As an 18 year old to experience the first, last, and only Beatles song to be released in my lifetime, this was the most emotional event of my life so far
I've been thinking about that. This a special gift to youth in that way and no one can take it away. A new Beatles song coming out was always a brilliant event. How well I remember. Enjoy it, mate.
I spent most of the day waiting for my kids to come home from school so we can all listen together for the first time. My first go round I was a little "in my own head", but as I spun it again it grew on me, and has kept growing on me. My younger son is the bigger fan of my two boys, and I've often found him listening to the song or watching the video over and over again, learning the lyrics and he's just mesmerized. Reminds me when I was a little older than he is today when Free As a Bird came out, and I watched the video and learned the song best I could. And to think my parents did the same when the records came out, listening to them and discovering them. What a time to be a fan, and though I believe Now and Then will be the last "new" Beatles song, the advent of MAL will likely provide more archival material for us to discover. Great video!
Righto! (About Mal) but that doesn't mean it can't be applied to create more 'unofficial' Beatles tunes. As there's never a shortage of fan created wonders. Sometimes better even. There's a real love on SoundCloud I just nicked that includes cleaned up Lennon vocals applied via AI and I can't stop listening. Better mix more present guitars and drums too... I literally prefer it and really hope for more like this. Even a COMPLETE now and then with those lovely Lennon segue and passages/ connections (the removed / absent bridges)
I was 13 years old when I first heard the Beatles. I am now 74, and STILL loving their music. When I heard this song for the first time tonight, it brought SO many memories back to me of those magical days known as Beatlemania. What a wonderful time it was. Thank everyone that worked so hard to produce this piece of history so cherished by us long-term fans. They will always be a part of me, and there are no words to express my gratitude.
Now and then for me is a wonderful song and I’ve been listening to it a lot since it came out! The work that Giles Martin and Peter Jackson have been doing has been fantastic!
I’m 24 and I still can’t believe I lived the release of a new Beatles song and I went to see Paul live in Mexico City just a few days later 😭😭😭 this is the most close I have ever felt to the Fab Four and it has been one of the best experiences in my 14 years as a Beatles fan and in my entire life
"Take a sad song and make it better." Perfect! That's exactly what Giles and The Beatles have done. I think we're all in agreement about the artwork on the front of the jacket. Oh well. 'Now And Then' has grown on me with each listening. I no longer need to play it; seems it's been on a tape loop in my head! The Peter Jackson video is amazing, indeed. But the ending- when all four Beatles vanish-made me so sad. It will be a bitter pill to swallow when the last Beatle passes. Thanks and take care.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this new track. I do really like the song and more importantly what it represents. The song has generated so much goodwill among fans and seeing all the statistics about charts and sales is exciting and it’s a joy to see people so happy which makes this such a gift, not to mention the love and care that Paul has put into this track. Thanks for sharing!
I was born in the USSR and my late dad who passed away in August 2016 (in Malaysia) introduced me to The Beatles in the 90s around the Anthology 1 release time , he would’ve loved this song. It’s a brilliant piece of music, he had many albums on cassettes and loved Free As A Bird and Real Love, listening to this makes me feel super emo and wishing that he had a chance to hear this final version. Thank you for your incredible content! Huge fan of the channel 😊
My relationship with this song is complex. Back in 2005, I was among the first ever to perform it live, in the Broadway musical LENNON, sanctioned by Yoko Ono. We based our version on John’s demo that Yoko gave us. In order to get into the new single, I had to block out my previous experience and pretend I’d never sung or even heard the tune before. That opened up my ears and mind, and Peter Jackson’s video brought it home to my heart. After 50+ years, the Beatles still know how to make a hit record and move the masses!
It was just like going back to the 1960s for me . I went to a physical record store and bought the new Beatles single and the new Rolling Stones lp on black vinyl . I took with me and was photographed holding , with the new items, my copies of the first Stones lp and Love Me Do which I had bought in a record shop almost 60 years ago . Life is sweet .
I entirely agree with article you featured at the end, "I'm just adoring feeling 14 years old again". I used to belong the the Capitol Record Club in the late 60s and up until their breakup. It had been 53 years since I'd had the joy of receiving a vinyl Beatles record by mail. My teen years rushed back like an emotional tsunami. Every one, then and now (to turn the phrase) was a milestone. I have been walking on air ever since. Thank you for your excellent analysis of its quality, context of its making and release, and for sharing your own joy.
Receiving my copy in the mail was a very special occasion. I got to listen to a Beatles song released in my lifetime for the first time ever with my mom who grew up during Beatlemania. It was such an amazing experience and just reminded me how much I love the beatles. Congrats on 50K subscribers! 50,000 Parlogram Fans Can't Be Wrong!
People can knock it or put it down, or they can like it. Either way, it’s still the Beatles. And yes, it may not measure up to their earlier masterpieces, but on the other hand, this or any Beatles song beats anything that’s being put out today. Thanks for the review. I really appreciate your insight.
I was so excited when this was released, and of course, hearing the news of its release! I am so glad that we have social media and the Internet so all of us Beatles fans can connect and share how we feel about the music! I am very satisfied with Now and Then. After hearing years of the fan edits, and the original had a good feeling about this. Peter Jackson and Giles Martin hit another home run! I only wish that John and George could be here to see how much they mean to us! Great video Andrew!
I am 24 now (will be 25 in a month). The release of “Now and Then” - and how often it was played on the radio at my job in December and January - is what got me into the Beatles in the first place. Without “Now and Then” I don’t think I would be a Beatles fan, at least certainly not as big of a fan as I am now.
Hi Andrew. I tuned in to BBC Radio 2 to hear the first play and the only thing that spoiled it was DJ Scott Mills referring to The Beatles as “the original boy band”! I love the new song. Great to hear John’s voice again on something new. The video is even better. Keep up the great work Andrew😎
For me, it has the Beatles ultimate magic touch; 1) To first grab your attention, 2) To grow on you, and most importantly; 3)To sound better with every listen - and reveal a little more treats for the ears. On top of All that - this particular song is so moving and relevant - With a beautiful video to match, The perfect finale. How Lucky are We ?! (Even the cover art - the background pastels especially - is growing on me !!! )
You’re right! I had the blessing of being around for every new Beatles single and every new Beatles album and what we did was play it play it play it play it and play it. The radio played the new release on repeat. Nobody stopped to pick it apart we just listened to it over and over and fell in love.
Bought "Now and Then" and its B-Side "Love Me Do" from Apple's Music Service. "Now and Then" made me feel the same way that "Real Love" and "Free as a Bird" did in the '90s. I felt awed that they were able to accomplish such feats of sound engineering. I like the brooding, introspective turn the lads produced in "Now and Then."
It's a wonderful song. I share the sentiment of the first gen Beatles fan you ended the video with. I was 2 years old when Free as a Bird was released, and really, the fact that Now and Then is a bookend to their career, a number 1 at that, it just fills me with joy. I'm happy for the lads and I'm happy for the fans. It's a good time to be a Beatles fan.
Honestly it's the first Beatles song to ever come out in my lifetime that's why I care about it even if I don't personally think it's the best song John Lennon ever wrote I felt special knowing I get to live to hear a brand new Beatles song I wanted to hear it with my dad and I'm lucky to have that chance to do that so I want to say thank you to Yoko Ono because without her none of it would have ever been possible in the first place
Listening to Now and Then, returning me to when I first saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was 10 years of age! That's one example of Ringo's Rewind: Forward, evaluating your past and applying the lessons you've learned as it applies to that particular situation! I love it!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I could just be stating what others have already figured out, but the instrumental break on this song IS the "I don’t want to lose you" part. If you sing it over the top of the chords it matches up almost perfect. They took the spirt of the progression and retooled it. Should they have left some of that vocal in? Maybe, but I’m satisfied with what we got. Very clean single.
Everyone that I have talked to about their reaction of when they heard “Now and Then” came up with the same answer that they were actually brought to tears and it was very emotional for them, I think it’s something that is in John Lennons voice that causes the reaction that people have been getting when they hear the song.
I was thoroughly impressed with this show as again you show the wave forms. I’m also astonished by the fact there’s an iTune version! I did not know. Time to find that. I loved this “little piece of plastic” for the mere hopes of being satisfied if it truly will be the last Beatles track. People my age are certainly pleased, just like the article so succinctly put it, took me back to when I was 14 as well. Great episode Andrew!
I love the song and I also loved Free as a Bird and Real Love. Thank you Paul for never giving up on this song. Now we have a new song to add to the amazing Beatles catalog ❤❤❤❤
Take a sad song and make it better, very well put, as I write this, (and I can't believe that I am writing this) The Beatles are back at No 1 with Now and Then. It's truly astounding to think that this song of all of four minutes has taken some 46 years from it's writing to being released and then to top the charts. It also for me marks the beginning of a revolution in how music is recorded and remixed, and who else but the Beatles could be on the forefront of this. I honestly believe that this will be the last single, as given their age I doubt Paul and Ringo will work on any other tapes like this. But I am happy with the single and I am more than happy with the Red and the Blue. I can only recommend all these new mixes on the Red album to everyone, esp the Rubber Soul tracks (got me wondering about the Rubber Soul Deluxe box, if these are anything to go by, that is going to be a cracker of a set.)
It's amazing to think this song that has been about 46 years in the making has hit the UK No.1 spot.....!! That must be another 'first' for the Beatles..!! 😂 It's a lovely song, and when I saw the video for the first time (and every time afterward) it moved me to tears having grown up during the 1960s with the Beatles being constantly on the radio, and Mum & Dad's record player, and seeping into my subconsciousness ; I was only 1 when Love Me Do first came out, but after that, their sound became the musical soundtrack to my life, and I've been collecting versions/variants of their albums ever since I was a teenager..!! 😉 Got the blue 45rpm version of Now And Then, and the new Red & Blue CD albums a few days ago from the Beatles website, and have just ordered the coloured LP releases from there too - they'd sold out a couple of weeks ago when I first tried, but they're back in stock... 😊 As you say, the new mixes on the Red album are sublime, but the basic 'sound' across the two albums is amazing; the clarity of the instruments and vocals is far, far removed from the cassette versions of those two albums that I got along with a Prinzsound (Dixons) cassette player one Christmas back in the mid '70s....I loved them then, but the difference today is just ridiculous!! 😂 I have the original vinyl releases too, but can't wait to get the new ones; the sound quality is fabulous!! 👍
I was 14 when Love Me Do came out, but knowing that another devotee was only one year old really squares the equation for me; thanks, forever, Beatles.
@@htwhyppe: If you were a baby, or a young teen during those years of the '60s when Beatles songs were never off the radio, and often on TV, and parents' record players, then it really did just seep into your brain; your subconscious, and it's been there ever since!! A wonderful warm memory of a time that will never be seen again, and to think they're No.1 again the charts is just beyond amazing!! 🤩 Beatles forever indeed..... 😉
Lovely video Andrew, I love the song and while it’s not admittedly in the leagues of “A Day in the Life” or “Tomorrow Never Knows”, I feel it serves as a perfect summation of the lads and the legacy they have. I also really loved the music video despite people’s criticisms, some of which I saw people saying that they found the more comical bits of John and lads in poor taste. But really in any bittersweet or somber time, John and the lads were always mucking about and making light out of the dark. Really got to me when we saw John and George together with Paul and Ringo, and I really loved how John initially waves at the camera. Still waiting on the records I ordered (my mistake ordering from their site directly). It’s just a really special thing, being able to have John and George and the band back for those few minutes again.
I love Now and then. Beautiful melody… Wonderful strings… and it has the Beatles magic. A very moving song that becomes better and better the more you listen to. A loving gift to this, very often, stupid world.
Hi. I do enjoy Now and Then very much. For all it’s The Beatles ! And the video clip is a Jackson masterpiece. I’m 61yrs so I can only remember the last years of the Beatles and all their solo work after that New stuff is really appreciated! Greetings from 🇪🇸
Your videos are so brilliantly put together. Your attention to detail and perfectly constructed content sets you apart from other Beatle related channels. Congrats on the 50k subs. It is so deserved, and as ever, I look forward to the next instalment. 👊
Although I’m a bit disappointed in the sonic quality of this track, as a Beatles fan, I’m grateful we have it. Both the song and video are very touching . I think Paul and Ringo poured their hearts into this project as a final tribute to John and George.
Hi Andrew, congratulations on achieving 50k subscribers. You have a superb channel creating highly interesting and informative topics which are greatly enjoyed!!!
Andrew, I don't know how on earth you only have 50k subscribers now. You make such fantastic videos that are well-researched and well-produced. Sky's the limit for your (and your channel's) potential. Every Sunday is like Christmas, waiting for your latest video to come out.
Well I was a little neutral on first hearing, it's grown on me 'Now, and Then' after watching the accompanying video a few times I became completely hooked on its brilliance. So it's a big thumbs up from me 👍
@@Parlogram I really do. I have a vast collection with things I haven't looked at for years but you make me re-discover so many details. Who would've thought that I had the DeAgostini "Help" all along? Almost bought it again (:
As usual, a big thank you to you, Andrew for your great content. I ordered my 7” a few days before the release date and it should arrive tomorrow. I’m rather upset to hear that it’s not what it could’ve been sonically. I’m also with you, and undoubtedly most fans, with the drab and completely unimaginative cover. Really … what were they thinking?? Most of us here could’ve mocked up something so much better. Give us a photo of the Beatles for goodness sake! Oh well. I did listen digitally on my main stereo setup via Qobuz and got rather weepy. The sadness I felt the day John died returned as I was listening to him singing. I was so sure that he was going to return to touring after Double Fantasy and then, maybe he’d agree to a reunion Sigh. So tragic. Well, this is getting rather long and sad. I guess I’d better go watch that Peter Jackson video and lighten up. 😊
Thank you so much for acknowledging the 2009 fan mix of Now and Then. That version of that song came out exactly right in my life. I've only just discovered the Beatles for a few years then, and just as I thought I've heard every Beatles song, that version of Now and Then popped up on UA-cam. I was like maybe 12 or 13 at the time and I was so mindblown to hear what I thought was a new Beatles song. That was then and now I actually got to experience a real authentic roll-out of a new Beatles song for the official release this year. And I'm so happy to share this experience with Beatles fans around the world.
I really love this song - the story behind it and its long journey to becoming a finished work is so unique and fascinating. The Beatles and John in particular were constantly experimenting with cutting edge technologies and effects, so I do think John would have been thrilled by the whole thing. The song itself is quite touching, bittersweet and slightly melancholic which fits perfectly as “the last Beatles song,” I think. They didn’t overdo it with the orchestral touches either. Obviously it’s never going to stack up against their catalog but it’s a nice, pleasant coda to a legendary run. And I like that they seemed to make it sound more like the music John was doing around the time he recorded the original demo, rather than trying for another Strawberry Fields Forever or something. With that said, they are absolutely insane for not using that back cover “clock” image as the front cover. It seems like they got it backwards - the typeface on the front should have been on the back (maybe even make it smaller so you could also fit “Love Me Do” in the same typeface), with the clock on the front.
Song is a great testament of what we can do now with technology, considering how it sounded on the demo. It is congested but made for a modern audience. Great video Andrew
_Now And Then_ is not just a "new" song, but over the past week has become a phenomenon. I agree with the comment about the ugly cover (which I've come to live with) and the sad lack of George (especially in the solo; it's okay, but Paul is not a slide player), etc. And of course everyone cries over the video (me too). It's just wonderful and unlike _Free As A Bird_ only features the band, not Brian or George Martin, etc. This is a more sacred moment being shared, more personal. But something that cannot be left out of any discussion is that all of us were here together for it. We live, for better or worse, in a very divided age, with polarizing opinions everywhere. But for a few days last week, so many of us were united one last time out of our common love for a band that changed the world. Many of us remember that sad night in 1980 when we all gathered by our radios and followed along in our grief. This time, it's the Internet. I watched a lot of videos, some only minutes old and felt such a strong sense of community, as if every Beatles fan in the world came along to watch 'the boys' take their final bow together. It has been truly marvelous, and even if the feeling only lasts a short time and we all go back to bickering again, at least we did this. We will always look back and say, "We were there", like the original fans do about watching Ed Sullivan, etc. It's been 50 years since I got the original red and blue albums, and they opened up a whole new world for an innocent 13-year-old. To be here now, with all of you, half a century later is a special moment. One we should all take a step back from and commit to memory. We have lost so much over the years, but we've also gained so much. Whatever little quibbles there may be about _Now And Then_ regarding the mix or the cover or the costs, I'm glad to have it. I'm glad to have one more moment with the band I love. As I've said elsewhere, this song is better than we expected, and probably more than we deserved.
Many thanks for your abolutely wonderful channel. I’ve been a Beatles fan since 1964 (am 70 years old now), and am enjoying the heck out of the red and blue albums and Now and Then. As a total experience the whole event has been wonderful. I shamelessly admit I love the song, and the various ways one can interpret it. Coming at the end of the streaming /cd track list version of the red and blue albums (what a showcase of masterful songwriting and performance!! Speechless, I am…), Now and Then finds its home. Touching, wistful, nostalgic (in that Beatles way!) and honest. I love it!
The new song has grown on me. I agree George’s absence on lead guitar is truly missed. Regarding the video, I would have liked to have seen more footage of George, Paul and Ringo in the studio working on the track. Congratulations on reaching the 50,000 milestone! - Roger
I had no history with this song having never heard the demo before. So, when it came out on Nov. 2, I listened to it with fresh ears. I was hesitant and nervous hoping that the song was not a dud. It felt like I didn’t breathe during my first listen and maybe because of that, I didn’t properly take it in. However, on my second listen, I tuned in to the gentle melody and subtle grace of the lyrics and I knew this was a modern Beatles classic. I am thankful that I was here to receive this song as a true gift because Nov. 2 is my birthday. Thank you.
What a wonderful video Andrew. You’ve said exactly what I feel. I too postponed listening to it on release day. When I did listen, I was initially underwhelmed because it sounded like a John Lennon dirge. But oh that chorus. And as for the video. It doesn’t so much accompany the song as elevate it to another level. The video is really emotional, the final sections in particular; all those photos are like someone’s life passing in front of their eyes before they die and then the Beatles fade off stage as if to say after all these decades “that’s it, time to leave this world”. I’ve been a fan since the 60s and the Beatles have always been in my head. This single is powerful.
Greetings Andrew. What strikes me about Now And Then is how many young people are emotionally connecting to the songs essence. Its Beatley vibe and elemental lyrics are easy to consume. Since it is s new song, they can claim it for their own generation. Which I believe for these young people does open the door to the Beatles canonical material. In a way that Crabalocker fishwife, pornographic priestess, elementary penguin singing Hare Krishna most likely never would. It is on this level I believe Apple succeeded in their goal. What I don't understand is the open mocking of the songs simple lyrics. "Love love me do. You know I love you. I'll always be true" isn't exactly Act 1 Scene 5 of Hamlet either. The 'And if I make it through, t's all because of you' lyrics are instantly driven into the memory. I don't believe there are any lyrics on Free As A Bird or Real Love that evoke such an organic almost intuitive response. Those words connect whether one is the survivor, or the perceived savior and John sings those words beautifully. Cheers, RNB
I'm a fairly new and young fan. Last year for my 16th birthday, I went to Vegas and got to see Love for the first time. I had already heard about 5 songs. 3 without knowing about The Beatles, and A Day in the Life and Strawberry Fields Forever on purpose. When I got home, I decided to start listening to every studio album and single. Fast forward to now, and I have now listened to each studio album and single multiple times, listened to the Anthology Series, listened to the American albums, listened to the Bootleg 1963 Recordings, listened to every compilation, deluxe/super deluxe, and new mix I could find on Apple Music, and listened to everything I could about The Beatles. When I first listened to Now And Then on the 2nd, I couldn't, and still can't, find a single thing about it to criticize, even though there are criticisms to be made. I may not have been around for Beatlemania, and I may not have been around for the release of Free As a Bird and Real Love, but even being around for the last worked on Beatles song is still enough to be treasured. Last thing, CONGRATULATIONS PARLOGRAM FOR OVER 50K SUBS!!!!
Well said. While the song didn't really hit me at first when first listening to it, watching the music video did, which brought a tear to my eye. I'm a 2nd gen fan I guess you could say, so it's really cool to have one last new Beatles tune released in my lifetime. 😎 I just wish they'd given Free as a Bird & Real Love the same treatment, improving on what they did in the 90's! Kind of a missed opportunity there. Haven't heard the Dolby mix yet, but it's a shame the vinyl got so compressed. Speaking of vinyl, I bought the 12" red Target exclusive, as well as the standard black 12" & indie marbled 7".. Though it's tempting to collect all the other versions too, especially the clear one. 🙂 I ordered the colored red & blue LE boxset, so I'm anxious to hear how that sounds, though I kind of doubt it'll sound as good as the amazing analog 2014 pressings. 🍻
Great video Andrew, and congratulations at hitting the 50k subscribers, we know a good thing when we see it. I wasn't aware of the middle eight in Now & Then that was left out so thanks for that. I must admit though that of the three songs Real Love is my favourite and is the track that best encapsulates the Beatles message and is the most 'hummable'. Also as a self confessed nerdy audiophile I always appreciate your comments on the sound quality of these releases.
They need to remaster the Anthology album and series releases and add Now and Then (expanded with the bridge they cut) to Anthology 3. Something to look forward to in 1995. Next year, would be nice to get two smaller box sets - Rubber Soul and Help.
They could expand each volume of Anthology as well (at the very least there's the anthology era tracks released on CD singles at the time that didn't make the albums) And, of course, 'Carnival of Light' (there's your extended EP for the sets!).
Thank you for the great in-depth look at all this. I would not be at all surprised to see an "extended single" version released with the original bridge included. In any case, this is a deeply poignant and moving moment in popular music and culture. I felt the music video hit just the right blend of humor and pathos, and after learning of and hearing the backing vocals from 'Because' and other original Beatles tracks, it became deliriously fun to see John exuberantly pointing all those hidden gems out to us in the vid. The strings have that certain 'Beatles' feel to them for sure, and it all works so well together. Yes, one could say George doesn't play a large enough role, yet ironically I think he does. It was his refusal to continue to work on 'Now and Then' back in the 90s which deferred its completion to now, when the technology had advanced to enable the separation of the tracks. George is there even when he's not, and Paul's insistence on featuring that subtle and yearning slide guitar lead in honor of George provides a numinous echo of his enormous talent and role in the band. A remarkable song and achievement!
It took a few listens but I now firmly believe Now and Then is superior to both Free As a Bird and Real Love. Even putting aside the obvious differences in John's vocals (they did what they could in the 90s), Now and Then has a lovely melody. Agreed about Love Me Do. This new mix did nothing for me whatsoever. As for the red and blue albums, the prices are outrageous so I am passing... for now. I would have preferred they wait on those until Free As a Bird and Real Love could have been remixed. Still, Christmas is coming and Apple weren't going to let this opportunity slip.
I really enjoy watching the videos on this channel. Andrew is an excellent presenter with a really good speaking voice. I love the detailed and factual information he shares on The Beatles music, whilst keeping things light and energetic. Keep up the good work!
Guaranteed they already did, but didn’t want to release them along with Now and Then, eliminating comparisons (“Now and Then is the worst!”, etc) and keeping the focus rightly on this historic release. They will release them later, probably not in the too-distant future- perhaps as a Record Store Day offering.
Finally, the first reliable approach to the topic of the new Beatles recording. Both musically and visually, I fully agree with you. I'm waiting for the review of Red and Blue albums, because I already have my observations. PS. Congratulations on the number of subscribers!
About the "I don't want to lose you" part in Now & Then - I don't miss it, but I do think Paul could have made a choice to keep it in by rewriting the lyrics and singing it himself. Either way I don't think it's a big deal, I'm very impressed with what they managed to do with what they had to work with. I love the strings, I love the bass part, and John's voice is impressively cleaned up. Of course it's not Hey Jude or Let It Be, but that's just silly to even think that, after all it's 2023 and the band has been broken up for more than 50 years, so I just really enjoy it for what it is. And I couldn't agree more on what you said about the video. It's silly and even corny in some ways yet brings so much levity to the song itself and has a poignant ending too. The Beatles were never going to hold a funeral here!
I liked it when I first heard it but I fell in love with it when I saw the video. "Now And Then" is the heartwarming and worthy farewell by the greatest band of all times. It touches me every time.
Now & Then is fine for what it is. I’m just bothered by its inclusion in the revamped 1967-1970 album, as its origin & evolution took place outside that time period.
My uncle was only 15 years older than me, so he was more like an older brother. As an OG Beatles fan, he started me on them almost as soon as I was old enough to treat records with respect and not play with them like frisbees. Any time something got released, we’d talk and share. From the trivial (1978 colored vinyl editions of red & blue) to more serious stuff like the US Rarities and eventually Anthology… some great discussions and good memories. This time out, he’s not here. The “then” aspect of N&T hits not just Beatles memories, but memories of my uncle and me. I suspect that may be the case for a lot of us “2nd gen” fans as well.
Hi Andrew! You label the Iamaphoney "fan" version as a 1996 bootleg. I don't doubt your expertise but this statement doesn't seem to be correct. Can you please tell what do you base it on?
As a fan who remembers the Beatles from the late 60’s this has been an emotional ride. But I am enjoying it. The use of minor chords creates a haunting melody and the orchestral arraignment is amazing. Sonically it has issues but that doesn’t natter because it’s about the emotions it invokes in each of us. I love it! 👍🏼
I kept seeing it on UA-cam and thought it was an automatically generated placeholder graphic. edit: Wow...he says it looked like a placeholder in the video. Also found out the artist who designed it had a show with the same title as J. Savile's catchphrase. That's how in-touch the artist is.
I was at work when the song released, so I told my boss I had to go for a quick break. Wanted my first listen to be without any interruptions! I absolutely love the track!
This is still one of the best channels on YT- love the professionalism and creativity - do not always agree 100% but that's okay as the quality is so good! Keep it up!!
As Samuel Johnson might have said if he'd heard it: 'it is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all.' The 'quality' of this track is neither here nor there; it's given us all a beautiful moment of connection and reflection. And that is much needed in these troubling times. More prosaically, as a vinyl head, I can't for see any sonic reason for wanting a recording that's digital to its wingnut core on vinyl, but perhaps the ring of cash registers was the sound Apple were aiming for?
As a music production student, I had to do a double take when I saw the waveform for the stereo mix. It honestly shocked me with how little dynamics there were. When I first heard the song, I thought it was a bit muddy and chaotic in the mix, but seeing it really brought those feelings to the forefront. Still love the song, but I wish it was mixed a bit better and less compressed. Great video Andrew, really enjoyed it!
Waiting for this from you. Very much appreciated. I cannot say enough about the joy and love of this project I feel from Peter Jackson. Along with Giles Martin and of course JPGR, I love this project completely. Thanks for your wonderful videos. Barty
Fantastic video! I saw online the other day from Nothing Is Real that Paul plays the “I don’t wanna lose you” melody on the piano at about 2 minutes and 38 seconds into the song
Thank you so much for talking about the mix of the song! My first impression was “I can’t hear the strings! Why is it so muddy?” I spent an hour fiddling with the equalizer on my headphones with no improvement. The most disappointing aspect for me was the way Paul’s bass sounded. I was missing that classic bright round plectrum sound that Paul is famous for. You can hear his bass line but I wasn’t able to hear the start of the note. The treble sound of his bass is completely missing. Also, I was so excited about the strings when watching the making of film. But when I went to listen, I could barely make them out. The same goes for the harmonies. It is very hard for me to discern the individual voices. There are so many lovely things going on in this song, but I can barely make them out. The song is crowded, compressed, and muddled. I wish Giles Martin had mixed the song. It’s so frustrating- the music is there but I can’t hear it!
The Atmos stereo mixdown (available on UA-cam) is quite a bit better. More dynamics and you can hear the elements better. It doesn't fix the drum sound or lack of imagination in the arrangement or production though. Still an earworm in spite of that.
I got excited when I got the first email and, as I have done all my life with The Beatles, immediately ordered the 12" vinyl, which ended up costing me $31, with tax and shipping. The initial offer did not include a CD, which I would have preferred and I'm annoyed that they are now offering it. That aside, there is a poignancy to the song, which has been floating around in my head since I first heard it. Your audio explanation went over my head as I'm an oldie and will play my record on an analog stereo system. You have got me excited about the possibility of Peter Jackson having a go at the Star Club tapes. That would be my dream project.
I did notice when I put my 12inch copy of Now and then on my player that something sounded off. After watching your video I know what it is. This single was released a lot differently than FAAB. I do remember being hyped for that and hearing it every hour on the hour in 1995 on the regular radio. N&T when it was released on UA-cam and all streaming services you were able to listen to it over and over again….you didn’t have to wait. You could also just listen to it once watch the video once and not give it another thought. The world we live in now is much different no waiting and instant gratification if we so choose. Keep up the good work love the videos!!
Andrew, you do a marvelous job with these videos. I really appreciate the love, care, and enthusiasm you put into each one. Thank you for all your hard work. All the best.
Hi Andrew! I've become a big, BIG fan of yours in the last two weeks. I've been watching (and re-watching) several videos on this channel. I especially enjoyed the ultimate cd box set video, and it's motivated me to buy the 1987 CDs for sgt pepper and onward, not to mention the 2014 red and blue album vinyl releases. I also dream of owning that MMT German pressing. The video about Ringo's R2R tape from Sellers's son was also incredible. Thank you for the high quality content and thorough research. You are a Beatles fans' ultimate dream. I'm in my 30s (does that make me a 3rd gen?) and it's been so neat to learn things through your lens. ❤❤❤
I think the recording got the cover art it deserved. Thanks for another great video Andrew - as always, much appreciated (and enjoyed)! Terry, Australia.
Thank you for your most informative and entertaining videos. Being a long time avid fan of the Beatles, I am quite happy to have once more experienced the true magic of 4 musicians with unparalleled talent. I do hope that more material makes it's way to us in the - hopefully - not to distant future. Long Live The Beatles.
It's the bloody Beatles!!! All this demonstration of sound quality is nice and all, but it really doesn't matter. This is a song recorded by the 4 lads from Liverpool, whom I, and millions of young and old alike, absolutely love and adore. It's a wonderful love song....whether it's John talking to Yoko...or John talking to Paul...or John talking to his younger self...or even John, in his self-induced solitude at that point in time, singing of love and missing someone, singing to past, present and future fans...it IS a marvelous piece...a masterpiece that has survived and, in fact, is now and eternal piece of all of all lives known as Beatles canon!! And I think we can all agree, THAT canon has immersed us with such ubiquity that one cannot imagine life without it. No other act has or will ever exist despite the passing of time and the much too soon passing of two of it's own. One word has for 60 years given us the soundtrack of all of our lives for the past 60 years, and will continue into the future for all time to come. The one word, that when uttered, brings to mind every moment of passion, of sadness, of love, of loneliness, of anger, of life and death...the word that gives us refuge from reality...the familiarity of personal experience, no matter your preference amongst John, Paul, George or Ringo...whether you prefer the moptop 4 headed monster, the psychodelia, the perfection of rock classics...it's all there...for any and all...with just the flip of a switch...a push of a button...a comnand to 'play' or lowering a needle into the vinyl groove....enjoy...for you exist at a time when the music that has and will always speak to our hearts and souls...thank you...BEATLES!!❤
Your assessment of Peter Jackson is spot on. I didn’t think we were missing much not having the “I don’t want to lose you” part on the record but now as I’m listening to the parts of the video where you play their work in progress on that section of the song from the 90s I’m like wait…lol
"I've done my part" is the most Ringo thing ever said.
As an 18 year old to experience the first, last, and only Beatles song to be released in my lifetime, this was the most emotional event of my life so far
That's the power of The Beatles' music right there! Thanks for posting.
I love the Beatles but I hope you have more emotional experiences than this!
I can't believe you only have 50000 subscribers. Should be much more! Your channel is superb!!!!@@Parlogram
I've been thinking about that. This a special gift to youth in that way and no one can take it away. A new Beatles song coming out was always a brilliant event. How well I remember. Enjoy it, mate.
@@Parlogram 👍
I spent most of the day waiting for my kids to come home from school so we can all listen together for the first time. My first go round I was a little "in my own head", but as I spun it again it grew on me, and has kept growing on me. My younger son is the bigger fan of my two boys, and I've often found him listening to the song or watching the video over and over again, learning the lyrics and he's just mesmerized. Reminds me when I was a little older than he is today when Free As a Bird came out, and I watched the video and learned the song best I could. And to think my parents did the same when the records came out, listening to them and discovering them. What a time to be a fan, and though I believe Now and Then will be the last "new" Beatles song, the advent of MAL will likely provide more archival material for us to discover. Great video!
You're a better person than me, because I would have waited all day for my family to leave the house so I could listen to it alone.
@@elvisleeboy Elvis, it's now or never! Don't be cruel. Return to sender or you'll be lonesome tonight. Don't cry, daddy
Righto! (About Mal) but that doesn't mean it can't be applied to create more 'unofficial' Beatles tunes. As there's never a shortage of fan created wonders. Sometimes better even. There's a real love on SoundCloud I just nicked that includes cleaned up Lennon vocals applied via AI and I can't stop listening. Better mix more present guitars and drums too... I literally prefer it and really hope for more like this. Even a COMPLETE now and then with those lovely Lennon segue and passages/ connections (the removed / absent bridges)
@@jaysharpESQany suggestions on how to find that soundcloud?
The kids used to say nothing dad likes gets into the chart these days , but then this happened tailor's swiftly gone and the beatles are on the top.
I was 13 years old when I first heard the Beatles. I am now 74, and STILL loving their music. When I heard this song for the first time tonight, it brought SO many memories back to me of those magical days known as Beatlemania. What a wonderful time it was. Thank everyone that worked so hard to produce this piece of history so cherished by us long-term fans. They will always be a part of me, and there are no words to express my gratitude.
Me too!! 14/74
Incredible:')
Now and then for me is a wonderful song and I’ve been listening to it a lot since it came out! The work that Giles Martin and Peter Jackson have been doing has been fantastic!
The more times you listen to Now and Then it just gets better. A masterpiece of technology and emotion.
I’m 24 and I still can’t believe I lived the release of a new Beatles song and I went to see Paul live in Mexico City just a few days later 😭😭😭 this is the most close I have ever felt to the Fab Four and it has been one of the best experiences in my 14 years as a Beatles fan and in my entire life
"Take a sad song and make it better." Perfect! That's exactly what Giles and The Beatles have done. I think we're all in agreement about the artwork on the front of the jacket. Oh well. 'Now And Then' has grown on me with each listening. I no longer need to play it; seems it's been on a tape loop in my head! The Peter Jackson video is amazing, indeed. But the ending- when all four Beatles vanish-made me so sad. It will be a bitter pill to swallow when the last Beatle passes. Thanks and take care.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this new track. I do really like the song and more importantly what it represents. The song has generated so much goodwill among fans and seeing all the statistics about charts and sales is exciting and it’s a joy to see people so happy which makes this such a gift, not to mention the love and care that Paul has put into this track. Thanks for sharing!
The actual song is Bplus average
I was born in the USSR and my late dad who passed away in August 2016 (in Malaysia) introduced me to The Beatles in the 90s around the Anthology 1 release time , he would’ve loved this song. It’s a brilliant piece of music, he had many albums on cassettes and loved Free As A Bird and Real Love, listening to this makes me feel super emo and wishing that he had a chance to hear this final version. Thank you for your incredible content! Huge fan of the channel 😊
Thank you for watching! 😊
My relationship with this song is complex. Back in 2005, I was among the first ever to perform it live, in the Broadway musical LENNON, sanctioned by Yoko Ono. We based our version on John’s demo that Yoko gave us. In order to get into the new single, I had to block out my previous experience and pretend I’d never sung or even heard the tune before. That opened up my ears and mind, and Peter Jackson’s video brought it home to my heart. After 50+ years, the Beatles still know how to make a hit record and move the masses!
It was just like going back to the 1960s for me . I went to a physical record store and bought the new Beatles single and the new Rolling Stones lp on black vinyl . I took with me and was photographed holding , with the new items, my copies of the first Stones lp and Love Me Do which I had bought in a record shop almost 60 years ago . Life is sweet .
I entirely agree with article you featured at the end, "I'm just adoring feeling 14 years old again". I used to belong the the Capitol Record Club in the late 60s and up until their breakup. It had been 53 years since I'd had the joy of receiving a vinyl Beatles record by mail. My teen years rushed back like an emotional tsunami. Every one, then and now (to turn the phrase) was a milestone. I have been walking on air ever since. Thank you for your excellent analysis of its quality, context of its making and release, and for sharing your own joy.
Receiving my copy in the mail was a very special occasion. I got to listen to a Beatles song released in my lifetime for the first time ever with my mom who grew up during Beatlemania. It was such an amazing experience and just reminded me how much I love the beatles. Congrats on 50K subscribers! 50,000 Parlogram Fans Can't Be Wrong!
Cheers Chris!
The outro to your message is hilarious!! You've made my day!!
People can knock it or put it down, or they can like it. Either way, it’s still the Beatles. And yes, it may not measure up to their earlier masterpieces, but on the other hand, this or any Beatles song beats anything that’s being put out today. Thanks for the review. I really appreciate your insight.
I was so excited when this was released, and of course, hearing the news of its release! I am so glad that we have social media and the Internet so all of us Beatles fans can connect and share how we feel about the music! I am very satisfied with Now and Then. After hearing years of the fan edits, and the original had a good feeling about this. Peter Jackson and Giles Martin hit another home run! I only wish that John and George could be here to see how much they mean to us! Great video Andrew!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I can't help but tear up every time I hear this song.
I am 24 now (will be 25 in a month). The release of “Now and Then” - and how often it was played on the radio at my job in December and January - is what got me into the Beatles in the first place. Without “Now and Then” I don’t think I would be a Beatles fan, at least certainly not as big of a fan as I am now.
Hi Andrew. I tuned in to BBC Radio 2 to hear the first play and the only thing that spoiled it was DJ Scott Mills referring to The Beatles as “the original boy band”!
I love the new song. Great to hear John’s voice again on something new.
The video is even better.
Keep up the great work Andrew😎
The video did make me cry. 500 years from now and beyond, there will be "The BEATLES".
That was the onions you were peeling. Come on, get real.
For me, it has the Beatles ultimate magic touch; 1) To first grab your attention, 2) To grow on you, and most importantly; 3)To sound better with every listen - and reveal a little more treats for the ears. On top of All that - this particular song is so moving and relevant - With a beautiful video to match, The perfect finale. How Lucky are We ?! (Even the cover art - the background pastels especially - is growing on me !!! )
You’re right! I had the blessing of being around for every new Beatles single and every new Beatles album and what we did was play it play it play it play it and play it. The radio played the new release on repeat. Nobody stopped to pick it apart we just listened to it over and over and fell in love.
I would love to have what you are smoking because it gets worse for me. Luv the vid but the song is like 99 luft ballons
the fact that the beatles went #1 over 50 years after their disbandment shows the everlasting effect of their music 💙💙💙💙
Bought "Now and Then" and its B-Side "Love Me Do" from Apple's Music Service. "Now and Then" made me feel the same way that "Real Love" and "Free as a Bird" did in the '90s. I felt awed that they were able to accomplish such feats of sound engineering. I like the brooding, introspective turn the lads produced in "Now and Then."
Ringo's drumming is so good here, and that Paul modern guitar solo it to me, just incredible. I've grown to love Now and Then.
It's a wonderful song. I share the sentiment of the first gen Beatles fan you ended the video with. I was 2 years old when Free as a Bird was released, and really, the fact that Now and Then is a bookend to their career, a number 1 at that, it just fills me with joy. I'm happy for the lads and I'm happy for the fans. It's a good time to be a Beatles fan.
Absolutely!
it was such a weird feeling to hear a newly released Beatles song in my lifetime, very thankful I got to be here for atleast one!
Honestly it's the first Beatles song to ever come out in my lifetime that's why I care about it even if I don't personally think it's the best song John Lennon ever wrote I felt special knowing I get to live to hear a brand new Beatles song I wanted to hear it with my dad and I'm lucky to have that chance to do that so I want to say thank you to Yoko Ono because without her none of it would have ever been possible in the first place
Listening to Now and Then, returning me to when I first saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was 10 years of age! That's one example of Ringo's Rewind: Forward, evaluating your past and applying the lessons you've learned as it applies to that particular situation! I love it!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I could just be stating what others have already figured out, but the instrumental break on this song IS the "I don’t want to lose you" part. If you sing it over the top of the chords it matches up almost perfect. They took the spirt of the progression and retooled it. Should they have left some of that vocal in? Maybe, but I’m satisfied with what we got. Very clean single.
Everyone that I have talked to about their reaction of when they heard “Now and Then” came up with the same answer that they were actually brought to tears and it was very emotional for them, I think it’s something that is in John Lennons voice that causes the reaction that people have been getting when they hear the song.
I was thoroughly impressed with this show as again you show the wave forms. I’m also astonished by the fact there’s an iTune version! I did not know. Time to find that.
I loved this “little piece of plastic” for the mere hopes of being satisfied if it truly will be the last Beatles track. People my age are certainly pleased, just like the article so succinctly put it, took me back to when I was 14 as well.
Great episode Andrew!
Cheers Brian. Glad you enjoyed it!
There's a quote from the "I don't wanna lose you" melody in an inner string part at 2:39
I love the song and I also loved Free as a Bird and Real Love. Thank you Paul for never giving up on this song. Now we have a new song to add to the amazing Beatles catalog ❤❤❤❤
I started liking this song only for nostalgia, then I realised it’s a beautiful Beatles song.
Thanks Andrew for this video.
It seems like a better song every time I hear it, which is probably a strong sign of being an actually great song.
Take a sad song and make it better, very well put, as I write this, (and I can't believe that I am writing this) The Beatles are back at No 1 with Now and Then. It's truly astounding to think that this song of all of four minutes has taken some 46 years from it's writing to being released and then to top the charts. It also for me marks the beginning of a revolution in how music is recorded and remixed, and who else but the Beatles could be on the forefront of this. I honestly believe that this will be the last single, as given their age I doubt Paul and Ringo will work on any other tapes like this. But I am happy with the single and I am more than happy with the Red and the Blue. I can only recommend all these new mixes on the Red album to everyone, esp the Rubber Soul tracks (got me wondering about the Rubber Soul Deluxe box, if these are anything to go by, that is going to be a cracker of a set.)
It's amazing to think this song that has been about 46 years in the making has hit the UK No.1 spot.....!! That must be another 'first' for the Beatles..!! 😂
It's a lovely song, and when I saw the video for the first time (and every time afterward) it moved me to tears having grown up during the 1960s with the Beatles being constantly on the radio, and Mum & Dad's record player, and seeping into my subconsciousness ; I was only 1 when Love Me Do first came out, but after that, their sound became the musical soundtrack to my life, and I've been collecting versions/variants of their albums ever since I was a teenager..!! 😉
Got the blue 45rpm version of Now And Then, and the new Red & Blue CD albums a few days ago from the Beatles website, and have just ordered the coloured LP releases from there too - they'd sold out a couple of weeks ago when I first tried, but they're back in stock... 😊
As you say, the new mixes on the Red album are sublime, but the basic 'sound' across the two albums is amazing; the clarity of the instruments and vocals is far, far removed from the cassette versions of those two albums that I got along with a Prinzsound (Dixons) cassette player one Christmas back in the mid '70s....I loved them then, but the difference today is just ridiculous!! 😂 I have the original vinyl releases too, but can't wait to get the new ones; the sound quality is fabulous!! 👍
I was 14 when Love Me Do came out, but knowing that another devotee was only one year old really squares the equation for me; thanks, forever, Beatles.
@@htwhyppe: If you were a baby, or a young teen during those years of the '60s when Beatles songs were never off the radio, and often on TV, and parents' record players, then it really did just seep into your brain; your subconscious, and it's been there ever since!! A wonderful warm memory of a time that will never be seen again, and to think they're No.1 again the charts is just beyond amazing!! 🤩
Beatles forever indeed..... 😉
Lovely video Andrew, I love the song and while it’s not admittedly in the leagues of “A Day in the Life” or “Tomorrow Never Knows”, I feel it serves as a perfect summation of the lads and the legacy they have. I also really loved the music video despite people’s criticisms, some of which I saw people saying that they found the more comical bits of John and lads in poor taste. But really in any bittersweet or somber time, John and the lads were always mucking about and making light out of the dark. Really got to me when we saw John and George together with Paul and Ringo, and I really loved how John initially waves at the camera. Still waiting on the records I ordered (my mistake ordering from their site directly). It’s just a really special thing, being able to have John and George and the band back for those few minutes again.
I love Now and then. Beautiful melody… Wonderful strings… and it has the Beatles magic. A very moving song that becomes better and better the more you listen to. A loving gift to this, very often, stupid world.
Hi. I do enjoy Now and Then very much. For all it’s The Beatles ! And the video clip is a Jackson masterpiece. I’m 61yrs so I can only remember the last years of the Beatles and all their solo work after that New stuff is really appreciated! Greetings from 🇪🇸
Your videos are so brilliantly put together. Your attention to detail and perfectly constructed content sets you apart from other Beatle related channels. Congrats on the 50k subs. It is so deserved, and as ever, I look forward to the next instalment. 👊
Thank you, Ash! 🙏🏻
Although I’m a bit disappointed in the sonic quality of this track, as a Beatles fan, I’m grateful we have it. Both the song and video are very touching . I think Paul and Ringo poured their hearts into this project as a final tribute to John and George.
Hi Andrew, congratulations on achieving 50k subscribers. You have a superb channel creating highly interesting and informative topics which are greatly enjoyed!!!
Andrew, I don't know how on earth you only have 50k subscribers now. You make such fantastic videos that are well-researched and well-produced. Sky's the limit for your (and your channel's) potential. Every Sunday is like Christmas, waiting for your latest video to come out.
Thank you Michael. Much appreciated!
Well I was a little neutral on first hearing, it's grown on me 'Now, and Then' after watching the accompanying video a few times I became completely hooked on its brilliance. So it's a big thumbs up from me 👍
So you’re saying it will “Grow Old with You”? ;)
It took a few listens, but it did get stuck in my head. It’s so wonderful to have a GOOD song stuck in your head these days! 😄
Thank you Andrew! I can't express how much joy your videos have given me over the last months!
Glad you like them!
@@Parlogram I really do. I have a vast collection with things I haven't looked at for years but you make me re-discover so many details. Who would've thought that I had the DeAgostini "Help" all along? Almost bought it again (:
As usual, a big thank you to you, Andrew for your great content. I ordered my 7” a few days before the release date and it should arrive tomorrow. I’m rather upset to hear that it’s not what it could’ve been sonically. I’m also with you, and undoubtedly most fans, with the drab and completely unimaginative cover. Really … what were they thinking?? Most of us here could’ve mocked up something so much better. Give us a photo of the Beatles for goodness sake! Oh well.
I did listen digitally on my main stereo setup via Qobuz and got rather weepy. The sadness I felt the day John died returned as I was listening to him singing. I was so sure that he was going to return to touring after Double Fantasy and then, maybe he’d agree to a reunion Sigh. So tragic.
Well, this is getting rather long and sad. I guess I’d better go watch that Peter Jackson video and lighten up. 😊
Thank you so much for acknowledging the 2009 fan mix of Now and Then. That version of that song came out exactly right in my life. I've only just discovered the Beatles for a few years then, and just as I thought I've heard every Beatles song, that version of Now and Then popped up on UA-cam. I was like maybe 12 or 13 at the time and I was so mindblown to hear what I thought was a new Beatles song. That was then and now I actually got to experience a real authentic roll-out of a new Beatles song for the official release this year. And I'm so happy to share this experience with Beatles fans around the world.
I really love this song - the story behind it and its long journey to becoming a finished work is so unique and fascinating. The Beatles and John in particular were constantly experimenting with cutting edge technologies and effects, so I do think John would have been thrilled by the whole thing.
The song itself is quite touching, bittersweet and slightly melancholic which fits perfectly as “the last Beatles song,” I think. They didn’t overdo it with the orchestral touches either. Obviously it’s never going to stack up against their catalog but it’s a nice, pleasant coda to a legendary run. And I like that they seemed to make it sound more like the music John was doing around the time he recorded the original demo, rather than trying for another Strawberry Fields Forever or something.
With that said, they are absolutely insane for not using that back cover “clock” image as the front cover. It seems like they got it backwards - the typeface on the front should have been on the back (maybe even make it smaller so you could also fit “Love Me Do” in the same typeface), with the clock on the front.
Song is a great testament of what we can
do now with technology, considering how it sounded on the demo. It is congested but made for a modern audience. Great video Andrew
_Now And Then_ is not just a "new" song, but over the past week has become a phenomenon. I agree with the comment about the ugly cover (which I've come to live with) and the sad lack of George (especially in the solo; it's okay, but Paul is not a slide player), etc. And of course everyone cries over the video (me too). It's just wonderful and unlike _Free As A Bird_ only features the band, not Brian or George Martin, etc. This is a more sacred moment being shared, more personal.
But something that cannot be left out of any discussion is that all of us were here together for it. We live, for better or worse, in a very divided age, with polarizing opinions everywhere. But for a few days last week, so many of us were united one last time out of our common love for a band that changed the world. Many of us remember that sad night in 1980 when we all gathered by our radios and followed along in our grief. This time, it's the Internet. I watched a lot of videos, some only minutes old and felt such a strong sense of community, as if every Beatles fan in the world came along to watch 'the boys' take their final bow together. It has been truly marvelous, and even if the feeling only lasts a short time and we all go back to bickering again, at least we did this. We will always look back and say, "We were there", like the original fans do about watching Ed Sullivan, etc. It's been 50 years since I got the original red and blue albums, and they opened up a whole new world for an innocent 13-year-old. To be here now, with all of you, half a century later is a special moment. One we should all take a step back from and commit to memory. We have lost so much over the years, but we've also gained so much. Whatever little quibbles there may be about _Now And Then_ regarding the mix or the cover or the costs, I'm glad to have it. I'm glad to have one more moment with the band I love. As I've said elsewhere, this song is better than we expected, and probably more than we deserved.
Many thanks for your abolutely wonderful channel. I’ve been a Beatles fan since 1964 (am 70 years old now), and am enjoying the heck out of the red and blue albums and Now and Then. As a total experience the whole event has been wonderful. I shamelessly admit I love the song, and the various ways one can interpret it. Coming at the end of the streaming /cd track list version of the red and blue albums (what a showcase of masterful songwriting and performance!! Speechless, I am…), Now and Then finds its home. Touching, wistful, nostalgic (in that Beatles way!) and honest. I love it!
The new song has grown on me. I agree George’s absence on lead guitar is truly missed. Regarding the video, I would have liked to have seen more footage of George, Paul and Ringo in the studio working on the track. Congratulations on reaching the 50,000 milestone! - Roger
Thank you, Roger!
Tinea grows on you as well
I had no history with this song having never heard the demo before. So, when it came out on Nov. 2, I listened to it with fresh ears. I was hesitant and nervous hoping that the song was not a dud. It felt like I didn’t breathe during my first listen and maybe because of that, I didn’t properly take it in. However, on my second listen, I tuned in to the gentle melody and subtle grace of the lyrics and I knew this was a modern Beatles classic. I am thankful that I was here to receive this song as a true gift because Nov. 2 is my birthday. Thank you.
The "I don't want to lose you" section was used as the chordal underpinning for Paul's "George tribute" slide solo (2:42 on the official music video).
What a wonderful video Andrew. You’ve said exactly what I feel. I too postponed listening to it on release day. When I did listen, I was initially underwhelmed because it sounded like a John Lennon dirge. But oh that chorus. And as for the video. It doesn’t so much accompany the song as elevate it to another level. The video is really emotional, the final sections in particular; all those photos are like someone’s life passing in front of their eyes before they die and then the Beatles fade off stage as if to say after all these decades “that’s it, time to leave this world”. I’ve been a fan since the 60s and the Beatles have always been in my head. This single is powerful.
Hearing it for the first time gave a thump in my chest, a lump in my throat & tears to my eyes. It is magnificent.
x x x x
Linda.
🤗
The restoration of the Star Club tapes? Now, THAT'S something I'd like to listen to.
I really love this track. Great song. They did an amazing job. It's like you said, very moving and heartwarming.
So is a burial in a cemetery. You choose which moves you more
Really enjoyed being taken back - lots of happy memories of friends and family.
Greetings Andrew. What strikes me about Now And Then is how many young people are emotionally connecting to the songs essence. Its Beatley vibe and elemental lyrics are easy to consume. Since it is s new song, they can claim it for their own generation. Which I believe for these young people does open the door to the Beatles canonical material. In a way that Crabalocker fishwife, pornographic priestess, elementary penguin singing Hare Krishna most likely never would. It is on this level I believe Apple succeeded in their goal. What I don't understand is the open mocking of the songs simple lyrics. "Love love me do. You know I love you. I'll always be true" isn't exactly Act 1 Scene 5 of Hamlet either. The 'And if I make it through, t's all because of you' lyrics are instantly driven into the memory. I don't believe there are any lyrics on Free As A Bird or Real Love that evoke such an organic almost intuitive response. Those words connect whether one is the survivor, or the perceived savior and John sings those words beautifully. Cheers, RNB
I'm a fairly new and young fan. Last year for my 16th birthday, I went to Vegas and got to see Love for the first time. I had already heard about 5 songs. 3 without knowing about The Beatles, and A Day in the Life and Strawberry Fields Forever on purpose. When I got home, I decided to start listening to every studio album and single. Fast forward to now, and I have now listened to each studio album and single multiple times, listened to the Anthology Series, listened to the American albums, listened to the Bootleg 1963 Recordings, listened to every compilation, deluxe/super deluxe, and new mix I could find on Apple Music, and listened to everything I could about The Beatles. When I first listened to Now And Then on the 2nd, I couldn't, and still can't, find a single thing about it to criticize, even though there are criticisms to be made. I may not have been around for Beatlemania, and I may not have been around for the release of Free As a Bird and Real Love, but even being around for the last worked on Beatles song is still enough to be treasured. Last thing, CONGRATULATIONS PARLOGRAM FOR OVER 50K SUBS!!!!
Thank you! I hope to see the show myself one day.
@@Parlogram I say it’s fantastic
Well said. While the song didn't really hit me at first when first listening to it, watching the music video did, which brought a tear to my eye. I'm a 2nd gen fan I guess you could say, so it's really cool to have one last new Beatles tune released in my lifetime. 😎
I just wish they'd given Free as a Bird & Real Love the same treatment, improving on what they did in the 90's! Kind of a missed opportunity there.
Haven't heard the Dolby mix yet, but it's a shame the vinyl got so compressed.
Speaking of vinyl, I bought the 12" red Target exclusive, as well as the standard black 12" & indie marbled 7".. Though it's tempting to collect all the other versions too, especially the clear one. 🙂
I ordered the colored red & blue LE boxset, so I'm anxious to hear how that sounds, though I kind of doubt it'll sound as good as the amazing analog 2014 pressings. 🍻
Great video Andrew, and congratulations at hitting the 50k subscribers, we know a good thing when we see it.
I wasn't aware of the middle eight in Now & Then that was left out so thanks for that. I must admit though that of the three songs Real Love is my favourite and is the track that best encapsulates the Beatles message and is the most 'hummable'. Also as a self confessed nerdy audiophile I always appreciate your comments on the sound quality of these releases.
Thank you very much, Peter!
They need to remaster the Anthology album and series releases and add Now and Then (expanded with the bridge they cut) to Anthology 3. Something to look forward to in 1995. Next year, would be nice to get two smaller box sets - Rubber Soul and Help.
They could expand each volume of Anthology as well (at the very least there's the anthology era tracks released on CD singles at the time that didn't make the albums)
And, of course, 'Carnival of Light' (there's your extended EP for the sets!).
Thank you for the great in-depth look at all this. I would not be at all surprised to see an "extended single" version released with the original bridge included. In any case, this is a deeply poignant and moving moment in popular music and culture. I felt the music video hit just the right blend of humor and pathos, and after learning of and hearing the backing vocals from 'Because' and other original Beatles tracks, it became deliriously fun to see John exuberantly pointing all those hidden gems out to us in the vid. The strings have that certain 'Beatles' feel to them for sure, and it all works so well together. Yes, one could say George doesn't play a large enough role, yet ironically I think he does. It was his refusal to continue to work on 'Now and Then' back in the 90s which deferred its completion to now, when the technology had advanced to enable the separation of the tracks. George is there even when he's not, and Paul's insistence on featuring that subtle and yearning slide guitar lead in honor of George provides a numinous echo of his enormous talent and role in the band. A remarkable song and achievement!
It took a few listens but I now firmly believe Now and Then is superior to both Free As a Bird and Real Love. Even putting aside the obvious differences in John's vocals (they did what they could in the 90s), Now and Then has a lovely melody. Agreed about Love Me Do. This new mix did nothing for me whatsoever. As for the red and blue albums, the prices are outrageous so I am passing... for now. I would have preferred they wait on those until Free As a Bird and Real Love could have been remixed. Still, Christmas is coming and Apple weren't going to let this opportunity slip.
I really enjoy watching the videos on this channel. Andrew is an excellent presenter with a really good speaking voice. I love the detailed and factual information he shares on The Beatles music, whilst keeping things light and energetic. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Alex! Glad you like them.
They need to use the same technology on John’s demos of Free As A Bird and Real Love.
Guaranteed they already did, but didn’t want to release them along with Now and Then, eliminating comparisons (“Now and Then is the worst!”, etc) and keeping the focus rightly on this historic release.
They will release them later, probably not in the too-distant future- perhaps as a Record Store Day offering.
Finally, the first reliable approach to the topic of the new Beatles recording. Both musically and visually, I fully agree with you. I'm waiting for the review of Red and Blue albums, because I already have my observations.
PS. Congratulations on the number of subscribers!
Thank you!
How did you get a mix of the ‘95 Threetles version?! Wow!
Its not a real version. Thats just a popular fan edit found on UA-cam
This Channel should have 1 million subscribers. Thanks Andrew!!
Thank you, Miguel!
About the "I don't want to lose you" part in Now & Then - I don't miss it, but I do think Paul could have made a choice to keep it in by rewriting the lyrics and singing it himself. Either way I don't think it's a big deal, I'm very impressed with what they managed to do with what they had to work with. I love the strings, I love the bass part, and John's voice is impressively cleaned up. Of course it's not Hey Jude or Let It Be, but that's just silly to even think that, after all it's 2023 and the band has been broken up for more than 50 years, so I just really enjoy it for what it is. And I couldn't agree more on what you said about the video. It's silly and even corny in some ways yet brings so much levity to the song itself and has a poignant ending too. The Beatles were never going to hold a funeral here!
I liked it when I first heard it but I fell in love with it when I saw the video. "Now And Then" is the heartwarming and worthy farewell by the greatest band of all times. It touches me every time.
Now & Then is fine for what it is. I’m just bothered by its inclusion in the revamped 1967-1970 album, as its origin & evolution took place outside that time period.
My uncle was only 15 years older than me, so he was more like an older brother. As an OG Beatles fan, he started me on them almost as soon as I was old enough to treat records with respect and not play with them like frisbees. Any time something got released, we’d talk and share. From the trivial (1978 colored vinyl editions of red & blue) to more serious stuff like the US Rarities and eventually Anthology… some great discussions and good memories. This time out, he’s not here. The “then” aspect of N&T hits not just Beatles memories, but memories of my uncle and me. I suspect that may be the case for a lot of us “2nd gen” fans as well.
Hi Andrew! You label the Iamaphoney "fan" version as a 1996 bootleg. I don't doubt your expertise but this statement doesn't seem to be correct. Can you please tell what do you base it on?
As a fan who remembers the Beatles from the late 60’s this has been an emotional ride.
But I am enjoying it.
The use of minor chords creates a haunting melody and the orchestral arraignment is amazing.
Sonically it has issues but that doesn’t natter because it’s about the emotions it invokes in each of us.
I love it! 👍🏼
I hate the artwork. How on Earth did that get approved?
I mean the artwork isn’t “terrible”😅but it is somewhat boring/un-inventive
I kept seeing it on UA-cam and thought it was an automatically generated placeholder graphic.
edit: Wow...he says it looked like a placeholder in the video.
Also found out the artist who designed it had a show with the same title as J. Savile's catchphrase. That's how in-touch the artist is.
Now I see, it´s possible to be a bigger Beatles-Fan that I am...unbelievable...THANK YOU!!!
I was at work when the song released, so I told my boss I had to go for a quick break. Wanted my first listen to be without any interruptions! I absolutely love the track!
Awesome
Thank you for this phenomenal video (as well as all the other phenomenal videos) All the best
Thanks for your support, Greg!
@@Parlogram As always, my pleasure
This is still one of the best channels on YT- love the professionalism and creativity - do not always agree 100% but that's okay as the quality is so good! Keep it up!!
Thank you, will do!
As Samuel Johnson might have said if he'd heard it: 'it is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all.' The 'quality' of this track is neither here nor there; it's given us all a beautiful moment of connection and reflection. And that is much needed in these troubling times. More prosaically, as a vinyl head, I can't for see any sonic reason for wanting a recording that's digital to its wingnut core on vinyl, but perhaps the ring of cash registers was the sound Apple were aiming for?
As a music production student, I had to do a double take when I saw the waveform for the stereo mix. It honestly shocked me with how little dynamics there were. When I first heard the song, I thought it was a bit muddy and chaotic in the mix, but seeing it really brought those feelings to the forefront. Still love the song, but I wish it was mixed a bit better and less compressed.
Great video Andrew, really enjoyed it!
Thanks Paul. Glad you enjoyed it!
Waiting for this from you. Very much appreciated.
I cannot say enough about the joy and love of this project I feel from Peter Jackson. Along with Giles Martin and of course JPGR,
I love this project completely.
Thanks for your wonderful videos.
Barty
Thank you for watching, Dee!
Fantastic video! I saw online the other day from Nothing Is Real that Paul plays the “I don’t wanna lose you” melody on the piano at about 2 minutes and 38 seconds into the song
Thanks Josh!
Thank you so much for talking about the mix of the song! My first impression was “I can’t hear the strings! Why is it so muddy?” I spent an hour fiddling with the equalizer on my headphones with no improvement.
The most disappointing aspect for me was the way Paul’s bass sounded. I was missing that classic bright round plectrum sound that Paul is famous for. You can hear his bass line but I wasn’t able to hear the start of the note. The treble sound of his bass is completely missing. Also, I was so excited about the strings when watching the making of film. But when I went to listen, I could barely make them out. The same goes for the harmonies. It is very hard for me to discern the individual voices. There are so many lovely things going on in this song, but I can barely make them out. The song is crowded, compressed, and muddled. I wish Giles Martin had mixed the song. It’s so frustrating- the music is there but I can’t hear it!
The Atmos stereo mixdown (available on UA-cam) is quite a bit better. More dynamics and you can hear the elements better. It doesn't fix the drum sound or lack of imagination in the arrangement or production though. Still an earworm in spite of that.
I got excited when I got the first email and, as I have done all my life with The Beatles, immediately ordered the 12" vinyl, which ended up costing me $31, with tax and shipping. The initial offer did not include a CD, which I would have preferred and I'm annoyed that they are now offering it. That aside, there is a poignancy to the song, which has been floating around in my head since I first heard it. Your audio explanation went over my head as I'm an oldie and will play my record on an analog stereo system. You have got me excited about the possibility of Peter Jackson having a go at the Star Club tapes. That would be my dream project.
I did notice when I put my 12inch copy of Now and then on my player that something sounded off. After watching your video I know what it is. This single was released a lot differently than FAAB. I do remember being hyped for that and hearing it every hour on the hour in 1995 on the regular radio. N&T when it was released on UA-cam and all streaming services you were able to listen to it over and over again….you didn’t have to wait. You could also just listen to it once watch the video once and not give it another thought. The world we live in now is much different no waiting and instant gratification if we so choose. Keep up the good work love the videos!!
Thanks, will do!
Andrew, you do a marvelous job with these videos. I really appreciate the love, care, and enthusiasm you put into each one. Thank you for all your hard work. All the best.
Thank you! I really appreciate that!
Hi Andrew! I've become a big, BIG fan of yours in the last two weeks. I've been watching (and re-watching) several videos on this channel. I especially enjoyed the ultimate cd box set video, and it's motivated me to buy the 1987 CDs for sgt pepper and onward, not to mention the 2014 red and blue album vinyl releases. I also dream of owning that MMT German pressing. The video about Ringo's R2R tape from Sellers's son was also incredible. Thank you for the high quality content and thorough research. You are a Beatles fans' ultimate dream. I'm in my 30s (does that make me a 3rd gen?) and it's been so neat to learn things through your lens. ❤❤❤
Great to have you along! 😊
parlogram i love ur channel so much - 19 year old beatles fan
Thank you!
I love it. I love them. To whomever doesn’t like it “TOO BAD” as Paul says. Magical !
I think the recording got the cover art it deserved. Thanks for another great video Andrew - as always, much appreciated (and enjoyed)! Terry, Australia.
Excellent video, review and analysis. I agree 100% with everything you said Andrew.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for your most informative and entertaining videos. Being a long time avid fan of the Beatles, I am quite happy to have once more experienced the true magic of 4 musicians with unparalleled talent. I do hope that more material makes it's way to us in the - hopefully - not to distant future. Long Live The Beatles.
Thanks for watching, Freddy!
It's the bloody Beatles!!! All this demonstration of sound quality is nice and all, but it really doesn't matter. This is a song recorded by the 4 lads from Liverpool, whom I, and millions of young and old alike, absolutely love and adore. It's a wonderful love song....whether it's John talking to Yoko...or John talking to Paul...or John talking to his younger self...or even John, in his self-induced solitude at that point in time, singing of love and missing someone, singing to past, present and future fans...it IS a marvelous piece...a masterpiece that has survived and, in fact, is now and eternal piece of all of all lives known as Beatles canon!! And I think we can all agree, THAT canon has immersed us with such ubiquity that one cannot imagine life without it. No other act has or will ever exist despite the passing of time and the much too soon passing of two of it's own. One word has for 60 years given us the soundtrack of all of our lives for the past 60 years, and will continue into the future for all time to come. The one word, that when uttered, brings to mind every moment of passion, of sadness, of love, of loneliness, of anger, of life and death...the word that gives us refuge from reality...the familiarity of personal experience, no matter your preference amongst John, Paul, George or Ringo...whether you prefer the moptop 4 headed monster, the psychodelia, the perfection of rock classics...it's all there...for any and all...with just the flip of a switch...a push of a button...a comnand to 'play' or lowering a needle into the vinyl groove....enjoy...for you exist at a time when the music that has and will always speak to our hearts and souls...thank you...BEATLES!!❤
I was surprised to hear the channel has 50,000 subscribers. Your videos have such a professional quality that I expect you will soon have many more.
Thank you. I hope so too!
Congratulations on 50K subscribers, Andrew. This was the perfect video to celebrate that milestone with!😀
Thank you, Graham! 😊
Your assessment of Peter Jackson is spot on. I didn’t think we were missing much not having the “I don’t want to lose you” part on the record but now as I’m listening to the parts of the video where you play their work in progress on that section of the song from the 90s I’m like wait…lol