The Beatles SOMETHING: Formation & Development |

[@laurab4652]

They are endlessly fascinating, aren't they? To bring this jewel to life, to be a fly on the wall - I LOVE it. Anyone else screaming, Attracts me like no other lover???

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Such a great song. I have listened to this rehearsal over and over and I never tire of hearing it. Thanks for the comment Laura!

[@TheGreatGig73]

How could he not know the words? I know them.

[@keeponkeepinonstudio]

@@TheGreatGig73 lol right!

[@hemmel2261]

Wen john said attracts me like a cauliflower. Man he was so close!!

[@pedrobarnez5502]

lol!!!!!

[@joe6096]

I'm a 43 year old grown man crying. Knowing they're near the end, breaking up, and yet still working together wonderfully helping George create what I consider the most beautiful love song I've ever heard. I have had countless tender moments with my fiancee to this song.

[@piteusx8440]

Along with Yesterday, Something is the greatest love song ever.

[@greg7656]

James Taylor has always been remarkably gracious about George lifting "something in the way she moves," saying that he had lifted the Beatles "and I feel fine" so they were even. Not really equivalent, but nice of him to say... Also, anyone else have the urge to jump in and scream "Attracts me like no other lover!!"

[@debbiesims138]

I was just doing that. 😆

[@Nina5144]

Love James Taylor’s voice.

[@ed.z.]

Exactly. Me too.

[@greg7656]

@@jacquescousteau217 Take it up with James Taylor. I'm sure you know much more about the history of both songs than he does.

[@scottb3034]

James liked the beatles a lot obviously. The Academy Awards even hired him to cover 'In My Life' during the In Memoriam segment a decade ago.

[@Neal_Schier]

Excellent production technique in showing the various Beatles on the left hand side of the screen with the spoken words next to what each of them was saying whilst in the studio. This is a first-rate way to present this information. Edward Tufte would be proud. I can only hope other video presenters will adopt this style. Great work as always!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you so much , Neal!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Great point. I found that to be informative, entertaining and visually appealing.

[@PlanetRockJesus]

Yes, I loved the technique as well!

[@FakingANerve]

2nd video I've seen on the channel with this and I too love it. It makes the fly-on-the-wall tapes so much easier and even more fun to experience.

[@nflr92]

Amazing how the rest of the guys can just join in with a perfect harmony part to augment what George had only played once or twice. It's no mistake that these guys were able to do what they did on the regular.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Working that close since their teens certainly paid off. It is amazing how quickly this came together and its great to just hear them do their thing while George lead them through it. Thanks for watching!

[@stringtheoryguitars4952]

From a technical viewpoint, harmonizing is actually one of the easier things in music... but I think you're referring to the complex interplay of the instruments. Each musician creating counterpoint and counter rhythms that support the arrangement without obscuring the other players. If that's what you meant then yes, The Beatles were magnificent LOL! Paul's Bass lines are considered the epitome of melodic playing and creativity. Ringo's playing on Strawberry Fields is still my favorite drumming moment in Rock music history.

[@Robutube1]

@@popgoesthe60s52 ...and maybe the teensy-weensyist touch of genius 😁.

[@francoisvanderlinden3756]

@@popgoesthe60s52 of course and it helps a lot but ... true musicians (like they were) don't really need that kind of background history to make great music ... I've been in my share of amateur rock'n'roll bands and sometimes, with the right persons, it just "clicks" ... everybody knows what to play and when ... even on novelty or less-known compositions ...

[@XoXo475]

Which one was the more regular?

[@ssttuuhhll]

I like how John helps George out regarding not waiting for the right words. A little insight into John”s thought process with Mr Show too.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yes, John is certainly engaged in the song which runs contrary to many reports of him “not caring” during this time.

[@newagain9964]

@@popgoesthe60s52 George stated in numerous interviews since abbey road release to the 90s he didn’t want to be a Beatle at start of 1969/get back project. U can enjoy working a cpl songs and still not care about the bigger picture.

[@Large23collectibles]

Amazing how they created a beautiful song in such a chaotic time in Beatle history.

[@clark82]

Billy Preston had basically joined the band “unofficially” by this point and was a case of “best behaviour” when there was a outsider joining in with the music

[@williamblair9597]

This is a demonstration of the magic that kept them together during thick and thin.

[@steveb2343]

Just highlights again how underrated Ringo was. As well as being THE perfect fit for the band, he was arguably the most solid member of the band, always locked in and holding together a solid foundation for the songs to be built around.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

The more and more I delve into the basic tracks and rehearsals, the more impressed i get with Ringo. A total pro.

[@steveb2343]

@@popgoesthe60s52 well, your vids are going a long way to getting him the recognition he deserves dude. So well researched, fascinating and easy to watch. From a total Beatles nerd here in Liverpool, great stuff man, keep em coming! 👍

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@steveb2343 Ah, it's always flattering to hear from a Liverpudlian. Thank you, Steve!

[@camc5483]

Never underrated. Always overlooked

[@violao206]

Just ask any professional drummer... They know how great Ringo's contributions were.

[@frozenhermit3827]

Love the way John helps out as opposed to the image some people give of him being self absorbed and spaced out during this time period.

[@woodsplitter3274]

Yes, they could have kept me the cauliflower line. That'll keep'em wondering for years.

[@newagain9964]

John is annoying af tho in most the recording sessions after white Album

[@lindas1st]

I believe he said (more than once) that he always worried about George & Ringo and looked after George like a younger brother. He also said he was never worried about Paul because he knew how talented Paul was and would be okay no matter what.

[@ravenstrange8466]

@@lindas1st John was the guy that took the piss out of everything. That was the kind of guy he was. Knowing the world was full of shit and ruled by the corrupt, he railed against everything because it was a response to the vileness and the vulgarity of the way the rulers of the earth are. Knowing the truth about things such as many of us do, it is hard not to be disgusted and pissed off at one's core

[@alexjones7043]

No one is ever one thing

[@DC-ip1sc]

Can you imagine being Mal Evans being in that studio, hearing some of the most iconic pieces of music ever writen being brought to life, lucky man indeed.

[@benpietrzykowski9216]

My God Beatles could have a tv show aired today of just these sessions breaked down , and it’d be more watched then the Super Bowl. These are so interesting , like hearing the wright brothers finding out how to fly .

[@joaofrancisco7289]

U mean Santos Dumont!

[@bobbobbins4877]

They are having a TV show about the Get Back sessions.

[@uapnewdiscoveryimages]

Your wish has been granted by a Mr Jackson

[@benpietrzykowski9216]

@@uapnewdiscoveryimages it is absolutely amazing, just wish it was a better album than let it be. Doesn’t rank top 5 in beatle albums , but I’m not complaining 😂 isn’t it supposed to be abbey road too?

[@dgmuze]

@@benpietrzykowski9216 you can hear them starting some songs that would go on abbey, but recording for that album would take place 3 weeks after the rooftop concert.

[@ignaciomartinez2102]

there’s something really satisfying hearing george leading this sessions. you can feel how john and paul respected his song.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Paul doesn’t sound bossy and John is clearly engaged . So why are we always told the opposite as if it is gospel? I appreciate the comment.

[@jimmy5634]

I’m amazed at George’s lack of self-confidence. If I had written “Something” I would have been ecstatic.

[@OperationPhantom]

Fascinating how the song comes together! That's a very nice composite you created there! Couldn't help smiling when George mentions "it's got to have a bass line". Paul probably thinking something like "Don't worry mate, I'll come up with something..."

[@popgoesthe60s52]

This was a fun listen because things are working between them! Thanks for the comment!

[@arnesaknussemm2427]

This is a master class for aspiring songwriters. The Lennon McCartney technique of just singing whatever comes into your head at the time which will eventually take shape as proper lyrics is so very clear here. Case in point, the Mr Show line eventually became something in the the things she ‘shows’ me.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yes, what a fun bit of eavesdropping we get to do on this great song. I wish I had more examples like this.

[@mdboaterguymdboaterguy3617]

Ringo's drumming is musical and so binding. Amazing to hear them click and work.

[@Cryo837]

Wow, this explodes the myth that they were barely talking to each other at the end. Clearly John is really trying to help George keep moving the song structure forward by filling in missing syllables with placeholders. And Paul trying to find good bass notes. And of course Ringo, ready to provide backbone. Makes me happy to see them still a functioning band on their last album (Let It Be was actually recorded before).

[@krollpeter]

The bass to Something is one of his best works, to me.

[@VS1RVW]

Absolute professional artists

[@Kieop]

This is from the Let It Be sessions.

[@johndoh5182]

The frustrations though were real. The stories from the Beatles done by different people are told pretty correctly. What a person working for some magazine may have reported on the other hand could be total fiction because they were fed misinformation. Ringo Starr wanted more songs on albums. Either John or Paul told him he needs to FINISH one. George Harrison wanted more songs on the albums and he actually completed songs, but he really was in the shadows compared to John and Paul. Now, while John worked with George on this tune, and by the way Ringo said he liked the way Abbey Road was recorded because the band worked together again and they really didn't the last 3 or 4 albums, so straight from a Beatle, I'm sure there were plenty of times that John or Paul had no interest in what George was writing. So, they probably heard the melody, knew it would be good and wanted it to get on the album. So no, this doesn't explode any myth, because different Beatles and people that worked around them have told the story pretty clearly. The sessions for Abbey Road was more collaborative, like the Beatles in the earlier years, but Let It Be, The White Album, and one or two others, not so much. During the White Album the band was hardly speaking to each other because of how frustrated they had become over different personal issues. Ringo quit the band multiple times, only to come back. A few of the songs off the White Album is not Ringo Starr playing the drums because he had walked out. It's real that George had a grudge against Paul and John. It's true that John and Paul didn't really care that much how he felt, because they were busy creating music. And, in this one REALLY good song by George Harrison, JOHN CREATED part of it. He helped the transitions, moving into a different key, I mean it was all right there. So if anything this song was written by George and John. Most of the Let it Be sessions actually happened before Abbey Road sessions. The band was VERY splintered for the Let It Be sessions. The Abbey Road sessions were really the last ones the Beatles did in full. Let It Be had been abandoned and the band agreed to come back to finish the album after they had already released Abbey Road and that would be the end of it. Let It Be was almost never an album. That's the reason why "The End" is on Abbey Road. That was really the end, even though they ended up finishing Let It Be. You can read the Wiki page for the The Beatles (Album) which is the White Album. It talks about all the CRAP surrounding the Beatles at the time and part of what's there has come straight from what band members said or those working around them. So no, this moment of creating a song together, while close to what happened with a bit of Abbey Road is basically a standout from the other albums around it. Paul even said you could hear the breaking up of the band in the White Album. But really you'd have to know what happened in the studio to know what he was talking about. So give that a read, the Wiki listing for the White Album. It's a lot more representative of what was happening for the final years than this.

[@Niko3387Y]

@@johndoh5182 perfect 👌

[@DocDoccus]

This was outstanding. Listening to the chatter as George was running through it shows how they did support each other and tossed some ideas about. Ever cool!

[@johnnyalegreworkplace8065]

George could have just completed the lyrics at home before presenting it to the band. Less work! IMHO

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Isn't it wonderful to hear "Something" coming in to being? Even though I've heard demos over the years, it just gets easy to believe that the Beatles just got in front of a microphone before writing, and the songs just magically came forth - finished! Thank you so much for this. The best thing is that all of them seem really engaged with the song! George seems like he's really pleading for lyrics here, and he gets some, which is nice, even if they didn't end up on the finished tune. Heck, another day's session on this and it might well have been the first "Harrison, Lennon & McCartney" song. The composite is great too. Thanks for all your hard work. I would try and get that to Olivia and Dhani Harrison.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Mark! A couple more days of work and it might have been played live in the rooftop! I appreciate the comment.

[@mikemcf33]

this amazes me all around. George only went through it a few times and they all were able to chime in w/ harmonies . Ringo;s drumming is fantastic and the glue that holds it all together. and Paul to come up with that bass line off the top of his head is unbelievable. there was a reason they were The Beatles.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

These guys - problems and all - could be so in synch with each other musically, that they can knock out a classic like Something effortlessly. It's always a pleasure for me to hear this. Thanks for commenting, Mike.

[@deementia6796]

This is why I loved collecting 'bootlegs' in my youth, it was the fascinating looks at how bands put together their songs and how the creative process worked in what to shed, and what to keep.

[@daletrue822]

I really enjoy your use of the split-screen of the four guys and what each is doing during these development songs you feature. That adds a great deal to the experience.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Dale - More to come!

[@HOLLYWOODHICK]

Debunks the theory that John Lennon took no interest in George's songs

[@int53185]

High praise from John for Something:"The best song on the album."

[@majas4922]

I believe Paul has been quoted as saying the same...George IMO is the best writer on Abbey road with Something (a John-like raw lyric) and Here comes the sun ( a Paul-like positive lyric and catchy melody).

[@j.s.m.5351]

I've been stuck in a songwriting rut for a while now but wrote the music and melodies for two today but was stuck on the lyrics. Then this video popped up and now I'm just throwing the names of fruit and stuff in the blanks until I find the right words. Thanks John!

[@Jolluna]

Beautiful. That's when you know that The Beatles' legacy goes wider than one can possibly think without these video insights. Cheers to you, pineapple stew!

[@rev.jimjonesandthekool-aid4488]

Ask me. I am a lyrics machine. I'd love to help out.

[@studonaldson1497]

Thanks JSM. Out of interest did you try ‘organic cucumber’ or ‘pomegranate’ ? Why not, could be the solution. With respect, good luck, Stu who writes songs too. X

[@davidhopeman3591]

@@rev.jimjonesandthekool-aid4488 Drink the marmalade lemonade but you must evade Reverend Jims Koolade.... Trust me

[@SomersetBarnard]

Love this. Amazing how much Ringo doesn't say much and just comes in perfectly everytime.

[@whitsundaydreaming]

Attracts me like “a screwdriver” -Ringo This is to me the band’s best, a guaranteed tingler.

[@Engineer_Who]

Matt, I would die happy if you did nothing else but make more of these early version composites. This “Something” edit is incredible.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Garrett, I wish I could do nothing other than to make these videos! I appreciated the comment.

[@ChrisSmith88love]

Yeah, except DON’t DIE!

[@bassioelmucho]

I've been a fan for 50 years and am constantly amazed and learn something about them or the songs all the time! Damn, that was on run on sentence!

[@Dr0p0fahat]

I'm mildly surprised that "Mr. Show" didn't show up somewhere in John's lyrics in a later song.

[@Jolluna]

That's brilliant. Let's just tell ourselves that Mr. Show would have made an appearance somehow had history written itself differently. And that Mr. Show would have something to do with a Miss Cali Flower selling pomegranates.

[@ed.z.]

Yes. I was thinking that also. John was a creative monster powerhouse. One can only imagine his work as an elderly gentleman.

[@billslocum9819]

John's often pegged for being dismissive of George's compositions in the studio, yet here you hear him providing good advice on how to keep a song moving around a tricky passage AND he's really more engaged on the organ than I remember the conventional wisdom indicating, which often points out (like on Wikipedia) that John's work was largely erased from the final cut. He's not sitting this out, anyway.

[@johnford5568]

Interesting if John was more involved with 'here comes the sun', although it's perfect.

[@billslocum9819]

@@johnford5568 I think Paul was important for "Sun" given how active the bass part is there. Wiki says John was recovering from a car crash and wasn't at those sessions. Because John's keyboards on "Something" got lost in the mix, it's hard to know how much of a factor he was in the overall composition process, other than telling George to keep at it. But I think the song's lyrical simplicity is one of its most daring aspects, and John was always an advocate of that.

[@spockboy]

If that is true, then why on a recently released recording of a meeting (post Abbey Road) was John talking about he Paul and George each having 3 songs on the NEXT album. Paul protests and John mentions how bad Maxwell's Silver Hammer was.

[@ivanjulian2532]

Nice post Bill. The recent remixes by Giles Martin bring out some stuff which was wasn't quite audible in the originals. The 2019 Giles remix allows John's organ in the first 30 seconds to be a little bit more present than the 1969 mix. Also in the chorus too. And the Giles' remix of Dear Prudence in 2018 is stellar! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4uWh5tun795mqc&ab_channel=TheBeatlesVEVO

[@MadGeorgeProductions]

John rated George's songwriting, it's just in interviews he said he got frustrated in having to help teach George the songwriting method. Having said that, even if he was frustrated with it he certainly doesn't sound it in these recordings.

[@ironix1]

How can three sooooo incredibly talented song composers be in the same band???? I can't get my head around it. Pure genius.

[@christinecrockford1654]

Something is the greatest beatles song ever. I'd like it played at my wedding and funeral.

[@thisplaceisazoo]

So glad they got rid of Paul's high harmony. The harmony in the end result was much better. Still haven't seen the footage of where they drop that, also would like to see where the piano comes in. This song was a masterpiece! So fun to see it develop.

[@thomassommerfeld8494]

As a really really long time beatles fan (33 years by now of my 41 years) , I must say it still kinda amazes me that George, once being 'the baby boy of the band' became that guy whose song I like best on the Abbey Road album. Anyone else feeling too, that Something and Here comes the sun are the best two numbers on Abbey Road ?

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Most definitely. I rate his songs the top two on the album with Come Together right up there with them. Abbey Road was his zenith as a song writer.

[@rayeisengoth6664]

Agree but I'd rate Something above HCTS...the way it starts, then soars...unbelievable. Otherwise, the Medley on AR's B-side is pretty cool too...

[@rahamanhudson1573]

Definitely the two most A level/hit sounding, aside from “Come Together.” But the latter was basically Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me” until they slowed it down and Paul put on his funky bassline. Paul’s, “You Never Give Me Your Money” and John’s “I Want You,” are just as badass, but they are more great album cut material. George’s two “Abbey Road” songs are up there with any great Beatle song, including none album singles like “Strawberry Fields.”

[@DJ-bj8ku]

Great video. I’ve been a Beatles fan for fifty years and to hear them work out a song is so fun to listen to. Lennon’s approach to songwriting was spot on. As a fiction writer, you just barrel ahead with the idea. The story, or song, has its own internal logic and will lead you to where it should be. Thanks again for this video.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

You're welcome. Hearing them work is so fun - especially on a song of this calibre and during these particular sessions!

[@brettdevlin3441]

The bass Paul starts laying down around the 6:57 mark is fantastic!! The way he finishes the phrase that George was singing is awesome

[@nathananthony7517]

I love your transcriptions of their conversations. It brings it to life for the listener. Also, great analysis and wonderful edit of the January 28th performance!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks, Nathan. I think the dialog really gives us the best insight to their recording sessions.

[@johnwagner8857]

I love how you go back to the source material. I have read multiple Beatles books and articles that have repeated this fiction that John and Paul dismissed all of George's songs. It is refreshing to hear them working together to help George produce some of his greatest work.

[@davidhentges6073]

I love the bass line Paul comes up with in this session

[@louisjwilliamsii]

This was already my favorite Beatles song. But to hear how it was put together blows my mind

[@violao206]

As a musician, this is just fascinating to hear them make sausage in the factory. They are all so creatively open to trying just about anything in the effort to flesh out George's composition. Love this!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I think this song came together quickly because it is such a strong song. Thanks for commenting, Michael.

[@knockknock705]

Thank you for these videos and letting the Beatles' own words drive the narrative.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

It's my pleasure - more to come!

[@kevinharper2884]

If only Yoko had never been in the picture maybe this plane could have stayed afloat for another yr or two. Even one more album. There will never be anything that will compare to the Beatles. The stars were aligned for them to be around the same age and in the same area along with the other things that had to happen at just the right time and place for them to all land in the same group. Their music started out being the best of that eras music and evolved into creating so many branches of the music tree. Two kinds of music before the Beatles and After.

[@colinmumford267]

Was absolutely nothing to do with Yoko why they split , Yoko or not they would of split

[@kevinharper2884]

@@colinmumford267 I agree . But without out her skank stained nut hold on John maybe it would have been possible for a few more acid trip influenced masterpieces. Imagine there's no Yoko It is so easy for me What did he find attractive It always puzzled me I know I am only dreaming I bet I wasn't by myself What is it John could be seeing Seems he'd want better himself

[@newagain9964]

John didn’t even want to be a Beatle after sgt peppers. Certainly after white album he checked out. It was Yoko who inspired/motivated him (and Paul’s incessant pulling) that kept John around. U don’t know what you’re talking about. Typical fan boi hate.

[@mountain-morning]

Well done and so much fun! Something is another great example of how The Beatles used their instruments in a sophisticated arrangement to carry the melody. So many bands rely solely on the vocals to do so. When I was a bassist, I loved covering Something because Paul’s work, which is exceptional on Something, taught me how to be a better musician. Thank you for posting this insightful video.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

You are quite welcome, Ed. I even love the bass in this rough run through. I agree with the Beatles basic tracks being as lovely as the vocal melody. I guess this is why the songs have lasted so long.

[@umac76]

This is a revelation for me. Somehow I always had the impression that George brought the song fully formed, music and lyrics, to the rest of the Beatles

[@mgilkey13]

Just have to say how much I love these videos… the background, context, history, and above all detail is fantastic.. as well as focusing the content on the band themselves. Excellent. THANK YOU for these gems!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Those are very kind words, Jack - much appreciated!

[@PlanetRockJesus]

This is one song I can sit down right now and play all the way through on guitar... chords and words. I've been playing it since I was a teen, for at least 50 years (I'm 67). This is amazing seeing them work through this, especially knowing how the song actually sounds on the album.

[@MiguelGV14]

It's amazing how they were already rehearsing in these Let It Be sessions songs that they were going to include on Abbey Road ("Maxwell's Silver Hammer", "Oh! Darling", "Octopus's Garden", "I Want you (She's So Heavy)" , "Something" )

[@popgoesthe60s52]

They were prolific. I guess the songs kept coming!

[@billjackson1317]

I remember partying in 70' to Abby Road, everybody singing Oh Darling, Something & Here comes the sun, those were the favorites 👍👍✌

[@nomehdrider]

for any aspiring band, these sessions break downs should be a solid gold master class in how to get a song together

[@vincognito]

Great sleuthing, Matt! I truly appreciate the deep dives you take. And stitching the takes together was just brilliant. Not only that but, perhaps without knowing it, you helped solve the problem of how the lick was created, in re: the great question James asked me. Awesome work. Thanks for the shout out, too!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure, Vin. I'll be delving into more of your videos as well!

[@PeterStrachanMusic]

I find it so interesting. OK we know the song, but it is still rough. Their total genius is how they were able to reach their finished version. How they went from this early take to the masterpiece it became.. Just so so impressive..

[@christiansiritto3603]

god paul’s pass lines are unparalleled

[@loyolaschool]

I agree. Paul’s lines on this song are terrific.

[@shanemckenna9416]

His pass lines are always great.

[@bassioelmucho]

Paul is a an unparalleled genius on many levels!

[@stevekaspar1396]

Yup.. Paul's bass on this is to this day, one of his tastiest bass lines

[@tammichenard1024]

Paul's baselines are criminally underrated.

[@PaulQuintanaJr]

Wow! What an amazing composite. I've attempted this many times with these sessions and other songs. It never worked that well! Great job.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Paul! I never tire of listening to it.

[@TeleNikon]

I like that you have the American releases on the shelf behind you. Good to see them!

[@martinreynals]

Frank Sinatra said about Something: "it is the best love song ever written in the 60's". These words might not be literally exactly the same but he meant that it was the best of the decade. By the way it has been covered by Elvis and Tony Bennett too. What a song! Oh my gosh! I could listen to it over and over for the rest of my life and stay still wearing my headphones till I die.

[@SolarasNaracott]

I love these kinds of recordings. Hearing musicians work out a song is so fascinating!

[@ScaryStoriesNYC]

Wow thank you for this video! When John was assassinated, he was angry at George for his book, "I, Me, Mine." In an interview, he said that when Paul didn't help George finish songs, then John did. You can hear it in this audio!! I think George got better as a writer after the band because he learned to have confidence in his own abilities to finish what he started.

[@grillbuster1519]

George really thrived off any encouragement from John in this session. He almost waited for John’s approval at times.

[@jtors5]

George threw out “attracts me like a pomegranate” several times, waiting for the slightest encouragement or approval. No takers. It seemed like “I’m joking about this line unless someone approves it.”

[@farrellmcnulty909]

I guess some things never change...George was always out for his approval beginning in Liverpool. As much as I missed them as a band, George's career really took off and he was in charge. Aside from Extra Texture, he made some really great albums and I have them all - even Extra Texture 🤣 Gone Troppo gets unfair treatment just because it's light and fluffy - both those are very enjoyable songs.

[@PeterGrenader]

if i had Lennon in my band, so would i lol

[@owenwilberforce6138]

Here’s when and how you realize the complete randomness behind one of your favorite songs of all time.

[@aureliande2659]

Could you explain? No randomness, let alone complete randomness, if you ask me. Yes, the placeholder lyrics may be called random but they're not essential. There may be ideas that were discarded later on (such as the harmony vocals on the verse) or some organ notes but they are not random. They are try-outs on the way to a final realisation of George's vision of the song. It's a tricky process but not random, I think.

[@owenwilberforce6138]

@@aureliande2659 - The thing I am referring to are the lyrics. Yes I agree George really was fishing for lyric ideas and I love that he would solicit ideas from Paul and John so openly. This endears me to George in that he is collaborative with the band, and he was unafraid to say this part isn’t working, “What do you think?” This is ego less and I think them throwing out nonsense words was a classic John technique, and sometimes the odd nonsense lyric seemed to be really interesting. John was great because of this, he sometimes freed the lyric from meaning, and it let you interpret the line for yourself. The lyrics in Something are very direct and pure, and clearly the music was written first. George was that way, a guitar player first, so I like that he would ask for help.

[@marinus4258]

I can‘t unhear that missplayed chord at 7:05 just that one chord! It sounds so different yet so cool, i imagine how it would sound like with that chord

[@lundsweden]

One of the best Beatles song IMO!

[@TickleSalty]

George Martin always said Abbey Road was a “happy” album, everyone got along and helped each other. It was almost as if they realized that this was their grand finale and they should make the best of it. And of all the Beatles love songs, “Something” is their masterpiece. For Sinatra to call it the greatest love song of the last 50 years, that alone tells you something (no pun intended).

[@reinjouke9743]

Frank Sinatra called it his "favourite Lennon-Mccartney composition" which is kind of sad considering it's probably George's best Beatles song

[@LuvHrtZ]

@@reinjouke9743 One of my favourite songs of all time, as is Here Comes The Sun and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

[@ignatiusjackson235]

@@reinjouke9743 Frank has corrected himself in future performances.

[@johndoh5182]

It was the finale and The End was really the end. The Let it Be sessions happened before Abbey Road but they didn't finish it. After Abbey Road was released they agreed to finish Let It Be and released it, but the band already knew they were done at that point. They knew they were done on the White Album, it just took a while to completely cut the ties since they were so successful. But yeah they put their differences aside for this last album effort and put out some great songs though I think part are rubbish. But that's the way I feel about most Beatles albums so there's that. The only album I can listen to all the way through is the first album of the White Album. I can listen to most of the third side. Forth side is rubbish.

[@BalzarRitchin]

They had plenty of masterpieces. It wasn't any better than other Beatles songs.

[@davidrobinson2776]

Danger, geniuses at work.

[@thebigorangecouch6261]

Loved hearing Paul's bass part be so on point so early in these rehearsals.

[@jimmyb1559]

Great job again Matt. Amazing job putting this together. Listening to their dialogue I would think they were never going to break up. But we all know what happened. Thanks.

[@joniarmel7308]

Thank you for presenting this “fab” project ! George is learning and ready to soar. George is also experiencing the commaraderie between songwriters that is so unique and magical. John is correct and experienced knowing to keep melodies flowing while improvising lyrics until something arrives . Six months is a long time to write a song . George arrived in the studio with these lovely chords . John and Paul clearly knew this song had immense potential,…. that quitar riff is extraordinary . This sessions radiates skill , love and respect for each other . I was 14 years old in 1969 when I bought Abbey Road and still have.

[@GOGOLH]

Excellent work - here and in the studio January 1969!

[@yankorusev]

Masterpiece

[@swansonjoe7121]

The reference to the james taylor song alluding to George taking the "Something in the way she moves" and the fact that John took the first line from Chuck Berry "Here come ol' flattop" bring immense relief in my own lyrics. Often I'll be singing a song and realize Iv'e heard a certain lyric from somewhere else. Artists can take influences, but as long as you add your own flare to it, such as Kurt's "Something in the way" you can make the words your own, and make your own beautiful art. Peace and love everyone :)

[@jthai6149]

Love the way the bridge is already coming together at 9:00.

[@glass_oni0n]

the bit where John throws George the line "grabs me like a song from years ago" gives a cool little window into that Strawberry Fields/A Day in the Life writing style, though no doubt what George came up with works better. another great video Matt :)

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Brian. Yes, that line got my attention too. Sounded like the beginning of another song.

[@jk4675]

I was blown away by that line too. Lennon was clearly a masterful lyrical writer, the strongest lyricist in the band, i'd say

[@alainbao3762]

Beautiful production of video . Easy to understand how the Beatles constructed the song

[@andrewswatland4622]

Again, a great v-log. I play this song on my guitar all the time. What a tune!! 👍🏻

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I've taught myself some of this song too. I love playing it as much as I love listening to it! Thanks for watching, Andrew.

[@HermanoMuerte]

Thanks for this new video. Without taking you as a messiah, I think that your channel and the type of information you upload, as well as the level of seriousness with which you treat it, will soon make new generations rewrite the history of The Beatles correctly.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I hope that deeper discussion will reveals truths that have been evading us for years! Thank you for the nice compliment.

[@HardCold-Alquan]

It's amazing with all of their confusion and playing around, that they ended up making something great!

[@DavidWalker1]

There’s a good chance that the playing around is a big part of how they made so much great work.

[@bybassman1842]

As a musician I can tell you this is how most songs get put together.

[@georgemixis2172]

Just excellent! I mean you draw out many aspects to the working part of the song, and dispel some false chatter. Then to include quotes from Lennon and McCartney was the cherry on the cake. You go through the trouble to get some real gems... I just have to congratulate you and commend your efforts! I have never seen anyone bring out what you do! Thanks, so much!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you so much! I really enjoy approaching the Beatles in this way. They are time consuming to make but worth it!

[@soapopera3139]

Very interesting how early McCartney started developing that bass line.

[@jaelge]

Paul´s ability to almost, within an instant, come up with bass lines, especially as complex, as some were, really, is freakishly amazing. If Paul were to have done nothing else in his career but play bass he would still have been a world renowned artist.

[@Adamdidit]

@@jaelge and a split second after Paul's got it, Ringo's got the drums on his line

[@jaelge]

@@Adamdidit: Ringo was a better drummer than anyone ever deserved and certainly the best Beatle. No matter the challenge that J, P, or G put in front of him he could always come through. I just can´t think of a more universally versatile drummer. He could, and did, play drums for every genre of music, and with absolute proficiency. Richie rarely gets the credit he deserves.

[@mr.kite0535]

@@jaelge He hated solos and he played through a lot of rolls.

[@jaelge]

@@mr.kite0535: He´s not the only one that hates solos. Maybe short and tasty ones but that Ina Gada Divita or Moby Dick shit, no thanks. I feel the same about guitar solos as well. Short and tasty.

[@XPLOREwithXYLA]

Humanity is graced with 4 geniuses. Thank you for putting this together @Pop Goes the 60s. It's almost as if I'm seeing them jam.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

You’re welcome - thank you for commenting.

[@Seeker22000]

They worked so well as a group, played off each other so well. They knew each other and it shows their special chemistry as a band.

[@aucourant9998]

I love the bass on this, he was so clever.

[@bustabass9025]

One of the greatest songs ever written. George had a gift for lithe verse and uncomplicated chord structures. Both of which complimented his soft but piercing vocals. Rest in peace. 🕊

[@paulminorproductions]

reminds me of the Michaelangelo idea of removing the marble to discover the sculpture that was inside all along.

[@peteandtessTube]

This truly does provide an opportunity to hear creativity in its raw form. As I listen I hear what I now know so well as the completed song that feels so intuitive, so instinctual and yes, so seemingly obvious and then Full Stop … this is the very creation of that now iconic song. Not the notes, the words, the mood or the melody existed before George had the notion and brought it to the session. I loved it when John said, fill in the blank with cauliflower until the right words come to you. I gained a whole new insight and respect for the song and for the Beatles. It was very rewarding to listen to your video to the end where John and Paul give the full credit to George for being the author and saying that Something was, in their opinion, the best song on the album and worthy of being a single.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yes, one came together quickly and you could tell they were totally into it because they knew it was a great song.

[@allenf.5907]

A monster of a song being worked through. Nice "piecing" it together. The John organ part is well done here. Ringo - Mr. Solid. The bass REALLY takes shape throughout. It really helps make the song.

[@ed.z.]

Fascinating creative process, isn’t it. A wonderful example of collaboration.

[@melissa007ish]

"Attracts me like a pomegranite." lol Thanks for posting this - it is fascinating listening to the guys hash this out.

[@donaldmoore4412]

I love how they put together their music. Masters of their craft and so lucky and blessed to hear this..

[@jordanraney3681]

Why is George's talking voice so soothing?

[@camc5483]

It's a voice of someone trying to assert himself, and seek guidance and acceptance, among 2 legendary songwriters.

[@gregorheinrich]

Paul's bass at around min 11:00 is just soooo good (and different from the final version)

[@fittobetiedyed5315]

Fascinating! Nice job with the composite. Hearing them develop the song is almost as good as hearing the finished product. I'm quite impressed at how quickly Paul was developing the bass line.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yeah, I love what Paul did with the bass line here - completely different than the finished take. John seems to enjoy contributing on this one. Thanks for checking in, Paul!

[@fittobetiedyed5315]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Another thing I noticed about John his his "organic" approach to song creation. It appeared George was trying to force the words to come out, but John was telling him to just go with it. The whole thing seemed to be a true collaboration. Its really interesting to follow the development later in the year. George is more settled on the lyrics, but there's still a lot of "experimenting" with the music.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@fittobetiedyed5315 I agree. I have noticed John and Paul use several 'place holders' for lyrics and some of them end up staying in! John and Paul's writing sessions would only go 2-3 hours tops and Paul said they always came away with something. I think that is from just plowing forward and let the song somewhat write itself. This certainly does feel collaborative, which again flies in the face of the narratives we've been force fed for 50 years!

[@fittobetiedyed5315]

@@popgoesthe60s52 I've always believed that the narrative was sensationalism, which is a better sales hook. You don't create records like Abbey Road in a toxic atmosphere. Even Let It Be as an album has many many more high point than revisionist would have you believe.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@fittobetiedyed5315 My sentiments exactly.

[@Robutube1]

If there's a band and a moment in time that deserves this kind of granular exposition, this is it. Thanks so much Matt for taking such great care - the subtitles are hugely helpful even though I know they must take you ages to do!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yes, the transcription is a laborious task but worth it! Thanks for the comment!

[@1rwjwith]

Also note the version of the song is in the key of A at this point, on Abbey Road's final version they went to C . EITHER WAY A CLASSIC SONG FOR THE AGES. Remember also George contributed lyrics, uncredited, to Eleanor Rigby, the ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE LINE so it was not uncommon for asking for help from each other.

[@SuperGogetem]

George came up with the opening lick for "And I Love Her" on the spot as well. Uncredited, which is unfortunate.

[@zachinabox2951]

Honestly kinda prefer it in an A

[@PeterAndersons]

I am a life-long Beatle fan and you have a way of finding material I've never seen or heard. Thanks so much and glad to subscribe.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Peter! Plenty more to come.

[@Turtle152]

You can tell from John's encouragement that he likes the song. He was much less encouraging when George ran through "I Me Mine."

[@Snoopdog333333]

thank you for the insight on how John and Paul felt about the song. This was excellent!

[@scottmeli]

Matt, thank you for an informative video on the Beatles “Something” recording/rehearsal sessions. It’s very interesting to hear them work out their parts to what would become one of the most famous songs of all-time. Great work!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Scott. More to come!

[@scottmeli]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Matt, just wondering if you’ve ever done any research on Spanky & Our Gang? They had a relatively short run from 1966-69 but did some incredible vocal arrangements with up to six-part harmonies. A very underrated group that is sometimes forgotten. Thanks and I really enjoy your work!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@scottmeli yes I will be tackling Spanky and our Gang soon so stay tuned!

[@scottmeli]

@@popgoesthe60s52 That’s great news, looking forward to it. Thanks Matt.

[@ghoppr71]

One of my favorite Beatle songs. It's amazing to hear it as it's literally being born from the minds of all of them. Brilliant.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks for the comment, Jeff!

[@mwheeler138]

I just remembered the KZbinr he had on. It was Mike Pachelli who has a cool series of videos showcasing the genius of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison on their instruments. SATB also had Erin Torkelson Weber on to talk about her wonderful book. I was pleased to hear you bring it up. It's a must for any diehard Beatles fan who is interested in their history and how it was shaped throughout the years.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yes, Pachelli is very good and I have watched several of his videos. Tork-Web's book is so essential, I was happy to be able to give it some visibility.