Now that we all had a chance to listen to Now and Then, we can make up our minds and give our opinion. I must say, it is not bad. Not bad at all.
It is a beautiful ballad that is right there with Across the Universe and #9 Dream. It has a great melody; one of the musical elements that has kept Beatles music fresh after all these years (for other element see The Beatles Era). It is sung by John with an intensity that reminded me of A Day in the Life. And let’s not forget, Johns singing is not take 12. It is not even take 1. It is just a demo!
Paul added bass and Ringo drums. The piano accompaniment is a simple pumping piano; remember the Beatles did not take fancy piano lessons when they were young. But their playing is intuitive and creative, as can be heard after the first two lines of the third and fourth verse, where they use the piano as a rhythm instrument: a hammering piano. Somewhat like the hammering piano that starts While my Guitar Gently weeps.
Two other Beatlesque elements can be recognized in Now and Then. Strings with a bite, like Paul wanted for Eleanor Rigby, were added as well as a slide guitar in the style of George. The strings intertwine beautifully with the vocals and the interaction of strings and slide guitar combined with backing vocals take the song to a higher level after the second chorus. It is like this part provides you the opportunity to really feel the dept of Johns message. After the fourth verse and chorus, the strings playfully end the song.
If you have seen the Get Back documentary made by Peter Jackson, you will know that the Beatles not only practiced numbers that ended up on the Let it Be album, but also a dozen that ended up on Abbey Road, and quite a few numbers that ended up on the solo albums of the individual Beatles. So songs that potentially where Beatles songs ended up being solo numbers, and we learned to know them as such. Therefore it is ironic that a song that clearly was intended to be released as a John Lennon song, now ended up as the last Beatles song ever.
What to think about the release of the final Beatles song Now and Then? Should we be excited or rather skeptical? I will welcome it with an open mind. Give it the benefit of the doubt. Personally, I find it interesting that the (remaining) Beatles have used Artificial Intelligence to create Now and Then.
Digital creativity to replace the analogue musical innovations, like tape loops, they introduced in the sixties. I will be looking for Beatlesque musical elements in Now and Then as described in The Secret of Their Music (The Beatles Era). Real musical innovations, I am afraid, are not to be expected.
Now what about the presentations of the song? The very last song of the Beatles Now and Then, combined with their first Love Me Do on one single underlines or maybe overestimates the importance of the moment. In addition to the single, Now and Then will be added to new expanded version of the Blue Double Album in different presentations. Is this marketing? Sure. Is this milking business? Possibly.
But here also I like to look at it in a more positive way. Projects like this are undoubtfully pursued for commercial reasons but have the additional benefit that the legacy of the Beatles is very well preserved. So let’s enjoy the moment on November second and let’s try to see it all in perspective.
The Beatles first engineer, Norman “Hurricane” Smith, who engineered their recordings up to and including Rubber Soul. Geoff Emerick was to take over the mantle from Norman. Not only was Norman an engineer, he was also a writer and performer who had a hit 45 with the single “Oh Babe, What Would You Say.” He also had a stint at producing.
The book pictured below with the signature, I purchased from Norman at the Fest For Beatles Fans in 2007. It truly was a pleasure meeting him. Norman passed away in 2008.
Norman Smith’s “Oh Babe What Would You Say”
Published specifically for the 2007 Fest for Beatles Fans Published by Opix Media London and Ireland:
John Lennon Called Normal
Norman Smith’s signature
Smith’s Autograph
Published by Lulu 2008 after Norman had passed, this is the more recent edition of Norman’s book.
Amid Beatlemania, a fascinating and collectible item emerged, allowing fans to get a closer look at their favorite band – The Beatles arcade cards. These cards, produced by the Exhibit Card Company in the 1960s, provided a unique opportunity for fans to gaze at the lads with greater focus. Let’s dive into the world of these beloved collectibles and explore what made them so special.
A Closer Look at the Beatles Arcade Cards:
The 1964 Beatles arcade cards were an instant hit among fans. Printed on heavy cardstock papers and measuring 3⅜” x 5⅜”, these postcard-sized jewels featured black and white images of the Beatles, both as a group and individually. The clarity of these cards allowed fans to study, analyze, and even memorize the profiles of their favorite band members.
The best part of the cards was the profiles of the lads! The flip side of one card read: “Left to Right: Paul (The Bouncy Beatle) McCartney; Ringo (The Quiet Beatle) Starr; George (Just a Beatle-Beatle) Harrison; and John (The Sexy Beatle) Lennon. Never in the musical history of England has there been such a mania over a group of singers such as The Beatles.”. Another read: “The ‘Beatlemania’ of the Beatles took this country by storm as well as the other countries they had visited.”
Beatles Arcade Cards Display
The Sexy Beatle
John’s card read: “NICKNAME: “The Sexy Beatle.” BIRTHDAY: Born October 9, 1940, in Liverpool. INSTRUMENT PLAYED: Rhythm guitar. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: 5’11” tall with brown eyes and brown hair. EDUCATION: Attended Liverpool High School and Liverpool College of Art. GENERAL INFORMATION: John plays the drums, piano, guitar, and banjo. Since he organized and gave the group its name, he was adopted as their leader. John is the only member of the Beatles who’s married and has a small son. Also, included in his many musical talents is composing.”
The Bouncy Beatle
Paul’s card read: “NICKNAME: “The Bouncy Beatle.” BIRTHDAY: Born June 18, 1942. INSTRUMENT PLAYED: Bass guitar. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: 5′ 11″ tall with hazel eyes and dark brown hair. EDUCATION: received a diploma in art. GENERAL INFORMATION: Paul writes all of the music for the group and has written over 100 tunes since the group started. He is fond of art and enjoys go-karting. His home then is Allerton, a suburban area of Liverpool.”
The Beatle Beatle
George’s card read: “NICKNAME: “Just a Beatle-Beatle.” BIRTHDAY: Born February 25, 1943, in Liverpool. INSTRUMENT PLAYED: Lead guitar. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: 6′ tall with brown eyes and brown hair. EDUCATION: He left school to become an apprentice electrician, but as he had said, “I had to stop trying to be an electrician because I kept blowing everything up.” GENERAL INFORMATION: Being interested in songwriting, he had once written a tune that the group had liked and used for a short time. Also, he enjoys parties as well as a moment of relaxation.”
The Quiet Beatle
Ringo’s card read: “NICKNAME: “The Quiet Beatle.” BIRTHDAY: Born July 7, 1940. INSTRUMENT PLAYED: Drums. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: 5′ 8″ tall with blue eyes and brown hair. GENERAL INFORMATION: Ringo is considered as the quiet one of the group. His name, Ringo, was given to him due to his passion for wearing many rings at one time. Since he enjoys working with his hands, he has always loved basketwork and pottery.”
Step Back in Time:
These arcade cards were not easily accessible in traditional stores. Instead, they were typically found in machines at amusement parks, arcades, tourist locations, and even alongside movie star cards. Imagine stumbling upon one of these machines, filled with anticipation as you turned the crank, waiting for a card to drop into your hands, revealing another glimpse of your idols. It must have been a fascinating experience.
Advertisement for The Beatles Arcade Cards
Collecting and Cherishing:
The popularity of these arcade cards led to a vibrant collecting culture. Fans would trade cards with friends and peers, trying to complete sets or acquire specific Beatles cards. The cards became cherished possessions, providing a tangible connection to the beloved band. The biographies on the back added an extra layer of fascination, allowing fans to become more intimately acquainted with the Fab Four.
Legacy and Reproductions:
As with any valuable and sought-after collectibles, reproductions of these arcade cards surfaced over time. However, it is essential to note that these reproductions often lacked the printed information on the back and may have lower-quality images than the originals. The passage of time has also affected the originals, giving them a classic yellow tint that adds to their nostalgic charm.
Conclusion:
The Beatles arcade cards hold a special place in the hearts of fans who grew up in the 1960s. These cherished collectibles allowed fans to gaze at the Fab Four in greater detail and provided glimpses into each band member’s personal life and musical talents. As we look back on Beatlemania, let us appreciate these arcade cards’ role in fostering a deeper connection between fans and one of the greatest bands in history.
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
An absorbing look at one of the wildest rumors to ever come out of the entertainment world- the “Paul is Dead” legend. The authors detail the history behind the rumor, and numerous figures from show business, as well as Beatles experts, share their own thoughts on the subject, as well as how the Beatles impacted their lives.
From Strawberry Fields to Abbey Road: A Billy Shears Story features contributions from many celebrities and music industry insiders.
Included are: Fred LaBour (generally credited with creating the “Paul is Dead” legend), Laurence Juber (member of the band Wings), Steve Boone (member of the band The Lovin’ Spoonful), Bruce Spizer (author of many books on the Beatles, considered the expert on Beatlemania), Susan Olsen (Cindy on The Brady Bunch), actor/comedian Richard Belzer, Ivor Davis (British journalist who covered the Beatles 1964 American tour), Oscar-nominated actress Sally Kirkland, Vera Ramone King (wife of Dee Dee Ramone), Leslie Cavendish (the Beatles’ personal barber), Tony Peck (actor/screenwriter son of Gregory Peck), John Barbour (creator and co-host of the TV show Real People), Diane Renay (recording artist best known for the 1963 hit single Navy Blue, was the Beatles first choice to be their opening act), Richie Furay (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, co-founded Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills and Neil Young), Victoria Jackson (actress best known as a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live), Mickey Leigh (musician, brother of Joey Ramone), Bob Cowsill (of the band The Cowsills), veteran actor Nick Mancuso (best known for starring in the TV Series Stingray), and Jon Provost (Timmy on the Lassie TV series), among many others.
“I was as fascinated as the rest of the world with the ‘Paul is Dead’ rumors. I think he’s still alive, but this is a book that’s long overdue!” – Kathy Garver, star of the TV series Family Affair.
“The Beatles changed the way we listen to music. Like Elvis, they were revolutionary. At first playful, they metamorphosed into writing thought-provoking, dynamic music which shall be listened to, and appreciated, by all generations. My favorite is ‘Eleanor Rigby.’ Haunting. A whole play and life story in one song. Coming from Norway, ‘Norwegian Wood’ ranks second on my list. Lyrical and romantic. And, of course, ‘Let it Be,’ which should be our universal anthem. To me, the Beatles’ legacy is the universally heartfelt communality of the storytelling they gifted us. With their music ringing in my ears, I will never be ‘Lost in Space!'” – Marta Kristen, star of the TV series Lost in Space.
“We really enjoyed the multi-faceted approaches of this book and it was a pleasure to contribute our input to it. It’s a joy-packed voyage back to a magical era that will probably never happen again in human history. Nowadays, things are very splintered into thousands of different, separate little niches. Everything is diverse- basically all over the place. The unique element about the whole Beatles phenomenon is that it was just so incredibly focused. The whole country knew that The Beatles were going to appear live on television Sunday night. Everybody knew it. Everybody watched it. Everybody talked about it the next day. Everybody was on the same page. It was just so unique. The book is unique also because it captures many of the wonders associated with that phenomenon and does so in ways that haven’t been done before. “ – Richard Belzer & David Wayne, best-selling authors.
Due to the success of the 1st volume we decided to make a follow-up, another one is in the making and will end the trilogy.
A NEW BOOK OUT SOON! THE BEATLES IN ITALY (August 1965/July 1967) is a follow-up to the acclaimed 1st chapter of the Fab Four in Italy book, (1963/65) and scheduled for release on October 15th, 2023. A 3rd volume will cover the rest, meaning 1967/70.
Another Fab collection of artifacts from the era, a 508-page mammoth photographic book. As the previous volume, the book is authored by collectors Fulvio Fiore and Alex Franchi, and is privately pressed in a limited, hand-numbered edition. If you enjoyed the 1st edition, you’ll be thrilled by this one! The most comprehensive collection ever of articles, tour pictures, promo posters, song sheets, unseen documents and more about the Beatles in Italy through 1965/1967 years.
A splendid time is guaranteed for all! Enjoy the sample pics and PM Alex to reserve your copy, or send me an e-mail : soundlover30@hotmail.com
Hope you like this book – it is a fantastic achievement by the authors. Have you got the 1st volume?
