The Beatles Seventh Christmas Record

Track list

Side 1

1. The Beatles Seventh Christmas Record

   Written by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison

   3:36 • Studio version • A1

   Performed by : Paul McCartney • Ringo Starr • John Lennon • George Harrison Kenny Everett : Producer

   Recording : November - December 1969 • Studio : Various locations

Side 2

1. The Beatles Seventh Christmas Record

   Written by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison

   4:03 • Studio version • A2

   Performed by : Paul McCartney • Ringo Starr • John Lennon • George Harrison Kenny Everett : Producer

   Recording : November - December 1969 • Studio : Various locations

From Wikipedia:

The final Beatles Christmas offering was also recorded separately, as the band had effectively split by this point. It features an extensive visit with Lennon and his wife Yoko at their Tittenhurst Park estate, where they play “what will Santa bring me?” games. Harrison and Ringo Starr appear only briefly, the latter to publicise his recent film, The Magic Christian. McCartney sings his original ad-lib, “This is to Wish You a Merry, Merry Christmas.” Starting at 1:30, at the tail-end of Starr’s song, the guitar solos from “The End” are heard, followed by Ono interviewing Lennon.

For the only time, the North American and UK album sleeve jackets were identical. The North American version of the flexi-disc had an elaborate collage of the Beatles’ faces on it (drawn by Ringo), while the rear album sleeve contained stick-figure scribbles made by his son, Zak Starkey.

From Rolling Stone, December 13, 2020:

The Beatles existed in name only by the Christmas of 1969, after Lennon famously told his compatriots in September that he wanted “a divorce.” But for fear of disrupting upcoming business deals, as well as a genuine sense of confusion, the band decide to keep any talk of a breakup strictly among themselves. To maintain a sense of normalcy, they dutifully set about recording pieces for yet another Christmas record, once more to be assembled by Everett.

Most of the Beatles opted to tape their pieces in the comfort of their own homes. Ono, who had just contributed anonymous backing piano the previous year, introduces her now-husband as they stroll through the grounds of Tittenhurst Park, their Ascot estate where the final Beatles’ photo session had taken place on August 22nd. Together they stage a jokey interview, ranging from their favorite foods to their place in the decade to come. “I think it’ll be a quite a peaceful Seventies … [peace] and freedom,” Ono opines. As the autumn leaves crunch underfoot, Lennon can’t help but belt “deep and crisp and even” – the line from “Good King Wenceslas” he gleefully butchered on the band’s first Christmas record. Once a fresh 23-year-old having a laugh with his mates, he’s now an adult superstar, roaming his palatial estate with his wife, preaching peace to the globe. Even now, the monumental six-year leap remains difficult to comprehend.

McCartney performs another inviting acoustic original, this one titled “This Is to Wish You.” Music will remain his preferred method for bringing peace to those who endured the tumultuous decade he had helped to shape – as well soothe his own soul during the uncertain time. Starr sings a song of his own, a goofy ad-libbed tune, and manages to work in a plug for his new film, The Magic Christian with Peter Sellers, whose radio work with The Goon Show can be felt in each of the Beatles’ Christmas discs. Harrison, however, remains unwilling to submit to this last vestige of mop-toppery. His contribution, a single line uttered at the London offices of Apple Records, runs six seconds long.

Among recordings of Christmas choirs and pipe organs pulled from the tape vault, Everett utilized another preexisting piece of music: “The End” from the Beatles’ swan song, Abbey Road. Perhaps even he had an inkling that this would be the last offering of its kind from the group. He ensures that the concluding sound heard on what would prove to be the final Beatles Christmas record is that of laughter, a fitting reminder of the inherent good humor that runs throughout the band’s works. Even to the bitter end, the Beatles could be counted on to raise a smile.

This HAS to be the Beatles WORST Christmas record

THOUSANDS of copies of the Beatles’ free Christmas record have once again been mailed to members of the group’s official fan club. The organisation of the project is enormous. And the cost of making and posting the record obviously tots up to several thousand pounds.

But with genuine concern — and fully realising that the disc is a gift, and that this season of goodwill is no time to be uncharitable — I have been wondering just how long the Beatles themselves will allow the whole thing to continue in its present form.

The mood of these records has always appeared to reflect the spirit of the Beatles and, by coincidence or not, this must surely be the work of others.

Why on earth they regard this admittedly generous gesture to their fans as a reason to force themselves into 1962 Fab Four humour is beyond me.

The record is a gift, but why the premise that it has to be funny? In the season of goodwill and peace to all men, why not a brief chat in which John talked about his aims for Peace; George played one of his old songs, and Ringo told a Christmas story or chatted about his ambitions as film actor? Or even the future of the Beatles?

Paul’s contribution to this year’s record may not be as long and as involved as possible, but it does come out on top of the pile.

He sings a snatch of a juggy blues in a high-pitched whimsical voice using the words: “This is to wish you a happy new year — and a very merry Christmas” over and over again. It’s a sensuous, brooding, hot-after-dinner tape and I’ll keep a copy of it and play the tape over and over and over again.

Immediately after this mini song, Paul gives a straight message for “a Good Fortunate new year and a good time to be had by all,” his wish for a merry Christmas, and a repeat of the song.

John’s bit is a somewhat contrived interview between Yoko and himself, conducted in the grounds of his Ascot home, a questionable pun, a duel, some snatches about A.C.D.C., and having a Teddy Bear for Christmas.

George’s bit amounts to saying “Happy Christmas” about six times à la Hare Krishna, and Ringo sings “Happy Christmas” over and over again and while the pace speeds up and then happens to be saying “Magic Christian” when it slows down. I did enjoy Ringo’s song about “Good evening to you Gentlemen,
I hope you will enjoy […] The coming sports day of our life. Is Mama’s little boy.”

However, music is what the Beatles are all about. So how about just being yourselves on the next record?

No fab laffs… just a gift that means something.

From New Musical Express, December 27, 1969