Log In
Register
Read the original blog post
8.09pm
17 November 2011
Offline
Anyone know why John played guitar on this one throughout 1966, even though the Vox organ was usually set up on stage?
9.14pm
12 April 2012
Offline
Possibly they didn't care anymore in 1966 if the song sounds live as it sounded in studio. Also in 1965 paul played yesterday on guitar with an orchastra, in 1966 the whole band played it with paul on bass
Once there was a way to get back homewards. Once there was a way to get back home; sleep pretty darling do not cry. And I will sing a lullaby
9.58pm
Reviewers
Moderators
1 May 2011
Offline Also maybe they couldnt be bothered lugging it about from city to city for 1 song - by '66 they didnt give a monkeys about their shows (well Paul was still trying to be enthusiastic) so what did it matter.
"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)
10.21pm
1 December 2009
Offline Isn't SofineSunshine implying that they DID set the organ up onstage thru '66, only to ignore it during "I'm Down "? (Whether that's true or not)
GEORGE: In fact, The Detroit Sound. JOHN: In fact, yes. GEORGE: In fact, yeah. Tamla-Motown artists are our favorites. The Miracles. JOHN: We like Marvin Gaye. GEORGE: The Impressions, Marvin Gaye. PAUL & GEORGE: Mary Wells. GEORGE: The Exciters. RINGO: Chuck Jackson. JOHN: To name but eighty.
11.08pm
Reviewers
Moderators
1 May 2011
Offline 
Never noticed it before but the organ is on stage during the Essen, Germany and Japan shows, have seen those about 8 times each as well. Dear me (*hangs head in shame*).
John did say he felt naked on stage without playing his guitar so maybe he didnt fancy it but i would go with couldnt be bothered switching and playing it.
Oh why not. This thread gives me the perfect opportunity to post my fave performance of Im Down and one of the most fun beatles live versions - its such a shambles its a delight to watch. So here is Im Down live in Essen, Germany and you can see the organ next to John.
"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)
11.51pm
Reviewers
Moderators
1 May 2011
Offline Is it such a great idea to turn to John for the right words? He was always forgetting his own songs what chance did he have of getting Pauls right?
And their first Japan performance is seen as being worse!!
"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)
2.43am
9 August 2011
Offline
Flubs are the best.
(I think there's a thread here somewhere to that effect).
"Into the Sky with Diamonds" (the Beatles and the Race to the Moon – a history)
9.36pm
26 July 2011
Offline Into the Sky with Diamonds said
Flubs are the best.(I think there's a thread here somewhere to that effect).
If there isn't, there sure as heck should be! Great idea!
I've got nothing to say, but it's okay..
GOOD MORNING!
GOOD MORNING!!
GOOD MORNING!!!
11.29pm
26 March 2012
Offline Has any male here ever seriously tried to keep up with Paul's singing on "I'm Down "? I'm a tenor and have pretty good high notes but Paul's stamina is really in a league of its own. One of his best vocals.
SHUT UP - Paulie's talkin'
11.36pm
1 December 2009
Offline I have no vocal ability except at low volume, alone in the shower...
GEORGE: In fact, The Detroit Sound. JOHN: In fact, yes. GEORGE: In fact, yeah. Tamla-Motown artists are our favorites. The Miracles. JOHN: We like Marvin Gaye. GEORGE: The Impressions, Marvin Gaye. PAUL & GEORGE: Mary Wells. GEORGE: The Exciters. RINGO: Chuck Jackson. JOHN: To name but eighty.
11.40pm
26 March 2012
Offline I'm feeling in an impulsive mood- I may post a recording of myself attempting to vocally cover it (and guitar possibly).
SHUT UP - Paulie's talkin'
10.02pm
Moderators
Members
Reviewers
14 April 2010
Offline This is one of the songs that I will start over if I flub even one of the words. It is such a rocking bluesy tune that is incredibly fun to sing.
The screaming however, is out of my league as well. I settle for a loud and boisterous "wooooo" instead.
To the fountain of perpetual mirth, let it roll for all its worth. And all the children boogie.
5.12pm
17 November 2011
Offline Not to bump my ancient thread, but I've always wondered... What exactly is it about the studio version of this that lacks the energy of the live versions? By all intent, it should be a hard rocker, but I always felt that the recording never quite gets Off The Ground .
6.59pm
14 December 2009
Offline I don't think it's unusual for a band to want to be less restrained live than in the studio, at least while they still had the heart to not just go through the motions. Also take into consideration how many studio takes of "I'm Down " they tried before arriving at a master. (Don't know how many they did offhand, suppose I could look it up...)
One day, a tape-op got a tape on backwards, he went to play it, and it was all "Neeeradno-undowarrroom" and it was "Wow! Sounds Indian!"
-- Paul McCartney
10.00pm
Reviewers
Moderators
1 May 2011
Offline 7 Takes of Im Down were recorded (ive got a book next to me with the answer). I thinks its easier to get energized by a live crowd which generates more electricity in the performance (if the audience is awake); i cant think of a live recording the beatles did which was lifeless and by that time they were on the verge of being bored senseless in concert.
Oh ok the first night in Japan they sound beyond not interested verging on giving up entirely and having a sit down.
The following people thank meanmistermustard for this post:
Ahhh Girl"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)
4.05pm
1 May 2015
Offline Pretty impressed by John's Ink Spots-like baritone on this one (sounds painful to do, though!)
It is a great song for hearing each voice clearly and distinctly as sometimes you need to hear what each could deliver to make you relish such seamless performances again.
The following people thank babys.in.black for this post:
Beatlebug7.50pm
Moderators
15 February 2015
Offline babys.in.black said
Pretty impressed by John's Ink Spots-like baritone on this one (sounds painful to do, though!)It is a great song for hearing each voice clearly and distinctly as sometimes you need to hear what each could deliver to make you relish such seamless performances again.
I agree entirely. Was just listening to it today and marvelling about how seamless the vocals are.
Ah, and welcome to the forum, @babys.in.black! In my signature There's A Place you can introduce yourself.
~ Ram On ~
New to Forumpool? You can introduce yourself here.
7.38am
9 March 2017
Offline I love this song, whether it be Paul's vocal performance, John's organ playing, or everything else but I've been thinking, is it possible that Paul played the guitar solo. There's 2 guitar parts during the solo in this song, 1 recorded on the backing track and 1 that was overdubbed, could the overdub be by Paul while the original was by George.
If you're reading this, you are looking for something to do.
8.21am
19 January 2017
Offline Dark Overlord said
I love this song, whether it be Paul's vocal performance, John's organ playing, or everything else but I've been thinking, is it possible that Paul played the guitar solo. There's 2 guitar parts during the solo in this song, 1 recorded on the backing track and 1 that was overdubbed, could the overdub be by Paul while the original was by George.
It's a pretty good song but I much prefer the live versions compared to the Past Masters version.
The recording doesn't quite capture it's energy.
It must have been awesome seeing it live and watching them rock out 
"And life flows on within you and without you" - George Harrison
8.34am
9 March 2017
Offline They were great live, the problem is that the fans cheered too loudly so it was hard to hear them, that's why I don't like listening to their live performances except for the BBC recordings, All You Need Is Love from Our World, Hey Jude and Revolution from The David Frost Show, and the Rooftop Concert.
If you're reading this, you are looking for something to do.
