Unreleased.
An anti-drug message recorded by Ringo in 1972.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Get It by Paul McCartney – ***
First released: 1982
Paul must have been tickling Carl Perkins as he laughs too much at the end of this inspired track from "Tug of War", not to be confused with the Michael Jackson/Stevie Wonder song of the same name. Carl's laugh seques into "Be What You See".
Paul must have been tickling Carl Perkins as he laughs too much at the end of this inspired track from "Tug of War", not to be confused with the Michael Jackson/Stevie Wonder song of the same name. Carl's laugh seques into "Be What You See".
"Get Back" (feature) by Paul McCartney – ***
First released: 1990
McCartney enlisted Richard Lester to direct his first concert film in over a decade. This is not the best live McCartney feature, but it is a good document of what happened on the 1989-1990 tour. I much prefer earlier and later tours as McCartney was in much better voice and more confident in his performance. He was a little rusty on this tour, having not toured in over ten years.
McCartney enlisted Richard Lester to direct his first concert film in over a decade. This is not the best live McCartney feature, but it is a good document of what happened on the 1989-1990 tour. I much prefer earlier and later tours as McCartney was in much better voice and more confident in his performance. He was a little rusty on this tour, having not toured in over ten years.
Get Back by The Beatles – ***
First released: 1969
I hate to say this, but I really never cared for this track. I always thought it was a major let down after the triumphs of "Sgt. Pepper", "Magical Mystery Tour", and the “White Album” that this is the best song The Beatles could come up with lyrically and musically. Only Billy Preston’s keyboards save a somewhat pedestrian song. The fact that I heard The Rutles' "Get Up and Go" before hearing this song may also have something to do with it. I thought that The Rutles were poking fun at the banality of certain Beatles song, but it seems that The Beatles were already doing it with this. It was a hit single, but I always believed that ANYTHING could have been a hit single from 1967-69 when The Beatles were at their peak. The single version is a different performance than the "Let it Be" album version. Big deal. That one first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume Two" in 1988. It's also on "1967-1970" and 2000's "1". A demo version appears on "Anthology 3" in 1996. The Beatles even attempted it in German as "Geh' Raus"! It is also used for 2006's "Love". Two different demo snippets are featured on 2003's "Fly on the Wall".
The album version is on "Let it Be" and 2003's "Naked".
George Harrison messed around with this in an unreleased 1970 version. A live version was performed by Paul on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic" and on 2009’s "Good Evening New York City".
I hate to say this, but I really never cared for this track. I always thought it was a major let down after the triumphs of "Sgt. Pepper", "Magical Mystery Tour", and the “White Album” that this is the best song The Beatles could come up with lyrically and musically. Only Billy Preston’s keyboards save a somewhat pedestrian song. The fact that I heard The Rutles' "Get Up and Go" before hearing this song may also have something to do with it. I thought that The Rutles were poking fun at the banality of certain Beatles song, but it seems that The Beatles were already doing it with this. It was a hit single, but I always believed that ANYTHING could have been a hit single from 1967-69 when The Beatles were at their peak. The single version is a different performance than the "Let it Be" album version. Big deal. That one first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume Two" in 1988. It's also on "1967-1970" and 2000's "1". A demo version appears on "Anthology 3" in 1996. The Beatles even attempted it in German as "Geh' Raus"! It is also used for 2006's "Love". Two different demo snippets are featured on 2003's "Fly on the Wall".
The album version is on "Let it Be" and 2003's "Naked".
George Harrison messed around with this in an unreleased 1970 version. A live version was performed by Paul on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic" and on 2009’s "Good Evening New York City".
Geraldo Rivera – One To One Concert by Geraldo Rivera – ***
First released: 1998
A spoken word ad for the 1972 John Lennon concert released on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology".
A spoken word ad for the 1972 John Lennon concert released on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology".
"George Harrison" by George Harrison – ***
First released: 1979
After an almost three year wait, George released his final album of the 70s. It’s amazing that this album did well, considering that the charts were filled with disco records. This album is almost so mellow that it could have even flopped. However, it is one of George’s smoothest albums and it does contain a song that is one of his best, "Blow Away". This was also the first Harrison album I purchased after becoming a Beatle fan, so it has a little bit extra sentimentality attached to it for me. The CD was released in 1991 and reissued in 2004 with a bonus demo version of "Here Comes the Moon".
After an almost three year wait, George released his final album of the 70s. It’s amazing that this album did well, considering that the charts were filled with disco records. This album is almost so mellow that it could have even flopped. However, it is one of George’s smoothest albums and it does contain a song that is one of his best, "Blow Away". This was also the first Harrison album I purchased after becoming a Beatle fan, so it has a little bit extra sentimentality attached to it for me. The CD was released in 1991 and reissued in 2004 with a bonus demo version of "Here Comes the Moon".
Geoff Emerick (dialogue) by Geoff Emerick – ***
First released: 1998
Geoff Emerick discusses his participation for "Band on the Run" on the "25th Anniversary Edition".
Geoff Emerick discusses his participation for "Band on the Run" on the "25th Anniversary Edition".
Gave it All Up by Ringo Starr – **
First released: 1977
Lyrically this song makes absolutely no sense, but then the entire recording and release of the "Ringo the 4th" album makes absolutely no sense.
Lyrically this song makes absolutely no sense, but then the entire recording and release of the "Ringo the 4th" album makes absolutely no sense.
Gat Kirwani by George Harrison – ***
First released: 1968
Another track off of George’s "Wonderwall Music".
Another track off of George’s "Wonderwall Music".
"Garland for Linda, A" by Paul McCartney – ***
First released: 2000
Tribute album to Linda McCartney that features one new Paul instrumental track called "Nova".
Tribute album to Linda McCartney that features one new Paul instrumental track called "Nova".
Games People Play by Doris Troy – ***
First released: 1969
Song produced by George for Doris Troy’s Apple album.
Song produced by George for Doris Troy’s Apple album.
Frozen Jap by Paul McCartney – ***
First released: 1980
When this instrumental track was issued on "McCartney II", various TV stations took a liking to it in the San Francisco Bay Area and tended to use it quite a bit as background music for shows like "Evening Magazine". It's pretty good, but the use of the word "Jap" in the title isn't going to win Paul many new fans.
When this instrumental track was issued on "McCartney II", various TV stations took a liking to it in the San Francisco Bay Area and tended to use it quite a bit as background music for shows like "Evening Magazine". It's pretty good, but the use of the word "Jap" in the title isn't going to win Paul many new fans.
Front Parlour by Paul McCartney – **
First released: 1980
Uninspired instrumental from "McCartney II".
Uninspired instrumental from "McCartney II".
Sunday, November 8, 2009
From Me to You by The Beatles – ****
First released: 1963
What McCartney says about this song in the "Anthology" series is the real appeal. It is their first major composition where they shift into a minor key and by doing so elevated an otherwise forgettable tune into a classic. It even became the theme song of one of The Beatles’ radio series, where it was sometimes sung as "From Us to You". That version was included on 1994's "Live at the BBC".
It has been played live and included on so many albums, that if you haven’t heard it, you probably aren’t reading this book. However, I have to admit, it was a bit tough to find when I became a Beatles fan as they left it off of their early US albums, and the single released by Vee-Jay was long out of print. It took a chance library checkout of "1962-1966" from 1973 to find these elusive tracks that are now so commonplace. It was first released to CD as part of "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988. It's also on 2000's "1". A live version from 1963 appears on "Anthology 1" in 1995.
What McCartney says about this song in the "Anthology" series is the real appeal. It is their first major composition where they shift into a minor key and by doing so elevated an otherwise forgettable tune into a classic. It even became the theme song of one of The Beatles’ radio series, where it was sometimes sung as "From Us to You". That version was included on 1994's "Live at the BBC".
It has been played live and included on so many albums, that if you haven’t heard it, you probably aren’t reading this book. However, I have to admit, it was a bit tough to find when I became a Beatles fan as they left it off of their early US albums, and the single released by Vee-Jay was long out of print. It took a chance library checkout of "1962-1966" from 1973 to find these elusive tracks that are now so commonplace. It was first released to CD as part of "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988. It's also on 2000's "1". A live version from 1963 appears on "Anthology 1" in 1995.
From Fluff to You by The Beatles – ***
First released: 1994
More spoken word nonsense from 1964 released on "Live at the BBC".
More spoken word nonsense from 1964 released on "Live at the BBC".
From a Window by The Beatles – (NR)
Unreleased.
Lennon/McCartney song given to Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas in 1964. It is unknown whether there is a Beatles version. I haven't heard it.
Lennon/McCartney song given to Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas in 1964. It is unknown whether there is a Beatles version. I haven't heard it.
From a Lover to a Friend by Paul McCartney – *
First released: 2001
A McCartney song that truly sounds unfinished. It sounds like McCartney had a chorus only and filled it in with such dynamic lyrics as “la, la, la, la, la”. A big disappointment from "Driving Rain", which amazingly was released as a single.
A McCartney song that truly sounds unfinished. It sounds like McCartney had a chorus only and filled it in with such dynamic lyrics as “la, la, la, la, la”. A big disappointment from "Driving Rain", which amazingly was released as a single.
Friends to Go by Paul McCartney – *
First released: 2005
Another dull track from Paul's "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard".
Another dull track from Paul's "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard".
Friend Like You, A by Paul McCartney – ***
First released: 2004
Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson finally team up for this nice duet that's probably the best duet McCartney's ever done...or one of the best. It's from Wilson's album "Gettin' in Over my Head".
Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson finally team up for this nice duet that's probably the best duet McCartney's ever done...or one of the best. It's from Wilson's album "Gettin' in Over my Head".
Frere Jacques by The Beatles – **
Unreleased.
The Beatles run through this traditional song during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions.
The Beatles run through this traditional song during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Freedom by Paul McCartney – **
First released: 2001
Paul’s reaction to the events of 9/11 came this so-so tune that seems like it’s taking advantage of the situation. It was belatedly included on the already finished "Driving Rain" and released as a quickie cash-in single. The studio version is a modification of the version performed live at "The Concert for New York City". A different live version appears on 2002's "Back in the US".
Paul’s reaction to the events of 9/11 came this so-so tune that seems like it’s taking advantage of the situation. It was belatedly included on the already finished "Driving Rain" and released as a quickie cash-in single. The studio version is a modification of the version performed live at "The Concert for New York City". A different live version appears on 2002's "Back in the US".
Free Ride by Edgar Winter – ****
First released: 2008
Edgar Winter song from Ringo’s "Live 2006" album from 2008. A true rock classic!
Edgar Winter song from Ringo’s "Live 2006" album from 2008. A true rock classic!
Free Now by Paul McCartney – ***
First released: 2000
From Paul's album "Liverpool Sound Collage" comes the only track that closest resembles an actual "song" with the title repeated over and over.
From Paul's album "Liverpool Sound Collage" comes the only track that closest resembles an actual "song" with the title repeated over and over.
Free Drinks by Ringo Starr – **
First released: 2005
The album closer for Ringo’s "Choose Love", which seems like an odd choice as Ringo gave up drinking years ago. It’s ok, but really an excuse to yell out the title over and over.
The album closer for Ringo’s "Choose Love", which seems like an odd choice as Ringo gave up drinking years ago. It’s ok, but really an excuse to yell out the title over and over.
Free As a Bird by The Beatles – ***
First released: 1995
I’ll have to admit I was really anticipating this track and then when I heard it, I hated it! It had a decent video, but the sound quality of Lennon’s voice was so bad in my opinion, that I thought The Beatles blew it. Time has been kind and now I really enjoy this track. This was a single and also included on the "Anthology 1" album. The song was originally recorded by Lennon in 1977 as a demo. The other three added their vocals and instrumentation and finished off the song in 1994.
I’ll have to admit I was really anticipating this track and then when I heard it, I hated it! It had a decent video, but the sound quality of Lennon’s voice was so bad in my opinion, that I thought The Beatles blew it. Time has been kind and now I really enjoy this track. This was a single and also included on the "Anthology 1" album. The song was originally recorded by Lennon in 1977 as a demo. The other three added their vocals and instrumentation and finished off the song in 1994.
Frankenstein by Edgar Winter – ****
First released: 2008
Edgar Winter song from Ringo’s "Live 2006" album from 2008. Ringo never played on it claiming it was too hard for him to play, so the rest of the All-Starrs performed it with Sheila E. getting sweaty on drums.
Edgar Winter song from Ringo’s "Live 2006" album from 2008. Ringo never played on it claiming it was too hard for him to play, so the rest of the All-Starrs performed it with Sheila E. getting sweaty on drums.
Fourth of July by Paul McCartney – (NR)
Unreleased.
Paul McCartney song given to John Christie in 1974. It is unknown whether there is a McCartney version. I haven't heard it.
Paul McCartney song given to John Christie in 1974. It is unknown whether there is a McCartney version. I haven't heard it.
444 by Paul McCartney – **
First released: 1994
A track from McCartney's trance album "Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest" released under the pseudonym The Fireman.
A track from McCartney's trance album "Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest" released under the pseudonym The Fireman.
Fortunately by John Lennon – **
First released: 1988
A silly John and Yoko nonsense spoken word piece from 1969 that appeared in the "Imagine: John Lennon" film and was released on CD in 1998 on "The John Lennon Anthology".
A silly John and Yoko nonsense spoken word piece from 1969 that appeared in the "Imagine: John Lennon" film and was released on CD in 1998 on "The John Lennon Anthology".
(Forgive Me) My Little Flower Princess by John Lennon – **
First released: 1984
Whether it is or not, this sounds more like an outtake from "Mind Games" than "Double Fantasy". Whatever, it’s not a very distinguished Lennon song and probably would not have seen release had Lennon lived. In the event, it was released on John and Yoko’s "Milk and Honey". It’s also on 1990’s "Lennon".
Whether it is or not, this sounds more like an outtake from "Mind Games" than "Double Fantasy". Whatever, it’s not a very distinguished Lennon song and probably would not have seen release had Lennon lived. In the event, it was released on John and Yoko’s "Milk and Honey". It’s also on 1990’s "Lennon".
For You Blue by The Beatles – ****
First released: 1970
George neato slide guitar blues from "Let it Be" that made it to the b-side of "The Long and Winding Road" single. It is a somewhat forgotten song in comparison to other Harrison compositions in the Beatles canon, but is easily one of their best. Too bad Harrison didn’t compose more like this.
Later he performed a hoarse version with changed lyrics on his 1974 tour. The studio version also appears on "The Best of George Harrison" and later in a cleaned up version for 2003's "Naked". A demo version appears on "Anthology 3" in 1996.
George neato slide guitar blues from "Let it Be" that made it to the b-side of "The Long and Winding Road" single. It is a somewhat forgotten song in comparison to other Harrison compositions in the Beatles canon, but is easily one of their best. Too bad Harrison didn’t compose more like this.
Later he performed a hoarse version with changed lyrics on his 1974 tour. The studio version also appears on "The Best of George Harrison" and later in a cleaned up version for 2003's "Naked". A demo version appears on "Anthology 3" in 1996.
For No One by The Beatles – ****
First released: 1966
Another one of those songs that are vastly superior in their original context, in this case, the "Revolver" album. McCartney performed it in "Give My Regards to Broad Street" in 1984, yet doesn’t even come close to this version, despite using the exact same French horn instrumentation.
Another one of those songs that are vastly superior in their original context, in this case, the "Revolver" album. McCartney performed it in "Give My Regards to Broad Street" in 1984, yet doesn’t even come close to this version, despite using the exact same French horn instrumentation.
For Love by Ringo Starr – ***
First released: 2008
This was on "Liverpool 8" and also used as the b-side to the 7” single of the same name by Ringo. Not bad.
This was on "Liverpool 8" and also used as the b-side to the 7” single of the same name by Ringo. Not bad.
Footprints by Paul McCartney – ***
First released: 1986
A very nice tune with a good instrumental guitar solo in the middle of it from Paul’s "Press to Play".
A very nice tune with a good instrumental guitar solo in the middle of it from Paul’s "Press to Play".
Fools Like Me by The Beatles – ***
Unreleased.
The Beatles run through the Clement/Maddox song during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions. It was a hit for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1959.
The Beatles run through the Clement/Maddox song during the 1969 "Get Back" sessions. It was a hit for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1959.
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