The next song on side three or disc two of the Apple 2-LP/2-CD "The Beatles" (White Album) is an original Lennon/McCartney composition written mainly by Paul entitled "Mother Nature's Son". This song was inspired by a lecture conducted by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during The Beatles' stay in India. The song also expresses Paul McCartney's love for nature as evidenced throughout the years.
The recording for the song commenced on Friday August 09 1968 at EMI studio two. There were 25 takes of the basic track with Paul on vocal and acoustic guitar. The commercial take used on the recording ended up being take 24. Take 2 of these performances can be heard on the Apple/EMI 3-LP/2-CD "Anthology 3".
The overdubs for the song were conducted on Tuesday August 20 1968 at EMI studio three. First off, overdubs were all done by Paul and included the recording of a bass drum and a timpani which were located in the hallway of the studios with the microphones placed at one end of the hallway while the percussion was placed at the other end of the hallway giving the natural reverb sound. Also added to the song were a second acoustic guitar and a second vocal, all by Paul McCartney. Once this was completed all four tracks of the machine were filled thereby giving the song two reduction attempts bringing the song from take 24 to take 26. Finally, a brass section was brought in and overdubs of the brass were added on the now empty track. The brass consisted of two trumpets and two trombones. Very English, indeed !!
During the same session, once the recording was completed, eight attempts at a mono mix were completed as well. The sixth mono mix attempt can be heard on the Swinging Pig "Unsurpassed Masters Volume 04 (CD)". The eighth mono mix attempt is the commercial version.
The stereo mix for "Mother Nature's Son" was completed in two attempts from the control room of EMI Studio two on October 12 1968.
"Mother Nature's Son" is available on the Apple 2-LP/2-CD "The Beatles" (White Album).
"Mother Nature's Son" has been performed live by Paul McCartney during his "New World Tour" and an example of the performance can be found on the EMI 2-LP disc "Back in The World".
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