The Reason Behind George Harrison's Disapproval of Now and Then: An Analysis of The Beatles Anthology Project
George Harrison, one of the most iconic guitarists and vocalists in rock history, was a key figure in The Beatles. His decision to disapprove of re-recording John Lennon's Now and Then for the Anthology project in 1995 intrigued fans and critics alike. This article delves into the reasons behind Harrison's decision, exploring the technical challenges, artistic satisfaction, and overall response to the Anthology project.
Technical Challenges and Evolution
The early 1990s saw a significant interest in re-recording George Harrison's demos and John Lennon's unfinished songs for The Beatles Anthology. Paul McCartney went to New York's Dakota apartment to gather tapes of four songs selected by Yoko Ono, Lennon's widow. Among these were Free as a Bird, Real Love, Grow Old with Me, and the unfinished Now and Then, all intended to be re-recorded as Beatles songs.
After a meticulous review, the group initially rejected Grow Old with Me due to its deeply emotional nature, which was already captured in Lennon's solo album Milk and Honey. Free as a Bird, on the other hand, was a collaborative success. McCartney, Harrison, Starr, and Lynne worked together to recreate the song, with Harrison providing a memorable solo and adding instrumental flourishes. The final product was well-received by the band and delivered a cathartic emotional release for them.
However, the release of Free as a Bird also brought criticisms, including technical issues with Ringo Starr's drumming and John Lennon's vocals. To address these issues, Beatles producer Sir George Martin and his son Giles remixed the track for the 2015 edition of the Beatles 1 compilation, enhancing the quality of both the production and the vocals.
Artistic Dissatisfaction and Technical Challenges
In 1995, when George Harrison reviewed the Now and Then demo, he found it more challenging both technically and artistically. The song, as Paul McCartney described, had just a 'nice chorus without any verse,' requiring significant additional composition work. Moreover, Now and Then faced a particular technical challenge. The original demo had a persistent noise and hum issue that could not be effectively resolved using the technology available at that time.
During the production process, the band devoted a day to working on the song but felt it was of poor quality. Harrison, in particular, expressed frustration. He reportedly commented, "I hope when I die, someone takes my crap demo's and turns them into hits." This statement underscores Harrison's disappointment and the technical hurdles that prevented the completion of the song.
Harrison's opinion was not just about the quality of the recording. He viewed the project as less artistically satisfying compared to the collaborative work on Free as a Bird or Real Love. The technical and compositional challenges were too daunting for him to remain enthusiastic about the project.
The Anthology's Aftermath and Legacy
George Harrison's disapproval of re-recording Now and Then led to a collective decision by the surviving Beatles to abandon the song. The Anthology project ultimately left Now and Then unreleased, marking the end of John Lennon's unfinished song commentary for the Beatles.
Despite this, many opportunities arose to revisit and complete Lennon's unfinished works. Years later, the Lennon Estate discovered a better-sounding version of Now and Then from 2009, leading to speculation about future completions. Paul McCartney has expressed his intention to finish the song, hinting at significant changes from previous attempts.
The deconstruction of George Harrison's disapproval of Now and Then provides insights into the complex interplay of technical feasibility, artistic satisfaction, and band dynamics that define the collaborative music-making process, especially in the case of The Beatles.
Ultimately, this story offers a unique perspective on the enduring legacy and impact of John Lennon's solo career on the Beatles' collective music and, more broadly, on the history and evolution of rock music.
Conclusion
While George Harrison's decision to disapprove of re-recording Now and Then may seem daunting at first, it highlights the intricate balance required in re-creating past works. The technical challenges and artistic considerations that Harrison faced underscore the importance of technology, collaboration, and artistic vision in the pursuit of musical perfection. Whether Harrison's disapproval was due to technical issues or artistic dissatisfaction, it showcases the complexity of working with outdated technology and the modern demands of re-recording.
As the Beatles' legacy continues to evolve, fans and musicians alike will likely remain fascinated by the mysteries and challenges surrounding the re-recording of these iconic works, with the possibility of a completed Now and Then representing a thrilling and ambitious undertaking for Paul McCartney and his team.