The Truth Behind 'Get Back': The Beatles' Unreleased Album
Many Beatles fans often wonder whether the band ever released an album titled Get Back. The reality is that Get Back was the original concept turned into the legendary Let It Be. However, the story behind the recordings that were supposed to become the Get Back album is quite intriguing.
Concept and Reality
The band initially intended to create a live album featuring new material. They aimed to return to their recording roots and make a no-nonsense, grittier rockrsquo;nrsquo;roll sound. Glyn Johns, a renowned recording engineer, was brought in specifically for this project to ensure the band could be presented in a more straightforward, real-time style.
Despite the ideals behind the album, the chaotic and tense nature of the recording sessions made it difficult for The Beatles to fully realize their vision. They couldn’t help but fall back on their familiar studio techniques. The result was a patchwork of takes, with some mistakes and a focus on achieving perfect harmonies rather than a raw, live sound.
The Let It Be Cartel
After the initial sessions, the idea of the Get Back documentary began to change. The first iteration was a documentary of the Beatles recording a new album. This project started in January 1969 at Twickenham Film Studios. Early morning filming schedules proved to be unproductive for a band accustomed to late-night recording, and tensions rapidly escalated. Kicks off the idea of a documentary film were dampened as the filming sessions faltered. This led to a brief stint at the Apple Building, where tensions were eased with the addition of Billy Preston as a keyboardist. However, even here, the band members were not fully committed to the project.
The Release Journey
Despite efforts to revive the Get Back concept, the band eventually washed their hands of the project. The recordings lingered in the form of elusive bootlegs until 2021, when they were officially released as part of the Let It Be super deluxe 50th anniversary release. In 2022, the entire rooftop performance was officially released as "The Beatles: Get Back — The Rooftop Performance," available on streaming services and as a bonus CD.
Final Word
The story of the Get Back album is a roundabout journey from a documentary to a live album to a patchwork of studio recordings. It highlights the complications and the unfulfilled potential of one of rockrsquo;s greatest bands. The Let It Be album, while a masterpiece, remains a testament to the band's ever-shifting creative ambitions.