhoj6749]

@@catherinewilson3880 Agreed, it's already a song which teetered on the edge of saccharine sentimentality. A dryer, more restrained production, like Martin gave Eleanor Rigby, would have kept it on the right side of the line.

[@MarkMikelVideos]

@@PeterStrachanMusic I agree. Especially for a McCartney song. Paul was always doing mimics of musical styles, i.e Back In The USSR (Beach Boys), Oh Darling (50s do-wop or Fats Domino), Honey Pie (1920s dancehall) etc. So it made sense to send up Mantovani or Humperdink-style records for The Long And Winding Road. Even in the movie Let It Be it shows Paul doing an over dramatic vocal on it a la Engelbert or Elvis for a moment. So to me, it just sounded like The Beatles successfully conquering musical territory that they haven't before. You have to admit that it works, even if you don't prefer it. I also believe that if Paul and George Martin hadn't famously admonished it, no one would really have a problem with it. Spector gave The Beatles another and final number 1 hit and no other previously unreleased track on that album could have achieved that status.

[@johnbuckley8724]

@@johnnhoj6749 This single was a bit overblown, but it was better than the naked version. I would have loved to see what George Martin would have done with it. Unfortunately Paul was a bit of a baby about it, and it became a controversy. If I remember correctly nobody (Paul included) had the heart or patience to go through all the tapes and produce the album; that’s why they gave it to Specter. If Paul cared so much about it he should have done it himself.

[@JoseliJunior]

I grew up with my dad listening to the let it be album, I never knew it’s production wasn’t well received, it was always my favorite album by the Beatles when I was a kid. The orchestration and the background vocals on the long and winding road always got me emotional.

[@Nina5144]

My favourite album.. The Two if Us While My Guitar Gently Weeps

[@jonvought700]

Gotta love the album just the way it is. Ages well too.

[@roystonsbailey]

same here, and it was my fav album for years but I no longer have a favourite

[@01real1]

7:30 - 'Spector's strength was building a band sound when there was no band.' - Very interesting remark!:-)

[@bucksdiaryfan]

I can't believe Spector axed "Don't Let me Down" I thought that was a great Lennon tune... but Lennon said he liked Spector's production (but maybe because McCartney did not like it)

[@19stanley46]

Spector personally didn’t axe DLMD. It wasn’t included because it was on the ‘Hey Jude’ album, released in the US in early 1970. Even though it’s now no longer considered a canon release, at the time it was issued as a handy (albeit incomplete) compilation of tracks that had yet to be issued on a Capitol/Apple LP in the States.

[@FortYeah]

@@19stanley46 Oh that's why! I bought it. I was glad to hear Rain but thought it was a strange album at the time.

[@matt_thewalrus]

That was probably the case with Lennon, but that just might be a statement that he made shortly after the Beatles break-up. And yes, the US albums. Such weird things, aren't they?

[@bucksdiaryfan]

@@19stanley46 Correct. I commented before watching the entire video and was mistaken.

[@nigeh5326]

One of my favourite Beatles tracks a great song with John giving a great vocal

[@sunshinecoolwater9528]

Although Spector had more success, his life is similar to Joe Meek. They both had a major influence on rock, but will always have an asterisk by their names. I loved what he did to expand the actual recording studio, into one of the other instruments of a recording session.

[@johnharrison9685]

I’ve always liked what Spector did to the Beatles music, even to the Long and Winding Road. I think he kind of over did it on Across the Universe, but even then it still works. The stripped down versions of the Long and Winding Road I’ve heard always sound dry and minimal, almost unfinished, like there is something missing. Maybe my ears have been “trained” to the “Spectorization” of Let it be. I have always liked the Let it be album, a lot of people rag on it, but I have always liked it. It’s got its own “character” (or feel) or atmosphere to it. I love all the comments by John, and even the short, “throwaway” songs like Maggie Mae and Dig it. Just a very good album. Don’t let me down would’ve made it better.

[@waterglas21]

Spector version is far better and more adventorous than Pauls naked version.

[@gerrycoogan6544]

I always liked the original Let It Be album, despite its faults, and although Spector's production of TLAWR is way over the top, I don't think it's as horrible as many people assert. A much more annoying example of sugary strings spoiling a song for me is "She's Leaving Home' but many people love that so there you go! Personally, I think the Wings version of 'The Long And Winding Road ' (on the Wings Over America live triple album) is by far the best one that Paul ever recorded. It's tasteful and restrained but it still has great emotional power and beauty.

[@johnharrison9685]

@@gerrycoogan6544 I like the strings on TLAWR and on She’s leaving Home. They add to the poignancy of the songs, especially on She’s leaving Home. I love the harp on SLH, that plus the strings (always makes me rain).

[@randalclarke5487]

I'm glad to see more people feel like I always have regarding this situation 😌

[@mannyruiz1954]

I like the original LIB album just fine.

[@zackattack635]

When you think of music as an end product, Phil Specter was a genius. All Things Must Pass is a great album because Specter gave it life if you ask me. It sounds iconic and epic and that’s not what Harrison’s other albums sound like at all.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Zack Fisher, I totally agree. Spector's production elevated George's momentous break from the Beatles.

[@zackattack635]

@@linjicakonikon7666 it’s a production style that makes music sound big. It went 6 times platinum... it sounds good.

[@j.c7719]

Completely agree, the guy was THE genius of 20th century music if you ask me. ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’, ‘Imagine’, ‘All Things Must Pass’, ‘Instant Karma’, ‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’ are some of the finest records ever made not too mention his earlier work.

[@randalclarke5487]

@zack attackThank you!!!!! 😊 about time someone says the truth!

[@randalclarke5487]

@You are correct But agree completely. He had to "get it out" and he did

[@seanabbins5481]

It's so odd that River Deep, Mountain High flopped. I loved the way Spector produced that song; it was absolutely fantastic. I realize that there were a lot of good music that came out in 1966 and maybe it just got lost in the shuffle, or perhaps there was poor marketing, but it was an excellent song, and Spector's arrangements were key to how good it was.

[@erniefernandez1927]

It believe that this was Phil Spector crowning achievments and Tina Turner's just Knocks me out everytime I hear this masterpiece with those soaring vocals!

[@jackilyncaraballo6586]

I first became aware of Phil Spector and his “Wall of Sound” in the 70’s. Probably because I always followed John Lennon’s solo work. Sure can not dismiss Spector’s influence on the music scene in those early days. Too bad he went off the deep end...Good analysis of his work!

[@cinematicpassages8884]

Sometimes i'm on the fence with that wall of sound...sometimes it's a bit tooo much or tooo glossy for my taste BUT when it works it is REALLY good.

[@pulsarstargrave256]

Phil Spector helped John Lennon craft WALLS AND BRIDGES, Lennon's only number one hit album and single (Whatever Gets You Through The Night w/Elton John) as a solo artist while Lennon. was still with us! It is one of the most played albums in my collection, I cherish it and the personal memories surrounding it!

[@peterx1957]

@@pulsarstargrave256 Walls & Bridges is my favourite Lennon solo LP.

[@kevmac1230]

I don't understand why "River deep" was a flop.I think it's quite dynamic and beautiful.

[@bucksdiaryfan]

Great call! I love that song, I often have it on my playlist

[@jameshinton2401]

Strange isn't it. Screenwriter William Goldman said about Hollywood "Nobody knows anything" and it often gets misquoted but what he meant was that no one can tell you what's going to make a hit. Everyone thinks they know the right ingredients until it gets put out into the world and the world rejects it. Its a classic song though, and I had no idea that it flopped so hard.

[@Rh143]

It´s my favourite song produced by Phil Spector. His peak in my opinion.

[@promerops]

Richard Williams' biography of Spector, "Out of His Head" (Abacus, Sphere Books, London 1974) quotes a number of people in the know on the reason for the flop of "River Deep" in the USA. Spector himself, as well as Jeff Barry, felt that the record industry turned on him, because of his success and his reluctance to kiss ass; Ike Turner saw it as a race thing - where Tina was seen purely as a black R & B performer, which confused the pop audience (so where does that put The Crystals, The Ronettes, et al?); a 'close friend of Phil's states that it was because Spector refused to pay DJs to play the record. In the UK, on the other hand, Decca's Tony Hall got it - he loved the record, and did all he could to promote it - especially to the Pirate Radio DJs. In general, as I remember it at the time, people in the UK had a great deal of admiration for Spector, both his music and his iconoclastic attitude. Andrew Loog Oldham personified this viewpoint. The fact now remains that it was a groundbreaking record that is still underrated. For all your (grave) faults, Phil, RIP and thank you for some of the best records ever made.

[@bucksdiaryfan]

@@promerops I wonder if another dynamic that made such a great song fail was simple "Wall of Sound" fatigue? For instance my favorite Motown Sound song is Stevie Wonder's "Traveling Man" but it barely charted probably because the public had heard a decade of those songs and wanted something new. And then of course Stevie reeemerged in the 1970s with his great new soul funk sound and reinvented himself.

[@mykilahsenwilliamsdorsey1495]

Spector was a genius. Did he do bad things? Yes. Has the bad things been addressed? Yes. Spector changed the music industry. His effect on the two biggest bands of the 60s, the Beatles and The Beach Boys are proof of that.

[@craigbroadfoot1851]

The Long and Winding road sounds empty without Phil Spector’s arrangement and it never occurred to me there was anything wrong with it until the supposed internet consensus said so! I think he did a fine job on the Let It Be album with some quite sketchy recordings - I expect Paul’s unhappiness was more to do with his loss of control and the association with the fall out following the breakup of the Beatles.

[@j.c7719]

I agree with everything you’ve said in this comment; he did an incredible job, his production of ‘Across The Universe’ transcends time and space as a song with that title should

[@michaellacross5266]

And lets remember, The Long and Winding Road made it to #1. It was The Beatles LAST #1 song. So, Paul McCartney can complain all he wants except for one thing.....THE RESULT!

[@bigdbecker1336]

The thing I like about Let it be is the chatter between the tracks. It puts a personal touch on it for me.

[@adrianokury]

Be My Baby was a tremendous landmark. Regarding Let It Be: for me the lowest point is the [over-the-top] production of "The Long And Winding Road".

[@garrettnorth3771]

You and Paul McCartney

[@waterglas21]

For me is the highest point of the album, much better than the naked version

[@adrianokury]

@@waterglas21 -- I think that all those differences of opinion are what makes our world richer. Individual tastes and sensibilities. None better than the other, but all complementary and equally valuable...

[@waterglas21]

@@adrianokury of course, for example Paul hated that version and John was very fond of Spector production

[@alanharoldson9903]

PLEASE NOTE - the original "Across The Universe" - later ruined by Spector - is on KZbin. It was the Beatles' contribution to an album for charity - World Wildlife Fund. Simple and charming, it did not need a wall of sound.

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Yep, much better… I prefer it to the let it be version

[@gordonsim4049]

I like 👍the wwf version even the female vocals Apple 🍎 Scruffs did that

[@BolsaChicaRadio]

Thank you for your opinion on the topic of "ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, however, I find the LATE 1969 release/mix (based upon the original 16-track session tape that was recorded in early 1968) when it was FIRST released on the UK charity album, "NO ONE'S GONNA CHANGE OUR WORLD", that mix was SPED UP WAY TOO FAST...then when it came out on the 1970 "LET IT BE ALBUM", Spector actually "over-compensated" by slowing it down WAY TOO MUCH, both mixes not staying true to the speed mark of how it was originally recorded onto the 16-track machine. The ONLY saving grace, is that when it appeared on the early 2000s "LET IT BE...NAKED" album, Paul McCartney's mix down engineers ACTUALLY RESTORED THE REAL SPEED OF THE SONG, to the way it was laid down onto the multi-track in 1968! How these three "LET IT BE...NAKED" engineers (Hicks, Massey & Rouse) were able to find the EXACT SPEED CALIBRATION in order to mix it down to the SAME EXACT CADENCE & TIMING that John Lennon sang it to...BEATS THE HECK OUT OF ME!!! But Hicks, Massey & Rouse were able to VERY SUCCESSFULLY do it! And for that reason...and that reason only...personally...I find the NAKED version of "ACROSS THE UNIVERSE" to be the most superior version, "TECHNICALLY" speaking, but not necessarily "CONCEPT" speaking. Indeed, it doesn't have the "BIRD SOUNDS" and the children's chorus as it did in the charity single...and it doesn't have the women's choir & lush orchestration/cellos in the Spector album mix...but I "think" Paul finally got it right, on the NAKED version. This is SOLELY my TOTAL, very subjective opinion. But then again...rumor has it...when John was finished laying down his vocal track, he instructed the first mix down engineer (I believe that was Johns) to "MAKE ME SOUND LIKE AN ORANGE"! (quote) At THAT POINT...I have to give up my opinion...on WHICH OF THE THREE MIXES...is the "REAL" one!!! Only JOHN LENNON himself, can be the sole person to answer that question. And Chapman...did not allow that. BolsaChicaRadio

[@jameshinton2401]

It's easy to see why people prefer the Spector versions if they're the first versions you've heard. Like, if you love 'The Long And Winding Road' then chances are you fell in love with the orchestral version of it. Then you hear the stripped down version and it feels 'wrong' somehow. It's the same song, but it's inherently different. I don't think all the work he did on LET IT BE was bad, but his syrupy-sweet strings tend to overshadow rather than accompany the songs. But I feel like that was always the issue with Spector, he wanted you to know he was there.

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Excellent point about expecting something to be a certain way once you’ve been exposed a few times.

[@bimbolo82]

I heard Spector's first and Naked many, many years later. Objectively, Naked is infinitesimally better than Spector's muddy, over-produced, sixties fluff. Spector's sound has dated terribly. I'm not saying it doesn't have its charms, but it has dated. Martin/The Beatles have remained fresh even half a century later.

[@barselino9877]

Spector version just didn’t sound too beatle-y

[@missionrd100]

I know what you mean. It is like you have been "imprinted" by the first version you hear.

[@michaellacross5266]

The Long and Winding Road was the last #1 Single by The Beatles. So I'm sorry people, and expecially sorry for Paul McCartney for coming off so bitter. Paul McCartney does not have the standing to complain about a #1 song....even if he wrote it. The fact of the matter is Spector's version made it to #1. Paul's version of it (naked version) doesn't even rise to the level of conjecture. Complain about Spector all you want Paul McCartney, but don't you even THINK about complaining with the result. The naked version may not even have made the top #10 if released in 1970.

[@Lukai312]

Let It Be... Naked just feels to bare bones and like you said, without the lavish production on some of these songs from Specter, I absolutely feel like a lot of these songs (maybe the album as a whole) would be overlooked by fans and general music listeners alike.

[@disneyfamily5158]

8:20 Beware Of Darkness is my favorite George Harrison song, period....Beatles or otherwise. A majestic composition!

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

His work with The Chrystals is some of my favourite pop music from the 1960's. "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" is quite simply th greatest pop song ever written/produced. He was a genius like no other. Great review. The clanger for me is "All Things Must Pass". The production doesn't match the songs. It's all over blown and way too over produced. But his genius is not dented by his failings.

[@ignatiusjackson235]

Phil Spector should have been relegated to the dustbin of musical history as soon as stereo recording was introduced.

[@retronut55]

Phil will go down in history as one of the greatest producers...in his personal life he wasn't perfect just like any of us, but in music business he was a genious that left a legacy for generations to come. Good bye to the leyend...RiP

[@charleswilmot7612]

Fantastic video! Exciting to see you produce content more frequently, I always look forward to it!

[@tdunph4250]

As usual another phenomenal video Thanks for doing them!

[@user-gk7sy9dp8s]

Began listening to classical music in 1979 so appreciate your reference to Vivaldi. My first choice these days is classical but classic rock from the 60s and 70s remains a huge treat that I'll never give up. Your channel only deepens my enjoyment of that era!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate that - thank you!

[@BeatleDustino]

When I first got into the Beatles, Let It Be was one of the first albums I got. It was one of my favorites initially. But I liked the banter and such. Soon after I got Live at the BBC, and the Anthologies, and I think my love of their banter shifted to those instead of an album. I love a lot of the songs on there, but I prefer the Let It Be... Naked as I know that’s closer to how they intended it to be.

[@CongaLineMonkey]

It's all down to personal taste, but I love all of the production on Let It Be. I never enjoyed the 'Naked' release, even if it was closer to what was originally intended. The orchestration on The Long and Winding Road is what elevates it so much for me. But I agree that All Things Must Pass was really overproduced. That wall of noise was no necessary for George's work.

[@johnmc3862]

I agree The Long...Road is an uplifting Wong and the orchestration and choir suits it IMHO.

[@samborn7120]

Great review Matt! I absolutely LOVE Spector’s production on Let It Be. After getting LIB Naked, I appreciated Spector’s contribution even more so. His String and Choral arrangements particularly on Across The Universe and LAWR send chills down my spine. To understand the score and the performances recorded is to understand what Spector had to deal with to make that a cohesive album. He was a Nutter for sure, but I am grateful for his handling of Let It Be. I’m curious about the new mixes coming. I’ve heard bits of Across The Universe and I was a little flattened.. We’ll see..

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you. I'm not expecting much from the new mixes. I'm sure some will be slightly better, and some slightly worse.

[@MrBiggestmusicfan]

The Long and Winding Road is one of my favorite Beatles songs but I prefer the version off of Let it Be...Naked that being said I do love the one from the original album solely for the strings. I think if George Martin had done the arrangements it would have been 1000x better

[@neilafacci5833]

for a George Martin type of arrangement listen to Paul’s Broadstreet version

[@oldermusiclover]

me to Paul and his piano just make that song so neat

[@BeatlemaccaAR]

like so many others, Let it Be for me was the Spector Let it Be for years and years. I vividly recall my first listen of the Naked version, with headphones, and my long string of 😳😲😲😳 reactions to it 😂. I found the altered track order was quite a bother as well .

[@rileyswedelius-smith6360]

I love Spector’s mixes of the rooftop tracks, as well as Two of Us. They feel like energetic, live performances captured perfectly on record (credit to George Martin and the engineers on that as well). On Let It Be Naked, that energy is ruined in favor of making them sound like studio tracks, which doesn’t work for me.

[@robertdoherty2001]

Often wondered why he didn’t go into New Age-type music; a lot of it is gorgeous and much of it has his ethereal style; very tuneful and often very sentimental and moving.

[@bradprather6749]

Thank you. I was 15 when this came out, before the Spector controversy was ever an issue. It was a great record. Still is.

[@vincentzandri]

Love your show. I've worked with Phil's daughter on a book or two, and she's written about me on occasion. She's a super smart person who obviously has the insider's view in the Get Back album, since her mom remembers. I consider The Long and Winding Road production a masterpiece. My opinion. Lush, enchanting, perfect for Sinatra, which Paul might have had in mind to begin with. This might be considered out there, but I'm of the opinion that while while Ringo showed up for Phil's final take on the Winding Road cut in April '70, he was replaced by another drummer. Perhaps Bernard Perdie. If you listen to Let it Be Naked, the take on Winding Road is a train wreck, full stop, especially with Ringo. But on the Let It Be Album, the drummer is much more jazzy, using dynamics, cymbal work (triplets) and especially that one crucial tom hit just prior to "...but still they lead me back..."....No tea towels to muffle the drum sound, none of that silly bell thing attached to the high hat (you might have figured by now I'm a professional drummer)...Listen to both and see what you think. Perdie swears he was brought in often to cover drum tracks for the Beatles. Not sure I believe that entirely, but in Winding Road I think it's true. Also because Phil was known for doing such things... My two cents....

[@stjojokaras9363]

the long and winding road .... what a beautiful song, thanks to phil spector.. as someone said "The orchestration and the background vocals on the long and winding road always got me emotional." i truly agree with him. especially, brass section mingling with the verse "you left me standing here .... a long long time ago" is superb, that always makes me cry. sometimes i wonder why paul hated his arrangement so much. maybe paul did not like phil personally. it is sad to see what happened to phil in his later life.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I think Paul simply didn't like someone else controlling his song. What actually happened, when it came time to signing off on the production of the Long and Winding Road, Paul simply asked the choir and strings be brought down in volume. He didn't ask for the removal, which I find interesting.

[@scottkelly9052]

I loved "Let It Be"...It was as close to hearing them "Live" as you were ever going to get....

[@That_AMC_Guy]

One thing people seem to gloss over, possibly due to ignorance toward the recording industry in general.... but what Phil Spector accomplished with three tracks and a bank of compressors is nothing short of amazing. People give George Martin a lot of credit for making the Beatles sound so good but Phil Spector managed to do more with much less. If you've ever heard some of Phil Spectors multitracks in their basic form.... just have a listen to the band track. The amount of sound he managed to cram into a single track, through multiple overdub sessions, the sound is so pure and so strong.... and yet there's not a lot of artifacts from dubbing like tape hiss. The track is clean and pure and powerful. It's just amazing.

[@rjaraneta913]

Spector got the job for 'Let It Be' because his "audition" work on Lennon's "Instant Karma". I always liked the 'Let It Be' album, since I was a kid in grade school, before I knew who Spector was or knew which member sang or wrote which song. However, I never liked "Long and Winding Road" until I heard it on McCartney's 'Give My Regards to Broadstreet' & I like the 'Let It Be...Naked' version a lot. I do not know what Martin & Spector, or Lennon for that matter, were thinking with the "produced" and "reproduced" versions of "Across the Universe", they should have just released it the way it appeared on "Naked". Spector did a great job extending and producing "I, Me, Mine", which was recorded a full year after the original 'Get Back' sessions. As for the song, 'Let It Be", I like George's stinging lead guitar part on it over any of the other released versions (Single, Anthology or Naked), but find the reverb Spector added on Ringo's drums annoying. I do like the little bits of conversation ad-libs added to the original album. Spector's work on Lennon's 'Plastic Ono Band' and 'Imagine' albums were fine. Lennon used Spector's ears but reigned him in with the production. As for Harrison's "All Things Must Pass", some people involved in making that album had said that Spector was not there on many occasion and Harrison himself was trying to out do Spector with the "Wall of Sound" production on it. If George was not happy with Spector's work on 'ATMP', why did he bring Spector back to co-produce the audio for 'The Concert for Bangla Desh' album and the single, "Bangla Desh".

[@philhunter3941]

I agree but I Me Mine is on the original Let it Be film, only George, Paul and Ringo played on it as John was dancing with Yoko, in saying that I love that song as i love both versions of the album

[@rjaraneta913]

@@philhunter3941 Yes, "I Me Mine" is on the film, but that was deemed a rehearsal take. The version that appeared on the 'Let It Be' and the 'Let It Be...Naked' albums were recorded a full year later, in January 1970. John, as in the film version, was not on it, having already left the group by this time.

[@kentlewis987]

Phil had also been a member of the Teddy Bears who scored the #1 hit, “To Know Him is to Love Him” (which he co-wrote).

[@haroldskinner5914]

Spector's greatest contribution to Let It Be was using mostly takes from the last two days of recording (the concert on the roof and the filming of the quiet numbers) whereas Glyn Johns' Get Back album had mostly rehearsal takes from the first 5 days in Apple Studio. Spector did mess us using the rehearsal take of Long and Winding Road. McCartney did not really mind the arrangement Spector did on Long & Winding Road, but he hated the mix. He specifically requested before the album's release that it be re-mixed with The Beatles being louder in the mix and the orchestra and choir softer. He also requested the harp be mixed out altogether though that may have been impossible without mixing out the rest of the orchestra. At any rate, it did not happen. FYI it is expected that sometime this year a belated 50th anniversary Deluxe set of All Things Must Pass will be released including a complete remix of the album with the Spector Wall of Sound out. There is already a single of the title track remixed available on streaming services and it sounds great.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the informative content. It's is strange which days each producer pulled from to create their album. I am looking forward to the new All Things Must Pass. I've already bought that think 4 times!

[@haroldskinner5914]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Not that strange in the case of Johns. The Beatles asked him before the last 2 days to compile what he thought was the best takes from the initial days of recording, and he put together two reels - one of original songs, and one of cover tunes (I have heard copies of acetates for both). Three to four months later when they told Johns to put together the Get Back album, he just drew from those tapes except where either he had definite instructions on what to use (the single of Get Back and what at that time was to be Let It Be though more over dubs would come later) or pulling something out of necessity (One After 909 from the rooftop concert because it was the only decent take). In other words, Johns did as little work as possible. When they asked him to revisit the album in January 1970, the only instructions given were to cut Teddy Boy (because McCartney was recording it for his solo album) and add Across the Universe and the newly recorded I Me Mine. That is basically all he did, so naturally the album got rejected again.

[@isuriadireja91]

dude...i've been looking for this!! thanks.. Phil's always been a fascinating character to me..and him working with The Beatles...can't believe NOBOY's made a movie outta that, yet.

[@fabioalbertani945]

Excellent analysis I agree on everything. Thumbs up from Milan, Italy

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@fabioalbertani945]

@@popgoesthe60s52 thank you for your videos

[@Jukkala]

I liked Let it Be. My favorite song is "I've Got a Feeling." "The Long and Winding Road," though kinda schmaltzy was liked by my father and was the first time he ever had anything positive to say about The Beatles so, that was nice.

[@tamlynburleigh9267]

I loved this album from the first hearing, but I was not at that time musically broad in my experience, but I think the album still stands up as a great musical contribution.

[@davederave792]

I realize this video is 2 years old but I just got to say that the original version of Long and Winding Road still has the emotional effect on me when I hear it now as it did as I listened the 8 track copy I had when it was new. I listened to the stripped back version and it was far less of a song than Spector's version. Went #1 so I kinda think a few people agree with me..Great video as always....

[@larryfreda5208]

I love Spector’s Let It Be. The overdubbed Harrison guitar and the extended ending made it better than the single. He also extended I Me Mine.

[@Naughtybaz]

I think let it be naked has more feel of a Beatles LP. I think Phils ego got in the way of the original Release. And the effects of his wall of sound were more mono. By far George Martin was a better producer Musically and sound effect wise. And that beat the wall of sound in my opinion George Martin deserves the credit for that LP. He was the 5th Beatle

[@LearnMusclescom]

Absolutely! I don’t see how anyone other than George Martin can come close to being considered the 5th Beatle... fine, Brian gets 6th Beatle status... George shaped their actual music. He matured and guided their evolution music-wise. With all kudos to Brian, Brian was a manager; but George shaped what we hear with Beatles music. 5th Beatle for sure. :)

[@GEOFFREYGIULIANO]

LSD was the fifth beatle

[@bedfordsimon8]

naked is a nothing production job that uses most of the same overdubs and edits that spector did.

[@mikeweber5362]

I love George Martin's quote regarding the Spectorization of Let It Be. He said (paraphrasing) "I don't mind my name not being on that one. If anything, the credit might have said, "Produced by George Martin, Over-Produced by Phil Spector"."

[@popgoesthe60s52]

His name really shouldn't be on there since Glyn Johns was the producer of record for all the proceedings. Martin did then additionally produce the singles.

[@Glicksman1]

I met Phil at the Record Plant in NYC in 1971. He was with Doc Pomus and George Harrison. I was doing a session upstairs and they were downstairs giving a party for people who had participated in the Concert for Bangla Desh (sic). They brought us a whole lot of great food, mostly Indian, of course, and Ravi Shankar joined the little group in the upstairs studio lobby. I went to the tiny men's room after recording for an hour or so and walked right in on George. I didn't recognise him at first and excused myself, backing out. In that inimitable voice, he said that it was alright, that he'd be done in a minute. I knew who it was then. He invited me to sit with him, Phil and Doc. Soon Ravi Shankar came up and we all just sat talking and eating. Phil was very talkative and he spoke with a faux British accent, I suppose influenced by being with George and all. It was strange, but I expected him to be strange so it didn't bother or surprise me at all. Like every celebrity I have known, they were all just people when not performing. Of course, I was star-struck anyway, but they were so kind and inviting I felt right comfortable with them. After a while, l had to get back to work, but I knew that this was an evening that I would never forget.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

What a great story! Thank you for sharing it.

[@Glicksman1]

@@popgoesthe60s52 YW

[@googgjoob]

I never liked The Long and Winding Road - both versions. Ditto on your schmaltzy comment. I always turn the station when it comes on. Yes, I would rather listen to the What's the New Mary Jane anytime. As for Let it Be ... I have always preferred the Naked version. It is more in line with the intentions of the project. Plus, George's solo is truly eclectic and has never been reproduced on any renditions since. The solo is also not the same on the Spector version which sounds is less pronounced and shorter to me. As for Phil Spector, he certainly left his mark on music and society. The good and the bad. As his fathers tombstone stated and the song that launched his career to know him is to love him - I wonder if anybody really knew him? RIP Phil, you've earned it.

[@thomasspravka1370]

I remember buying the "Long and Winding Road" 45 when it came out. The first time I played it, at the record store, I thought there was something wrong with the turntable as the intro was so awash with layered strings it sounded like the turntable speed was oscillating! It seems by this time that Spector had become a bit of a caricature of his former self and just doing things his old way disregarding all the advancement in audio production. As for "All Things Must Pass'" I was glad George did a remix before he passed, it's much cleaner.

[@thezach0504]

These videos are awesome and informational, Thanks a ton!

[@OperationPhantom]

Hearing your take on the man and his work felt very fair and respectful where respect was due. Before he became infamous as a murderer, I do believe he was often talked about as as one of the two or three greatest producers ever, with a very recognizable sound/touch. His idiosyncrasies already well known, sometimes becoming part of his and the artist's legacy. Like the incident on a Lennon recording date, (now much less fond to remember than it used to be) where Spector apparently fired a pistol in the studio and John replied (paraphrasing here): "If you want to kill me do it Phil but don't mess with my ears, I need them". Whether it really happened or not, it sure sounds eerie and a bit depressing now. I grew up with the Let it Be album before the Naked version (or the Anthology) was a thing and I guess it would be fair to admit, I wasn't averse to the added drama on tLaWR before I knew Paul hated it... *it's all too much* really, of course... but it also sounds unlike any other Beatles song and like a very dramatic farewell. Maybe it struck a chord in 1970... Kind of a reminder also, how tasteful and fitting (i.e. not overwhelming) George Martin's arrangements were in contrast. Too bad he never got round to rescoring/remixing it. Too much of a sour aftertaste probably. Maybe Giles can make that come true: a more subtle orchestration... IF Paul could be persuaded I guess. Martin's suggestion for the credits on the album are still hilarious (and appropriate!) though: "Produced by George Martin. Overproduced by Phil Spector" 😂 Nice bit of dry wit there.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the substantive comment. Unfortunately Spector's reputation outside of music precedes itself. He was lucky to have been so highly regarded by the Beatles during a time when his past skills seemed out of date.

[@OperationPhantom]

Yeah, maybe a bit of nostalgia at work... still love the Back to Mono box-set though, so much talent there.

[@juliehudson6539]

I would say that if you leave the master tapes in someone else's hands you get what you get...that's what happened...

[@johnnhoj6749]

Exactly. Considering he was the master of ultra-melodramatic production, and had done nothing else up to that point, Let It Be got away pretty lightly. It's like sending a half-finished Vermeer to Andy Warhol and then complaining that the end result looks like a screen print of Marilyn Monroe. What on Earth did they expect?

[@matt_thewalrus]

Who exactly had the idea of having Spector do the production om the record, though?

[@juliehudson6539]

@@matt_thewalrus Good question

[@matt_thewalrus]

@@juliehudson6539 I've done some little research and, it was either John Lennon or Allen Klein (the band's manager during that time). Other sources cite the band as a whole, but I don't think they actually agreed on this collectively, and instead hired him as the band.

[@matt_thewalrus]

@@juliehudson6539 I think I got it answered now. According to Harrison on The Beatles Anthology, it all began with Klein. It is uncertain to me how they got together in the first place, but it seems like Klein invited Spector to listen to the tapes of the "Get Back" project (not doing something with them yet). Harrison might've been one of the first to find out and, as he liked his "wall of sound" production, he was all on doing that. On January, 1970, Harrison was with Spector and recieved a call from Lennon, who was recording "Instant Karma" that evening. Harrison invited Spector to the session, and the latter got the record mixed that week. It was a success, and both Harrison and Lennon brought him up to do something with the "Get Back" project tapes, which would be released as the "Let It Be" album.

[@HartponderJr]

Good observations and the reasons why. I like both the original and the Naked versions.

[@macksblog]

Love and peace to PHIL SPECTOR.

[@imannonymous7707]

a nice epitaph to an important figure in recording history....personality aside he deserves to be recognized for his acomplishments in that vein ....

[@gerardmontbartroli6971]

I've got an original copy of All things must pass and I could'nt disagree more with you haha the production sounds incredible to my ears, I enjoyed your video very much though

[@llewellynGS1]

I like Let it be more than Naked; i would agree with you on that and also for all things must pass

[@llewellynGS1]

In addition to my comment, the only track I like more on Naked is "across the universe". I love the simple approach and return of the backwards guitar, and reverb at the end. Spookey and nice. For "all things must pass" I really can't listen to songs like "wah wah" and "awaiting on you all". Contrast that with his next album "living in the material world" and you have the same quality of songs, and much cleaner and clearer production.

[@mrearlygold]

Phil Spector's "The Long and Winding Road" was the best. Sir Paul should be grateful

[@MrRonk55]

"He hit me............and it felt like a kiss." Complicated indeed! I was starting high school when the "Get Back" session bootlegs were flooding Underground Radio, and it's hard to remember how raw these songs were. George's guitar break in "Let it Be" was initially buried in the mix and what I recall now, to my surprise, is actually the Spector mix. Brilliant observations.

[@PirateRadioPodcasts]

Kyaaarrrr! We were wondering when he was gonna die. Among others, he was said 2 have "pulled guns" on BOTH John Lennon & Leonard Cohen. Legendary & a terribly tortured soul - #WPRPN

[@Thom726]

I only heard the stripped down version of Let it Be album this past year, so The Spector, or original version had 50 years to ingrain into my brain. To be honest, the Spector version sound better to me. He was a troubled man but his genius was evident in the music he produced.

[@fnjesusfreak]

Thin line between genius and insanity.

[@ricknbacker5626]

I think you nailed Matt. I'd only add that having Be My Baby and You've Lost That Loving Feeling in your resume is very impressive. RNB

[@MrThedonhead]

Doesn’t everyone have those songs?

[@petercarlsson6606]

@@MrThedonhead But he was the one who wrote them, and produced them.

[@ricknbacker5626]

Hahahaha Touché The Don!!

[@MrPorter7]

I love the album. It's always been one of my favorites.

[@dimitreze]

I barely listened to Let it Be after Let it Be... Naked came out. It's so much better in every way. I kinda erased his arrangement of The Long and Winding Road in my head. When I listen to, it's just odd.

[@NasonJPR]

I prefer Let It Be Naked too. Especially The Long and Winding Road. And I don't like any of Spector's work in the 70s outside of All Things Must Pass.

[@IanRossWilliamsmusic]

Spector once observed (correctly) that, say what you like about the strings, when performing the song live, McCartney always uses his arrangement. I'd have to add that he mixes it a bit further back... But it is pretty much the same arrangement

[@garychambers5850]

Don't care that much for "Let it Be...Naked" After listening to the original album for 51 years ( Wow 51 years) That's all I need! Let it Be needs strings and a choir. Just listen to the 2015 Remastered "Let it Be" Wow, Its angelic! And George's lead really cuts through it all from the lead to the end! 👍🏿🚶🏿‍♂️🚶🏿‍♂️🚶🏿‍♂️🚶🏿‍♂️🎸🌞

[@marcchrys]

Must admit, I really like the soaring choir on Winding Road..and love the production on Frankie Crisp.

[@mccarthyd6603]

Best videos on KZbin..... Been binge watching since I subscribed.... Keep 'em coming 👍

[@popgoesthe60s52]

That's high praise, Dan - thank you for watching!

[@paulenglish6059]

A very good & considered piece on Spector & the Beatles. Very even-handed, which I appreciate. Regarding "All Things Must Pass", I recall a piece on this in Uncut magazine, in which Klaus Voorman is quoted as saying "But when Spector, drinking heavily & losing focus, decided to leave the project in George's hands, the latter proceeded to out-Spector Spector, by overdubbing extravagantly & ramping up the echo. "It's still a fantastic album", says Vootman, "but he cluttered it. Phil's first takes were perfect (in italics). George admitted later that he put too much stuff on top". It's a noteworthy comment from someone who knew the Beatles & Spector back in the day. Spector's work on his own classic Christmas Album from 1963 is as perfect a recording as could be. Wouldn't I love to hear Phil's original takes on George's album!

[@calebgaddi1428]

“Long and Winding Road” one of my favorite songs of all time. When I first heard the song, I immediately enjoyed the orchestral accompaniment. Didn’t know the background of the song. The disagreement between Paul and Phil. I just thought the Beatles wanted the song to be produced that way. To this day, I still prefer the orchestral version over naked version. Just my opinion.

[@ronsilva516]

I grew up on that album I think it great I don’t really care for the striped down album that came out some yrs ago

[@sergiociomei1197]

Hi Matt,thanks you so much for the beautiful video about Spector!! He was a very important producer,and I respect and like him very much as a musician.As a human being he surely made big mistakes,and in the end he had to pay the price for them...but here,before voting for Let it Be "spectorized" or "naked", I would like to concentrate on the relationship Spector-Beatles,starting with the song "To know her is to love her". Spector's father committed suicide when Phil was only 9 years old,and this event changed the kid's attitude towards life forever. On the father's gravestone there was a beautiful phrase, "To know him is to love him". Phil took the sentence,changed "him" into "her",and wrote a nice song that was a big hit for his boy-band The Teddy Bears in 1958. Lennon really loved the song,which became part of the Beatles' live repertoire. They never recorded this song officially for EMI,but there are at least 3 beautiful Beatles recordings of the piece,all sung by John: 1)Live at the Star Club in Hamburg. 2)The Decca audition 3)Beatles at the BBC. After the Beatles' break up,Lennon rivisited the song for his album Rock'n'Roll,in a very slow tempo and with a more complex arrangement,but the song didn't make the album. It only appeared on the posthumous outtake-compilation Menlove Avenue. All the four Beatles liked very much the Spector-produced Ronnettes'hit "Be My Baby", with that incredible wall-of-sound approach. Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys ADORED the song and sincerely worshipped Spector. In 1966 he worked with the very same group of musicians who played at every Spector session,to create his masterpiece "Pet Sounds", his personal sophisticated version of the wall-of-sound. McCartney in particular fell in love with the record,which in turn inspired him to create the unbelievable "Sgt. Pepper". Of course,the Beatles approach to a heavily arranged and orchestrated record was very "british",much more clear and less "wagnerian" than the american recordings produced or inspired by Phil Spector. And now,the Let it be debate....well,being a classical trained musician myself,I have to confess that I generally adore songs with a complex,orchestral arrangement,therefore... I ADORE the Let it be album as Spector produced it!! I have it on vinyl,an american print on Capitol label,and..man,it sounds just FANTASTIC!!! Reading various books about the Beatles,I learned about Paul's dislike of his song "The long and winding road" orchestrated by Spector. I also read that Paul originally wanted a stripped down version,perhaps just voice and piano with a very discreet rhythmic section. Then in 1977 (I was 12!!) I bought a triple Lp McCartney live recording,called "Wings over America",which I loved. There also was a bunch of Beatles songs,and among them there was "The long and winding road"!! I expected the much fabled and rumored stripped-down version...but instead what I heard was quite a heavily arranged version,but with woodwinds and brass instruments in place of the strings,and with no choir!! I liked this new approach,and I also like the version on "Let it be..naked",which finally gave me the "original" idea...but,very honestly,for me nothing comes close to the genius of the "Spectorized" version,and now I am talking not only about this particular song,but also about the rest of the album!! For me it is one of the most exciting records ever,I never have enough of it!! Some years after "Let it be" I bought Harrison's "Living in the material world",with the sublime "Give me love"in it. I discovered another pearl in it,the song "Try some,buy some" originally written for Ronnie Spector,the ex-lead singer of the Ronnettes,at that moment the(suffering)wife of Phil Spector. Well....this is another incredibly orchestrated song,and I have always loved it!!! The drama in it is almost overwhelming....!!! And...yes,all these spectorian productions are certainly very "Hollywoodian" or "Wagnerian",or whatever we want to call them...but now I would like to end with a little "provocation": if we listen to "Good Night", the last track of the Beatles' White Album(sublime!!),don't you think that this time George Martin's arrangement is REALLY flirting with a real hollywoodian feel? I really think so!!! Greetings from Genova!!!☺ Sergio

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Coming from a classically trained musician, I really appreciate your input. Yes, it is ironic that The Long An d Winding Road got the full orchestral treatment live - very telling. The song Goodnight is certainly 'hollywood' but I believe that was intended to be over-the-top! Thanks for the substantive comment.

[@bls8959]

How could you respect Spector as a human being??

[@sergiociomei1197]

I don't! I respect him as producer and all-round musician. As a human he did too many mistakes,and in the end he had to pay for this.

[@jimmyb1559]

I feel Phil Spector had an inner need to produce hit records. It’s almost like he couldn’t help himself and it resulted in the over production because that’s how he worked. He couldn’t help himself. It’s what he did best. I think I heard he worked with the Wrecking Crew to produce hit songs ?? Maybe I’m wrong. For the most part I like what he did during his career including Let it Be. Thank you for a great show. Enjoy your perspective and you really get your viewers thinking.

[@chuckwaggoner9803]

Spector's "The Long and Winding Road" was right for the times. All around, things in life were changing significantly, and Spector's orchestration punctuated that.

[@rmanpojo8485]

It didn't . Spector's Job on Let it be was was and is tasteless.

[@chuckwaggoner9803]

We differ greatly. The naked Let It Be is soulless--even now.

[@MidosujiSen]

Sometimes feel like I'm the only one that loves Spector's Long and Winding Road lol

[@sergiociomei1197]

I love it too,it's one of the standout tracks in my opinion!! Just a great classic orchestration.

[@nomehdrider]

great insight! I did not know about any controversy concerning Let It Be, until years after I had owned and listened to the album-perhaps the internet age. But I always enjoyed the music, and thought it was a solid piece of work. The Apple logo was red, and it was called a new phase Beatles album as I recall, which was interesting to me at the time. I would have bought it a few years after the break up, maybe '73. Wasn't my favorite, but close, but to be fair I haven't listened to an album in over forty years, I had purchased some box sets (CDs) of greatest hits, and The Anthology(s) years ago, so I am remembering a boy's thinking at the time. Great job.

[@glenng]

Another excellent analysis by Matt. There were two versions of Across The Universe. Spector's version has the same choir backing vocals he used in The Long and Winding Road that McCartney hated. These are also the same versions on the The Beatles 1967 - 1970 album. I guess I prefer the Spector orchestral versions because I first heard them when I bought The Beatles 1967 - 1970 album way back in 1980 as a 16 year old. I wish someone like Matt Williamson had been around then.

[@shyman99]

I'm one of the people who loved the lush arrangement to 'The Long And Winding Road". I agree that it made it a #1 single. Disagree on "Instant Karma" as that was the best produced record of Lennon's solo career. Yet I have nothing but contempt for the man other than his production skills.

[@tabbypappy]

I'm of two minds about the issue. I do feel that Paul should have the final word on his composition, but I actually like both versions.

[@niconesta8566]

Instant Karma the best produced? I have a hard time with that, it is a very nice song, the chords and the lyrics, yet I always skip that piece on a playlist.

[@tonym994]

@@tabbypappy exactly. we fans, get the best of both worlds.

[@johnmc3862]

I see him as a great producer, end of.

[@shyman99]

@@niconesta8566 - My analysis doesn't come lightly. For many years I have listened to music from various systems. From transistor, to state of the art, to jukebox, etc. 'Instant Karma" is one of those recordings that sound great no matter the system. As a sound producer myself, it is rare to create a recording with those dynamics.

[@davidlanier7006]

The long and winding road would've been a throw away song without all the mushy stuff. Instant Karma was a great song. It should've been on the next Beatles album. Don't let me down was a really good song that got pushed to the side.

[@MarkMikelVideos]

It is a shame that side 2 of Let It Be doesn't have a quintessential Lennon song. Don't Let Me Down was featured heavily in the movie and should've been on the soundtrack album on side 2.

[@91dodgespiritrt]

This discussion actually "crystalized" - just now - at least for me - as to why I always preferred "McCartney albums" - produced by McCartney and George Martin - over the albums by Lennon and Harrison - produced by Phil Spector - following the "breakup". I would NEVER have guessed that it had to do with the "production" of the albums. I like a lot of "All Things Must Pass" but I have to be "in the mood" for it. I like "Material World" much more which was produced by George. The Lennon albums of that period I mostly did not like - except for a single song or two on the albums - even though I always thought of myself as more of a Lennon fan. (That definitely changed over the years.) THANK YOU for this insight!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Michael - more to come.

[@DavidCKendall]

Thanks for giving the big kudos to Spector... I wholly agree!

[@pedrorocha9722]

good. For the longest time, they were the definite versions, whether they liked it or not. The Naked versions were a kind of let down. So Let it be still stands as the best take on that body of songs. And as a kid, I remember being moved by Long and Winding Road and Across the Universe. Imagine my surprise when I find out that one wasn't supposed to have orchestration and the other was originally faster... For me, in this case, Spector took them to a higher level. And on a final note, I guess that Paul never worked with PS not because of Winding Road...we all know that Paul is a sucker for great orchestration, but for PS....idiosyncrasies. They both were control freaks.

[@secularZoo]

I've always wanted to hear the original, untampered version of Across the Universe. Pretty sure the Beatles drafted a couple of fan girls who were standing outside EMI to sing backup vocals at a high register. Pretty sure it was this song, according to Mark Lewisohn's book.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

There’s a more faithful version of Across The Universe, without the choir and syrup, on Beatles Anthology - although I think that the backing vocals are by John, and maybe Paul, rather than the girls from outside of Abbey Road.

[@robinfawcett7973]

Instant Karma is my favourite of John's solo work...

[@simonhodgetts6530]

The whole of Plastic Ono Band is brilliantly produced - whatever John Lennon said to Phil Spector to get him to pare back his sound, worked really well.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

I LOVE the Spector production of All Things Must Pass.

[@billbez7465]

You absolutely nailed it on this review. Thanks!

[@julianbaldwin6992]

Let it Be is awesome because of how loose and fun it is. But let it be naked is one of the best road trip albums ever. It’s such a good sing a long album. Although, the naked solo on Let it Be is bad. Why change that for the awesome OG solo?!

[@tomdegan6924]

I thought he did a fine job on Let It Be.

[@Gogettor]

Killer job.

[@chipgaasche4933]

No, he didn't.

[@randalclarke5487]

Thanks for doing this video! Spector is a big part of Rock history

[@matthewstreet1961]

Hey Matt, Great video and discussion about Phil. Really enjoying your videos! Love your presentation and demeanor. Cheers Matt

[@jerryosborne9982]

I never really realized that there where things wrong with let it be until I heard let it be naked, which was what the Beatles wanted let it be to be. The naked version just seems so much cleaner and the vocals are easier to hear, and I never minded the orchestra on Beatles tracks but on let it be I think they’re to loud, powerful, and prominent

[@johnbuckley8724]

Although the concept for Let it Be was for a stripped down sound, let’s be clear about one thing, only Paul was “insulted” by what came from Specter’s versions. As I said above in response to another post, nobody in the Beatles or elsewhere were too keen on piecing together this album.

[@erniefernandez1927]

You got to give credit to Phil Spector on Let it Be, George Martín didnt want to touch it, Glyn Johns couldnt deliver a cohesive album, and the Beatles themselves couldnt be bothered in sifting the miles of tape recordings of the Let it Be sessions, so in comes Phil Spector to take on the task of making an album which in my opinion he did what he could in spite of some of the sub par material he was given.

[@Bozakky]

I was 9 years old when Let It Be came out. It was right in the middle of my parents divorce. My mother's name is Mary and she would come into my room, 'speaking words of wisdom' if you will, trying to explain to a child about divorce. An extremely difficult time that was made somewhat easier because of Let It Be. Overproduced, you bet but all in all, hard to imagine life without it. The 'Naked' version is also quite good and I totally agree, 'Don't Let Me Down' would have only sweetened the pot. Thanks for another info packed video.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I'm a little envious of those that grew up listening to the Beatles, being able to have one of their new songs affect you in real time. I heard that album for the first time in 1977 and I still love it. The popular "ranking" videos have pushed this album down to the bottom of the Beatles barrel and it seems to have damaged its credibility of late. It probably doesn't deserve it. Thanks for the personal comment.

[@Bozakky]

It doesn't deserve it, not at all. So what if some lush strings were added. I think at least for myself, I could get used to the stripped down version of 'Across the Universe' but what Spector did didn't ruin John's song. I do like the naked version but after you've heard something one way for 50 years, it's sometimes difficult getting used to hearing it in another.

[@deirdre108]

I'm glad you mentioned "River Deep and Mountain High". I remember it being played for a brief time on the radio and my friends and I who were 9th graders where wondering "what is this crap"? It was definitely not where music was heading at that time--more of a throwback to the early 60's. I think The Long and Winding Road is one of the best McCartney ballads and that it was almost ruined by Spector's overproduction on Let It Be. I'm so glad there's a remixed version.

[@Miguel-vp8lm]

His work on the Let It Be album it wasn't great. I prefer the naked version. All Things Must Pass is a masterpiece, but some tracks sound too bad. I'm looking forward to hear the new mixes. Great video.

[@johnmc3862]

One of the reasons All things must pass is so good is because there were so many brilliant musicians on it.

[@Gothic55]

I always associate Phil Spector with Allen Klein’s Mismanagement of the Beatles and cannot fo4hive him for what he did to Long and winding road, He did some good work in early sixties but clearly had some challenging personal demons and very unhealthy fascination for guns and really silly wigs.

[@johnmc3862]

‘Some good work in the early 60’s’ is a huge underestimation. I love what he did TLAWR, each to their own.

[@paranormal33]

You cannot forgive him? LOLOL

[@francesvandeburgt4173]

I agree with characterization of Phil Spector after listening to the podcast of the times after the Beatles Breakup with Phil Spector and John Lennon working together in Los Angeles.

[@albertovasari8430]

Great breakdown!

[@groverbaker6404]

Great job Matt..I bought the lp when it came out..well #1(beatles) #2..they were disbanded...it was a Killer lp!! Still love Beatles again is another DANDY RECORD!! THANKS FOR THE MUSIC