The Beatles
The Beatles or “The White album” as it became better known was released on 22nd November, 1968 on the fifth anniversary of their second album, With The Beatles. A total of 34 new tracks were released in 1968 and 30 were contained on this one double-LP.
Following the recording of their single “Lady Madonna” in February, the Beatles flew to Rishikesh, India for several weeks of meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during which they enjoyed a prolific period of song writing. Recording began at Abbey Road on 30th May and studio work occupied most of their time until the final session in mid October.
The colourful artwork that had adorned Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour albums was absent here. The double wallet merely had words The BEATLES embossed on the front cover. Early copies also had a individual number stamped on the front. Inside the package along with the two discs wrapped in black inner sleeves were four individual photographs of the guys and a folded poster containing a photo-collage with the lyrics to the songs on the reverse.
The Beatles was the group’s first album to appear on the Apple label. The change from Parlophone to Apple had first taken place with the release of the “Hey Jude” single in August, 1968.
Despite the fact that it was a double album it entered the UK chart at no. 1 and occupied that position for eight of the 22 weeks it spent in the chart. The US situation was even more impressive with a nine week stay in the top spot during an initial chart run of 65 weeks.
Facts
- Producer
- George Martin
- Recorded at
- Abbey Road
- Length
- 93 minutes, 35 seconds
- Orchestrations
- George Martin
- Principal Engineers
- Ken Scott & Geoff Emerick
Wikipedia
- Name
- The Beatles
- Type
- studio
- Artist
- The Beatles
- Border
- yes
- Released
- 22 November 1968
- Recorded
- 30 May – 14 October 1968, Abbey Road Studios and Trident Studios, London, England
- Genre
- Rock
- Length
- 93:35
- Language
- English
- Label
- Apple, Parlophone, EMI
- Producer
- George Martin
- Reviews
- Allmusic Rated 5/5 link BBC Rated 5/5 link Blender Rated 5/5 link NME Rated 10/10 link PopMatters Rated 9/10 link Rolling Stone Rated 5/5 Hoard, Christian (2004), p. 51. The New Rolling Stone Album Guide. Rolling Stone. Retrieved on 2008-12-31. Slant Magazine Rated 4.5/5 link Stylus Rated 5/5 link Yahoo! Music Rated 5/5 link
Recording sessions
Abbey Road Studios in 2006.The Beatles was recorded between 30 May 1968 and 14 October 1968, largely at Abbey Road Studios, with some sessions at Trident Studios. Although productive, the sessions were reportedly undisciplined and sometimes fractious, and they took place at a time when tensions were growing within the group. Concurrent with the recording of this album, The Beatles were launching their new multimedia business corporation Apple Corps, an enterprise that proved to be a source of significant stress for the band. The sessions for The Beatles marked the first appearance in the studio of Lennon's new girlfriend and artistic partner, Yoko Ono, who would thereafter be a more or less constant presence at all Beatles sessions.Harry (2000) pp108-9 Prior to Ono's appearance on the scene, the individual Beatles had been very insular during recording sessions, with influence from outsiders strictly limited. McCartney's girlfriend at the time, Francie Schwartz, was also present at some of the recording sessions.Harry (2002) pp777-78 Author Mark Lewisohn reports that The Beatles held their first and only 24-hour recording/producing session near the end of the creation of The Beatles, during which occurred the final mixing and sequencing for the album. The session was attended by Lennon, McCartney, and producer George Martin.Lewisohn (1988)
Tracks
Comments
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Think for Yourself on 23rd Jan 12:
“A weird but also a great album. It has so many great songs that you can choose. So many different styles in just one album that's almost like listening to a radio.
The dynamic of the work of the Beatles completely changed in this album because they began to do more of their "solo" stuff than really work together as a band. I think is the most interesting on this record, the different facets of each Beatle that clearly shows that even with their fights they could make a refreshing and different album like this. That's why is one of fav albums ever!” -
lovethebeatlesalot on 21st Jan 12:
“It's a great mix of twists and turns. it has great songs on it. I love it!”
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Hair peace 1969 on 3rd Jan 12:
“It's more of a collection of "solo songs" rather than the Beatles working together. the recording sessions weren't happy ones.”
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GlassOnionArchitect on 21st Dec 11:
“There is something mysterious about this album. Really taps into their genius. There are many curious aspects from hearing yoko ono singing vocals to Eric Clapton leading guitar for George on his song. Paul and John are going deeper and reaching further. It's truly a masterpiece.”
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RINGORULES1940 on 20th Dec 11:
“One of my favorite albums so if you havent listened to it DO IT NOW!!!!!!!”
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Anna_95 on 15th Dec 11:
“I do not like the song Revolution 9”
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#1BeatleFan9 on 5th Dec 11:
“Crazy and rock solid music. Still not AS good as Rubber Soul.”
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arcid63 on 1st Dec 11:
“One of their finest albums. One of my favourite ones ever.”
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ArianaBeatle on 22nd Nov 11:
“favoite album!”
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Mrs.J PaulMcCartney on 16th Nov 11:
“I love this album!! In school a while ago my teacher and I were singing The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill, it was funny to see the look on the others faces!! Thats what we get for loving the Beatles!!”
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Related Images
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John & Yoko at a recording session for the album "The Beatles" (White Album) -
Paul with George Martin at the piano, during recording sessions for the album "The Beatles" (White Album) -
George & Paul in a control room during recording sessions for the album "The Beatles" (White Album) -
Paul photographs Ringo at a recording session for the album "The Beatles" (White Album) -
John plays guitar during a recording session for the album "The Beatles" (White Album)
