The Beatles - Abbey Road (1990)
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Free Music Notes for Abbey Road (1990)
Free Music Review: Note for Mac users (warning: some geek speak)
Hit: 5 Stars
The included Mac application that plays the documentary video (and maybe does other things; I don't know) is a PPC application (not universal binary). So if you have an Intel mac, you'll be prompted to install Rosetta (code translator) if you haven't already. It's pretty easy. However, I don't want Rosetta on my machine and it seems like a pretty major oversight that the application included on this CD is not a universal binary. Macs have been running on intel processors for years now.
HOWEVER, if you browse the directory structure, you'll find Quicktime files. One is the documentary, the other the credits (which are almost as long!). I was able to open the quicktime file, and (under Snow Leopard/QuickTime X) I was able to 'share to iTunes' and then sync it to my iPod. The same can probably be done under Quicktime 7/Leopard if you have QuickTime Pro. So, it's a little trouble, but it is possible to get both the music and the documentary on an iPod. I don't know if there's other content in the application that I'm missing...but I'm happy to have gotten this far.
And...the remastering sounds incredible. It's subtle but completely breathtaking at the same time. If you like/love this album, the remastered version is a must-have.
Free Music Review: Fitting swansong for a legendary band
Hit: 5 Stars
After the disunity and infighting of the Get Back sessions, The Beatles were able to put their differences aside to create one final masterpiece. 'Abbey Road' is the most unified, coherent Beatles' album since 'Sgt Pepper', both in the strength of the individual songs and the way the entire album fits together. Also, despite their personal and creative tensions, the album feels much more like the work of a genuine band than the White Album or 'Let It Be', with a return to the detailed harmonies and arrangements of the band's mid-60's work.
Stylistically, The Beatles are once again looking forward and anticipating new trends. Recorded in 1969, much of 'Abbey Road' has what might be termed a "Seventies Rock" feel, with an emphasis on heavier blues-based rock, intelligent ballads, and even hints of prog-rock. The heavier production and instrumentation (especially the Moog synth) also seems more reminiscent of Seventies Rock.
It's been suggested that McCartney began taking over The Beatles toward the end, but on 'Abbey Road' it's Lennon and particularly Harrison who really stand out.
'Come Together': arguably Lennon's best late 60's song, one of the clear examples of the heavier music and production on the album. The claustrophobic verses are balanced by a short, ringing chorus.
'Something': outstanding ballad. Harrison really pulled out the big guns for this album, with his two contributions arguably his two best songs. Simple but intelligent lyrics, and a beautiful melody that never descends into sappiness. Great shift into the heavier, singalong bridge.
'Maxwell's Silver Hammer': a bit reminiscent of 'Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da', this love-it-or-hate-it McCartney singalong is a bit of a throwaway compared to other songs here. Apparently the recording of this song was tense, but you'd never know it from the enthusiastic harmonies and backup singing in the infectious chorus.
'Oh Darling': a McCartney holdover from the Get Back sessions and sounds like it. A really raw, stomping rock song with throat-ripping vocals.
'Octopus' Garden': fun singalong written and sung by Ringo. In contrast to the world-weary, hangdog vocals he often used, Ringo is more upbeat here, delivering a strong performance that suits the kiddie nature of the song. Solid backup harmonies are another highlight.
'I Want You': the most obvious example of the Seventies Rock Influence. The first part is heavy, bluesy rock; this is followed by a very extended fadeout that becomes swamped in layers of production and white noise, before abruptly ending. Almost prog-rock in execution.
'Here Comes The Sun': another Harrison classic that reminds me of 'If I Needed Someone'. There is the same jangling guitar riff and beautiful harmonies to this mid-tempo song.
'Because': Lennon ballad famous for its multiple overdubbed harmonies. There is again a Seventies Rock feel in the heavy use of synths and keyboards, but this song is all about the voices.
The album then moves into the extended mini-rock-opera that rounds out the second half. This was an innovative way to tie together a variety of loose ends from the Get Back sessions, and it works. Few of these songs would have amounted to much on their own, but nearly all of them contain great riffs and melodies, and work perfectly as short bridging pieces. Since 'Golden Slumbers'/'Carry That Weight' reference the first song of the medley 'You Never Give Me Your Money', there is the real sense of an opera coming full circle and finishing how it began.
This is followed, appropriately, by 'The End'. I never found 'Her Majesty' particularly good, and feel it detracts from the rock opera closing.
So 'Abbey Road' was a great way for The Beatles to go out. Unlike Get Back, there is little evidence of the tension that was beginning to tear the band apart. With all four members making strong contributions, and the personal differences put aside for the sake of the music, 'Abbey Road' is undoubtedly one of the best Beatles albums.
Free Music Review: Great Album- Great remastering!
Hit: 5 Stars
After all these years this album is still one of my favorites! There's just something about the production that makes it great and interesting to listen to. Side 2 is still a classic! The cover is a pop icon. I'm glad to see EMI/Apple is finally updating the Beatles catalog with better mastering. Sounds great!Free Music Review: Another Classic
Hit: 5 Stars
Abbey Road just might be a desert island disc to my ears as well as the stunning White Album. In spite being the near the end of their relationship, the Beatles put it all together once again. Come Together is such a cool song with ultra cool drumming by Ringo and crazy lyrics by John. Its fun to jam on this tune and make it even more creative. Something is an all time classic tune by George. And the suite of mini songs mostly contributed by Paul is stunning. Just take it with you when you live civilization.Free Music Review: Brought back memories
Hit: 5 Stars
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this CD but I was very pleasantly surprised and really like it. My husband had missed out on most of this music as he was very involved in medical school during the explosion of the Beatles. He loved this CD. Definitely recommended.