The Beatles IT WON'T BE LONG | Raw, Gritty and Powerful Guitars Revived, A New & Balanced 2025 Remix
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- Опубліковано 11 лют 2025
- • Revitalized Beatles: N...
• 1960's British Music I...
Crunchy, gritty guitars in 1963! Yes, and they were front and center (but in the left channel) on the opening track of With The Beatles, the band’s second album. This distinctive sound came from the natural overdrive of a Vox amplifier’s tubes (or valves)-a tone that wouldn’t be widely popularized until much later. After listening to this song for 61 years, I never truly noticed it until I began working on this remix.
'It Won’t Be Long' is a simple yet powerful recording, featuring just two guitars, bass, and drums accompanying the vocals. But within that simplicity lies a glimpse of the raw, growling British amp overdrive that would become legendary. That signature crunch became the focal point of this remix.
The original stereo mix placed all instruments in the left channel and all vocals in the right-typical for The Beatles’ early two-track recordings. My remix restores some of the lost character by centering the vocals while spreading the guitars across the left and right channels. The bass and drums have also been repositioned to the center, adding much-needed gravity and punch, which in turn enhances the dynamics of the guitar work. To create more vocal depth, I’ve moved Paul and George’s harmonies away from John’s lead vocal.
Nothing new has been added-no triggered drum machines, no additional musicians. This is purely a de-mixing and isolation of the original elements, carefully rebalanced in a style true to the 1960s era.
Thank you so much for listening!
I'm 70 years old and still own the Beatles albums I bought when I was 10 and 11 years old. That was such a wonderful time to be a kid.
Still have mine,originals also 70
I’m 63 and also have my albums, still the greatest group ever.
I’m 74 and I can’t imagine my life without the Beatles in it.
IF you are sad; if you are happy; if you feel dubbius about your fellow species; if you are ready to get pumped up.... they got it all.
I’m 71 and can still remember the first Beatles song I ever heard - “She Loves You” on a plastic transistor radio in the fall of ‘63. Even at the age of ten, I could tell there was something “different” about their music.
@ agree. I listened to ALL the music pre Beatles. It was mostly at that point all male and female singers. Rydell, Sedaka, Fabian, Gore, petula Clark. But when I heard “Hand” you knew this was such a great song and we all immediately wondered “who are these guys.”
There is simply nothing on Earth that had this sound except these 4 Beatles…..nothing.
A lot of the Mercy Beat bands sounded like early Beatles, they were just the best one.
@@BullyMaguire4ever do you mean Mersey Beat ?
It's the sound of early 60s Liverpool groups.
@@BullyMaguire4ever I heard some of them and the Beatles were light years ahead of the rest.
Beatles greatest simple pop while the Stones great ROCK
Me to 😊
What a dramatic improvement. You truly are a wizard of sound!
Thanks so much!
If I need my nostalgic youth, this is the best place. I lived the sixties thank goodness!
Glad you're here, thank you! I lived through the 60's also.
60 years on, they are still my go to place. There's a Beatles song for any occasion! Thank you, as always, for what you do. It's wonderful meeting them all over again.
Thank you! I don't know what life would have been like without them.
So glad I grew up in the 60's.
Right there with you, brother. I can remember riding my bicycle to the record store to buy the newest Beatles 45. They were and still are the greatest band ever.
The 'Since you left me' part is so sublime.
So right. It sounds like Paul and George are singing octaves with jazzy overtones. It was little details like this that set the Beatles worlds apart from everyone else...
John's voice is everything!
Fenomenal
Your mixes sound so much better than any official Beatles release, it's not even close. Ringo's drus have always been mistreated in all official versions. Here, you can clearly hear the bass drum and all other elements of his drum kit. Simply amazing.
Thank you for this comment. Even Ringo admits his drums were pushed back in their earlier recordings. Thank you for listening!
What an absolutely wonderful song. And it's not even considered one of their best.
95% of their songs were their best
The Beatles not only made the most beautiful choirs, but also the most spectacular, agile and dynamic, at a thousand miles an hour!
Hiya britt...As usual, you deliver a "winner". Lennon had said many times he wasn't too fond of his voice, but this performance shows how powerful it was and how great he actually sang. Really love the "I'll be good like I know i should" section, which shows how passionate his singing was during this earlier part of their career!! Your remix also exposes the balance and power between John, Paul & George's vocals--They never overstep each other, but rather sing to compliment and bring out the best of each of their voices. Just great!! Thanks for sharing with us. Best to you from California! Dig, DmGrk
Thank you so much! I agree with your description of Lennon's voice. Embellishing his voice with double-tracking just wasn't necessary. Thanks for listening!
IT WON'T BE LONG -- I have always believed that The Beatles intended this track to be issued as a single - but it never was - the reason I believe they intended it as a single was you can hear the care they put into recording this track - from the arrangements both musical and vocal - to the intricate harmonies - I was so happy that they used this track during the closing credits of the Anthology DVD - it worked so well there - this recording has SO MUCH energy - thanks for the re-mix and giving this hidden gem of an album track its due!
You're very welcome and thank you! This indeed would have been a number one single. This just exemplifies how prolific of songwriters they were.
You're right. It was the first song recorded for the album. It was when Abbey Road acquired a 4-track recorder that "I Want to Hold Your Hand" garnered the following single slot.
One of the most recognized album covers. It was perfect.
Any time I feel down I listen to the Beatles. They never fail to put a smile on my face. Thanks for the uploads!!!😊
Thank you for listening!
Oh absolutely. If I could ever meet Paul or Ringo, I'd tell them that probably more than once their music literally saved my life.
Because I have been listening to The Beatles so long (I saw them on the Ed Sullivan Show) I sometimes forget how really good they were. And the early stuff is rockin'.
Me too, l saw them on Ed Sullivan as a 2nd grader. The greatest entertainment act of the 60's, maybe of all time.
@@74bshsEarly was absolutely best! 🎸
There are no words...
Although I'm glad you're listening! Thank you so much!
This song explodes out of the gate like thorougbreds at the Kentucky Derby. Just a terrific song.
Woh!!!
Sir, you're a a master!!!
Thanks for your nice comment and I'm glad you're listening!
Hey, Britt 2001B! What a great remix and rebalance! I can clearly hear the gritty guitar riffs. Great separation. You are a great sound engineer! Cheers from the States, Mate!
Thank you! Isn't that such a great guitar sound! The mere fact that it was from 1963 makes it more special. We can thank Vox and their wonderful tube/valve overdrive for the harmonics that are produced.
Wow! This was on the first Beatles album I ever heard over 60 years ago (I'm 71 now). I really liked this song from the get go. Thank you so much for the wonderful work you are doing. All these songs I've heard so many times sound fresh again. The Beatles music really did sound different than the other music on the radio at the time. Please do "I'll be back", probably my favorite Beatles song going from major to minor effortlessly. And the words, "You could find better things to do than to break my heart again." That rings true for so many of us. Really a beautiful and bittersweet song for me. Again, thanks and you really should get some kind of humanitarian award for your work for all of us. :)
Thank you so much. I appreciate your comment. It was my first Beatle's album also which was bought at Woolworth in 1964 for $3.98.
Simplemente, música atemporal.
Another piece of magic
I'm very glad you think so. Thank you so much!
It was a brilliant album opener full of drive and intensity. This new mix takes it to another level.
Thank you! 'Meet The Beatles' also had a brilliant opener with 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' in which Capital had a different strategy from Parlophone. The Beatles gave their British listeners more value for their money by not putting their best selling single hits on an album. Capitol used the single hits to promote and beef up sales of the album but with The Beatles it just didn't seem necessary!
A massive improvement on the original stereo mix, great stuff! thank you
Thank you!
One of the great early Beatles songs... full of energy, anticipation and angst!
The interplay between the vocal callbacks and guitars, the rhythmic breakdown of the melancholy chorus with the haunting background vocals along with John's heartfelt storytelling during the verses combine to make this such a powerhouse of a song! It's amazing how much is embedded in a 2+ minute song!
This mix helps to bring emphasis and clarity to all of these dramatic musical interplays that occur throughout this song.
Thank you!
Thank you and thanks so much for this comment!
So incredibly refreshing! Even after around 60 years!
Thank you for listening!
Me too, so glad I was a kid in the 60's. Those guys, with their first songs really induce a high level of excitement and hysteria😉😎🖤.
Early Beatles is my fave era. So much enthusiasm and joy!
I’ve loved this song since I was a child in the 1960’s. Thank you for efforts! I always look forward to your mixes on these classic tracks.
Thank you! I really appreciate your listening!
The rhythm guitar here is phenomenal. Ringo's feel on the backbeat is something you can't teach. The vocal harmony is awesome.
Loved the visuals.
Thank you!
AWESOME!!!
Thanks again for a great remix and for all the hard work involved. This is one of my favourite Beatles numbers, and takes me back to when I first heard it in late 1963! It was a good number to start off the With The Beatles album, and probably a deliberate and wise decision?
Thank you, it's my pleasure!
Always great harmonies with a classic bridge in every song.
Another Beatles Classic Oldie given the magic touch and bringing it bang up to date .... Absolutely love the music but I love the time and attention put into the videos just as much
I appreciate your comment. Thank you very much!
@britt2001b you're welcome and thank for the hard work you put in
This is a monster to master for performances - all the backing vocals and the timings of those call-backs. There are a lot of Beatles' songs that are fairly easy to master as mere cover-songs but this one takes a commitment and serious study. The impact on the audiences can be almost shocking for bands that aren't known as 'cover bands'.
So many great songs
The song that got me into them .For any other band this would would been a hit single for them just a album track .!!! Great powerful mix .many thanks
Many thanks to you too! Agreed. 'Filler' tracks just did not exist in The Beatles' world!
This is another wonderful piece of work from you, thank you. I love the use of double meanings in the lyrics.
Your skill in remixing the instruments and vocals is simply amazing. This song reminds me how my mom and I would sing the background vocals when we heard this on the radio. I wish she was still alive so I could share your work with her.
Cool result! Hot tubes sound fantastic.
Those tubes/valves are crunching on this recording! I never really paid attention to it before. Can't believe this is 1963. Thanks for listening!
Great job as always
Thank you.
Love it just like all your remixes! Left channel is a bit sparse but I understand since you moved some instruments to the right. Huge difference though from the original in balance. Thanks so much
My pleasure, thank you!
❤❤❤ Beatles sempre Beatles ❤❤❤❤
Beautiful ❤
Just wow. Completely blows away the 09 remaster.
Thanks! The 2009 remaster was my source for this but retaining the early 60's stereo mix does nothing to improve the energy.
Simple pop and the Stones great ROCK
Wonderful remix with punchy bass and more prominent drums. An often underrated early classic and personal favorite from this period. This was on the first Capitol LP "Meet the Beatles", released just ahead of their Ed Sullivan appearance in February, 1964. Simply amazing!
Glad you enjoyed the mix. Thanks!
Beatles Second Album such a good collection of John.
Teneis razon ... un buen tema con ritmo 👍
A new masterpiece always a pleassure
Thank you and the pleasure is mine!
@@britt2001b all mine
I have always ADORED this song from their 1st album....John with all that energy and so much power in his voice....and what great backup from Paul and George....just sooooo wonderful....thank you for making this !! : ))))))
You're welcome. Thank you for listening to this!
Never since then or before there was such a harmony of vocals and instruments. Nothing compares to the Beatles.
@@neverforget6523 You are so right !!!
You are just on fire with these remixes and the marvelous videos. My friend and I always loved jamming to the band on this one. Always thought this one would have made a great A-side.
It was considered for an A side until they recorded IWTHYH and went with that instead.
Thank you, glad you're enjoying them!
Fantastic mix! Thank you.
Thank you and I thank you so much for listening!
Nice mix...🎶
this is awesome thank you so much love this song
Thanks and you're welcome. I appreciate your listening!
Another masterpiece. 👍👍 I'll be in Liverpool in a few weeks. 😁😁
Thank you! I'm jealous. I would love to be there taking in the sites. Thanks for listening!
Hard to believe i was a part of those times! I feel like it was 200 years ago- Beatles always and still do, make you feel Great
You made this song sound great!
Thank you!
What a great mix!!! Drums are centered
puts me in Norris town PA 1963 I was just three years listening to this album! I often wonder if the concerts had more respect and quit screaming they wouldn’t have quit touring but maybe we would have never heard Sergeant Peppers, Magical Mystery tour and white album.
Maybe John would’ve stayed with Cynthia - maybe their disillusion with fame and constant pressure to write and record and they were given the money they deserved we’d be listening to some later albums and John would’ve stayed and lived! What if?
I'm glad you enjoyed the mix. Thank you!
This time I listened to the 2009 mix first. Yours is so far superior that it puts the 2009 to shame! Keep 'em coming!!💯😃👍🏻
Thank you! That's a very good way to recognize the changes.
The 2009 mixes are notoriously bad
In fact that's why my audio settings are set to mono
I just love the sound of those guitars through the Vox amps and you've brought them out so well. The riff has real teeth, Lennon is singing so passionately, Ringo is locked in with Paul, driving the band as usual, and Paul and George supply all the call and response you'd ever need. Thanks again for your dedication to this band!
Thank you very much! I've also loved the sound of those Vox tube amplifiers.
Never gets old, and I bought my first Beatles record in 1964.
February 1964 and the VJ stereo one in March 1964, have both today.
Me too! Thanks for listening!
thanx Britt
Thank you! Glad you're listening!
Excellent remix...still sounds fresh original and real.
Thank you!
Hello, Bruce. Are you _Bruce Findlay_ from 'Bruce's Records', Rose Street, Edinburgh, early 1970s et al.? A long-shot, I know ... 🤔
Whatever: _Stay free!_ Rab 🍻😎
@@RHR-221b indeed I am that Bruce Findlay.
@@brucefindlay Good stuff, Bruce! I am making my Darling Mary’s ‘late’ tea at the moment … ❤️
If you do not mind, I’ll get back in touch soon, and hopefully we may share a few names, histories and other updates/down dates?
To Yours and You, from Mine and Me.
All the best, B! Rab ⏰ 🕊 😎
*A wonderful addition, b! Late 1970s-early 1980s, I worked with **_Geoff Johnson_** as his Junior Partner at Calder Music, Scotland. Mostly we worked on amp repairs, as well as retailing guitars et al. at honest prices.*
Geoff initially worked at developing RADAR during World War Two, before focusing on electronic hospital equipment.
_Soon after, he was part of the team that developed the Vox range of amplifiers, early 1960s._
Geoff died in 1990, and is buried in his beloved home: Arundel, West Sussex, alongside his dear wife, Freda Olive (or 'Flying Officer' Johnson, as he affectionately called his Darling ♥).
Geoff's pedigree is freely available via many YT *Vox Amplifiers* historical uploads.
_All the best, b._ Stay free. Rab 🍻😎
Thank you and I appreciate you sharing this. Mister Johnson's contribution certainly shaped the so well loved amplified guitar sound that followed. I always used Fender amps in the 60's and I never could make them sound like a Vox. Many of my friends had teen idol posters on their bedroom wall, I had a Vox poster on mine which I was very proud of. They just weren't sold in my area of the country. I'm itching to check out those UA-cam uploads about him. Thanks again!
@@britt2001b Heartfelt thanks, b. Geoff was like a Father to me, along with the love from his braw wife.
Enjoy Geoff's history. He once showed me his autograph book, with one entry reading:
'Thank for everything, Geoff.
'Stay Cool. Jimi x' _ [The 'i's in his signature are/were 'x's ...]_
Bye for now. Rab
Rickenbacker (or Gretsch?) in the right channel is great 😀
Another one of my lovely songs.
It's probably more of George's Gretsch in the right channel. The left channel guitar sounds more signature John, a great rhythm guitarist.
@@britt2001bJohn knows how to rock.
Perfect Britt!
Thank you! I appreciate your listening!
My observations:
*love that there's a little less reverb in George's guitar, and you can really hear more of a reggae rhythm
* the new punch shows the transition of the boys' bringing 50's style harmony into the next decade
Another home run, mate..Thank you!
You're welcome, thanks!
Brilliant remix! I prefer it! It'd so clear & powerful with 3D sound! Muy Buena!
Nicely done. Still blows my mind that these are LIVE
Thank you!
One of my favorites!
Top! It stays very close to the mono mix. That's the way it should be remembered.
The mono mix is very powerful. Thanks!
Thank you so much for your mixes! That's what I wanted to hear. Looking forward the next songs
I'm happy that you're listening. Thank you so much!
@@britt2001b Will you make remix all albums in the long run?
@@maxpopoffmusic Probably not as not all tracks within an album are doable.
@@britt2001b Anyway, as many tracks as you can re-mix, put them all up.
@@britt2001b Anyway, as many tracks as you can re-mix, put them all up.
These remixes are cool!
Thank you!
Thanks, great remix. Can hear the foot pedal bass drum! John's always having fun with word play, too. Check out all his early compositions.
Thank you! I didn't mention it in the description but I did give the kick drum some extra kick! Thanks for listening!
EXCELENT WORK, BROTHER
Thanks!
Well done on the mix. Typically, You Tube's compression is obvious.
Thank you. Yes, the compression removes some of the chiming harmonics of the guitars.
Wow. this is just so vibrant. And the vocals are so fresh. I keep saying it but your remixes let me hear the songs as if the band were in the same room with me. Thanks for all your work.
I'm glad you're hearing the remixes this way. Thank you!
They make it look and sound like it was so easy ! What i incredible talent ! Amazing how a 60 year old song can sound so fresh after all these years ! Doesn't hurt with a wonderful remix - thanks Britt !!!
Thank you! All Beatle fans can thank George Martin for unleashing that talent from those young boys! Most record producers from that time would travel a 'tried and true' route and not take a chance.
@@britt2001b - So true. What an incredible amount of latitude he gave the boys in the studio. Didn't stifle their creativity at all, that's how we were able to get all this wonderful music 🎶 - Lucky Us !!!
I’ve never heard this track sound so powerful. I love the visual as well. Thank you.
You're very welcome. Thank you!
Oh Yeah!! Just what I needed this morning! Quite entertaining & great job!! Thank you. ❤
Thank you, it's my pleasure!
Its always been one of my favorite Beatles songs, traffic job, Thank you !
My pleasure, thank you!
My Faves of all Time Love them to death
A nice straightforward mix.
Thank you.
❤❤❤❤
Thank you for another excellent work!🔝💪
You gave this song freshness and energy, and I appreciated it like never before👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You're most certainly welcome. I enjoyed working on this. Thank you so much!
Great one to sing along with! A favorite.
This is the way I always imagined this song could sound. Thank you for helping it reach its potential.
The other one I would love to see is “Anytime At All.”
My pleasure! Thank you so much for listening! Good suggestion!
LOVED THIS MIX, it just sounds so lively and fresh, I hope that whenever the official remix of With The Beatles by Giles Martin is released, all songs (including this one) Will sound this good as well
Thank you! The official remix should sound much better than mine. I'm looking forward to it.
One of my favourite early tracks, worthy of being a single. Once again brilliant. Already in my ITunes.
Thank you! I believe it was originally planned to be a single.
@@britt2001b I believe John wrote it intending it to be the next single, but the "Yeah, Yeah's" were too close to She Loves You. Then I Want To Hold Your Hand took off and broke them in America. I just love it because it goes straight into the song, no messing and the "off chords."
✔A Beatle-U-tiful Remix! ! ! ✔
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed this.
Thank you ♥️
My pleasure! Thank you!
2:06 this is some transition
brings me back to 1964
Love this song
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Wow! I'm 11 years old again, you can not describe the excitement of that time.
Wonderful.
Glad you liked it. Thanks!