The Zimmermann Note

The Beatles – Let It Be

I have to say that albums with “Known Band Tensions” should never be considered reasons by themselves to dismiss the music. At times this tension can cause some unexpectedly desirable results. Case in point, Let it Be.

It’s been documented about the tension that went on with all four members of the Beatles during the Let It Be sessions. While the album had been recorded in early 1969 (before Abbey Road), the album was actually the last album that the band released due to the fact they were not happy with the original mixing by Glyn Johns. In comes Phil Spector to save the day and issue a posthumous release for a band that had already broken up. What I have always been impressed with are the powerful blues chord progressions that are often buried in the music. “I Me Mine” is a pop song with a little bit of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd buried in the middle.

Unlike Abbey Road, an album that for me feels very theatrical, with songs such as the Golden Slumbers/Carry the Weight/The End trilogy, there is something more edgy about Let it Be, even with the beautiful ‘Across the Universe’, which is one of my favorite Beatles tracks of all time.

In some ways “Let it Be” has opened itself to criticism if only for the fact that many of their previous records were considered flawless by critics that this was the first one to see “chink in the armor”.

Lastly, there is also a very “live” sound to the album something that I have always appreciated. The biggest question about the Beatles will always be whether or not there will be another band that will ever receive the same amount of popularity and critical acclaim.