mostly david ephgrave

I just wanted to take a moment to shine a light on this lesser-known track from The Beatles (A.K.A. the White Album) that has no right to be a lesser-known when it comes to it. I think part of the reason it’s largely unknown is due to its original mix, which was so quiet as to almost be inaudible for at least the first half of the song, particularly when listened to on vinyl. Now if you take a look at the comments on the YouTube link I posted you’ll find as many people complaining that the newly lifted level diminishes the dynamics as those who are delighted they can finally hear it; while I can see a little of both (particularly when it comes to the rattling wine-bottled howling-over-an-organ finish, which sounds far more atmospheric on the original version) when push comes to shove, I fall more in the latter camp: lifting the level has elevated the song, given it a chance to shine it never had previously. It’s no wonder it got lost really, being tucked away towa...

This evening, I treated myself to a from-the-beginning-to-the-end listen of the newly remixed fiftieth anniversary edition of the White Album (that no-one on the planet refers to by its real name ‘The Beatles’). Only the other day, it occurred to me why the band might have decided to make this specific record eponymously-titled; the album they released the year before was essentially put out under a pseudonym - Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - to give them freedom to step outside (love) of their perceived identity and try new ideas, so in that spirit, it makes sense that they’d want to make the album that followed, which was essentially back-to-basics (as far as any Beatles project was) - more firmly-rooted in their own brand again. That said, it’s a shame they couldn’t go with the working title ‘A Doll’s House’ (which was nabbed by the prog band Family) as that would have reflected the eclectic tracklist perfectly. One thing returning to the...

Is this the dullest album cover of all time? I may be consumed with anti-Eighties bias. The sleeve for the Beatles’ White Album has a lot less going on. I’d argue, however, that a minimalistic cover with just the artist’s name embossed on it and a limited-edition serial number is preferential to a photo of a man in a cagoule, particularly if they’re also sporting a mullet. I should clarify that I’m a fan of George Harrison. I’m also fond of all-weather wear. I just don’t think the two should have mixed in this context. George may have been an avid gardener, but when he came indoors to pose for the photographer he could have at least changed his outfit. The record itself is a feat for false advertising. Every song, bar one, was released between 1979-1989, which is a very narrow margin. A compilation that claims to contain Harrison’s finest work yet misses off My Sweet Lord and All Things Must Pass is very suspicious. I’ve never see...