Released November 22, 1968
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the what is known to most as The White Album by The Beatles - Giles Martin, son of the original producer George Martin, digitally remixed the 30-track record. In addition, he dug out studio outtakes as well as revised demos that were previously unauthorized. The White Album was a drastic change from The Beatles previous Iconic frontier of concept albums Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Wanting to get back to their roots, The Beatles created the beautiful and ambient White Album.
https://youtu.be/Ve1vaEIXhV0
The new anniversary digital remix of the record provides much more clarity to each instrument being played, leaving no sound to waste. The guitars are able to fully chant as they were intended to. Hearing the 1st stereo track “Back in the U.S.S.R” gives a glimpse as to how the rest of the album will be more immersed with life.
https://open.spotify.com/track/183Klch3PBWLz2S6zNUVxR?si=n63jlmcKS1eVtsVfmRYv_w
The digital remix is done so well, that I could hear the gasp of air Paul McCartney takes as he’s singing away. Another track that took great advantage of the new digital remix is “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. Hearing Georges voice accompanied with Eric Clapton’s fiery leadwork guides me on a nostalgic trance just as when I first heard it.
https://open.spotify.com/track/0ZqSsO2xoVvcrhpiRuqCmt?si=l3l16gYvQCGsxbrIpoATQQ
One of the many great additions to this new rendition of the White Album is the many outtakes it provides. It’s amazing being able to listen to the evolution these songs undertook to be finalized. One example is the song “Rocky Raccoon – Take 8”. You are able to hear the purity within each of these studio outtakes as well as their charm hearing their laughter.
https://open.spotify.com/track/2fLwUWUbJeCFLHQnbwrdeq?si=prNvX3PqRWmKV2qBXM71Hw
One of the outtakes also contains a cover of the jazz staple “Blue Moon – Studio Jam." It’s amazing that these outtakes are a testament to the gateway of being able to witness these songwriters in the studio at work.
https://open.spotify.com/track/0gTzMvctZAfkIcvaaTrPne?si=akJP11lZS2GOOBfm12RDrw
One of the last additions to the remixed album and personal favorite is the Esher Demos. These Esher Demos were recorded in George Harrison’s house in Kinfauns right after their trip from India. The demos provided a very intimate and comfortable atmosphere much like to MTV ‘s unplugged. With its fluidity and authenticity, the track “Sexy Sadie – Esher Demo” feels like a lullaby being sung directly to you.
https://open.spotify.com/track/2SB7SvBpz5X5ZnmABsLUUT?si=WrAfWWeoSgWlOJarBMHRCA
Another track included “Child of Nature – Esher Demo”, which would later be officially renamed to “Jealous Guy” for John Lennon’s first solo album Imagine.
https://open.spotify.com/track/1MQhdLXEHmUWLF0bu7uVff?si=RknD5o2NRFCnvjRXMZzmag
Overall, I attach this Anniversary edition of the White Album with a full embrace and open arms. It’s marvelous what The Beatles were able to accomplish progressively and thanks to Giles Martin we’re able to get a deeper perspective at how The Beatle evolved.
