Search - Beatles :: Let It Be...Naked

WHY DO PEOPLE HATE THIS?!?!

Nate Charlton | Santa Rosa, CA USA | 03/18/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Is it a remix? Yes. Is it unecessary? I suppose so. Is it McCartney rewriting history? Duh. Does it completely alter several of the songs beyond the point of recognition? Of course.



But the big question is: Is it... BAD?



HECK NO!!!!!!



I can understand that fans find that it is not a true "naked" version of the GET BACK/LET IT BE sessions, with either bootlegs, the ANTHOLOGY 3, or even the original album providing insight into what may be the "real" version. I've listened to all of these, and see other people's points, but don't slam the album just because you think it's a stupid idea!!!



I find this a nice listen, especially since I got it after the originals, including the bootleg. I never found any of the original versions of the songs interesting (except the single "Get Back" and the Wildlife version of "Across the Universe"), and while the dialog bits were enjoyable, they were silly and extraneous (okay the audition joke was riotous). But, I found the exorcism of the spector [sic] haunting the original version a good thing.



"Across the Universe" was quite good in the 1969 mix, but the choir and orchestra topped off with the slower pace to be nausiating. "The Long and Winding Road" was boring to me when I first got 1 a few years ago, and "Let it Be" was okay, but the "Paul is dead" whisper ruined the single for me, and the weird cymbal chimes and brash guitar way too over the top in the album version. I also found the quality of the original album to he a bit shoddy, even in the 2009 remaster, but that could be since the songs were recorded differently and (semi-)live. Also, I just didn't really like the overall Spector or Johns albums when I heard them.



Then I heard about this, and listened to samples of it online.



WOW!!!



What a difference! The quality was better, and none if those cheesy overdubs were kept (as per the original concept) making the songs simpler and in my opinion, better. "The Long and Winding Road," featured in McCartney's favorite version is beautiful and poignant, "I've Got a Feeling" simpler and less cheesy, "One After 909" sounding clearer and cleaner, "Don't Let Me Down" sexed up, "I Me Mine" sounding, well, different, but neither better nor worse in my opinion, though the simpler arangement is nice, "Let it Be" with cleaner vocals and no annoying guitar solos (I HATED them), and the shining gem, "Across the Universe" in its simple, poignant, relaxing, beautiful, cosmic, utopian, (I'm running out of words), ORIGINAL SPEED, glory!



Keep in mind none of the Beatles actually worked on the remixes, but they all (Paul, Ringo, Yoko, and Olivia that is) approved them, with Ringo loving the new versions of "The Long and Winding Road" and "Let it Be" agreeing that this was the original intention of the project. The album was supposed to coincide with a DVD release of the film, but that was cancelled (take a guess why, I've seen it).



While I know this won't replace the original album, which I'll admit holds together well, I feel this to be a nice listen, and a view to what should have been if the group had been putting more of an effort into the music.



I also feel the reviewer who listed the "real" naked version track listing has a good point, and the suggestions are good, so if you are really interested in that do it. It's not bad."

Outstanding!!! Better than the original IMHO

SDwinder | 01/16/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember buying the orginal LIB album when I was a kid when it was first released in 1970. I liked a few songs, but after Abbey Road it seemed kinda rough and a little bit of a letdown. But, keep in mind, Abbey Road is my favorite album of alltime!



Having the Spector sound removed and the sonics cleaned up really did Naked justice. I can't be more impressed now. I have been listening to Naked for hours tonight and had to write a review. I went back and listened to the LIB cd released in the late '80s and it really is night and day. What had seemed possibly outdated on some songs due to the Spector sound, now seems fresh and more hard edged rock and roll, the way the Beatles intended from what I have read.



Sonically, the mastering is fantastic. All the little details pop out and the separation is terrific. The little guitar riffs really stand out and the bass and drums really pop. The vocals have never sounded better. Paul's voice really shines on his songs and really shows off how great a voice he had, especially on The Long and Winding Road. Just a beautiful song as it is here, without all the orchestration.



If I had one bone to pick, it would be this version of Let It Be, the song. While I really like the way it is done, I do miss the nice harder edge guitar solo and the last verse from the other version.



With all this said, I have yet to hear the new Remastered Let It Be cd, so I cannot compare the sonic differences. The sonics were so great on Naked over the original LIB, so I would love to hear the new remastered LIB to see how it turned out."

Beatles let it be naked c.d.

Debra L. Graham | 01/21/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you would like to experience the beatles let it be album without any fluff this is it !!! Just excellent !!!"