It Feels So Right Now

The second song on the second side of the second LP/CD was entitled "Hold Me Tight". This particular track first saw the light of day earlier in the year 1963 - in fact it was properly recorded for the "Please Please Me" LP and several takes (13 all together) were attempted including edit pieces. The song was complete and ready to be contained on the first LP/CD until the track list was put together and it was decided that "Hold Me Tight" would be surplus and it never appeared in this version. The original February 11 1963 recording of "Hold Me Tight" has never been released. Supposedly, the tape of this version has disappeared.

So, the song was re-recorded for the second LP/CD "With The Beatles". The entire song was once again attempted on Thursday September 12 1963. It took nine takes to perfect the song (takes 20-29) and the officially released version is an edit of takes 26 and 29.

"Hold Me Tight" was another original Lennon/McCartney composition mainly written by Paul. I like the chromatic aspect of the guitars and it a nice rocker. I've read several books on the Beatles and most critics will see this song as one of the weaker tracks from the second LP/CD although I find the song quite attractive. It's very "punky" in a way - very aggresive and the guitars chug along quite nicely. The harmonies could have used a bit of improvement and I would have liked to have heard the song played slightly faster. BUT...who am I to criticize such a successful musical act? Just minor quibbles on my part.

"Hold Me Tight" was edited and mixed for mono on September 30 1963 and mixed for stereo on October 29 1963. There are a few outtakes of this recording as well as another song "Dont' Bother Me" recorded on the same reel and on the same day.

"Hold Me Tight" is available on the UK Parlophone LP/CD "With The Beatles"; the Capitol of Canada 6000 series LP "Beatlemania: With The Beatles" as well as the US Capitol LP/CD "Meet The Beatles".

Sadly, the song was never performed live nor was it ever performed for BBC radio.