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by: Andy Roman (revolver@bright.net)
Hold Me Tight (takes 21-29)
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On this day, The Beatles attempted a remake of the Paul McCartney composition Hold Me Tight. The song was originally attempted on 11 February 1963 during the sessions for their first LP Please Please Me.
On that day, thirteen takes were recorded, two of them being complete. Yet, this early version was never used. This version, the "remake," would be included on their second album With The Beatles.
The first take attempted was given a round number, take 20, and the recording proceeded from that point.
The song's author, Beatle bassist Paul McCartney, counts in the second take attempted (the first, presumably an aborted try).
At this point, Paul's vocals are single-tracked (of course), and John Lennon and George Harrison are delivering their "answering lines." Yet, during the second go-round of the lines "Hold. . .Me Tight" where John and George are meant to answer Paul, John sings "Sleep tight," while George sings the correct line "Me Tight."
Also interesting to note is that during the second run-through of the middle-eight, the instrumentation is different than the first play-through. This time, it continues in the style of the verses, complete with the familiar guitar motifs running through, and Ringo straight-drumming, hi-hats and all. Ringo's filler coming into the final stanza is slightly off-time as well.
Some of John and George's amswering phrases are ill-timed, John coming in too-late with the word "Hold."
The take is complete.
George and Paul discuss the song's
structure briefly.
George: "There's just two middle
eights. . ."
The Beatles are soon ready, and the take kicks off. The take breaks down
at the end of the first stanza due to another timing error between
George and John on the answering lines
"Hold." John is again coming in too late.
George
Martin: "Start again. . ."
He explains to the band that
the take had to be stopped because of the timing mistake.
Paul then runs through it with John. He
sings, "So hold. . ."
John answers correctly,
"Hold. . ."
Mr. Norman Smith, the great voice
from above, cuts in: "Take Twenty-three."
Paul
makes sure, "So what are you gonna do?. . .(sings) .'So hold'. .
."
(tape edit)
Some Beatle chatter, most of it just prepatory mumbling. . .
The fourth attempt of the session begins. This one quickly comes to a
halt as Paul flubs the second line, to which he cries,
"Oh, bloody hell!"
Norman Smith announces the
next take.
Paul: "I forget these first words.
."
This is, for the most part, the released version of the song.
This take will be overdubbing onto take 24.
Additional vocals as well as handclaps are in order. Beatle handclapping is heard just prior to the take playback.
This overdub breaks down early on.
To begin with, the vocals are slightly ill-timed, and a little out of key. Secondly, John appears to be questioning something related to the recording of the handclaps.
This overdub is complete.
Norman Smith: "Stand by, lads. . ."
This is another attempt at the same overdubs. This take is quickly aborted as nobody came in to sing.
Yet another attempt, incomplete.
Again. . .this time complete.
The released version of the song is an edit of takes 26 and 29
March 5, 1963
Later on September 12, 1963
Behind The
Scenes.
