Get Back
Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2021 1:51 pm
Any GGFbros check out the new Beatles documentary Get Back? I love the Beatles, but I'm not an overly obsessed fan - you know the type! We checked out the first episode after the turkey last night, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Some of my takeaways:
They weren't as virtuosic as I had originally believed. They hammered away at new tunes and arrangements just like any band does, and it takes awhile for them to take shape. George talks about how Eric Claptons ability to improvise carries the tunes he plays in, and is something George doesn't feel he's very good at. Non-band members lended some pretty significant ideas, changes, and influence during the writing of those tunes.
The communication between them was interesting especially as they ran into typical songwriting obstacles, never an increase in volume, no personal attacks, subtle jabs maybe, but definitely some hurt feelings.
Even though it's when I feel they produced their best material, the band really became sort of lost after Epstein died. They referred to him as "daddy".
You can feel the weight of what they became weighing on each of them. George was over being the odd man out to the Lennon / McCartney writing powerhouse. Paul was reluctant to take on a leadership role, but knew it was necessary. John is nearly completely unplugged and distracted at this point, with this shadowy black figure constantly hanging off his shoulder or seated as close as humaly possible to him. Ringo looks tired, and just wants it all to work out.
Interesting to see how these Let it Be tunes came together. Some oldies from their teen days - it's mentioned a few times how John and Paul "aren't really working together anymore". Some stuff fully written out, lyrics and chord charts done - most of George's ideas. Some stuff fully improvised - watching Paul come up with Get Back out of thin air reintroduced the virtuoso idea for me, that was amazing, and probably the highlight of that first episode.
Pretty cool to see each them move around and play different instruments, again the virtuoso thing. Ringo being the exception, but even still, he's always there working, drumming, singing, and clapping.
Just the sight of Yoko Ono makes my face turn sour. She's like one of those remora fish that are permanently attached to a shark's belly. Needy. Pathetic. Leech. Pariah. Succubus. Take your pick.
Gear-wise it's fairly run of the mill Fender (who made the band pay for their gear!) amps - Bassman, Twin Reverb, John's Epi Casino, Paul's Hofner violin bass, and George is playing a Les Paul, Gibson and Fender acoustics, and a Bass VI.
Spoiler Alert: Didn't know George left the band in those days, or that the Beatles discussed having Clapton take his spot. Can you imagine the Beatles with Clapton???
Some of my takeaways:
They weren't as virtuosic as I had originally believed. They hammered away at new tunes and arrangements just like any band does, and it takes awhile for them to take shape. George talks about how Eric Claptons ability to improvise carries the tunes he plays in, and is something George doesn't feel he's very good at. Non-band members lended some pretty significant ideas, changes, and influence during the writing of those tunes.
The communication between them was interesting especially as they ran into typical songwriting obstacles, never an increase in volume, no personal attacks, subtle jabs maybe, but definitely some hurt feelings.
Even though it's when I feel they produced their best material, the band really became sort of lost after Epstein died. They referred to him as "daddy".
You can feel the weight of what they became weighing on each of them. George was over being the odd man out to the Lennon / McCartney writing powerhouse. Paul was reluctant to take on a leadership role, but knew it was necessary. John is nearly completely unplugged and distracted at this point, with this shadowy black figure constantly hanging off his shoulder or seated as close as humaly possible to him. Ringo looks tired, and just wants it all to work out.
Interesting to see how these Let it Be tunes came together. Some oldies from their teen days - it's mentioned a few times how John and Paul "aren't really working together anymore". Some stuff fully written out, lyrics and chord charts done - most of George's ideas. Some stuff fully improvised - watching Paul come up with Get Back out of thin air reintroduced the virtuoso idea for me, that was amazing, and probably the highlight of that first episode.
Pretty cool to see each them move around and play different instruments, again the virtuoso thing. Ringo being the exception, but even still, he's always there working, drumming, singing, and clapping.
Just the sight of Yoko Ono makes my face turn sour. She's like one of those remora fish that are permanently attached to a shark's belly. Needy. Pathetic. Leech. Pariah. Succubus. Take your pick.
Gear-wise it's fairly run of the mill Fender (who made the band pay for their gear!) amps - Bassman, Twin Reverb, John's Epi Casino, Paul's Hofner violin bass, and George is playing a Les Paul, Gibson and Fender acoustics, and a Bass VI.
Spoiler Alert: Didn't know George left the band in those days, or that the Beatles discussed having Clapton take his spot. Can you imagine the Beatles with Clapton???
