Don't get me wrong - I think the new remix sounds great. The bass and kick on 'Taxman' have been brought forward quite a bit, even compared to the 2009 remix. It's fantastic, but it does change the vibe of the song a bit, and if people listen to other recordings from the period expecting the same sort of oomph, they're going to be disappointed.
'Taxman' has always struck me a song that revolves around kind of a belligerent go-go beat (this song by the Byrds kind of has the same feel, if a bit more ragged: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCOxslTvwC4). It also seems to be a refinement of George's 'Think for Yourself' from Rubber Soul. But, most of all it strikes me as being deeply prescient of seventies New Wave. The other remarkable thing is how beloved the song is but I wonder how many would agree with its message.
Mar 8, 2023·edited Mar 8, 2023Liked by Robert C. Gilbert
Fine article Robert! As you know the American release of this album did not include "Dr. Robert", "I'm Only Sleeping" , "And You Bird Can Sing" and "Yellow Submarine". These tracks were included on "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." I think "Yellow Submarine" was included on another album the name of which escapes me right now. When I first bought the Revolver cd I was bit confused. I don't know if this was the same in Canada. "Yellow Submarine", strangely enough, was on the album called "Yellow Submarine" in the US.
The initial Canada release was the same as America (I know because my mom had a copy!) and the last time that the North American and the British release were different.
I read Geoff Emerick's book "Here, There and Everywhere" recently. He engineered most of The Beatles' recordings. It's full of inside info on how they achieved the group's sound, song by song. His recollection of Revolver is particularly illuminating. One surprising tidbit: the guitar solo on Taxman was played by Paul!
That's right. Revolver was the first album that Geoff Emerick worked on with the Beatles and an important collaborator on the album (Ken Townsend at EMI too!).
You may have seen it already, many times, Robert, but the best evocation of The Beatles at their screaming, shrieking rock and roll best was at the 1964 NME Awards show. It was, and I trust still is, on YouTube.
Awesome post, big fan of several musicians you write about here, Sonny Rollins rocked! and of course the Beatles rock always :)
Thanks so much for checking out my work. Will check out your Substack.
Thank you! and keep up the great writing, you are going in my recommends as I type :)
Thank so much and very much appreciate the recommendation.
Great stuff! I’ve been listening to the Mehldau album this week and I was reminded of Al Di Meola’s Beatles tribute album. Do you know it?
I really like the 2022 Revolver - the kick drum on ‘Taxman’ is really punchy, very modern - maybe even too modern.
I don't but will definitely check it out - thanks for bringing it to my attention and thanks, as well, for the kind words.
I like the new remix a lot. 'Taxman' is way ahead of its time. Not sure if it's too modern but would love to hear your reasoning behind that.
Don't get me wrong - I think the new remix sounds great. The bass and kick on 'Taxman' have been brought forward quite a bit, even compared to the 2009 remix. It's fantastic, but it does change the vibe of the song a bit, and if people listen to other recordings from the period expecting the same sort of oomph, they're going to be disappointed.
'Taxman' has always struck me a song that revolves around kind of a belligerent go-go beat (this song by the Byrds kind of has the same feel, if a bit more ragged: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCOxslTvwC4). It also seems to be a refinement of George's 'Think for Yourself' from Rubber Soul. But, most of all it strikes me as being deeply prescient of seventies New Wave. The other remarkable thing is how beloved the song is but I wonder how many would agree with its message.
It is remarkable - and similar to the Stones’ ‘Exile on Main Street’ in that regard.
Fine article Robert! As you know the American release of this album did not include "Dr. Robert", "I'm Only Sleeping" , "And You Bird Can Sing" and "Yellow Submarine". These tracks were included on "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." I think "Yellow Submarine" was included on another album the name of which escapes me right now. When I first bought the Revolver cd I was bit confused. I don't know if this was the same in Canada. "Yellow Submarine", strangely enough, was on the album called "Yellow Submarine" in the US.
Thanks so much!
The initial Canada release was the same as America (I know because my mom had a copy!) and the last time that the North American and the British release were different.
I read Geoff Emerick's book "Here, There and Everywhere" recently. He engineered most of The Beatles' recordings. It's full of inside info on how they achieved the group's sound, song by song. His recollection of Revolver is particularly illuminating. One surprising tidbit: the guitar solo on Taxman was played by Paul!
That's right. Revolver was the first album that Geoff Emerick worked on with the Beatles and an important collaborator on the album (Ken Townsend at EMI too!).
You may have seen it already, many times, Robert, but the best evocation of The Beatles at their screaming, shrieking rock and roll best was at the 1964 NME Awards show. It was, and I trust still is, on YouTube.
I'll have to see that - not sure if I've ever watched it before!
Magnificent
Thank you, Robert, for casting new perspectives on the Music of My Youth.
Thanks so much - appreciate the kind words.