Saturday, March 23, 2019

"Oo You" from McCartney

"Oo You" is the first track on side two of the Apple LP "McCartney", Paul's first self made solo LP. This track was developed as an instrumental at his home in St. John's wood probably over the month of January 1970 which included himself recording guitar, drums and bass.
The tape was brought over to Morgan Studios in London whereby Paul thought up some lyrics after a lunch break and overdubbed the vocals when the tape was being transferred at the studio from four track (at home) to eight track (at the Studio).Also added were some percussion instruments, "more guitar" as well as the vocals.
The song was mixed for stereo on or slightly before February 20 1970. As far as I know, it has not been performed live. A great rocker !!

Saturday, March 16, 2019

"Blue Turning Grey Over You" for Ringo

Both Ringo's first solo LP "Sentimental Journey" and Paul's first solo LP "McCartney" were simultaneous in their recordings. Paul was conducting sessions at home, in Morgan Studios and at EMI Studios in London while Ringo was also in EMI Studios during the same month (February 1970) but not at the same time in the same place.
"Blue Turning Grey Over You" was written by "Fats" Waller and a hit for the song was by Louis Armstrong. This song was arranged by Oliver Nelson for Ringo to sing on his "Sentimental Journey" Apple LP. A demo of the song for Ringo was recorded at EMI Abbey Road number 2 at the end of November (28) 1969. Six days later on December 04 1969 at EMI Studio 1. A 17 piece orchestra was recorded and according to studio records, nine takes were produced with the last being best.
Next, Ringo's vocals were added to the backing track. His vocals included a bit of scat singing as well.
Fast forward to February 24 1970 (the same date McCartney was recording "Hot As Sun" at Morgan Studios) and Ringo added more vocals onto the backing track at EMI Studios. Ringo's vocals were layered and edited using six reduction mixes. In total, seven stereo mixes were completed to satisfaction by all. The song was released on the Apple LP/CD "Sentimental Journey".

Friday, March 1, 2019

"Man We Was Lonely" Session

The last song on side one of the Apple LP/CD "McCartney" is entitled "Man, We Was Lonely". This song was written by Paul and Linda the morning of February 25 1970 allegedly "in bed" and the lyrics to the song were completed during the lunch hour when the song was recorded at Studio 2 in EMI Abbey Road Studios all on the same day.
It was the last song to be recorded for the LP and started off with acoustic guitar and some guide vocal, the perfection of lyrics and then overdubs including a bass drum, bass guitar, and a "steel guitar" effect whereby Paul used a tuning peg on a Fender Telecaster. The vocals were dubbed onto all this. This is a duet by Paul and Linda with Linda supplying harmonies.
The song was written, recorded and mixed in stereo on the same day (Feb. 25/1970) and the overdubs were put onto take 12 of the song.  Shades of "Instant Karma" with all aspects of the song from writing to mixing in one day.