The Intricacies of the Let It Be and Get Back Projects: A Comprehensive Insight
Although the Get Back project was initially shelved for a year due to contractual obligations, it inevitably had to be released in some form. Among the songs retained for that album was 'Let It Be,' while others such as 'Something' and 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' were shifted to Abbey Road.
Evolution of 'Let It Be'
'Let It Be' was part of the larger Get Back/Let It Be project, which continued even as the Beatles recorded Abbey Road. The song originally saw release in early 1969 with its single version. However, George Harrison brought in a new and, I believe, much better guitar solo, and Paul and Linda McCartney added backing vocals in January 1970.
The Let It Be sessions, marked by the Get Back sessions from late 1968 to early 1969, were a source of conflict. John Lennon later recalled, "We could see right through each other," indicating the rift within the band. As individual solo artists, the group was more focused on their personal projects rather than band cohesion.
The Let It Be album was largely a collection of leftovers from the earlier sessions, produced by Phil Spector after the tumultuous Get Back sessions. By the time Spector completed his work on the record, the band was already broken up, making the album a posthumous reflection of what once was.
Challenges and Filming
The Let It Be and Get Back project was filmed from January 1969 with the intention of capturing the band rehearsing for a performance. The sessions were marked by conflict, with the band members performing out of sync and showing little interest in each other's work. John Lennon's disinterest, Yoko Ono's constant presence, and Paul McCartney's controlling nature contributed to the friction.
The Beatles initially planned to perform at Twickenham Studios but later moved to more comfortable surroundings at Apple Studios in their headquarters basement. To alleviate tensions, George Harrison invited keyboardist Billy Preston to participate in the Apple sessions.
As rehearsals progressed, the idea of a formal live performance was abandoned, and the band opted for an impromptu performance on their headquarters' rooftop to serve as the film's conclusion. The extensive recording sessions resulted in hundreds of songs, many of which ended up on Abbey Road, while others found their way to the Beatles' solo projects or remained unreleased.
Final Stages and Disbandment
Following the debacle of the Get Back/Let It Be sessions, the Beatles regrouped for a proper album, which became Abbey Road. Glyn Johns, the engineer, mixed the album for a July 1969 release. The Abbey Road sessions commenced in late February 1969, just three weeks after the Get Back/Let It Be sessions concluded. This album was eventually released in February 1970, while the group disbanded in April 1970.
Phil Spector was tasked with remixing the Get Back/Let It Be material in March 1970. The resulting film and album, Let It Be, were both released in May 1970.
Despite its shortcomings, the Let It Be and Get Back projects remain significant in Beatles history, providing insights into the final days of one of music's most iconic bands.
Note: While this article discusses the technical aspects of the projects, it's essential to acknowledge the emotional and creative contexts that shaped the Beatles' work during this period. The documents and recordings offer a comprehensive view of their transition from a touring band to individual musical artists.