The Beatles - 'Let It Be' (1970)

Versions:
LP
CD
CD (2009 Remaster)

Tracklisting:

Side One:
Two Of Us
Dig A Pony
Across The Universe
I Me Mine
Dig It
Let It Be
Maggie Mae

Side Two:
I've Got A Feeling
One After 909
The Long And Winding Road
For You Blue
Get Back

Best tracks:
Two Of Us
Let It Be
Across The Universe

Currently listening to: LP

For a long time, Let It Be was my favourite Beatles album, equally tied with The White Album. While each of The Beatles' albums after Rubber Soul were meticulously crafted, Let It Be sounds like a patch work quilt of great songs, that don't necessarily look at the bigger picture.

Which, of course, it was.

Knowing the history of the album, it's surprising that they managed to salvage an album out of the sessions at all. But, I don't have any of that in my mind when I'm listening to Let It Be. One of the most interesting things about the album is that, to me, it sounds like they're having a great time on most of the tracks. It's doesn't sound uninspired. It doesn't sound like a band falling apart at the seams. I'm sure the signs would be there if I cared to look (and they're certainly there on many of the countless bootlegs of these sessions and even the tracks on The Beatles Anthology), but I don't.

I love the banter and dialogue sewn between the songs. I love that 'Dig It' and 'Maggie Mae' were shoved on. I love that songs recorded from the rooftop concert are wedged between Phil Spector's overblown production on 'Let It Be' and 'The Long And Winding Road' (and Paul was right. Those songs are better without it. Though, I do secretly enjoy the strings on 'Let It Be'). It's gives the album a ramshackle feel, which is possibly the only reason works.

Being The Beatles, there's no shortage of great songs here. 'Two Of Us' is still one of my favourite Beatles songs. 'Let It Be' still is, too. 'Across The Universe' has found a special place in my heart over the last few years (I did tire of it, back when I was 18). I don't think I've ever met anyone who really rates 'Dig A Pony' (before you write me angry letters, I'm sure you're out there), but I think it's underrated gem. As is, 'For You Blue'.

I think that the back story of an album can have a bearing on people's opinion. Which is understandable, and absolutely OK. But, Let It Be is one that I'm happy to take on face value, because I didn't know the back story for the first few years I was listening to it. All I cared about was how much I loved it. It was just another Beatles album, even if it was their last (and, obviously, that title carried some weight). I do find the album's history fascinating, especially when I hear bootlegs (the original Get Back album is a very interesting listen) or watch the Let It Be film. There's no doubt about that. In my mind, though, I'm happy to put that aside for the album. What interests me most here is the songs. And, Let It Be has some gooduns.