The Beatles "The Beatles"

The Beatles "The Beatles" (White Album) 9/10

Doing a review on this album is an absolute challenge.  This is one of the most popular and famous albums of all time.  Arguably the greatest double album ever made.  It set the standard for a band reaching an absolute creative peak putting as much music on a single release as possible.  This album showed other artists what to do once they knew they had lightening in a bottle.  Just keep writing, keep recording, and get it all out there.

Fresh off of their decision to stop touring and become a studio band, The Beatles of course changed the game with the album that came before this release, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."  The idea of using the studio as an instrument itself had already gained traction, but the copious sound effects, overdubs, double tracks from "Sgt. Pepper" truly showed that the studio was not limited to simply being a space to record a band more or less emulating their live performance.  

"White Album" continues the sensibilities of using the studio and multitrack tape recorders to achieve new sounds, but it balances those indulgent tracks with intimate acoustic performances, band-jam tracks, and veers into different genres.  What we get with "White Album" is plenty of experimentation, but a balance of some more straightforward rock n roll songs.

This album is also where we start to see the band pulled into 4 separate directions.  The Lennon/McCartney partnership as a writing team was really only a legal institution at this point.  Paul and John were writing separately and we kind of hear The Beatles less as a 4 piece, and more as a back drop for whoever the principal writer/singer of the track.  George was becoming an accomplished songwriter on his own right.  Ringo even popped up and contributed a song for his first sole writing credit.

That is not to say that the album is absent of the "band" spirit.  There are many songs that are just 4 guys in a room, playing for each other, having fun.  But, some of the the leftover tracks from these sessions did also end up becoming solo hits for former Beatles later in their career. 

White Album and its creative dump was really a product of The Beatle's long trip into India.  The four members wanted to get away from fame and its pressures for a while, and visited the Maharishi in India to learn about transcendental meditation.  Between sessions, they picked up their guitars and hashed out these songs.

This was also the final Beatles album to separate stereo and mono mixes.  The early Beatles releases are universally better in mono.  Once we get to "Sgt. Pepper," the mixes are more like different experiences.  The Beatles were said to have preferred the mono mixes of their albums, and were more involved in the mixing.  So, as before, we will do a side by side of mono and stereo, and reach a verdict.  

1) "Back in the USSR" verdict: draw

Paul McCartney's ode to mother Russia.  This song is a riff on the Beach Boys and Chuck Berry.  A great pun in the chorus, exclaiming "Georgia's always on my mind."  It has a very early rock n roll feel to it with some great vocal harmonies.  Even more interesting is that Ringo had briefly quit the band at the point in time that the song was being recorded.  The studio bickering was getting to him, and he felt like a man without a place.  So, in his absence, Paul McCartney takes over as the entire rhythm section, not only playing the bass but also the drums here.  In mono the drums really come out, as do the vocals.  The other instruments get a bit lost.  In stereo the overdubs sound more natural, the plane sounds are also a bit more interesting.

2) "Dear Prudence" verdict: stereo

This song was written by John for Mia Farrow's sister who happened to be on the same Indian retreat.  Prudence, Mia's sister, apparently spent most of her time retired to her room.  This song is John's playful attempt to get her to come and hang out.  In mono, the bass guitar doesn't have as much meat to it.  The double tracking on the vocals sounds a little more intense, and there is a 3rd guitar track that is hiding in stereo.  The drums get way to loud in mono (Paul is once again behind the kit on this one).  In stereo the bass guitar attacks a lot more, and the stereo effects do favor the vocals more.

3) "Glass Onion" verdict: mono

A song about other songs in the catalog.  It is sort of a funny word play, revisiting older songs and concepts, but feels a bit throw away.  Here, Ringo finally finds himself behind the kit again.  In mono, there is an interesting acoustic guitar part that comes out of hiding, stereo suffers from the dreaded hard left to right panning.

4) "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da" verdict: stereo

Perhaps the first introduction for millions of people to what was first wave ska music.  This syncopated piano song tells a sort of meet-cute story that was/is a trope in romantic comedies, put to music.  It is very easy to sing a long too, and leaves you tapping your foot and smiling.  It served as the theme song to mid-80s family drama, "Life Goes On" which is the refrain here.  In mono, the piano pops more, but the harmonies feel buried.  In stereo, the vocals are bigger, and there is better balance in the mix.

5) "Wild Honey Pie" verdict: draw

Less of a song and more of an interlude, this is a heavy tremolo laden guitar.  Not much of a difference between the mixes, though the stereo sounds a little more funky.

6) "The Continuing Story of Bungalo Bill" verdict: mono

This song is a kind of novelty song, giving a send up to another character from India.  One of John's roommates in India was a hunter, and was very excited about going out to hunt an elephant.  In his bit of recoil, John wrote a parody here of our mighty hunter.  An interesting tidbit here, the refrain "but when he looked so fierce" was the first vocal contribution on a recording by John's partner and future wife, Yoko Ono.  The song is more convincing and natural in mono, as stereo makes the guitars very empty sounding.

7) "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" verdict: stereo

We finally reach George's first contribution to the collection, and it is well worth the wait.  This is an absolute highlight of the album, the Beatles' catalog, as well as George's writing.  From the haunting piano intro, to the steady guitar part, to the easy flowing beat, to Eric Clapton's guest appearance on lead guitar, everything in this song is just gold.  The song was about the acrimony that was developing between the band members.  Apparently when called in to help in the session, everybody went back to good behavior upon Eric Clapton's arrival.  His guitar work is a highlight throughout the song.  The mono mix of this song really does it absolutely no justice.  A rare occurrence where there isn't much merit in the mono version.  The amazing bass work of Paul is almost absent, and it is just a muddy mess.  In stereo, we get a bigger, more harrowing fade out, and just a better balance.

8) "Happiness is a Warm Gun" verdict: draw

Is this a song about a magazine ad, or heroin?  John Lennon insisted it was drawn from an advertisement for a gun, showing a person shooting with the phrase "happiness is a warm gun" written above it.  The story John tells feels like more of a coy cover for the subject, as the song seems to play out in 3 parts, showcasing the high, low, and withdraw of heroin.  In mono, the vocals feel more balanced, and the song feels more frantic.  In stereo the rhythm section comes out more, and the guitar work feels more natural.  

9) "Martha My Dear" verdict: stereo

After John's lament about heroin (or commentary on a weird magazine ad), we get some sort of McCartney fluff; a song about his dog.  John apparently hated these songs.  Not only the absolute light fluff, but Paul pretty much did this song on his own.  John was a lot more of a "band" guy, whereas Paul was happy to work completely on his own.  In mono, the drums and piano get absolutely buried by the orchestration.  In stereo, Paul's excellent piano playing gets its due, and the song sounds more grand.
 
10) "Blackbird" verdict: stereo

Another song done by Paul McCartney by himself.  The rhythm is Paul's foot tapping.  Other than that, we just a simple guitar and vocal track, with maybe one vocal overdub.  The guitar work is based on a Bach fugue, and has a very baroque sound.  Its lyrics are a nod to the US civil rights movement.   The mono version doesn't feel as off-the-cuff whereas the stereo feels more intimate.

11) "Piggies" verdict: stereo

George delights us with another piece of Baroque pop.  This time, the harpsichord takes lead.  George wasn't afraid of writing about his distaste for politicians, and this slightly Orwellian send up is a happy go lucky trip to the guillotine.  Mono is worth a listen, as the guitar comes out a bit more, and the song sounds a little more antiquated, but stereo sounds more fun and colorful.

12) "Rocky Racoon" verdict: stereo

Another story song.  This is Paul's take on a western.  We get the story of Rocky Racoon, a scorned lover with an interest who goes by too many different names.  Rocky tragically gets shot, and a drunk doctor basically hands him a Bible and tells him the end is neigh.  This is one of the "band" songs on the record, as we get a few instrument switches.  John is playing a 6 string bass guitar, and Paul is playing the acoustic part.  The mono version will do, but stereo feels more like you are just sitting in the room while Paul shares his story.

13) "Don't Pass Me By" verdict: mono

Not to be left out in the cold as a songwriter, Ringo finally scores his first sole writing credit.  Previously contributing writing to a few other songs, this was the first time a song was composed by Ringo.  This is not dismissive of his contribution to many Beatles songs; his drum parts certainly accent a lot of songs and take them from good pop fare to truly unforgettable.  But, unfortunately, lyrics and melody are what give you credit as a composer, not rhythmic or sonic coloring.  Anyways, this is an old rag time jam.  The song plays at a slightly faster pitch in mono, but it adds to the overall effect; it is more convincing this way as an old 78.

14) "Why Don't We Do It In the Road" verdict: draw

In India, Paul witness monkeys copulating out in the open, all over the place.  This led him to ask, "why don't we do it too?"  So, this is Paul's plea for us to just throw caution to the wind and have sex in the middle of the road.  This one is just Ringo and drums and Paul on every other instrument, once again to John's chagrin.  There aren't many glaring differences between stereo and mono.

15) "I Will" verdict: stereo

Paul once again veering off mostly onto his own here.  Instead of playing bass, he actually does a vocal scat to replace his bass guitar part.  A pretty basic, almost elementary love song with a solid melody.  The instruments are balanced better in stereo

16) "Julia" verdict: mono

Despite reservations about Paul's willingness to go it alone, John takes his stab at it here with an ode to his deceased mother.  His relationship with his mother was always complicated, as she more or less abandoned him to be raised by his aunt.  This intimate ode really would only work with John on his own.  This is the only song in The Beatle's whole body of work that would feature John on his own.  Whereas most of the acoustic numbers on "White Album" seem to work better in stereo, this particular one sounds more natural in mono.

17) "Birthday" verdict: mono

This is the sound of a band having fun.  Recorded just after Ringo had decided to return, the band just let loose.  There is a certain aura of confidence when you are writing a "birthday" song.  You aren't just writing something for a rock album; you are writing something that hopefully becomes something people will sing to their friends, their kids, their 80 year old grandmother.  Over 50 years out, this song has stood that test.  It is a testament to the prowess of the writing of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.  As a straight forward rocker, it just hits the gas harder in mono.

18) "Yer Blues" verdict: mono

This sendup of British blues acts started as sort of parody, but took on a life of its own to become a highlight.  John loved this song so much, he included it in a few of his post-Beatles live sets; notoriously skipping most of his career as a Beatle even when he did rarely perform live.  This was also recorded right after Ringo's return.  To get back into the spirit of being a band, the fab four huddled up in a small shack to record this.  Sort of like when a band begins, and rehearses in a crammed and uncomfortable space.  The song works in stereo, but mono just feels like the full, force, no holds barred number that this lament is supposed to be.  Half angry, half blues, pure John Lennon.

19) "Mother Nature's Son" verdict: stereo

Paul hits the brakes a bit after two strong rockers to open up the second disc here.  Another acoustic ballad, this does a necessary pull back so that the disc does not become sort of one note.  In mono the percussion sounds like an obvious overdub due to a likely mixdown of the track.  Not as clean sounding overall.  Stereo gives the song its due and the orchestrations work better.

20) "Everybody's Got Something to Hide (Except for me and my Monkey)" verdict: mono

Another song about the stay in India.  Not exactly a highlight of the album, but a fun rocker.  the back and forth play between the guitar and drums sounds cool.  The song sounds louder in mono, which suits the song much better.  Stereo buries the guitars a bit too much.

21) "Sexy Sadie" verdict: draw

The song was originally a take down of Maharishi, whom John believed was a phony, using his transcendental meditation retreat as a means by which to sleep with unsuspecting women.  George was still friends with Maharishi, so John creates a synonym in the character of Sexy Sadie.  The two mixes are a draw; mono lets Paul's fantastic bass playing take lead, whereas stereo is a winder vehicle.

22) "Helter Skelter" verdict: stereo

Upon reading that The Who had just released the loudest rock song of all time, Paul wanted to take them to task.  This song is sort of proto-heavy metal.  All of the elements that would go on to become heavy metal are there.  We get loud distorted guitars, chunky bass, and Paul screaming his lungs out.  This song is almost a throwaway in mono.  John Lennon was a lot of things, but he wasn't a great bass player.  He and Paul once again trade roles here, where he plays bass and Paul takes care of all of the guitar work.  John sounds like a guitarist trying to figure out his way around a bass, whereas Paul was an accomplished guitarist on his own right.  In mono, Paul's loud guitars are almost inaudible over John's simple bass riffing.  Also missing in mono; the false fade out at the end of the track, and Ringo's exclamation about his worn out hands.  Listen in stereo; it is way better when Ringo has blisters on his fingers.

23) "Long, Long, Long" verdict: mono

This haunting, trippy song is George's contribution to side 3.  The song keeps building, and pulling back creating drama.  The soft touches add to the pure atmosphere.  This is one of the most criminally overlooked tracks from "White Album."  The vocals sound a bit better in stereo, but the palate just works better in mono.

24) "Revolution I" verdict: mono

John's political anthem about the tumultuous 60s sounds relevant in just about any time in which it is placed.  He laments about the establishment, while telling his more radical friends he isn't necessarily opposed to them as well, but they just need to let him deliberate a bit.  Mono sounds more in the spirit of this stripped version of a rocker.  In stereo the piano pops more, but mono overall does more justice.

25) "Honey Pie" verdict: mono

More of what John called Paul's "granny music."  Perhaps a harsh criticism as Paul was experimenting with different genres, it is kind of a boring track on a rock album, and likely a throwback to music that was mostly dismissed at the time.  Once again, as an ode to old 78s, this one sounds a little bit better in mono

26) "Savoy Truffle" verdict: mono

George's side 4 contribution, is an exercise in eccentric writing.  A song about a box of chocolates George enjoyed.  Apparently when close friend, Eric Clapton would visit, Eric would devour the box.  This song is a cautionary tale about sweet indulgences and tooth decay. The song rocks and pops more as a mono track, and the instruments are all balanced better.

27) "Cry, Baby, Cry" verdict: stereo

This song is one of the more interesting numbers as it is a straight pop song, enhanced by a bunch of busy sound effects.  It almost sounds like a bunch of distracting activities are going on as John is just trying to sing.  An old Beatle trick is done at the end, as Paul tags "Can You Take Me Back," and unfinished number, onto the end to change the dynamic.  Due to the effects and playing, the song just works better out in stereo

28) "Revolution 9" verdict: mono

By far the most polarizing track on a Beatles release.  Not so much a song as a sound collage.  John and Yoko had released solo work prior to "White Album" sessions that followed this concept.  A lot of people just absolutely hate "Revolution 9."  It is mostly made up of scraps from a really long take of the Revolution single, as well as sound effects and tape loops found around the Abby Road Studio.  Seemingly this track would be better in stereo, but for some reason it is more haunting and kind of spooky in mono.  And the mono mix isn't even a true mono mix; they folded the stereo mix down into mono for this version.  Sometimes when something works, it just works. 

29) "Goodnight" verdict: stereo

A lullaby John had written for his son Julian, this song was given to Ringo so he could have a second lead performance on the album.  It started as a simple guitar and vocal track, but quickly became a big orchestration.  It showcases the underrated vocal range of Ringo.  Like most orchestra music, it just fills the room better in stereo

So, the stereo and mono versions of "White Album" are vastly different.  Really, if I were able to do so, I would probably create a version of the album that draws from the superior mix of each track, as really the mono stuff sounds way better in mono, and the stereo stuff eclipses the mono version.  Counting my assessment, it is officially a draw overall as to which version of the album is the best.

Not long after these sessions, the Beatles would hit their breaking point during the "Get Back" sessions, abandoning them (until Phil Spector came along and polished them to make the "Let it Be" album), but they did a final horrah, releasing "Abby Road" realizing that the band was likely at the end of its road.

Following the split of The Beatles, each member went on to have a successful solo career on his own right, of course.  But "White Album" certainly gave us a preview of what was to come from each member.