Beatles - Now & Then

Set to be released November 2, 2023.

https://pitchfork.com/news/the-beatles-final-song-now-and-th en-announced/

A few key points:

Absolute last new Beatles track

A Beatles song has not charted since Real Love in 1996. Meaning it was before Billboard's late 1998 rule change.

Its the last chance for the Beatles to add to their #1's.

If it hits #1 it would be almost 60 years from their first #1 in January 1964. Not sure if that is a record but no one who had a #1 on Billboard before 1964 is likely to get another one anytime soon in this streaming age/download age

My prediction: It hits #1, stays there for many weeks.

My understanding is Love Me Do will be issued in stereo for the first time and the Blue and Red albums are going to be expanded. If anyone has any additional info I would love to know about it.


Edited by PopArchivist

Interesting news. I'm not predicting it will hit #1, but anything is possible.

I think the ‘new’ Beatles song has a chance to reach #1 only if it features
Drake.

George Harrison considered the song ‘rubbish’.

Brian W. wrote: I thought I read that George Harrison considered the sound quality rubbish, not the song itself.

The ability now vs then to isolate Lennon's vocals via AI is the difference. Technology finally allowed them to do it. By isolating it, it allowed Paul and Ringo to actually do their part, add Harrison's additions and finish the song.

The buzz on the track from what I understand was the original complaint. Harrison was speaking of the quality of the recording. Unlike Real Love and Free As A Bird which had the three Beatles complete what was already demos that were somewhat lyrically polished by Lennon.

Just heard and watched the 12 minute video. Incredible. Anyone who wants to see how good technology has come should watch it. Lennon's voice isolated sounded just like he was there. Amazing!