That feeling you get when you think you know everything about a song and then suddenly you hear how it was really meant to sound; i.e. the person writing and recording it in real time as he's vamping the chords on his old Joanna. Turns out James first heard this when he went to Uni in 2008 but failed to share this discovery with his old man. Fourteen years later and I get a casual text from him: "Dad, did I ever play you this?" I've known family rifts that have lasted for many years erupt over less (and I should know). If there's someone in your life who you think should hear this, and hasn't, please send it to them. Now. They will appreciate it...
John Lennon - I'm Losing You (Demo) - 1979
I watched all 8 hours of Peter Jackson's Get Back last weekend. It was quite surreal watching them come up with these songs we are all just so familiar with, but not yet quite formed. The lyrics could have been totally different. Jojo was Jojo Jackson originally and now I can't unhear it.
ReplyDeleteIt was life affirming, wasn't it? I loved it. And, as you say, watching Get Back turn from no more than a basic riff and some snatched lyrics into what we know it as today was quite emotional to watch. And Billy Preston! He was a real game changer, don't you think?
DeleteThe move to the Apple Building changed the vibe totally and then when they brought in Billy the songs really took shape. Love how humble he was about the whole thing and how they were discussing whether to just pay him session rates.
DeleteLove the rawness of this.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more, Gerry; I honestly think it works better on the piano than as a guitar led song.
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