The Art and Strategy Behind The Beatles' Formatting: Revealing Why 'Why Were' and 'Plenty of Singles' Were Excluded

When discussing the release patterns and song selections of The Beatles, one often finds questions revolving around why certain songs were released as singles while others were omitted from their albums. This article delves into the complexities of album formatting, artistic direction, and the strategic decisions made by these legendary musicians.

Release Timing: A Historical Context

Both songs in question, 'Why Were' and 'Plenty of Singles,' found their way to the world in May 1966, prior to the release of the album itself in August 1966. The Beatles had a well-established practice of releasing singles ahead of their albums, a common trend during the 1960s. This practice allowed their singles to gain chart success independently, often overshadowing the promotional hype around album releases.

Artistic Direction: Shaping the Record

The Beatles, with their unique artistic vision, meticulously curated the contents of their albums. They understood that not every song warranted inclusion on the album, ensuring that each track would have its own significance. Consequently, 'Why Were' and 'Plenty of Singles' were left off the album, allowing them to stand alone as significant singles in the band's discography.

Exclusivity for Chart Success

It's important to consider the historical context of the music industry in the 1960s. Singles had a better chance of chart success when they were released independently. Radio stations and record buyers often preferred to support singles rather than fully promoting album releases, which they sometimes viewed as a business trick. This dynamic led many artists to prioritize singles in their release strategies.

Capitol Records and American Releases

Capitol Records, the American subsidiary of EMI (the Beatles' record label), had a different approach to single and album releases. Unlike the UK, Capitol was more inclined to include both A and B sides of singles on their American albums, sometimes resulting in albums with more tracks compared to their UK counterparts. This strategy often saw more complete collections for American listeners.

With the release of 'Yesterday and Today' in 1966 in the US, Capitol decided to include singles 'Paperback Writer' and 'Rain' on the album 'Hey Jude.' However, this decision was not made because of any specific request from the band but rather due to the chaotic nature of Capitol's release schedule. In contrast, the UK release of 'Yesterday and Today' featured a different selection of tracks, including leftovers from 'Help!' and 'Rubber Soul,' along with some new material from 'Revolver.'

Strategic Release Decisions

Examining the release of 'Yesterday and Today' reveals a fascinating look at the complex decisions made by Capitol Records. The resulting imbalance in the album's tracklist led to questions about whether the single songs 'Paperback Writer' and 'Rain' could have found a place on the reconstituted US version of 'Revolver.'

Conclusion

The release and formatting of singles and album tracks by The Beatles were a series of strategic decisions that shaped their discographies and influenced the music industry. Understanding these choices provides insight into the artists' intentions and the broader context of the time. For music enthusiasts, delving into the history of these releases offers a deeper appreciation of the band's impact and the intricacies of their creative processes.