The Long and Winding Road (2024 "Letter" Mix) - The Beatles

Описание: Sometime during the initial weeks of April 1970 Paul McCartney was sent a mix of The Long and Winding Road. This mix had additional string, choir, and brass overdubs that were added without Paul's blessing. So he sent a letter to Allen Klein requesting changes to the song including lowering the additional noise and bring up the Beatle instrumentation. Two days after the letter was sent Paul said, "I don't blame Phil Spector for doing it, but it just goes to show that it's no good me sitting here thinking I'm in control because obviously I'm not. Anyway, I've sent Klein a letter asking for some things to be altered, but I haven't received an answer yet." Ultimately these requests were ignored and the song was released as it was.

It was so bad that it arguable was the last straw and was one of the cited reasons Paul sued to break up the Beatle partnership. As Paul stated, "At least in the past if you were gonna put strings on it someone would run the arrangement past me. And I’d say great, or not great, or fix it. It was not being consulted, then putting out what I thought was.. crap."

This mix is based around the Glyn Johns mix instrumentally with the vocals replaced. That also means Ringo's April 1970 snare overdub isn't present. I messed around a little with John's bass a little as well with some parts being replaced with the better January 31st take. I've also pushed the strings and other bits to the back until the last verse where those elements fully come through. The harp is also completely removed at the end of the song, and the Beatle instrumentation really shines throughout. I've also followed the Give My Regards to Broadway mix on where the strings should come in. It also includes Paul's harmony vocals from take 19 leading up to the last verse. I think the Choir and Orchestra work great in moderation just not when suffocating the whole song.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul McCartney - Vocals, Piano (Bluthner Model One Concert Grand)
John Lennon - Bass (1961 Fender Bass VI)
George Harrison - Lead Guitar (1968 Gibson J-200)
Ringo Starr - Drums (1968 Ludwig Hollywood Maple)
Billy Preston - Electric Piano (1968 Fender Rhodes Seventy-Three Sparkle Top)
Richard Hewson – Orchestral Arrangement
John Barham – Choral Arrangement
18 musicians - Violin
4 musicians - Viola
4 musicians - Cello
1 musician - Harp
3 musicians - Trumpet
3 musicians - Trombones
2 musicians - Acoustic Guitars
14 vocalists - Choir
#thelongandwindingroad #getback #thebeatles #paulmccartney #georgeharrison #johnlennon #ringostarr