Why, Tell Me Why, Did You Not Treat Me Right.

The next song on the Beatles' Parlophone UK LP "Rubber Soul" is a ditty that is an original Lennon/McCartney composition and is mainly written by Paul entitled "I'm Looking Through You". This tune was inspired by a spat between Paul McCartney and his then-girlfriend Jane Asher.

The recording of this song started on Sunday October 24 1965 at EMI studio two. This backing track was recorded in one take with the usual drums, bass and acoustic while the addition of vocals, organ and percussion were undertaken as overdubs. It must be noted that this earlier take does not have the middle eight as it had not been written at this time. This version of the song did not satisfy the Beatles and the song was re-made. This particular version has existed on bootlegs for years and can be heard on the Untra Rare Trax Volume one set on CD. This version was also considered for the track listing of the EMI compilation "Sessions" but was ultimately scrapped along with the entire project. Finally, this version was officially released on the Apple 3-LP/2-CD "Anthology 2'.

The second version of "I'm Looking Through You" was recorded on Saturday November 06 1965 once again in EMI studio two. This version was attempted with two more takes of the backing track yet this version was never used. It remains unreleased as far as I know.

Finally, four days later on November 10 1965 at EMI studio two, the Beatles completed the fourth and final take of "I'm Looking Through You" that ended up with everyone satisfied. The overdubbed Paul vocal and the backing John vocal (along with Ringo's organ attacks) were done the next day on November 11 1965 at the usual studio two.

The mono mix and the stereo mix were both done on November 15 1965 from the control room of studio one. The North American version of "Rubber Soul" has the extended intro with a couple of false starts on acoustic guitar that is not available on the UK version of the LP. Also, the mono mix of "I'm Looking Through You" has a longer fade out than the stereo mix.

"I'm Looking Through You" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" and is also found on the North American Capitol LP/CD "Rubber Soul".

"I'm Looking Through You" was never performed live.

Was She Told When She Was Young

The second song on side two of the Parlophone UK LP "Rubber Soul" or the ninth song on the CD version of the same was an original Lennon/McCartney composition written mainly by John entitled "Girl" supposedly about a dream girl Lennon had in mind. It's a mainly acoustic number and almost Russian sounding with a minor-major chord verse and a doo-wop type chorus. Interestingly, the Beatles arrangement plays around a bit with deep inhaling during the chorus and Paul and George singing the word "tit" over and over during the middle eight - probably some sort of inside joke. Maybe they were just in a nasty mood. This song was recorded during a marathon 13 hour session as it was late in the game and the LP was due to be delivered in the stores very soon. It's amazing that "Rubber Soul" is regarded as such a major work by the Beatles and one of the best albums and yet the whole thing was rushed with a lot of tunes being written rather quickly including "Girl".

"Girl" was recorded on Thursday November 11 1965 and two takes were required to complete the backing track. The instrumentation for the basic track was bass, drums, acoustic and overdubs included the vocals and backing vocals, the "russian" sounding stacatto acoustic near the end and some extra cymbal work by Ringo.

"Girl" was mixed for both mono and stereo on Monday November 15 1965 from the control room of Studio One. Another stereo mix (or maybe just an embellishment) was conducted in the 1980s for the release of the official 1987 CD release of "Rubber Soul". The difference is a touch of reverb to the song. This "mix" can also be found on the remastered mono set as a bonus track.

"Girl" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well as the North American Capitol version of the LP/CD "Rubber Soul". The song is also featured in the Apple 2-LP/2-CD "The Beatles 1962-1966" and the EMI/Capitol compilation 2-LP "Love Songs".

"Girl" was never performed live. As an interesting aside, "Girl" was almost released as a single during the release of the 2-LP "Love Songs" project but it was scrapped - although some picture sleeves exist. It was to be backed with "You're Going To Lose That Girl" from the "Help!" soundtrack. The catalogue number would have been Capitol 4506. Promotional discs and labels do exist with "Girl" in mono on one side and stereo on the flip side (Capitol P-4506).

The Other Day I Saw You

The song that opens side two of the "Rubber Soul" LP (UK version) OR the eight song from the Parlophone UK LP/CD is a Lennon/McCartney/ Starkey original entitled "What Goes On". This tune is sung by Ringo and is his featured song for the LP. This tune was also released as the B side to "Nowhere Man" in the north American market. Original Capitol pressings indicate that the composers are John Lennon - Paul McCartney and omit the Starkey credit.

The original intention for "What Goes On" was for it to be recorded back on March 50 1963. This was the same session for the "From Me To You/ Thank You Girl / One After 909" series of recordings. "What Goes On" was never attempted in March 1963 and was revived for the "Rubber Soul" sessions (October/November 1965) due to the fact that time was running out and the LP was due at the beginning of December 1965. Therefore, the actual recording took place on Thursday November 04 1965 at EMI studio two. The basic track was again recorded in only one take although I'm sure a lot of rehearsal and arrangement was certainly pre-planned. Overdubs for "What Goes On" included Ringo's vocal, backing vocals and some lead guitar from George Harrison.

"What Goes On" was mixed for mono and stereo on the same day which was Tuesday November 09 1965 from room 65 at EMI studios. The guitar solo at the very end of the song (the last tag) is more complete on the stereo mix rather than the mono mix. Although another stereo mix was produced for the CD version, there is little difference between the original stereo mix and the CD mix. In fact, the original stereo mix has a slightly wider stereo picture than the CD mix.

"What Goes On" can be found on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well as the North American Capitol LP "Yesterday...And Today". It was also released as a single with "Nowhere Man" as the B side (Capitol 5587 on February 21 1966).

"What Goes On" was never performed live.

Sont Des Mots Qui Vont Tres Bien Ensemble

The seventh song on the Parlophone UK LP "Rubber Soul" was a classic ballad written by Lennon/McCartney and written mainly by Paul entitled "Michelle". This tune was another McCartney ballad that was densely covered by other artists. I believe (although I could be wrong) that it's probably up there with "Yesterday" and "Something" as one of the most covered Beatles songs. It was inspired by the fact that Paul McCartney would on occasion go to parties or get togethers with others in the early days and he would try to impress people by sitting with a guitar and doing a mock french tune and entertain. This idea was expanded and the song "Michelle" was born. The french translation was done by Jan Vaughn (who was related to Paul's childhood friend Ivan Vaughn from Liverpool). This song was very popular when Paul McCartney played in Quebec City, Canada July 2008.

The whole song was recorded in one session in one take (although I'm sure there was considerable time rehearsing and arrangement the song before a proper take was conducted ). Acoustic guitar, bass, drums, Paul vocal and lead guitar filled up the four track tape. A tape reduction took place where the four tracks were reduced to three in order to allow the backing vocals and a second acoustic to be added. Once this overdub was completed , the recording was finished. All this took place on Wednesday November 03 1965 at EMI studio two.

"Michelle" was mixed for mono and then for stereo on the same day: Tuesday November 09 1965 from room 65 at EMI studios. For whatever reason, "Michelle" was once again mixed for mono six days later on November 15 1965. The first mono mix was used on the North American version of "Rubber Soul" (T-2442) while the second mono mix was used on the UK version of "Rubber Soul" (PMC 1267). You can hear the difference in the length of the song. The North American version is longer than the UK version.

"Michelle" appears on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well as the North American Capitol LP/CD "Rubber Soul". The song is also featured on the compilation Parlophone UK LP: "A Collection of Beatles Oldies". It also appears on the Apple 2-LP/2-CD "The Beatles 1962-1966" and on the EMI/Capitol compilation 2-LP "Love Songs" and on the Parlophone/Capitol UK/Canadian compilation LP "The Beatles Ballads".

"Michelle" won a grammy award the year after release. It was never performed live by the Beatles as a group. It was performed by Paul McCartney during 1993 New World Tour. A version can be heard on the EMI 2-LP/CD "Paul is Live'.

I'm Here To Show Everybody The Light

The sixth song on the Parlophone UK LP "Rubber Soul" is an original Lennon/McCartney composition written mainly by John entitled "The Word". In case you haven't heard, the word is "Love". This is a fast blues number with some really rockin' bass lines and great drumming from Ringo. The harmonium in the song is played by George Martin.

The recording of "The Word" took place on Wednesday November 10 1965 at EMI studio two. The basic track was perfected in three takes. Mainly the drums, guitar and Paul on piano. Overdubs included bass, vocals and backing vocals, maracas, lead guitar and falsetto vocals as well as the aforementioned harmonium.

The next day on Thursday November 11 1965, "The Word" was mixed for both mono and stereo from room 65 at EMI. Four days later on November 15 1965, the tune was mixed for a second time in stereo. One stereo mix was used for the North American version of "Rubber Soul" while the other stereo mix was used for the UK version of the album of the same name.

The difference in the stereo mixes shows John's vocals double tracked in the verses for the North American version while the UK version had John's vocals single tracked in the same spot. There was also another mix done in the 1980's for the CD release but there is not too much difference in the mix other than the fact that the instruments are brought slightly closer to the center of the stereo spectrum. This 1980's mix can be found on the stereo CDs and the original stereo mix can be found on the remastered version of the "Rubber Soul" mono CD as a bonus track.

This "peace and love" song can be found on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well as the North American Capitol LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well.

"The Word" was never performed live by The Beatles.

Go Where You're Going To

The next (and fifth) song from the Parlophone UK LP "Rubber Soul" is also the first George Harrison composition from the LP. It's a great tune entitled "Think For Yourself". It also features a very melodic bass line played through a fuzz box by Paul.

The song was recorded in one take (actually, the basic track was recorded in one take and various overdubs were performed over it). This took place on Monday November 08 1965 at EMI Studio two. The original title for the song was thought up later and at first was entitled "Won't Be There With You" although the change occurred during the recording session to it's inevitable current title. The original line up of instruments for the basic track consisted of Ringo on drums, Paul on regular bass, John and George on electric guitars. Overdubs include the fuzz bass, piano tambourine and the vocals.

"Think For Yourself" was mixed for mono and stereo the next day from room 65 at EMI studio on Abbey Road. The song was also re-mixed for the Apple LP/CD "Yellow Submarine Soundtrack" with the main vocal and rhythm track centered while the back vocals stay left and the piano and fuzz bass stay right. There are no main differences between the original mono and stereo mix as well as the CD remix.

It's interesting to note that a vocal rehearsal was taped on the same night as the recording session. This half hour tape exists and was kept due to the fact that it may have originally been used to issue as part of the Beatles' Third Christmas Record (The Christmas records will be discussed in a later post). Part of the harmony vocal rehearsal is available on the Apple film "Yellow Submarine" as the Beatles land in Pepperland and use a few seconds from this tape as a soundtrack foliage to help the Lord Mayor of Pepperland out of his Apple bonkered Apple trap (Don't ask, you gotta see the film!). A little more than fifteen minutes of this session rehearsal tape can also be heard on the Swinging Pig CD "Unsurpassed Masters Vol. 07".

"Think For Yourself" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well as the North American Capitol Records version of "Rubber Soul". It is also featured on the Parlophone/Capitol/Music for Pleasure LP/CD "The Best of George Harrison". Finally, it also appears in the above mentioned re-mixed version on the Apple LP/CD "Yellow Submarine Songtrack".

The song was never performed live by the Beatles.

Isn't He A Bit Like You And Me

The next selection from the Parlophone UK LP "Rubber Soul" is another original Lennon/McCartney composition written mainly by John entitled "Nowhere Man". The inspiration for the song came upon Lennon while he was at home in England (Kenwood) and he was trying to come up with a song. He couldn't think of anything and it occurred to him that he was going nowhere. This led to him thinking of himself as a "Nowhere Man". This tune has a social type message to it and the Beatles were by now distancing themselves from the Love song mode and expanding their ideas with lyrics exploring various different themes. "Nowhere Man" features exquisite Beatles harmonies from John Paul and George and very nice background vocals with John singing the lead. George Harrison and John Lennon turn out a very tasty guitar solo using thier powder blue Fender Strats and doubling up on the solo lines.

The first recording of "Nowhere Man" occurred on October 21 1965 (a Thursday) at EMI studio two. There were two takes of the basic track. The first take was a breakdown and the second take was simply a rhythm track with a high-register vocal intro (Lewisohn P.65). A re-make of "Nowhere Man" was recorded the next day on Friday October 22 1965 again at EMI studio two. The Beatles recorded three takes (numbered 3 to 5) of the basic track and vocals were added onto take four.

"Nowhere Man" was mixed for mono three days after the completion of the recording on October 25 1965 from the control room of studio two. The next day on October 26 1965 once again from the control room of studio two, the song was mixed for stereo. There are three various stereo mixes of "Nowhere Man" available out there: the first is the original mix, the second is a 1987 mix that pulls in the vocals and guitar solo from extreme panning to right or left of center, and the third mix that is contained on the Yellow Submarine songtrack which features the rhythm track in the center, a vocal left and the rest right.

"Nowhere Man" was released as a single with the tune as the A-side (Capitol 5587). This single was released only in North America on February 21 1966. "Nowhere Man" was also released as an EP in the UK (Parlophone GEP 8952) and features four songs from the "Rubber Soul" LP. This EP was released on July 08 1966.

"Nowhere Man" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" and on the North American Capitol LP "Yesterday...And Today". It is also on the Apple 2-LP/2-CD "The Beatles 1962-1966" as well as the UK Parlophone and Canadian Capitol LP "The Beatles Ballads". The third stereo mix of "Nowhere Man" is available on the Apple LP/CD "Yellow Submarine Soundtrack" while the second stereo mix is available on the original "Rubber Soul" 1987 CD as well as the remaster. The mono remastered "Rubber Soul" also contains the original stereo mix from 1965 as a bonus track.

"Nowhere Man" was performed live during the December 1965 UK tour as well as the 1966 world tour.

Your Line's Engaged.

The third song on side one of the UK Parlophone LP "Rubber Soul" is an original Lennon/McCartney composition mainly written by Paul entitled "You Won't See Me". This track (in my opinion) is probably one of the weakest tracks of the collection. The subject matter is surprisingly negative for a "Paul" song - although not the only one from these sessions - and the tempo actually and very slightly slows down as it approaches the end and fades out. This tune sounds like it was very quickly written and I'm sure that if there would have been more time to record this LP (the Beatles were on a very tight schedule for "Rubber Soul") the song may have changed or have been improved on. Speculation on my part, for sure.

"You Won't See Me" was recorded during a thirteen hour marathon session on November 11 1965 at EMI studio two. The basic track was recorded as two takes. The line up of instruments for this track consist of piano, bass, guitar and drums/tambourine. A fairly straightforward recording. Vocals were overdubbed.

"You Won't See Me" was mixed for mono and stereo three days later on November 15 1965 from the control room of studio one. The mono mix has a longer fade than the stereo mix. Although the original stereo mix had very wide separation, the 1987 and remastered CD stereo mix has the vocals panned more to the center to balance.

"You Won't See Me" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well as the North American Capitol LP/CD "Rubber Soul". The original stereo mix from vinyl can be found on the remastered mono "Rubber Soul" CD as a bonus track. A bit of a "deep track".

This song was never performed live.

So, I Lit A Fire, Isn't It Good?

The next song on the Parlophone UK LP "Rubber Soul" is definitely a highlight of the album. The second tune on side one is an original Lennon/McCartney composition written mainly by John. The song is about an affair that happened between Lennon and another woman. The emotion of the affair inspired the lyrics to the song entitled "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)".

The song was originally known only as "This Bird Has Flown" and the song was first attempted at the recording session held on Tuesday October 12 1965 at EMI studio two. There was only one take of the basic track but the song had been heavily worked on before hand. The unusual instrumentation of the song consisted of an acoustic guitar, bass, sitar, finger cymbals, tambourine and maracas. John Lennon's vocals were double tracked and Paul added a harmony vocal in the middle eight parts. All this for nothing because the recording (as it stood) was not released during the Beatles' career. The Beatles decided to re-make the song. This version of "This Bird Has Flown" was eventually released commercially (although it has appeared on bootleg in the late 80s on "Ultra Rare Trax, Volume 5/6") on the Apple 2-CD/3-LP "Anthology 2".

The song was re-made and re-recorded later in the month on October 21 1965 once again at EMI Studio Two. The song was now entitled "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" and three takes were conducted. The takes were numbered 2 to 4. Take 4 was the commercial version on the album. The instrumentation was similar to the previous recording session with acoustic guitars, John and Paul's vocals, bass, bass drum, tambourine and the double tracked sitar played by George Harrison. This was the first time a sitar had been featured on the rock song in the 1960s. All of the previous takes of the song are played in the key of "D" with the exception of the final take (take 4) where the song is played one tone higher in the key of "E". Take 2 is available on the excellent bootleg "Turn Me On, Dead Man".

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" was mixed for mono four days later on October 25 1965 from the control room of studio two. The song was mixed for stereo the next day on October 26 1965 again from the control room of studio two. It should be noted that the mono mix of the song contains an audible cough during the first bridge that is not present in the stereo mix.

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well as the North American Capitol LP/CD "Rubber Soul". It is also featured on the Apple 2-LP/2-CD package "The Beatles 1962-1966" as well as the EMI/Capitol double LP "Love Songs" and the UK and Canada EMI/Capitol LP release "The Beatles Ballads"

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird has Flown)" was never performed live.

I've Got No Car And It's Breaking My Heart

The first song on side one of the Beatles sixth UK Parlophone LP is the very funky and original "Drive My Car". This is an original Lennon/McCartney tune and is written mainly by Paul. The odd time signature at the very beginning of the song is very hard to comprehend and to "feel" in my view. It's almost as if it's a screwed up edit but it's really not. "Drive My Car" was not only the first song on the record, but it was the first mainly McCartney-written song to be recorded.

The recording session for "Drive My Car" took place on Wednesday October 13 1965. The basic track was recorded first and it took four takes to perfect. There were various overdubs including a cowbell, another guitar - the guitar solo - tambourine - piano - vocal and John and Paul and joined by George. This recording session has the distinction of being the first Beatles recording session to go past the midnight hour. Over the rest of their career, the Beatles NOT recording past the midnight hour would have been an exception rather than the rule.

"Drive My Car" was mixed for mono on Monday October 25 1965 from the control room of studio two. The next day on October 26 1965, "Drive My Car" was mixed for stereo at the same location as the mono mix. For some strange reason, most of the tunes on the UK "Rubber Soul" LP have an extreme left/right separation and do not have much in the middle of the stereo spectrum. Therefore, when the LP was released on CD for the first time in 1987, George Martin had re-mixed the song in order to have the vocals a little more centered. The original 1965 stereo mix can be found on the 2009 remastered mono "Rubber Soul" as a bonus track (along with all of the other tracks from the LP with their original 1965 stereo mixes).

"Drive My Car" can be found as the opening track on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Rubber Soul" as well as the opening track for the North American Capitol LP "Yesterday...And Today". The song is also featured on the Apple 2-LP/2-CD "The Beatles 1962-1966" as well as the EMI/Capitol 2-LP compilation "Rock 'N' Roll Music".

"Drive My Car" was not performed live by the Beatles was has been the opening song for a lot of Paul McCartney solo shows.

She's A Big Teaser

The flip side of the double-A single released on December 03 1965 in the UK (Parlophone 5389) and released three days later on December 06 1965 in the US (Capitol 5555) was an original Lennon/McCartney composition mainly written by John but only by a hair is entitled "Day Tripper". This tune contains a great riff and is the first Beatles song to contain an intentional drug reference. You see, a "Day Tripper" is mainly a part-time hippie. Get it? Anyway, a great riff and an excellent example of finely written rock and roll on the part of Messrs. Lennon and McCartney. It has been said that this was a "forced" writing due to the fact that time was running out and the songwriters were under pressure to be creative and eventually write something for the single. Not bad for a "rush job"!!

The basic rhythm track for "Day Tripper" was recorded on Saturday October 16 1965 at EMI studio two and it took three takes to perfect. The first take breaks down during the middle section and the second take breaks down during the first verse when someone switches chords too early. The third take is the keeper and the vocals as well as a second guitar and tambourine were overdubbed. All this was done in one day. The early takes of the song can be heard on bootleg (the vinyl version of "Ultra Rare Trax Volumes 3/4 on the "Swinging Pig" label).

A stereo mix for "Day Tripper" was conducted on October 26 1965 from the control room of studio two. This was a rarity as usually the mono mix would have been attempted first. This stereo mix was used mainly in the North American market. Three days later on October 29 1965, the song was mixed for mono as released on the single and monaural LPs. This mix was also conducted from studio two. Finally, a stereo mix (with more echo on the voices) was conducted a year later on November 10 1966 from room 65 at EMI studios essentially for the "A Collection of Beatles Oldies" UK LP on Parlophone. All mixes of the song feature a severe muting of the guitar and the tambourine during the last verse. This error is on all of the mixes listed above and the error was fixed in 2000 during work on the Apple 2-LP/CD "1".

"Day Tripper" appears not only as a single, but is available on the North American Capitol LP "Yesterday...and Today", the UK Parlophone LP "A Collection of Beatles Oldies", the Apple 2-LP/2-CD "The Beatles 1962-1966", the EMI/Parlophone LP "20 Greatest Hits" (UK version only), the Apple 2-LP/CD "1", the Apple/EMI 2-LP "Past Masters Volume 1 and 2" and the CD version "Past Masters Volume Two" as well as the remastered Apple 2-CD "Mono Masters" and the Apple remastered "Past Masters".

"Day Tripper" was mimed for the Granada television special "The Music of Lennon and McCartney" as well as being performed during the December 1965 UK tour and during the world tour of 1966.

Did they really say: "She's A Prick Teaser"?

Life Is Very Short

On December 03 1965 in the UK and December 06 1965 in the US two things happened. The new Beatles LP was released with the title being "Rubber Soul". The other thing was a new double A-side single released at the same time as the LP: "We Can Work It Out/Day Tripper". This post will be looking at "We Can Work It Out". This tune was an original Lennon/McCartney number mainly written by Paul with the middle eight section written by John. The contrast in lyrics show the optimism of Paul's encouragment for the verses with John's slightly more downbeat, quick response : "Life Is Very Short and There's No Time for Fussing and Fighting My Friend". This contrast is often used as an example of the different composing directions of the two songwriters (along with the contrast in "Getting Better" which is also often cited).

"We Can Work It Out" is an acoustic type number with a three/four middle and prominent harmonium played by John Lennon in this case. The song was first recorded on Wednesday October 20 1965 at EMI studio two. The basic track for the song was recorded in two takes. The first take broke down during the second bridge but the second take was perfect. The overdub of vocals and the harmonium completed the session. The tambourine was played by George on the original basic track. A version of take 1 is available on the vinyl bootleg: "Ultra Rare Trax Volumes 3 and 4".

The first mono mix for "We Can Work It Out" was conducted from the control room of Studio two on October 28 1965. This mix was used for the television special "The Music of Lennon and McCartney" in order for the Beatles to mime to this. Once this mix was complete, it was realized that more vocals were needed.

Therefore, the Beatles returned to the studio the next day on October 29 1965 and added some more of Paul's lead vocal and more harmonium. The song was completed and two mono mixes were made: one for the vinyl record and one for the upcoming television special mentioned above. There were also two stereo mixes made of "We Can Work It Out": both stereo mixes were done on November 10 1965 from room 65 at EMI studios. The first stereo mix was completed for the North American market; the other stereo mix was used for the UK. The UK stereo mix was eventually replaced by a new stereo mix re-done a year later on November 10 1966 from room 65 at EMI studios. The difference can be heard in the placement of the harmonium: the US has it placed in the center of the stereo spectrum while the UK version has the instrument placed on the right of the stereo spectrum.

As well as being released as a single in the UK (Parlophone R 5389) and in North America (Capitol 5555), "We Can Work It Out" is available on the North American Capitol LP "Yesterday...and Today" as well as the Parlophone UK LP "A Collection of Beatles Oldies". The song is also featured on the Apple 2-LP/2-CD "The Beatles 1962-1966", it is also on the EMI/Capitol LP: "20 Greatest Hits (both UK and North American versions)", the Apple 2-LP/CD "1" as well as the EMI/Parlophone/Apple 2-LP "Past Masters Volume 1 and 2" as well as it's CD counterpart "Past Masters Volume 2" and finally on Apple 2-CD "Mono Masters" and the stereo remastered "Past Masters" series.

As well as being mimed by the Beatles for "The Music of Lennon and McCartney" on the Granada television in the UK, the Beatles also performed this song for their short December 1965 UK tour.

The subject matter of the song was supposedly inspired by Jane Asher (Paul's girlfriend at the time).

Rubber Soul

And now we start a new phase in the recording history of the Beatles. This is was I consider to be the "second phase" of the recording career. The first phase being the timeline from September 1962 when "Love Me Do" was recorded until the release of the "Help!" LP on August 06 1965. I always consider all of the above songs recorded during the early sixties to mid sixties and the "Help!" LP to be the "Early Beatles" phase.

The second phase of Beatles recordings are - to me - considered the "psychedelic" phase of the Beatles recording career. This "psychedelic" phase would be considered all tunes recorded starting October 12 1965 (the Rubber Soul sessions) until the release of the "Magical Mystery Tour" EP on December 08 1967.

The third and last phase of the Beatles recordings are what I consider the "roots rock" era which would include the recording output starting in January 1968 up until the release of the "Let It Be" LP on May 08 1970 ( all release dates and configurations are UK versions, of course ).

Anyhoo..."Rubber Soul" was released in the UK on Parlophone PMC 1267 (mono) and PCS 3075 (stereo). The UK LP was released on Friday December 03 1965. This would be the last time tha the Beatles would release two complete separte LPs of original material in one year. In 1966, only one LP was released although the other LP released in the UK was a compilation (or "greatest hits" LP). The following year (67), the release was one LP and a double EP set. In 68, only one double-LP was released while in 69, one LP and the last one released the following year in 70. It was also the last time that the Beatles would be using Norman Smith as engineer for their recording sessions. After the "Rubber Soul" sessions, Mr. Smith would be moving on and engineering for such greats as Pink Floyd, etc.

"Rubber Soul " was released in North America three days after the release of the UK version on December 06 1965. This was also available in mono and stereo. Mono being Capitol T-2442 and stereo being Capitol ST-2442.

The front and back cover of the LP features photographs by Robert Freeman. The front cover is an elongated "stretched out" type photo which was created when the photo proof was projected onto an LP sized cardboard backing - all of the sudden , the background cardboard slided slightly downward and out which created the effect. The Beatles liked the result and that is the why the front cover photo was printed. There is a difference between the colour of the "Rubber Soul" logo on the UK and North American version of the LP. The UK has a rust/dark,dark reddish tint while the North American version has a brown tint of the front logo.

The UK version of "Rubber Soul" contained fourteen songs in it's configuration. The North American version contained twelve songs in it's configuration. In the posts ahead, I'll be looking at each individual song as well as the double A-side single that was released on the same day as the LP. "We Can Work It Out/Day Tripper" was released December 03 1965 (UK) and December 06 1965 (North America).

Put Your Little Hand In Mine

The final song on the second sountrack Parlophone UK LP/CD "Help!" is a cover tune entitled "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" that was originally written and performed by the great Larry Williams. The recording of this song and another Larry Williams song "Bad Boy" were recorded especially for the North American market upon request by Capitol Records. The Beatles being obligatory to the fact decided to pull out these two songs since they did not have any original material ready to record at this time. Both songs ended up on the Capitol version of "Beatles VI" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" ended up on the UK "Help!" LP as well. "Bad Boy" was eventually released in the UK but this will be discussed in a later post. Now...back to "Dizzy Miss Lizzy".

The song was recorded on Monday May 10 1965 at EMI Studio Two. Two takes were completed and the song was left as is and marked "best". The Beatles went away and worked on other things until returning to the song in order to improve upon it. The Beatles than performed another five takes until arriving to take 7 which was now the best take and the one that was released commercially. Overdubs for the song included the vocal by John, an additional guitar overdub by George, cowbell by Ringo and an electric piano by Paul.

Once the overdubs for "Dizzy Miss Lizzy"were completed, both mono and stereo mixes were completed and a copy of the tape sent to Capitol Records in Hollywood, California, US. All done on the same day and all completed at EMI studio two.

"Dizzy Miss Lizzy" appeared on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Help!" as well as the North American Capitol LP/CD "Beatles VI". It is also featured on the EMI/Capitol 2-LP compilation "Rock And Roll Music".

The Beatles performed "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" live during thier 1965 North American tour as well as on their tour of the UK in late 1965. A version of this can be heard on the EMI/Capitol LP "The Beatles At the Hollywood Bowl".

The Beatles performed "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" for BBC radio on their final show "The Beatles Invite You to Take a Ticket To Ride". Once broadcast in June 1965, the Beatles never recorded another live show for the BBC during their career. The BBC version of the performance can be heard on the Apple 2-LP/3-CD "Live at the BBC".

I'm Not Half The Man I Used To Be

The sixth song on the second side of the Parlophone UK LP "Help!" (or the thirteenth song from the Parlophone UK CD "Help!") is the biggie. The song was written by the original composers Lennon/McCartney and is very much mainly written by Paul. McCartney had woken up one morning out of a dream where there had been this melody in his head. A great, original melody that he played around with and chorded on the piano in the music room of the Asher house (where he was rooming at the time - his girlfriend in the mid-sixties was Jane Asher). Paul was sure that he had probably picked up the tune subconsciously somewhere during his travels and premiered the tune for anyone that happened to be around including George Martin, Dick James, the other Beatles, Alma Cogen, etc. Once he was sure that there were no other melodies similar to anything heard by everyone else's ears, he began the task of writing lyrics for the song. At this point in time, the song was tentatively entitled "Scramble Eggs" (oh my baby, how I love your legs).

It's been said that the song had been around ever since the trip to Paris in January 1964 during thier performance residency at the Olympia Theatre in France. Paul had supposedly played it on the piano that was installed in their hotel suite at the George V. It would take almost another year and a half for the Beatles to record it. McCartney eventually came up with the proper lyrics for the song while on holiday - "Yesterday". This tune is very unique as it was the first song at the time to feature only one Beatle - and it was the first song to have a group of classical musicians play on the song in the form of a string quartet. McCartney at first balked at the idea of having "stings" on the tune - as suggested by George Martin - but relented once he was assured that there would not be any syrupy vibrato style playing.

"Yesterday" was recorded on Monday June 14 1965 ( amazingly, on the same day as "I'm Down" and "I've Just Seen A Face") at EMI studio two. At this session, only Paul and his Epiphone Texan six string acoustic were recorded. The track took two takes. On the first take, you can hear Paul chatting with George Harrison about how although the song was played in the G chord fingering, the actual song would be heard in the key of F due to the fact that the acoustic guitar would be tuned down one tone. Take one also features a slight error where two lines are out of lyrical order on the second verse. Take one of this recording can be heard on the Apple 3-LP/2-CD "Anthology 2". The second take is the commercial version and is vocally perfect. The string quartet was added three days later on June 17 1965. Also on June 17 1965, another attempt at the vocal by Paul was recorded and it can be heard on the commercial version near the end of the first bridge, giving it a double tracking effect as you can hear leakage (at this point, the Beatles did not wear headphones in the studio).

"Yesterday" was mixed for mono on June 17 1965 on the same day as the string quartet and vocal overdub were added. All this took place in studio two. "Yesterday" was mixed for stereo the next day on June 18 1965 from the control room of studio two. It's incredible that the Beatles certainly "buried" the track on the Parlophone UK LP/CD placing it on side two as the second last song. "Yesterday" was featured on the UK EP of the same name (Parlophone GEP 8948) release on March 04 1966. In North America, it was released as a single on Capitol 5498 on September 13 1965. It was released as a single in the UK on March 08 1976 as Parlophone R 6013.

"Yesterday" first appeared on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Help!" and is also available on the Parlophone UK LP "A Collection of Beatles Oldies" and the North American Capitol LP "Yesterday...And Today". The song is also featured on the Apple 2-LP/2-CD "The Beatles 1962-1966" as well as on the EMI/Capitol 2-LP compilation "Love Songs". It can also be found on the EMI/Parlophone UK/Canadian LP "The Beatles Ballads" as well as the UK and North American version of the EMI/Parlophone "The Beatles 20 Greatest Hits" and the Apple 2-LP/CD "1".

"Yesterday" was perfomed live on the UK TV show "Blackpool Night Out" on August 01 1965 and the "Ed Sullivan show" in the United States on August 14 1965 (but aird almost a month later on September 12 1965). The song was also featured live on the Beatles 1966 Far Eastern and North American tour.

"Yesterday" is the most covered Beatles song of all time.

I Have Never Known The Likes Of This

The fifth song on side two of the UK LP "Help!" (or number twelve on the CD of the same) is a very nice and quick folk-rock original composition by Lennon/McCartney by the name of "I've Just Seen A Face". This was mainly written by Paul. A very acoustic and quick step type number and I can imagine all of those bluegrass bands salivating as they hear this gem. The song starts off in three-four time with the acoustic guitar playing triplets until about 10 bars into it when it becomes a two-four time and a very quick singing lyric.

The song was recorded on Monday June 14 1965 at EMI studio number two. The tune took six takes to perfect main consisting of the acoustic guitars ( six and twelve string) as well as a perfected McCartney vocal and maracas. The overdubs consisted of another McCartney vocal harmonizing with himself on the choruses and a very nice, quick George Harrison acoustic solo. This is one of those songs where there is real no middle eight per se.

"I've Just Seen A Face" was mixed for both mono and stereo on the same day. Friday June 18 1965 from the control room of studio two.

"I've Just Seen A Face" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Help!" and on the North American Capitol LP/CD "Rubber Soul".

Paul McCartney performed this tune during the American tour of 1976 with his band "Wings" and it can be heard on the EMI/Capitol 3-LP/2-CD "Wings Over America". It had a totally different arrangement when played on that particular tour.

I'll Make Bright Your Day

The next song on the second soundtrack Parlophone UK LP was an original Lennon/McCartney latin tinged type of tune entitled "Tell Me What You See". This one seems to be a collaboration of both writers but it leans towards Paul. Both John and Paul sing the song as a duet. The tune was considered for the actual film but it was relegated to the second side of the non-soundtrack songs in the end. It's a nice tune and I especially like the keyboard bit after the chorus. This electric piano was played by Paul.

"Tell Me What You See" was recorded on Thursday February 18 1965 at EMI studio two. Four takes were required to complete the basic track. Overdubs include the electric piano, a second vocal by Paul, tambourine and claves. The song was mixed for mono two days later on February 20 1965 from the control room of studio two. Finally, the song was mixed for stereo three days after the mono mix on February 23 1965 also from the control room of studio two. A pretty straightforward track.

"Tell Me What You See" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Help!" as well as the North American Capitol LP/CD "Beatles VI". It can also be found on the EMI/Capitol 2-LP compilation set "Love Songs".

"Tell Me What You See" was never performed live.

I Really Do

The next tune on the Parlophone UK soundtrack LP for the second film "Help!" is the second George Harrison original composition entitled "You Like Me Too Much". The first George Harrison composition is contained on the first side of the record and was featured in the film - it was entitled "I Need You". This has been discussed in a previous post. This second original composition was contained on the second side of the record.

"You Like Me Too Much" was recorded on Wednesday February 17 1965 at EMI studio two. The basic tracks took eight takes to perfect and there was an addition of electric piano played by John Lennon and the Steinway grand acoustic piano played by both George Martin for the introduction of the song and the same piano played by Paul McCartney for the solo and the end of the song. George Harrison also double tracked his vocals for the song with occasional back up vocals by Paul.

"You Like Me Too Much" was mixed for mono from the control room of studio two the next day Thursday February 18 1965. There was also a production acetate made of the song which means that it may have originally been slated for use in the film, but was utilized in the end. The song was mixed for stereo on February 23 1965. Another stereo mix was created in the 1980s for the release of the "Help!" CD in 1987 but I really cannot hear much of a difference from the vinyl stereo mix.

"You Like Me Too Much" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Help!" as well as the North American Capitol LP/CD "Beatles VI".

The song was never performed live.

Why Am I So Shy When I'm Beside You?

The second song on the second side of the second soundtrack LP to the second movie. The next song on the Parlophone UK version of the "Help!" soundtrack is an original Lennon/McCartney composition mainly written by John entitled "It's Only Love". It's a nice little melody and vocals are well done on this tune.

The recording of "It's Only Love" were commenced at EMI Studio two on Tuesday June 15 1965. There were six takes of the basic track recorded. Two of them were breakdowns and four were complete. An early version of the song can be heard on the Apple 3-LP/2-CD "Anthology 2". This version consists of take three edited in front of the complete take two. Three days later, on June 18 1965, "It's Only Love" was mixed for both mono and stereo. This all took place from the control room of studio two. It must be noted that the song was re-mixed for the 1987 CD release (and the remasters) in stereo although I don't really find very much difference after comparing them both.

"It's Only Love" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Help!" as well as the North American Capitol version of the LP/CD "Rubber Soul". The song is also featured on the EMI/Capitol 2-LP compilation "Love Songs".

This tune was never performed live.

We'll Make A Film About A Man That's Sad and Lonely

The last song on side one of the Parlophone UK version of the second film soundtrack "Help!" was a previously released single entitled "Ticket To Ride". This song has been discussed in a previous post.

The next side of the Parlophone UK LP (or the eighth song on the CD) begins the side which was not from the soundtrack of the film but with the other songs from the early 1965 recording sessions. First up is a cover song that was written by Johnny Russel /Voni Morrison and performed by Buck Owens and his Buckaroos. The song is entitled "Act Naturally". This was chosen for Ringo Starr to sing since the original composition by Lennon/McCartney entitled "If You've Got Trouble" originally chosen for Ringo had not panned out so this cover version was officially released instead. "If You've Got Trouble" will be discussed in a later post.

So...back to the task at hand with "Act Naturally". As previously mentioned, this was a song vehicle for Ringo to sing on the "Help!" LP (UK version) and it was recorded near the end of the sessions on Thursday June 18 1965 at EMI studio two. It took 13 takes of the basic track before vocals by Ringo (with backing vocals by Paul) to be overdubbed.

"Act Naturally" was mixed for both mono and stereo on the same day: that being June 18 1965 (which , incidentally, was Paul's 23rd birthday) from the control room of EMI studio two.

"Act Naturally" appears on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Help!" as well as the North American Capitol LP "Yesterday...And Today".

The song was performed live at some cities during the 1965 North American Tour, it was featured on the 1965 "Ed Sullivan Show" in the United States and was also performed on the 1965 UK television show "Cilla".