Great episode. These instrumental albums reinforce how good the Beatle melodies are. The melodies stand on their own. I know these instrumentals were played on Easy Listening radio stations in the 60s and 70s. Every radio market had at least one of these stations and yes, they were played in dentist offices. When you think about it, this was a great way to market the Beatles to an older crowd.
...called MUZAK in the day, right? My dad listened to this stuff; I kinda recall the Radio Station ID-ing itself as "WFOG, your Easy Listening Radio Station". Wow, I just remembered the call sign as WFOG as I was typing this.
It shouldn't even be mentioned that George Martin played keys on many Beatles songs, and is often cited with playing the piano on "Misery", "Not A Second Time", "A Hard Day's Night", and "Penny Lane", the organ on "I Wanna Be Your Man", "Got To Get You Into My Life", "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" and "Across The Universe", the harmonium on "The Word", "If I Needed Someone" and "Cry Baby Cry", and the harpsichord on "Fixing A Hole", just to name a few.
Thank you Matt for setting the record straight on Sir George Martin's other recording career he is definitely the 5th Beatle in my eyes ~ It is my hope that his son Giles sees this episode of your series and gets the same enjoyment out of it as I did ~
The sound of his arrangements is the background music of swingin London between 65-69. No one had the pulse on the sound better than GM. Love all this stuff. It ain’t cheesy
I 've got "Off The Beatles Tracks" on vinyl and "In My Life" (1998) on CD ... and then I've got 2 copies of a Ultravox single. The LP was £2.50 from a carboot sale and the CD was £1 from a charity shop.
Speaking of the Petula Clark, what an awesome artist whose career basically started in her childhood during World War I two. And she still going strong. I saw her when she was only 85 a few years ago now she’s 90 and she still at it. Maybe her American hits career should someday be featured here .
I'd also love to see Matt cover her career. She was constantly on the charts from late '64 to '67 and was considered a regular part of the pop scene until everything got heavy. I was a big fan and bought her albums along with the Beatles, Byrds, Stones and everyone else.
I saw a Vic Flick interview on YT. At the beginning they show " Hard Days Night" Lp and MATT MONRO LP . So therefore Flick contributed to that. Someone in the comment section said he met Vic Flick at the House of Blues for " Hard Days Night" 40th Anniversary. Here is Jimmy Page's quote from " Jimmy Page By Jimmy Page" book on page 18: "I was also on SHIRLEY BASSEY's " Goldfinger" Bond Theme, the soundtrack to " Casino Royale" and the album of " A Hard Days Night". ( Of course he is playing on GEORGE MARTIN ORCHESTRA). This is for the non believers out there 😅
Awesome! I appreciate your comment! I was wondering while watching this whether some of the better known British session musicians, such as Vic Flick (and of course, Page) played on some of these tracks!
Oh wow, what an awesome George Martin collection you have! I've loved many of these albums for decades, I've got to make sure my Sunday morning has a George Martin soundtrack tomorrow! Another great video 🌼
This is great. I would be keen to hear more of Martin's work (say maybe after the Beates broke up? Or when they seemed to ignore him during the White Album?). In addition, an indepth look at his contribution by way of playing instruments on the Beatles' albums would be great to see too. The NY Time obituary on George Martin included a timeline of each time he played on a Beatles album and was floored by how many cases there were of that sort of contribution. When I searched the paper's site, I got this piece with the timeline coming up: "A Song-by-Song Look at What Made George Martin the Fifth Beatle" BY GUILBERT GATES MARCH 15, 2016
Folks, I am so glad Matt did this one. I am a performer and a songwriter (since 18 now 66) and I have performed in a Tribute as Mc since 2007. I am also a guy, just like you all, who considers myself as the biggest Beatles fan ever. That said, I believe that without George Martin, the first and last Beatles song played on the radio in Britain would have been Love Me Do. As well, we here in the US would have never heard of them. Songwriting is a tricky thing. When George suggested to the band that they speed up Johns newly penned Please Please Me, this could have been the end. But that he suggested it in a way and with whatever respect he held with this recently met group of lads that drove them to not only do it, but skip break time and work on it for an hour while the old boys ate, and sipped tea, is a defining moment in R-n-R. Another GREAT JOB from Matt.
I said this before in another comment on a video of Martin's Help LP. These albums were I think for the parents of Beatle fans. The parents couldn't quite warm up to the Fab Four but didn't want to be looked at as old fogeys or fossils. These LPs of Martin's and the Holly ridge Strings albums allowed older listeners to appreciate the songs Lennon, McCartney and Harrison were writing, but separated from the Beatles voices, the loud instruments and the screams. You can almost imagine a parent listening to a Martin album in one room while their teenage daughter listened to the originals in another room!
No. just trying to take the beatles credit. martin was irrelevant to the glory of the beatles accomplishment. they were winners before thier first song however speeded up. Without the beatles Martin was unknown . I give him little to less credit.
@@transformationgeneration No. the whole point of the beatles is that they are one trick ponies. All thier songs were the same song. Great ones almost all. thats why martin is irrelevent. He added nothing to thier one trick.
This was a fantastic episode Matt. I have always found the early recordings to be almost ethereal/haunting in their sound and extremely well done. In fact, brave yourself for heresy, I actually like some of his arrangements better than the Beatles' original! As always, thank you for your videos.
As Keri Ford commented above, that his work was so *evocative* of the time. Such a fitting word for the images and feeling his work provokes from the listener. Similar to the opening score and cartoon presentation for the movie, Catch Me If You Can w/Tom Hanks and Leonardo DeCaprio.
I will say the little snippet of "She Said, She Said" sounded like it really lent itself to that kind of interpretation, and with Martin arranging it's got to be good.
@@TheRealDrJoey Agreed! Yes it is obviously easy listening and not Miles Davis or the Bird or Stan Getz, but it is very well arranged and clearly has top flight professional studio musicians on hand. A time capsule to be sure, but a very enjoyable time capsule.
After thinking about this collection of George Martin albums, what we have here is a fantastic look and listen to an era, long gone but not forgotten. These scores, themselves, stand on their own, in spite of how 'corny' they may sound now to the 'modern era' listener. Thanks Matt~!
Now this is a really big surprise though it is Beatles related. The instrumental of This Boy as Ringo's Theme was one of the highlights of A Hard Day's Night. I was only aware of the Martin Orchestra's instrumental album of the songs from that film, but none of these others. In 1964 there was also Capitol's Beatles' Songbook by the Hollyridge Strings (led by producer Stu Phillips). They oddly send them for channels I never that got lots of airplay on Adult radio and became a big success making the top 20 on Billboard's top 200 Album chart. UA-cam didn't send a notification so I'm just catching up with this. They oddly send them for channels I never click on right away.
Matt Strikes Again! Thoroughly enjoyed this episode, so much I was unaware of, so much appreciated. I've always enjoyed side 2 of the Yellow Submarine album, and I think If I ever get stuck in an elevator, the elevator music music I would want playing is the George Martin Plays the Beatle Girls - sounded like so much fun the snippetts you played. All the best, Terry, Albury Australia.
Matt I got " The Music of James Bond" book thanks to you. That's great that you show books on your show! It's also adding to my library. My favorite is " The Beatles and the Historians" book. I've read it twice. Too bad in High School I didn't apply the dedication to the stuff they taught us......
Outstanding collection!! I've played YS side 2 regularly for decades now, having three on vinyl, one original CD and the '09 re-master. And I've always loved Martin's contributions to the UA HDN. Thanks millions for this episode Matt!!!
Nice one Matt👍WOW Im Impressed with your George Martín LP collection, Im only familiar with the album Off The Beatle Track (as well as his work on A Hard Days Night, The Family Way and Yellow Submsrine) but had No idea of all the other instrumental albums that followed - Cool collection of records (Love that cover of George Martin with the Beatle Girls -GRRR BABY!!!) entertaing video Matt👌
That story is amusing- Bassey's bra flew over " the box"( booth) while holding that last note. Then she passed out. I believe Page never brought this up until 2008. He spoke about it a couple times after that. Thank you for clearing this up about producing the vocals. ❤❤❤
WOW! Great episode! It was the United Artists AHDN soundtrack that I discovered the Beatles and I loved Martin's instrumentals as much as I loved the Beatles songs. I really want to get copies of the Martin records you discuss. Great job!
I also discovered the Beatles (and George Martin) the same way. As much as I love the British LP of A Hard Day’s Night, I love the American version just as much because of the instrumental tracks. I tracked down copies of the earlier George Martin LPs and I enjoy them as much as the Hollyridge Strings, Golden Gate Strings, etc. I find them a tad more jazzy than classical.
Thanks Matt for this one!! Gosh, aside from Hard Day’s Night and Yellow Submarine soundtracks, I had no idea that these orchestral albums even existed!! Thanks!!
Hey, Matt; thank you for this and all your well-researched profiles & reviews. Glad for this overview of George Martin's work. As a teen in the 1970's I didn't appreciate the Hard Day's Night instrumentals until hearing (on Doctor Demento) Casey Kaysum's record entitled A Letter From Elaina, which used the And I Love Her instrumental as background. I recognized the music, and relistened to the soundtrack and enjoyed all the music at that point. Thanks again.
This was such a cool video! I love his score for Yellow Submarine. I wish they would remix the entire score and release it in a box set, maybe as bonus tracks in a 67-68 Beatles Box Set. That would be groovy.
Congratulations on having such an extensive G. Martin collection. I always wanted the Family Way album. I consider it the first Beatles solo album. Just my opinion. Went to the movie just to hear the music. Well-researched as always
I have two of those albums on CD. Plus a few of the albums Did you ever think of doing a video on the Hollyridge Strings ? Instrumental muzak from Capital records ( a few of their albums were shown on the back of Beatles albums ) . The inner sleeves had pictures of these albums also. There were quite a few " play the Beatles hits " , the last being ( as far as I know ) from '68. They also did albums of the songs of The Beach Boys , The Four Seasons & Elvis , that I know of ( cuz I have them ). Good video. Very enjoyable.
This was a great overview Matt. I had no idea Lester and Martin didn't like each other! I have to check out some of these UA albums. I have been meaning to read the two part Womack bio on Martin. I saw him lecture at the University of British Columbia in the 2000s. A true gent.
Love this! Very informative, and presented without hyperbole, in a balanced, academic way. I have played and analyzed a lot of Beatles' songs, but I didn't know about all these George Martin Orchestra records. Very impressed that you own all the LPs!
Thank you for the kind words. Some of these arrangements are really interesting but I must say Auntie Gin's Theme (I've Just Seen A Face) is an abomination!
Think it's good that you're giving a fuller portrait, Matt, of people who worked with the Beatles, as far as other things they were involved with as they worked with the Beatles. Didn't know George Martin released several instrumental albums during the 1960s! Another person I'd suggest you could also do this with would be Brian Epstein, who managed other bands besides the Beatles.
I'm very interested to learn how GM worked with the Beatles. Especially how raw songs gained their final form. You hear things like the lads wanted various sounds etc. But it's hard to visualize how all that went step by step in the studio. Your video treatment adds more depth to the George Martin equation.
For more information on that read either : "Here There and Everywhere" by Geoff Emerick or "George Martin" by Ken Womack. It's fascinating to read how many production ideas I thought were The Beatles were actually George Martin and how many I thought were George Martin were actually The Beatles.
Entertaining post Matt. I had forgotten about Mr. Martin's "other" career going on there. I bet the lads got a chuckle out of some of those LPs. I hope George got some reasonable money out of all that, he certainly didn't in the early years of the Beatles success. I read he did get a producer's royalty once he was no longer employed by EMI, starting with Rubber Soul, so there was that. He did get very rich indeed eventually. Cheers!
As usual, you've given us a fantastic overview of a relatively unknown corner of Beatledom; now, off to bookmark these albums for late night perusal. Thanks, Matt!
Nice and informative video, his orchestral work is often overlooked. I only have Off the Beatle Track, and there are some interesting stuff that I'd like to get.
Great video! My favorite piece by George Martin is his collaboration with Maddalena Fagandini , Time Beat. They released it under the name Ray Cathode.
If you stream the 2023 remaster of Eclipse from Dark Side of the Moon on headphones with the volume up you can still hear Ticket to Ride - it's in the right channel, at around the two minute mark. (I didn't know it had ever been released without it.)
I've always felt Pepperland as being not only one of the finest songs in the Yellow Submarine album and movie, but even better than some other Beatles' tracks there.
Just when I start to think there's too much Beatles content on this channel (Let's face it, sometimes it could be called "Pop Go The Beatles and Some Other '60s Bands" :)), you find a fascinating new angle to pursue. Sir George certainly deserves the recognition, and it's interesting to hear what else was up to when he wasn't producing The Beatles). The man was quite prolific. When did he sleep?
This was a new one one me! I knew that Martin did the orchestral work on Yellow Submarine and Help!, but I didn't realize he put out his own albums. And yes, we could all stand a bit of cheese now and then. Thanks, Matt. I really enjoyed this! Speaking of instrumental arrangements, I wonder if you heard of Percy 'Thrills' Thrillington? If not, check it out. It's produced by McCartney under that pseudonym. It's an instrumental presentation of Paul's Ram album with arrangements by Richard Hewson. It's definitely got its own cheese factor, but it's fun and cheeky. It's worth at least one listen.
This is close to what was called MUZAK in the day, right? Martin is not as vanilla, though. My dad listened to this stuff; I recall the Radio Station ID-ing itself as "WFOG, your Easy Listening Radio Station". Wow, I just remembered the call sign as WFOG as I was typing this.
I love The George Martin Orchestra's take on Traffic's 'Hole In My Shoe'. I love the fact he kept in the off-kilter moment in the middle. ua-cam.com/video/AiYg-06U3oU/v-deo.html&start_radio=1
It's my understanding from what I have read, George Martin was involved in the 45 version of Goldfinger which was a different recording than the song that appeared on the Soundtrack album. The single version is a rare alternate version of the song, where Shirley holds the final note all the way to the end of the song (she supposedly fainted at the end of the note). But that is probably Bond legend. Both versions the hit 45 (in mono) and the stereo soundtrack LP version from the film appear on the EMI CD 35880 Goldsinger/Best Of Shirley Bassey. I always enjoy your videos.
Thanks, Matt I found this very interesting and I learned a lot. I’ve always enjoyed the George Martin score on Yellow submarine and a Hard Days Night. You’ve opened my eyes to more great George “cheese” material! Ha ha! Like you, I like a little cheese once in a while, too!😂❤
Thanks for another fascinating video Matt🎉 Initially I found the idea of including incidental movie themes on a Beatles album very strange and got the british version. But 25 years later in 1989 I got the american version and was instantly mesmerized by "Ringo's theme"😊. Later I found "Off the Beatle track" which is lovely! Thanks for the info about the conflict between George Martin and Richard Lester and why the Help Soundtrack was scored by another. I was always wondering why, because it's inferior apart from introducing the Sitar to the Beatles and opening up "Help" with the James Bond theme.
Yes I know this presentation is 60s- FUN FACT- George Martin worked with Paul (" Macca") on " Live and Let Die" and Jeff Beck " Blow By Blow". Beck did an instrumental version of " She's a Woman". They would work together later on. Im sure most people know this but maybe the " kids" dont know this. Your presentation should be the start of a Book!
I believe George Martin owned AIR Studios. " George Martin- In My Life" CD is another later GM production. Beck performing A Day in the Life"- which I saw him perform live. My friend said he saw Beck perform that and did each version differently . Hey..maybe a part 2 is in order for Sir George Martin?? Thanks to you I'm going to purchase The Music of James Bond" book! THANX again. My collection of records/cds/books/ knowledge is growing.
More Fun Fact$- there are 3 musicians named John Williams! At the same time too. There is a classical guitarist, #2 -a singer of THE AUTHENTICs ( also wrote some songs) I believe he is known as " John Williams 11" for Google search. Lastly there is American composer " Jaws" dodoon do doon dodoon)
5:30, " Lester brought his own guy in ". His name was Ken Thorne. And he is responsible for the first use of a sitar on a Beatles song ( the intro to Help). albeit very short. And Ken Thorne even had a hit single in the UK charts. Something George Martin never did in his own name. In August 1963 he was outselling the Beatles with his single " Theme From "The Legion's Last Patrol' ".Top position # 4 and 15 weeks in the charts.
I have a mild like for it, particulary 2-3 songs. The rest is underdeveloped. But just think if this project was combined with George Martin's scoring for Yellow Submarine. That may have been something very special.
Loved this edition Matt! Good old George Martin. There's an Anthology version of Glass Onion sans strings but with sound effects instead. Martin's string arrangement is far superior and gives added menance to Lennon's already menancing vocal. One of my favourite of George Martin's contributions.
Cool show, I especially like Ringo’s Theme, I have never seen the “London, By George” album before…………interesting also about his work on the Bond music………..
Early pressings of UK Beatles albums had "flipbacks," where flaps from the front of the cover were folded over and glued onto the back panel. The flipbacks were white, which is why there is a white border on the Revolver album pictured on the cover of "George Martin Instrumentally Salutes the Beatle Girls."
Seems like George M. Was busier than the Beatles. This does explain what George was doing while the Beatles were touring. Great job Matt. Very interesting. 👍
George Martin produced other bands and artist too. He didn't just wait around for the Beatles to record. He produced all of Brian Epstein's stable of artist. The pacemakers, Dakotas, Cillia Black, ect. He was a busy man.
Jimmy Page said in " Jimmy Page By Jimmy Page" book he played on Hard Days Night" soundtrack. No specific song. I know about " Goldfinger" song. Fun facts - the song was successful in the US but not in Britain - most fans know that Page and Vic Flick are on it. Recorded at EMI Studios ( Wikipedia says CTS Studios) Aug 20, 1964. In 2017 " Stairway to Heaven" SPIRIT " Taurus" court deposition- John Paul Jones mentioned was sitting next to Page playing bass ( they recorded together often.) So George Martin had 1/2 of future Led Zeppelin recording with him! I've wondered why Martin wasn't credited on " Goldfinger"... John Barry was the Arranger. Lol I had a copy of " My Boomerrang Won't Come Back" by CHARLIE DRAKE - Martin was involved in that 1962. THANKS!! ( Note this recent post is updated.)
@@IamSkullrules That’s absolutely not true. If Page is on any Beatle recordings it would be playing acoustic rhythm with Vic Flick playing electric. Vic Flick played the melody on the instrumentel version of This Boy, so Page could be on that.. definitely not on Rubber Soul or Revolver!
@@familydogg1234 An instrumental version of "This Boy", orchestrated by George Martin, is used as the incidental music during Ringo Starr's towpath scene in the film A Hard Day's Night. The piece, under the title, "Ringo's Theme (This Boy)", was released as a single-but failed to chart in the UK-on 7 August 1964 with "And I Love Her" on the B-Side,[11] although it did reach number 53 in the American Top 100 later that year. It was also included on Martin's Parlophone album Off the Beatle Track and the EP Music From A Hard Day’s Night by the George Martin Orchestra, released 19 February 1965. It was also included on the American A Hard Day's Night soundtrack album. Vic Flick's lead guitar work can be heard on "Ringo’s Theme", which plays as the Beatles drummer wanders around London on his own.
You’re right about how cheesy many of his solo projects were. He didn’t seem able to get past that early on when he wasn’t actually producing for a group like the Beatles, except for a few isolated cases like the instrumentals on A Hard Day’s Night, BUT he really came into his own on the Yellow Submarine soundtrack. As often as Beatle fans criticize his score for diluting the album, his work is downright magical. In fact, Yellow Submarine is the first Beatle album I ever bought, and not just for their songs. In addition, Martin proved he could even compete with the great John Barry by scoring Roger Moore’s first James Bond film Live & Let Die. My personal thought is that on those early solo albums, he needed to please the suits by sticking to the tried and true MUZAK format of the time just to get his records released. And if course those suits were notoriously difficult to please.
@@popgoesthe60s52Thanks Matt. I assumed he did unless someone else was credited on the LP sleeves. That’s a lot of work! I wonder what the sales were like for these albums and the who the target audience was?
Vic Flick is playing the melody guitar part, not Jimmy Page. If JP is on this recording it would be acoustic rhythm guitar.. but I’ve never seen or heard any proof of that. Curious if you have a legit source for that info?
@@doncelenza5807 Just word of mouth….just did a google search: Jimmy Page played background guitar on the instrumental version of "This Boy" from the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night film score, titled "Ringo's Theme". Page is a session guitarist who has worked with the Who, Donovan, Joe Cocker, and the Kinks, but has never played on a Beatles song.
For my money......George Martin was the Fifth Beatle. Eppy was more a father figure. Neil and Mal were close, but still (slightly) on the outside. Great video once again!
I dunno. Were Ken Thorne's instrumentals less busy than Martin's, thus preferable? Orchestrated for fewer diverse lead instruments, avoiding Martin's "Carnaby Baroque" sound?
I am gonna send him clothes that are from that era; mid to late 60s. Kinda like the Jimmi Hendrix colorful suits and the Strawberry Alarm Clock ponchos. Lets see if he wears them, just so the clothing can match the show.
He may wear them if you send him a donation. I suppose that he mainly spends his money on buying vinyl records and other music stuff. I think he doesn't care what he looks like, that's may be a reason he just wears mainly t-shirts .
Great episode. These instrumental albums reinforce how good the Beatle melodies are. The melodies stand on their own. I know these instrumentals were played on Easy Listening radio stations in the 60s and 70s. Every radio market had at least one of these stations and yes, they were played in dentist offices. When you think about it, this was a great way to market the Beatles to an older crowd.
...called MUZAK in the day, right? My dad listened to this stuff; I kinda recall the Radio Station ID-ing itself as "WFOG, your Easy Listening Radio Station". Wow, I just remembered the call sign as WFOG as I was typing this.
@@jazzpunk Yes, It was also called Muzak.
@@marcusk1520 you've capitalised Muzak. That was an actual brand, right?
@@jonvought700 Yes, I believe it was a brand name..
Still hear them all the time.
It shouldn't even be mentioned that George Martin played keys on many Beatles songs, and is often cited with playing the piano on "Misery", "Not A Second Time", "A Hard Day's Night", and "Penny Lane", the organ on "I Wanna Be Your Man", "Got To Get You Into My Life", "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" and "Across The Universe", the harmonium on "The Word", "If I Needed Someone" and "Cry Baby Cry", and the harpsichord on "Fixing A Hole", just to name a few.
"In My Life"
It SHOULD be mentioned and thank you for doing just that.
@@turtleparent73s I forgot about his keyboard solo on "In My Life".
@@ndogg20 No problem.
There was harmonium on "If I Ndeed Someone"?
Thank you Matt for setting the record straight on Sir George Martin's other recording career he is definitely the 5th Beatle in my eyes ~ It is my hope that his son Giles sees this episode of your series and gets the same enjoyment out of it as I did ~
I didn’t think I’d like this episode… boy, was I wrong! Loved it!
That is high praise, indeed! Much thanks!
Many a time I would look at who Matt would be presenting and think “Huh, who?” only to be completely knocked out. Another great job Matt!
I'm jealous of your collection. These are great, I have to get more of Martin's work, it is so evocative of the time.
The sound of his arrangements is the background music of swingin London between 65-69. No one had the pulse on the sound better than GM. Love all this stuff. It ain’t cheesy
I 've got "Off The Beatles Tracks" on vinyl and "In My Life" (1998) on CD ... and then I've got 2 copies of a Ultravox single.
The LP was £2.50 from a carboot sale and the CD was £1 from a charity shop.
George Martin was so indispensable to The Beatles' development that I wonder what Beatle records would sound like had they passed the Decca audition.
Ray Cathode was his alter ego. Looks like you've got a mint copy of "Goldfinger". Cheers! 🥨
Speaking of the Petula Clark, what an awesome artist whose career basically started in her childhood during World War I two. And she still going strong. I saw her when she was only 85 a few years ago now she’s 90 and she still at it. Maybe her American hits career should someday be featured here .
I'd also love to see Matt cover her career. She was constantly on the charts from late '64 to '67 and was considered a regular part of the pop scene until everything got heavy. I was a big fan and bought her albums along with the Beatles, Byrds, Stones and everyone else.
The white border on the back of the Revolver album 8:46, is the flip back of the original UK version of Revolver,
I saw a Vic Flick interview on YT. At the beginning they show " Hard Days Night" Lp and MATT MONRO LP . So therefore Flick contributed to that. Someone in the comment section said he met Vic Flick at the House of Blues for " Hard Days Night" 40th Anniversary. Here is Jimmy Page's quote from " Jimmy Page By Jimmy Page" book on page 18: "I was also on SHIRLEY BASSEY's " Goldfinger" Bond Theme, the soundtrack to " Casino Royale" and the album of " A Hard Days Night". ( Of course he is playing on GEORGE MARTIN ORCHESTRA). This is for the non believers out there 😅
Awesome! I appreciate your comment! I was wondering while watching this whether some of the better known British session musicians, such as Vic Flick (and of course, Page) played on some of these tracks!
Oh wow, what an awesome George Martin collection you have! I've loved many of these albums for decades, I've got to make sure my Sunday morning has a George Martin soundtrack tomorrow! Another great video 🌼
This is great. I would be keen to hear more of Martin's work (say maybe after the Beates broke up? Or when they seemed to ignore him during the White Album?). In addition, an indepth look at his contribution by way of playing instruments on the Beatles' albums would be great to see too. The NY Time obituary on George Martin included a timeline of each time he played on a Beatles album and was floored by how many cases there were of that sort of contribution. When I searched the paper's site, I got this piece with the timeline coming up:
"A Song-by-Song Look at What Made George Martin the Fifth Beatle"
BY GUILBERT GATES MARCH 15, 2016
Folks, I am so glad Matt did this one. I am a performer and a songwriter (since 18 now 66) and I have performed in a Tribute as Mc since 2007. I am also a guy, just like you all, who considers myself as the biggest Beatles fan ever. That said, I believe that without George Martin, the first and last Beatles song played on the radio in Britain would have been Love Me Do. As well, we here in the US would have never heard of them. Songwriting is a tricky thing. When George suggested to the band that they speed up Johns newly penned Please Please Me, this could have been the end. But that he suggested it in a way and with whatever respect he held with this recently met group of lads that drove them to not only do it, but skip break time and work on it for an hour while the old boys ate, and sipped tea, is a defining moment in R-n-R. Another GREAT JOB from Matt.
I said this before in another comment on a video of Martin's Help LP. These albums were I think for the parents of Beatle fans. The parents couldn't quite warm up to the Fab Four but didn't want to be looked at as old fogeys or fossils. These LPs of Martin's and the Holly ridge Strings albums allowed older listeners to appreciate the songs Lennon, McCartney and Harrison were writing, but separated from the Beatles voices, the loud instruments and the screams. You can almost imagine a parent listening to a Martin album in one room while their teenage daughter listened to the originals in another room!
I appreciate that - thank for the warm comment!
No. just trying to take the beatles credit. martin was irrelevant to the glory of the beatles accomplishment. they were winners before thier first song however speeded up. Without the beatles Martin was unknown . I give him little to less credit.
No George Martin - No Beatles.
@@transformationgeneration No. the whole point of the beatles is that they are one trick ponies. All thier songs were the same song. Great ones almost all. thats why martin is irrelevent. He added nothing to thier one trick.
Excellent as always! Thank you Matt!
This was a fantastic episode Matt. I have always found the early recordings to be almost ethereal/haunting in their sound and extremely well done. In fact, brave yourself for heresy, I actually like some of his arrangements better than the Beatles' original!
As always, thank you for your videos.
Thanks Neal. I thought this would be a fun topic and a chance to actually listen to Martin's work, which people seem to overlook.
As Keri Ford commented above, that his work was so *evocative* of the time. Such a fitting word for the images and feeling his work provokes from the listener. Similar to the opening score and cartoon presentation for the movie, Catch Me If You Can w/Tom Hanks and Leonardo DeCaprio.
I will say the little snippet of "She Said, She Said" sounded like it really lent itself to that kind of interpretation, and with Martin arranging it's got to be good.
@@TheRealDrJoey Agreed! Yes it is obviously easy listening and not Miles Davis or the Bird or Stan Getz, but it is very well arranged and clearly has top flight professional studio musicians on hand.
A time capsule to be sure, but a very enjoyable time capsule.
@@popgoesthe60s52 really great video!
After thinking about this collection of George Martin albums, what we have here is a fantastic look and listen to an era, long gone but not forgotten. These scores, themselves, stand on their own, in spite of how 'corny' they may sound now to the 'modern era' listener. Thanks Matt~!
Now this is a really big surprise though it is Beatles related. The instrumental of This Boy as Ringo's Theme was one of the highlights of A Hard Day's Night. I was only aware of the Martin Orchestra's instrumental album of the songs from that film, but none of these others. In 1964 there was also Capitol's Beatles' Songbook by the Hollyridge Strings (led by producer Stu Phillips). They oddly send them for channels I never that got lots of airplay on Adult radio and became a big success making the top 20 on Billboard's top 200 Album chart. UA-cam didn't send a notification so I'm just catching up with this. They oddly send them for channels I never click on right away.
Excelent show Matt.I always enjoy it a lot.
I have always loved the music George Martin contributed to “Yellow Submarine”. Nice segment as always sir!
Matt Strikes Again! Thoroughly enjoyed this episode, so much I was unaware of, so much appreciated. I've always enjoyed side 2 of the Yellow Submarine album, and I think If I ever get stuck in an elevator, the elevator music music I would want playing is the George Martin Plays the Beatle Girls - sounded like so much fun the snippetts you played. All the best, Terry, Albury Australia.
Thank you, Terry! Much appreciated.
Matt I got " The Music of James Bond" book thanks to you. That's great that you show books on your show! It's also adding to my library. My favorite is " The Beatles and the Historians" book. I've read it twice. Too bad in High School I didn't apply the dedication to the stuff they taught us......
Great job Matt on this rather obscure avenue of Beatledom.
These are cool and hard to find.I've collected a few over the years
Thank you.
I liked some of this. I am now old like my dad. Maybe you should do a segment on David McCallum?
Impressive that you have so many George Martin Orchestra albums. I can't imagine they sold very well. Who would have been the target audience?
It would have sold to an easy listening audience much like Percy Faith or Herb Alpert.
Thanks for doing videos about the easy listening side of the swinging 60's
This is a real treasure!
Outstanding collection!! I've played YS side 2 regularly for decades now, having three on vinyl, one original CD and the '09 re-master. And I've always loved Martin's contributions to the UA HDN. Thanks millions for this episode Matt!!!
That's a pretty cool collection to have. Perfect for a martini-based cocktail party.
Nice one Matt👍WOW Im Impressed with your George Martín LP collection, Im only familiar with the album Off The Beatle Track (as well as his work on A Hard Days Night, The Family Way and Yellow Submsrine) but had No idea of all the other instrumental albums that followed - Cool collection of records (Love that cover of George Martin with the Beatle Girls -GRRR BABY!!!) entertaing video Matt👌
This was fun Matt. Thanks and cheers.
I never new about this thanks for this
That story is amusing- Bassey's bra flew over " the box"( booth) while holding that last note. Then she passed out. I believe Page never brought this up until 2008. He spoke about it a couple times after that. Thank you for clearing this up about producing the vocals. ❤❤❤
Now we know why Mr. Bean is a big fan of Shirley Bassey ! 🙂
WOW! Great episode! It was the United Artists AHDN soundtrack that I discovered the Beatles and I loved Martin's instrumentals as much as I loved the Beatles songs. I really want to get copies of the Martin records you discuss. Great job!
I also discovered the Beatles (and George Martin) the same way. As much as I love the British LP of A Hard Day’s Night, I love the American version just as much because of the instrumental tracks. I tracked down copies of the earlier George Martin LPs and I enjoy them as much as the Hollyridge Strings, Golden Gate Strings, etc. I find them a tad more jazzy than classical.
Thanks! Matt
Thanks Matt for this one!! Gosh, aside from Hard Day’s Night and Yellow Submarine soundtracks, I had no idea that these orchestral albums even existed!! Thanks!!
Hey, Matt; thank you for this and all your well-researched profiles & reviews. Glad for this overview of George Martin's work. As a teen in the 1970's I didn't appreciate the Hard Day's Night instrumentals until hearing (on Doctor Demento) Casey Kaysum's record entitled A Letter From Elaina, which used the And I Love Her instrumental as background. I recognized the music, and relistened to the soundtrack and enjoyed all the music at that point. Thanks again.
My pleasure, Michael.
This was such a cool video! I love his score for Yellow Submarine. I wish they would remix the entire score and release it in a box set, maybe as bonus tracks in a 67-68 Beatles Box Set. That would be groovy.
Truly fascinating.
Great review and insight as usual! Whatever happened to the George Martin Orchestra after 1970?
I guess he retired the orchestra!
Congratulations on having such an extensive G. Martin collection. I always wanted the Family Way album. I consider it the first Beatles solo album. Just my opinion. Went to the movie just to hear the music. Well-researched as always
I have two of those albums on CD. Plus a few of the albums
Did you ever think of doing a video on the Hollyridge Strings ?
Instrumental muzak from Capital records ( a few of their albums were shown on the back of Beatles albums ) . The inner sleeves had pictures of these albums also. There were quite a few " play the Beatles hits " , the last being ( as far as I know ) from '68.
They also did albums of the songs of The Beach Boys , The Four Seasons & Elvis , that I know of ( cuz I have them ).
Good video. Very enjoyable.
Great topic and execution.
Thank you, Ben!
This was a great overview Matt. I had no idea Lester and Martin didn't like each other! I have to check out some of these UA albums. I have been meaning to read the two part Womack bio on Martin. I saw him lecture at the University of British Columbia in the 2000s. A true gent.
Thanks for the comments, Kellstud!
Love this! Very informative, and presented without hyperbole, in a balanced, academic way. I have played and analyzed a lot of Beatles' songs, but I didn't know about all these George Martin Orchestra records. Very impressed that you own all the LPs!
Thank you for the kind words. Some of these arrangements are really interesting but I must say Auntie Gin's Theme (I've Just Seen A Face) is an abomination!
@popgoesthe60s52 how many records do you own?
@@popgoesthe60s52 Agree Matt . There's definitely some hokum amongst the good stuff. Even amongst the good stuff.
Love it. I had several of these records. But most of them are new to me.
Think it's good that you're giving a fuller portrait, Matt, of people who worked with the Beatles, as far as other things they were involved with as they worked with the Beatles. Didn't know George Martin released several instrumental albums during the 1960s! Another person I'd suggest you could also do this with would be Brian Epstein, who managed other bands besides the Beatles.
I do want to cover Epstein in detail. That is one I will have to work on.
Matt have you heard Van Der Graaf Generators’ killer version of “Theme One”? I believe they released it as a single.
I've not heard that but will have to check it out - thanks!
Excellent.
I'm very interested to learn how GM worked with the Beatles. Especially how raw songs gained their final form. You hear things like the lads wanted various sounds etc. But it's hard to visualize how all that went step by step in the studio. Your video treatment adds more depth to the George Martin equation.
For more information on that read either : "Here There and Everywhere" by Geoff Emerick or "George Martin" by Ken Womack. It's fascinating to read how many production ideas I thought were The Beatles were actually George Martin and how many I thought were George Martin were actually The Beatles.
This is an entertaining and informative video. You make me want to hear more of this music.
Sterling effort, Matt!
Entertaining post Matt. I had forgotten about Mr. Martin's "other" career going on there. I bet the lads got a chuckle out of some of those LPs. I hope George got some reasonable money out of all that, he certainly didn't in the early years of the Beatles success. I read he did get a producer's royalty once he was no longer employed by EMI, starting with Rubber Soul, so there was that. He did get very rich indeed eventually. Cheers!
Thank you, Joe!
Really enjoyed this! Thanks Matt!
As usual, you've given us a fantastic overview of a relatively unknown corner of Beatledom; now, off to bookmark these albums for late night perusal. Thanks, Matt!
Thank you! This was a fun one to do.
What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Matt ❤😊
Nice and informative video, his orchestral work is often overlooked. I only have Off the Beatle Track, and there are some interesting stuff that I'd like to get.
I always enjoyed those George Martin tracks on Hard Day's Night. Your video inspired me to order Off the Beatle Track from a seller on ebay.
Ticket to Ride is still heard at the end of PF's DSOTM on all CD versions that I heard or own. They corrected the mistake on the 2003 5.1 remix.
Thanks for that info!
Great video! My favorite piece by George Martin is his collaboration with Maddalena Fagandini , Time Beat. They released it under the name Ray Cathode.
Jimmy Page tells that Shirley Bassey story as does Vic Flick. As for the 'Ringo's Theme'? I believe VF played the lead and JP the rhythm.
If you stream the 2023 remaster of Eclipse from Dark Side of the Moon on headphones with the volume up you can still hear Ticket to Ride - it's in the right channel, at around the two minute mark. (I didn't know it had ever been released without it.)
Ah, thanks for that!
I would love to have all of those albums.
I've always felt Pepperland as being not only one of the finest songs in the Yellow Submarine album and movie, but even better than some other Beatles' tracks there.
Agree!
That side two is an enjoyable listen.
George used Vic Flick a lot including the guitar on "Ringo's Theme:" Do you know if Vic's guitar turn on the James Bond theme was produced by George?
Just when I start to think there's too much Beatles content on this channel (Let's face it, sometimes it could be called "Pop Go The Beatles and Some Other '60s Bands" :)), you find a fascinating new angle to pursue. Sir George certainly deserves the recognition, and it's interesting to hear what else was up to when he wasn't producing The Beatles). The man was quite prolific. When did he sleep?
This was a new one one me! I knew that Martin did the orchestral work on Yellow Submarine and Help!, but I didn't realize he put out his own albums. And yes, we could all stand a bit of cheese now and then. Thanks, Matt. I really enjoyed this! Speaking of instrumental arrangements, I wonder if you heard of Percy 'Thrills' Thrillington? If not, check it out. It's produced by McCartney under that pseudonym. It's an instrumental presentation of Paul's Ram album with arrangements by Richard Hewson. It's definitely got its own cheese factor, but it's fun and cheeky. It's worth at least one listen.
Thanks Vinnie - I'll check that out!
This is close to what was called MUZAK in the day, right? Martin is not as vanilla, though.
My dad listened to this stuff; I recall the Radio Station ID-ing itself as "WFOG, your Easy Listening Radio Station".
Wow, I just remembered the call sign as WFOG as I was typing this.
It would have been called "easy listening" or "adult contemporary" back then. Muzak is another term for it.
There is a database of cover songs called Secondhandsongs where I first became aware about Martin's side gig.
Theme one ia amazing
I love The George Martin Orchestra's take on Traffic's 'Hole In My Shoe'. I love the fact he kept in the off-kilter moment in the middle. ua-cam.com/video/AiYg-06U3oU/v-deo.html&start_radio=1
It's my understanding from what I have read, George Martin was involved in the 45 version of Goldfinger which was a different recording than the song that appeared on the Soundtrack album. The single version is a rare alternate version of the song, where Shirley holds the final note all the way to the end of the song (she supposedly fainted at the end of the note). But that is probably Bond legend. Both versions the hit 45 (in mono) and the stereo soundtrack LP version from the film appear on the EMI CD 35880 Goldsinger/Best Of Shirley Bassey. I always enjoy your videos.
Thank you for that addition, Tall Paul - much appreciated!
Thanks Matt! Great idea for a video...
Sometimes I really like a little cheese too...
Thanks, Matt I found this very interesting and I learned a lot. I’ve always enjoyed the George Martin score on Yellow submarine and a Hard Days Night. You’ve opened my eyes to more great George “cheese” material! Ha ha! Like you, I like a little cheese once in a while, too!😂❤
Thanks for another fascinating video Matt🎉 Initially I found the idea of including incidental movie themes on a Beatles album very strange and got the british version. But 25 years later in 1989 I got the american version and was instantly mesmerized by "Ringo's theme"😊. Later I found "Off the Beatle track" which is lovely!
Thanks for the info about the conflict between George Martin and Richard Lester and why the Help Soundtrack was scored by another. I was always wondering why, because it's inferior apart from introducing the Sitar to the Beatles and opening up "Help" with the James Bond theme.
Yes I know this presentation is 60s- FUN FACT- George Martin worked with Paul (" Macca") on " Live and Let Die" and Jeff Beck " Blow By Blow". Beck did an instrumental version of " She's a Woman". They would work together later on. Im sure most people know this but maybe the " kids" dont know this. Your presentation should be the start of a Book!
I love that Beck album! His interpretation of She's A Woman is probably my fave Beatle cover of all time.
I believe George Martin owned AIR Studios. " George Martin- In My Life" CD is another later GM production. Beck performing A Day in the Life"- which I saw him perform live. My friend said he saw Beck perform that and did each version differently . Hey..maybe a part 2 is in order for Sir George Martin?? Thanks to you I'm going to purchase The Music of James Bond" book! THANX again. My collection of records/cds/books/ knowledge is growing.
More Fun Fact$- there are 3 musicians named John Williams! At the same time too. There is a classical guitarist, #2 -a singer of THE AUTHENTICs ( also wrote some songs) I believe he is known as " John Williams 11" for Google search. Lastly there is American composer " Jaws" dodoon do doon dodoon)
5:30, " Lester brought his own guy in ". His name was Ken Thorne. And he is responsible for the first use of a sitar on a Beatles song ( the intro to Help). albeit very short.
And Ken Thorne even had a hit single in the UK charts. Something George Martin never did in his own name. In August 1963 he was outselling the Beatles with his single " Theme From "The Legion's Last Patrol' ".Top position # 4 and 15 weeks in the charts.
Great review Matt . p.s. Thinking of soundtracks, what's your take on George Harrison's "Wonderwall" ?
I have a mild like for it, particulary 2-3 songs. The rest is underdeveloped. But just think if this project was combined with George Martin's scoring for Yellow Submarine. That may have been something very special.
Loved this edition Matt! Good old George Martin. There's an Anthology version of Glass Onion sans strings but with sound effects instead. Martin's string arrangement is far superior and gives added menance to Lennon's already menancing vocal. One of my favourite of George Martin's contributions.
The version of She Loves You on Off the Beatles Track is a banger!
Cool show, I especially like Ringo’s Theme, I have never seen the “London, By George” album before…………interesting also about his work on the Bond music………..
Early pressings of UK Beatles albums had "flipbacks," where flaps from the front of the cover were folded over and glued onto the back panel. The flipbacks were white, which is why there is a white border on the Revolver album pictured on the cover of "George Martin Instrumentally Salutes the Beatle Girls."
Thank you, Seamus - much appreciated.
It really is worth tuning in to Ringo's Theme on youtube. Good old Bongo!
Excellent video Matt! Do you think perhaps George Martin was trying to become the British Mantovani?
He probably had some aspirations and what an opportunity to shine!
You obviously haven't seen an original 1960s UK copy of Revolver before! 😲
No
Seems like George M. Was busier than the Beatles. This does explain what George was doing while the Beatles were touring. Great job Matt. Very interesting. 👍
George Martin produced other bands and artist too. He didn't just wait around for the Beatles to record. He produced all of Brian Epstein's stable of artist. The pacemakers, Dakotas, Cillia Black, ect. He was a busy man.
Jimmy Page said in " Jimmy Page By Jimmy Page" book he played on Hard Days Night" soundtrack. No specific song. I know about " Goldfinger" song. Fun facts - the song was successful in the US but not in Britain - most fans know that Page and Vic Flick are on it. Recorded at EMI Studios ( Wikipedia says CTS Studios) Aug 20, 1964. In 2017 " Stairway to Heaven" SPIRIT " Taurus" court deposition- John Paul Jones mentioned was sitting next to Page playing bass ( they recorded together often.) So George Martin had 1/2 of future Led Zeppelin recording with him! I've wondered why Martin wasn't credited on " Goldfinger"... John Barry was the Arranger. Lol I had a copy of " My Boomerrang Won't Come Back" by CHARLIE DRAKE - Martin was involved in that 1962. THANKS!! ( Note this recent post is updated.)
@@IamSkullrules
That’s absolutely
not true. If Page is on any Beatle recordings it would be playing acoustic rhythm with Vic Flick playing electric.
Vic Flick played the melody on the instrumentel version of This Boy, so Page could be on that.. definitely not on Rubber Soul or Revolver!
@@doncelenza5807 Matt, should do a myth busting video on Jimmy Page on what records he did and didnt play
@@familydogg1234
An instrumental version of "This Boy", orchestrated by George Martin, is used as the incidental music during Ringo Starr's towpath scene in the film A Hard Day's Night. The piece, under the title, "Ringo's Theme (This Boy)", was released as a single-but failed to chart in the UK-on 7 August 1964 with "And I Love Her" on the B-Side,[11] although it did reach number 53 in the American Top 100 later that year. It was also included on Martin's Parlophone album Off the Beatle Track and the EP Music From A Hard Day’s Night by the George Martin Orchestra, released 19 February 1965. It was also included on the American A Hard Day's Night soundtrack album. Vic Flick's lead guitar work can be heard on "Ringo’s Theme", which plays as the Beatles drummer wanders around London on his own.
@@doncelenza5807 You still aren't telling me What is your source about who played on This Boy? Thanx
@@familydogg1234 I read that Big Jim Sullivan (Session Guitarist) played lead and (Little) Jimmy Page played rhythm.
You’re right about how cheesy many of his solo projects were. He didn’t seem able to get past that early on when he wasn’t actually producing for a group like the Beatles, except for a few isolated cases like the instrumentals on A Hard Day’s Night, BUT he really came into his own on the Yellow Submarine soundtrack. As often as Beatle fans criticize his score for diluting the album, his work is downright magical. In fact, Yellow Submarine is the first Beatle album I ever bought, and not just for their songs. In addition, Martin proved he could even compete with the great John Barry by scoring Roger Moore’s first James Bond film Live & Let Die. My personal thought is that on those early solo albums, he needed to please the suits by sticking to the tried and true MUZAK format of the time just to get his records released. And if course those suits were notoriously difficult to please.
Yes, these recordings do have some high moments and he did prove he could hang with the John Williams of the world.
Matt, did George Martin also do the orchestral arrangements on these records or did he use in-house arrangers?
My understanding is that they are indeed his arrangements. Keep in mind, there is an additional royalty that comes with the arrangement.
@@popgoesthe60s52Thanks Matt. I assumed he did unless someone else was credited on the LP sleeves. That’s a lot of work! I wonder what the sales were like for these albums and the who the target audience was?
Are any George Martin albums on CD.?
There are a couple, one more recent one is Produced By George Martin: Highlights from 50 Years in Recording
I like the song he wrote for Mary Hopkin.
Did it come out on Apple?
Jimmy Page played the low guitar Melody on This Boy in A Hard Day’s Night…just heard that.
Vic Flick is playing the melody guitar part, not Jimmy Page. If JP is on this recording it would be acoustic rhythm guitar.. but I’ve never seen or heard any proof of that.
Curious if you have a legit source for that info?
@@doncelenza5807 Just word of mouth….just did a google search:
Jimmy Page played background guitar on the instrumental version of "This Boy" from the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night film score, titled "Ringo's Theme". Page is a session guitarist who has worked with the Who, Donovan, Joe Cocker, and the Kinks, but has never played on a Beatles song.
For my money......George Martin was the Fifth Beatle. Eppy was more a father figure. Neil and Mal were close, but still (slightly) on the outside. Great video once again!
Pro-tip, Matt: That's actually how you're SUPPOSED to hold a sitar, if you have great legs.
👍😂🤣😆
I dunno. Were Ken Thorne's instrumentals less busy than Martin's, thus preferable? Orchestrated for fewer diverse lead instruments, avoiding Martin's "Carnaby Baroque" sound?
I am gonna send him clothes that are from that era; mid to late 60s. Kinda like the Jimmi Hendrix colorful suits and the Strawberry Alarm Clock ponchos. Lets see if he wears them, just so the clothing can match the show.
He may wear them if you send him a donation. I suppose that he mainly spends his money on buying vinyl records and other music stuff. I think he doesn't care what he looks like, that's may be a reason he just wears mainly t-shirts .
You should do on America watch George Martin production and sound better then any Beatles production