Release date : Sep 27, 2019
Abbey Road (50th anniversary boxset)
By The Beatles • Official album • Part of the collection “The Beatles • Post break-up albums”
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Release date : Sep 27, 2019
By The Beatles • Official album • Part of the collection “The Beatles • Post break-up albums”
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Previous album Sep 05, 2019 • "Hey Grandude! (audiobook)" by Paul McCartney released globally
Interview Sep 26, 2019 • Giles Martin interview for Variety
Interview Sep 27, 2019 • Paul McCartney interview for paulmccartney.com
Album Sep 27, 2019 • "Abbey Road (50th anniversary boxset)" by The Beatles released globally
Article October 2019 • Online campaign to search for Paul McCartney’s lost Höfner bass launched
Article October 2019 • 1972 Wings tour bus auctioned
Next album Oct 25, 2019 • "What's My Name" by Ringo Starr released globally
This album was recorded during the following studio sessions:
“Abbey Road” 50th anniversary boxset announced
Aug 11, 2019
4:20 • Studio version • F • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Bass, Electric piano, Harmony vocals Ringo Starr : Drums, Maracas John Lennon : Handclaps, Harmony vocals, Rhythm guitar, Tambourine, Vocals George Harrison : Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 21, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 22, 23, 25, 29, 30 Jul 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
Written by George Harrison
3:02 • Studio version • E • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Piano George Harrison : Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Vocals George Martin : Producer, String arrangement Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Chris Thomas : Producer Jeff Jarratt : Recording engineer Glyn Johns : Recording engineer Billy Preston : Hammond organ Sam Okell : Mix engineer Unknown : Four cellos, Four violas, One double-bass, Twelve violins
SessionRecording : May 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : May 05, 1969 • Studio : Olympic Sound Studios, London
SessionOverdubs : 11,16 Jul, 15 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
3:28 • Studio version • C • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Guitar, Moog synthesiser, Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Anvil, Backing vocals, Drums George Harrison : Backing vocals, Bass, Lead guitar George Martin : Hammond organ, Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 09, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 9, 10, 11 Jul, 6 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
SessionMixing : Aug 14, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
3:27 • Studio version • C • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Backing vocals, Guitar George Harrison : Backing vocals, Bass George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Chris Thomas : Producer Jeff Jarratt : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Apr 20, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionRecording : 20, 26 Apr, 23 Jul, 8, 11 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
Written by Ringo Starr
2:51 • Studio version • D • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Piano Ringo Starr : Drums, Effects, Percussion, Vocals John Lennon : Guitar George Harrison : Backing vocals, Lead guitar, Synthesiser George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Chris Thomas : Producer Jeff Jarratt : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Apr 26, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Apr 29, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 18, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionRecording : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
7:47 • Studio version • C • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass Ringo Starr : Congas, Drums John Lennon : Lead guitar, Moog synthesiser, Organ, Vocals George Harrison : Backing vocals, Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Tony Clark : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Chris Thomas : Producer Barry Sheffield : Recording engineer Jeff Jarratt : Recording engineer Glyn Johns : Producer Billy Preston : Hammond organ Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Feb 22, 1969 • Studio : Trident Studios, London, UK
SessionOverdubs : Apr 18 and 20 and Aug 11, 1969 • Studio : Trident Studios, London, UK & EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
Written by George Harrison
3:06 • Studio version • C • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Handclaps Ringo Starr : Drums, Handclaps George Harrison : Acoustic guitar, Backing vocals, Handclaps, Harmonium, Moog synthesiser, Vocals George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 07, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 7, 8, 16 Jul, 6, 11, 15, 19 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
2:46 • Studio version • D • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Bass, Vocals John Lennon : Lead guitar, Vocals George Harrison : Moog synthesiser, Vocals George Martin : Electric spinet baldwin harpsichord, Producer Giles Martin : Producer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Aug 01, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Aug 04, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Aug 05, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
4:03 • Studio version • B • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Chimes, Guitar, Piano, Tape loops, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Backing vocals, Guitar George Harrison : Backing vocals, Guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Glyn Johns : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : May 06, 1969 • Studio : Olympic Sound Studios, London
SessionOverdubs : 1,15,31 Jul, 5 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
2:26 • Studio version • D • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Bass, Harmonium, Harmony vocals, Piano, Tape loops Ringo Starr : Bongos, Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Guitar, Maracas, Vocals George Harrison : Harmony vocals, Lead guitar George Martin : Lowrey organ, Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 24, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 29, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
1:07 • Studio version • D • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Fuzz bass, Harmony vocals, Piano Ringo Starr : Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Guitar, Maracas, Vocals George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 24, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 29, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
1:13 • Studio version • D • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Electric piano, Lead guitar, Piano Ringo Starr : Cowbell, Drums, Maracas, Tambourine John Lennon : 12-string acoustic guitar, Handclaps, Rhythm guitar, Vocals George Harrison : Backing vocals, Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording & overdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 28, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 30, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
1:59 • Studio version • D • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Bass, Electric piano, Lead guitar, Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Cowbell, Drums, Maracas, Tambourine John Lennon : 12-string acoustic guitar, Backing vocals, Handclaps, Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Backing vocals, Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording & overdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 28, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 30, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
1:32 • Studio version • B • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums George Harrison : Bass George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 3, 4, 30, 31 Jul, 15 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionRecording : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
1:37 • Studio version • B • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Harmony vocal, Lead vocal, Piano, Rhythm guitar Ringo Starr : Chorus vocal, Drums, Timpani George Harrison : Bass, Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Unknown : Bass trombone, Cellos, Double bass, Horns, Trombone, Trumpets, Violas, Violins
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 3, 4, 30, 31 Jul, 15 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
2:22 • Studio version • C • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Lead guitar, Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Unknown : 1 bass trombone, 1 double-bass, 1 trombone, 12 violins, 3 trumpets, 4 horns, 4 violas
SessionRecording : Jul 23, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 5, 7, 8, 15, 18 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
0:26 • Studio version • B • Stereo • 2019 Stereo Mix
Paul McCartney : Acoustic guitar, Vocals George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : 2019 ? • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
7:00 • Alternate take • D • Trident Recording Session & Reduction Mix. For an overnight session on February 22, 1969, The Beatles were joined at London’s Trident Studios by producer George Martin and engineer Glyn Johns to record “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” Abbey Road’s new edition combines a take from that session with the concluding part of the Trident master’s eight-track reduction mix made later at the EMI studios, revealing for the first time Billy Preston’s thrilling overdubbed organ solo.
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Electric guitar, Vocals George Harrison : Electric guitar George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Mix engineer, Producer Barry Sheffield : Engineer Glyn Johns : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Chris Sheldon : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Feb 22, 1969 • Studio : Trident Studios, London, UK
Written by Paul McCartney
2:24 • Demo • B • Home Demo
Paul McCartney : Guitar, Lead vocal Giles Martin : Mix engineer, Producer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Chris Sheldon : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : February 1969 • Studio : Home studio, Cavendish Avenue, St.John's Wood
Written by George Harrison
3:37 • Demo • F • Studio Demo. Although previously released on Anthology 3 in a version featuring guitar and vocal, the new anniversary mix of George’s “Something” demo features for the first time vocal, guitar and piano.
George Harrison : Guitar, Two piano parts, Vocal Giles Martin : Producer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Feb 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
3:38 • Alternate take • C • Take 7
Paul McCartney : Drums John Lennon : Acoustic guitar, Vocals Giles Martin : Producer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Chris Sheldon : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Apr 14, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
Written by George Harrison
3:16 • Alternate take • C • Take 2
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Drums (?), Piano (?) Ringo Starr : Drums (?) John Lennon : Backing vocals, Piano (?) George Harrison : Guitars, Lead vocal George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Chris Sheldon : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Apr 16, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
3:31 • Alternate take • D • Take 4
Paul McCartney : Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Guitar George Harrison : Bass Giles Martin : Producer Chris Thomas : Producer Jeff Jarratt : Engineer Billy Preston : Hammond organ Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Apr 20, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
Written by Ringo Starr
1:43 • Alternate take • E • Take 9
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums, Lead vocals John Lennon : Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Electric guitar Giles Martin : Producer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Apr 26, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
5:18 • Alternate take • C • Take 36
Paul McCartney : Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Electric guitar George Harrison : Electric guitar George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Glyn Johns : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Steve Vaughan : Second engineer
SessionRecording : May 06, 1969 • Studio : Olympic Sound Studios, London
1:34 • Alternate take • C • Takes 1–3
Paul McCartney : Acoustic guitar, Vocals Giles Martin : Producer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Chris Sheldon : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
Medley
3:21 • Alternate take • C • Takes 1-3 - Medley with "Carry That Weight"
Paul McCartney : Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums George Harrison : Bass George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
3:21 • Alternate take • C • Takes 1-3 - Medley with "Golden Slumbers"
Paul McCartney : Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums George Harrison : Bass George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
Written by George Harrison
3:41 • Alternate take • D • Take 9
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums George Harrison : Acoustic guitar, Vocals George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 07, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
4:44 • Alternate take • D • Take 12
Paul McCartney : Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums George Harrison : Bass George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 09, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
3:30 • Alternate take • G • Take 5
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Handclaps, Lead vocal, Tambourine George Harrison : Guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 21, 1969 • Studio : Abbey Road Studios, London, UK
2:11 • Alternate take • D • Take 3
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Lead guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 23, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
Written by Paul McCartney
2:43 • Demo • D • Studio Demo. The version issued on Anthology 3 in 1996 had been remixed from the multi-track tape 12 years earlier for a completed - but never released - album of previously unissued tracks. [This track] is the original mix made, with John and Paul present in the control room, immediately after 'Come And Get It' had been completed.
Paul McCartney : Bass, Drums, Maracas, Piano, Vocals Giles Martin : Mix engineer, Producer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Chris Sheldon : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 24, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
3:14 • Alternate take • E • Take 20
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Rhythm guitar, Vocals George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 24, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
1:34 • Alternate take • E • Take 20
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Rhythm guitar, Vocals George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 24, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
1:39 • Alternate take • E • Take 27
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Acoustic guitar, Vocals George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
2:06 • Alternate take • E • Take 27
Paul McCartney : Bass, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Acoustic guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
3:08 • Alternate take • E • Take 1 – Instrumental
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Handclaps John Lennon : Guitar George Martin : Electric harpsichord, Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Aug 01, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
The Long One
Trial edit & Mix - 30 July 1969
4:03 • Alternate take • D • Stereo • Part of the first version of the "Long One"
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Chimes, Guitar, Piano, Tape loops, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Backing vocals, Guitar George Harrison : Backing vocals, Guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Glyn Johns : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : May 06, 1969 • Studio : Olympic Sound Studios, London
SessionOverdubs : Jul 01, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road • London • UK
SessionOverdubs : Jul 15, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road • London • UK
SessionMixing : Jul 30, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road • London • UK
2:26 • Alternate take • F • Stereo • From the original mix of "The Long One"
Paul McCartney : Bass, Harmonium, Harmony vocals, Piano, Tape loops Ringo Starr : Bongos, Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Guitar, Maracas, Vocals George Harrison : Harmony vocals, Lead guitar George Martin : Lowrey organ, Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 24, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 29, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Jul 30, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
1:07 • Alternate take • F • Stereo • From the original mix of "The Long One"
Paul McCartney : Fuzz bass, Harmony vocals, Piano Ringo Starr : Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Guitar, Maracas, Vocals George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 24, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 29, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Jul 30, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
0:26 • Studio version • A • Stereo • From the original mix of "The Long One", the cut of "Her Majesty" made out of it was released on "Abbey Road"
Paul McCartney : Acoustic guitar, Vocals George Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Jul 30, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
1:13 • Alternate take • F • Stereo • From the original mix of "The Long One"
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Electric piano, Lead guitar, Piano Ringo Starr : Cowbell, Drums, Maracas, Tambourine John Lennon : 12-string acoustic guitar, Handclaps, Rhythm guitar, Vocals George Harrison : Backing vocals, Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording & overdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 28, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs & mixing : Jul 30, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
16:10 • Alternate take • F • From the original mix of "The Long One"
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals Ringo Starr : Congas John Lennon : Backing vocals George Harrison : Backing vocals, Guitar
SessionRecording : Jul 30, 1969
16:10 • Alternate take • D • From the original mix of "The Long One"
Paul McCartney : Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums George Harrison : Bass George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 03, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 04, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Jul 30, 1969
Alternate take • D • From the original mix of "The Long One"
Paul McCartney : Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums George Harrison : Bass George Martin : Producer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 03, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 04, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Jul 30, 1969
2:11 • Alternate take • E • Part of the first version of the "Long One"
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Lead guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Engineer Giles Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Engineer Sam Okell : Mix engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 23, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Jul 30, 1969
Written by George Harrison
2:42 • Alternate take • G • Take 39 – Instrumental – Strings Only
Giles Martin : Producer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Unknown : Four cellos, Four violas, One double-bass, Twelve violins Unknown : Four cellos, Four violas, One double-bass, Twelve violins
SessionRecording : Aug 15, 1969
Medley
3:17 • Alternate take • E • Take 17 - Instrumental - Strings & Brass only - Medley with "Carry That Weight"
Giles Martin : Producer Sam Okell : Mix engineer Unknown : Four cellos, Four horns, Four violas, One bass trombone, One double-bass, One trombone, Three trumpets, Twelve violins
SessionRecording : Aug 15, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
3:17 • Alternate take • E • Take 17 - Instrumental - Strings & Brass only - Medley with "Golden Slumbers"
Unknown : Four cellos, Four horns, Four violas, One bass trombone, One double-bass, One trombone, Three trumpets, Twelve violins
SessionRecording : Aug 15, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio One, Abbey Road
4:20 • Studio version • H • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Bass, Electric piano, Harmony vocals Ringo Starr : Drums, Maracas John Lennon : Handclaps, Harmony vocals, Rhythm guitar, Tambourine, Vocals George Harrison : Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 21, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 22, 23, 25, 29, 30 Jul 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
Written by George Harrison
3:03 • Studio version • I • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Piano George Harrison : Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Vocals George Martin : Producer, String arrangement Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Chris Thomas : Producer Jeff Jarratt : Recording engineer Glyn Johns : Recording engineer Billy Preston : Hammond organ Unknown : Four cellos, Four violas, One double-bass, Twelve violins
SessionRecording : May 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : May 05, 1969 • Studio : Olympic Sound Studios, London
SessionOverdubs : 11,16 Jul, 15 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
3:28 • Studio version • E • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Guitar, Moog synthesiser, Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Anvil, Backing vocals, Drums George Harrison : Backing vocals, Bass, Lead guitar George Martin : Hammond organ, Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 09, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 9, 10, 11 Jul, 6 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
3:27 • Studio version • F • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Backing vocals, Guitar George Harrison : Backing vocals, Bass George Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Chris Thomas : Producer Jeff Jarratt : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Apr 20, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionRecording : Apr 20, 26, Jul 23, Aug 08, 11, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
Written by Ringo Starr
2:51 • Studio version • G • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Piano Ringo Starr : Drums, Effects, Percussion, Vocals John Lennon : Guitar George Harrison : Backing vocals, Lead guitar, Synthesiser George Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Chris Thomas : Producer Jeff Jarratt : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Apr 26, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Apr 29, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 18, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
7:47 • Studio version • E • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass Ringo Starr : Congas, Drums John Lennon : Lead guitar, Moog synthesiser, Organ, Vocals George Harrison : Backing vocals, Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Tony Clark : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Chris Thomas : Producer Barry Sheffield : Recording engineer Jeff Jarratt : Recording engineer Glyn Johns : Producer Billy Preston : Hammond organ
SessionRecording : Feb 22, 1969 • Studio : Trident Studios, London, UK
SessionOverdubs : Apr 18 and 20 and Aug 11, 1969 • Studio : Trident Studios, London, UK & EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
Written by George Harrison
3:06 • Studio version • E • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Handclaps Ringo Starr : Drums, Handclaps George Harrison : Acoustic guitar, Backing vocals, Handclaps, Harmonium, Moog synthesiser, Vocals George Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Unknown : Four cellos, Four violas, One double-bass, Two alto flutes, Two clarinets, Two flutes, Two piccolos
SessionRecording : Jul 07, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 7, 8, 16 Jul, 6, 11, 15, 19 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
2:46 • Studio version • F • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Bass, Vocals John Lennon : Lead guitar, Vocals George Harrison : Moog synthesiser, Vocals George Martin : Electric spinet baldwin harpsichord, Producer
SessionRecording : Aug 01, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Aug 04, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Aug 05, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
4:03 • Studio version • E • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Chimes, Guitar, Piano, Tape loops, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Backing vocals, Guitar George Harrison : Backing vocals, Guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Glyn Johns : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : May 06, 1969 • Studio : Olympic Sound Studios, London
SessionOverdubs : 1,15,31 Jul, 5 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
2:26 • Studio version • G • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Bass, Harmonium, Harmony vocals, Piano, Tape loops Ringo Starr : Bongos, Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Guitar, Maracas, Vocals George Harrison : Harmony vocals, Lead guitar George Martin : Lowrey organ, Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 24, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 29, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
1:07 • Studio version • G • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Fuzz bass, Harmony vocals, Piano Ringo Starr : Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Guitar, Maracas, Vocals George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 24, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 29, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
1:13 • Studio version • H • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Electric piano, Lead guitar, Piano Ringo Starr : Cowbell, Drums, Maracas, Tambourine John Lennon : 12-string acoustic guitar, Handclaps, Rhythm guitar, Vocals George Harrison : Backing vocals, Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording & overdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 28, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 30, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
1:59 • Studio version • H • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Bass, Electric piano, Lead guitar, Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Cowbell, Drums, Maracas, Tambourine John Lennon : 12-string acoustic guitar, Backing vocals, Handclaps, Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording & overdubs : Jul 25, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 28, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : Jul 30, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
1:32 • Studio version • F • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums George Harrison : Bass George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Unknown : Four cellos, Four horns, Four violas, One bass trombone, One double-bass, One trombone, Three trumpets, Twelve violins
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 3, 4, 30, 31 Jul, 15 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
1:37 • Studio version • F • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Harmony vocal, Lead vocal, Piano, Rhythm guitar Ringo Starr : Chorus vocal, Drums, Timpani George Harrison : Bass, Lead guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Unknown : Four cellos, Four horns, Four violas, One bass trombone, One double-bass, One trombone, Three trumpets, Twelve violins
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 3, 4, 30, 31 Jul, 15 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
2:22 • Studio version • F • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Backing vocals, Bass, Lead guitar, Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums, Tambourine John Lennon : Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar George Martin : Producer Geoff Emerick : Recording engineer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer Unknown : Four cellos, Four horns, Four violas, One bass trombone, One double-bass, One trombone, Three trumpets, Twelve violins
SessionRecording : Jul 23, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Three, Abbey Road
SessionOverdubs : 5, 7, 8, 15, 18 Aug 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : Circa 2019 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
0:26 • Studio version • D • Dolby Atmos • 2019 Dolby Atmos Mix
Paul McCartney : Acoustic guitar, Vocals George Martin : Producer Phil McDonald : Recording engineer
SessionRecording : Jul 02, 1969 • Studio : EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road
SessionMixing : 2019 ? • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios • London • UK
I think before the Abbey Road sessions it was like we should put down the boxing gloves and try and just get it together and really make a very special album.
Paul McCartney
From TheBeatles.com, August 8, 2019:
It was 50 years ago today, on August 8, 1969, that the world’s most famous band stepped out from London’s EMI Recording Studios to stride, single-file, across the black and white stripes of Abbey Road’s nearby zebra crossing. With photographer Iain Macmillan balanced on a stepladder and one policeman stopping the street’s light traffic, The Beatles crossed back and forth three times, led by John Lennon, followed by Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. Just six photos were taken, with the fifth selected as the cover shot for The Beatles’ penultimate studio album, Abbey Road, named after the tree-lined street in which the studios are located. Released September 26, 1969, Abbey Road was not The Beatles’ final album, as Let It Be followed in 1970, but it was the last one John, Paul, George, and Ringo recorded together as a band. The Beatles will celebrate Abbey Road’s anniversary with a suite of beautifully presented packages to be released worldwide on September 27 by Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe. Now available for preorder, the album’s 17 tracks are newly mixed by producer Giles Martin and mix engineer Sam Okell in stereo, high res stereo, 5.1 surround, and Dolby Atmos, accompanied by 23 session recordings and demos, most of which are previously unreleased.
“The Beatles recording journey had gone through many twists and turns, learning curves and thrilling rides. Here we were – still wondering at the magic of it all,” McCartney recalls in his written foreword for Abbey Road’s anniversary edition packages.
This is the first time Abbey Road has been remixed and presented with additional session recordings and demos. The album’s sweeping new edition follows the universally acclaimed remixed and expanded anniversary editions of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and The BEATLES (‘White Album’) released in 2017 and 2018, respectively. To create Abbey Road’s new stereo, 5.1 surround, and Dolby Atmos mixes, Martin and Okell worked with an expert team of engineers and audio restoration specialists at Abbey Road Studios. All the new Abbey Road releases feature the new stereo album mix, sourced directly from the original eight-track session tapes. To produce the mix, Giles was guided by the album’s original stereo mix supervised by his father, George Martin.
“The magic comes from the hands playing the instruments, the blend of The Beatles’ voices, the beauty of the arrangements,” Giles Martin explains in his written introduction for the new edition. “Our quest is simply to ensure everything sounds as fresh and hits you as hard as it would have on the day it was recorded.”
Abbey Road’s Super Deluxe box set presents 40 tracks – including “The Long One” Trial Edit & Mix for the album’s epic Side 2 medley – on three CDs (stereo) and one Blu-ray disc (Dolby Atmos, 96kHz/24 bit high resolution stereo, and 96 kHz/24 bit DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1). The four discs are housed in a slip-sleeved 12” by 12” 100-page hardbound book with McCartney’s foreword; Martin’s introduction; insightful, in-depth chapters written by Beatles historian, author, and radio producer Kevin Howlett covering the months preceding The Beatles’ Abbey Road sessions, track-by-track details and session notes, the cover art and photo shoot, and the album’s reception upon its release; plus an essay by music journalist and author David Hepworth looking at the album’s influence through 50 years. The gorgeous book is illustrated with rare and previously unpublished photographs, including many taken by Linda McCartney; never before published images of handwritten lyrics, sketches, and a George Martin score; Beatles correspondence, recording sheets, and tape boxes; and reproduced original print ads. The Super Deluxe digital audio collection presents all 40 tracks for download purchase and streaming in standard and MFiT formats, as well as in high resolution audio (96kHz/24 bit) for download.
Abbey Road’s limited edition Deluxe vinyl box set features all 40 tracks from the Super Deluxe collection on three 180-gram vinyl LPs. The album’s new stereo mix LP is packaged in a faithfully replicated sleeve, with the two Sessions LPs paired in their own jacket, presented with a four-page insert in a lift-top box. The Deluxe 2CD set pairs the new stereo mix with versions taken from the session takes and demo recordings of its 17 songs, sequenced to match the album’s running order. The two discs are presented in a digipak with a 40-page booklet abridged from the Super Deluxe book. The album’s new stereo mix is also available in 1CD and 180-gram 1LP vinyl packages, for digital download in standard and MFiT audio, and on a limited edition picture disc vinyl LP illustrated by the album’s front and back cover art images.
Abbey Road’s Super Deluxe and Deluxe vinyl box sets’ 23 session and demo recordings are presented in chronological order of their first recording dates. “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” leads the charge:
For an overnight session on February 22, 1969, The Beatles were joined at London’s Trident Studios by producer George Martin and engineer Glyn Johns to record “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” Abbey Road’s new edition combines a take from that session with the concluding part of the Trident master’s eight-track reduction mix made later at the EMI studios, revealing for the first time Billy Preston’s thrilling overdubbed organ solo. With their amps turned up high, The Beatles received a noise complaint from one of the studio’s neighbors in the Soho area of the city. The take starts with Lennon exclaiming, “My boys are ready to go!,” before the band is told about the complaint. Lennon replies, “What are they doing here at this time of night?,” then lays it down: “Well, we’ll try it once more very loud. And then if we don’t get it, we’ll try it quiet, like it might do it the other way. OK. The loud one, last go. Last chance to be loud!”
In the same month that the raucous Trident session took place, McCartney recorded a home demo of “Goodbye” for the Apple-signed singer Mary Hopkin and Harrison recorded a solo demo of “Something” at EMI Recording Studios. Both demos are featured on Abbey Road’s new edition. “Goodbye” makes its release debut. Although previously released on Anthology 3 in a version featuring guitar and vocal, the new anniversary mix of George’s “Something” demo features for the first time vocal, guitar and piano.
The Beatles reconvened at EMI’s studios and Olympic Sound Studios for sessions spanning mid-April to early May. On April 14, Lennon and McCartney recorded the single “The Ballad Of John And Yoko” in EMI’s Studio Three, with Geoff Emerick as the balance engineer. Two days later, the single’s B-side, “Old Brown Shoe” was recorded. Session recordings for these tracks, as well as three more songs started during this period, “Oh! Darling,” “Octopus’s Garden,” and “You Never Give Me Your Money,” are featured in Abbey Road’s anniversary edition.
The remainder of Abbey Road’s sessions took place in July and in August with George Martin producing, and with principal engineers Geoff Emerick and Phil McDonald taking turns at EMI’s groundbreaking new mixing console, the TG12345. On July 2, 3, and 4, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr recorded “Golden Slumbers”/“Carry That Weight” as a medley (Lennon was hospitalized in Scotland, recuperating after a car accident). A sequence of Takes 1-3 from the first day’s session is featured in the anniversary edition. Take 9 from McCartney, Harrison, and Starr’s backing track session for “Here Comes The Sun” on Starr’s July 7 birthday is also included.
On July 21, 22, and 23, The Beatles were in-studio to record “Come Together,” followed by additional sessions on July 25, 29, and 30. The anniversary edition features Take 5. On July 23, The Beatles began recording “The End,” which, along with McCartney’s timeless couplet – “And in the end, the love you take / Is equal to the love you make” – features Starr’s only drum solo on a Beatles recording. Take 3 is included in Abbey Road’s new edition. The next day, just before the band’s 34-take session for “Sun King” and “Mean Mr Mustard,” McCartney cut a quick studio demo for “Come And Get It” – later a hit for the Apple-signed band Badfinger. The demo’s original 1969 stereo mix, made with McCartney and Lennon present in the control room, is released for the first time in the new edition, as is Take 20 from The Beatles’ “Sun King” and “Mean Mr Mustard” session. On July 25, two more songs, “Polythene Pam” and “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window,” were recorded as one for inclusion in the album’s epic medley. Take 27 from that session is featured on the new edition.
After Harrison had transported his rare and cumbersome Moog synthesizer to the studios, four songs received Beatle-played synthesizer parts: “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” (Lennon), “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” (McCartney), and “Here Comes The Sun” and “Because” (Harrison). This was a very early use of the newly-invented instrument on a pop record. George Martin wrote arrangements for several tracks that were recorded in Studio One toward the end of the sessions in August 1969. The original overdubbed recordings of Martin’s scores for “Something” and “Golden Slumbers”/“Carry That Weight” are included in Abbey Road’s anniversary edition.
August 20, 1969 was the last time The Beatles were together as a band at the EMI studios, for an evening session to compile Abbey Road’s master tapes. The album’s sides were sequenced, with “Come Together” opening Side 1, and with the medley of “You Never Give Me Your Money,” “Sun King,” “Mean Mr Mustard,” “Polythene Pam,” “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window,” “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End” placed on Side 2. “The Long One,” a different trial edit and mix of the medley, including “Her Majesty” (ultimately placed 14 seconds after “The End” as an unlisted, hidden track) is included in Abbey Road’s new edition.
A few weeks before Abbey Road’s release on September 26, 1969, Apple’s press officer Derek Taylor revealed that the album was “recorded at nice, workmanlike sessions which usually began at 2pm and continued until the end of the evening.” Millions of Abbey Road LPs were pressed at manufacturing plants around the world. The album was another blockbuster release for The Beatles, holding the No. 1 spot on the U.K. albums chart for a total of 17 weeks and topping Billboard’s U.S. albums chart for 11 weeks. For their work on Abbey Road, Geoff Emerick and Phil McDonald won the year’s GRAMMY Award® for Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical. In 1995, Abbey Road was inducted into the Recording Academy’s GRAMMY Hall of Fame, recognizing “recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance.” The Beatles’ best-selling studio album, Abbey Road’s universal popularity and influence have continued to grow since its debut.
Since Abbey Road’s release, the street’s zebra crossing has been one of the most celebrated and photographed sites in the world, protected as an historic landmark and visited by thousands of Beatles fans each year. Due to the success of The Beatles’ album, EMI Recording Studios was renamed Abbey Road Studios. Owned and operated by Universal Music Group, Abbey Road Studios is the most famous recording studio in the world and a global music icon.
Solid State: The Story of "Abbey Road" and the End of the Beatles
Acclaimed Beatles historian Kenneth Womack offers the most definitive account yet of the writing, recording, mixing, and reception of Abbey Road. In February 1969, the Beatles began working on what became their final album together. Abbey Road introduced a number of new techniques and technologies to the Beatles' sound, and included "Come Together," "Something," and "Here Comes the Sun," which all emerged as classics.
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