The Beatles Solo years – Part I (1968)
In this multi-part series, I will take a look at The Beatleʼs solo years, beginning with the creation of Apple Records in 1968.
Looking back there are some fun, trivial, forgotten, and surprising things about the post Beatlesʼ years. For example; did you know Lennon was the last Beatle to release a proper song based “solo” LP? And the last Beatle to have a number #1 single (Ringo had already had two, five if you include other countries!!). George was the first and the last Beatle to have a #1 single.
Even if you are a John, Paul, George, or Ringo fan, I bet there are songs you have never heard of. Plus, did you know that John & Yoko released LPʼs simultaneously? Where both albums were recorded at the same time with the same players. Or that every Lennon 45 has a Yoko B-side (except for when they were broken up)?
Solo albums from any active band are very telling. You can tell if they are a threat to the band or a true side-project; i.e. weird stuff they canʼt do within the confines of the group dynamic.
The Beatles' first solo albums really were very, very outside the band; experimental, World music soundtracks or one off 45ʼs. But once Paul McCartney released his first solo LP in 1970 (announcing the break up via his own self-written press release for the LP), it was off to the races and on to the charts.
Looking at their solo years in chronological order, you see how they were often reflecting each other, answering/responding to each other, pushing each other, and in some cases, inspired by the same events (i.e. the Troubles in Ireland). And how they all made appearances on Ringoʼs solo LPs.
So as a starting point, I'm starting with the year they launched their own record label, Apple Records – part of their umbrella company Apple Corp. (they always liked a good pun) – as it was the first ongoing venture where The Beatles were active with other artists (at least Paul and George were) and the first LP on the new Apple label was George Harrisonʼs score to the film, WONDERWALL.
So without further adieu, let me introduce to you, the men you've known for all these years...
So without further adieu, let me introduce to you, the men you've known for all these years...
THE BEATLES – ALL TOGETHER NOW (1968)
January
George is in Bombay, India recording portions of his original score for the film WONDERWALL with Indian Classical musicians. George records a few instrumental tracks to bring back to The Beatles, "The Inner Light" backing track is recorded.
The Beatles open Apple Corp. offices on the fourth floor at 95 Wigmore Street in London (one year lease) only to discover that they canʼt play music (records) during the day after complaints from near by offices.
March
45 – “Lady Madonna”/”The Inner Light” by The Beatles is released (the last under the Parlophone UK / Capital Records US labels).
Charts: #4 US / #1 UK
April
Apple Records advertises for talent submissions. 
Click to view larger image.
May
Japanese-American artist Yoko Ono visits John at his home in Surrey while his wife Cynthia is away on holiday. They hang out, John plays her some of his far-out, weird, comedy, experimental tapes. She says, “Letʼs make one ourselves.” and they start recording (what turns into an all night session) trippy gobbledegook; making noises with tape loops and sundry sound effects, etc. And apparently made love for the first time when the sun came up. This would later be released as Johnʼs first solo LP, Two Virgins.
June
George is in the studio with Apple artist Jackie Lomax recording the single, “Sour Milk Sea”.
The Beatles purchase a five story building to be their new headquarters at 3 Saville Row in London. They build a studio in the basement and each Beatle has their own office. Apple continues to use both offices (95 Wigmore Street) until the lease expires at Wigmore Street.
Newly signed Apple artists include... Mary Hopkins, Badfinger (both produced by Paul), Jackie Lomax, Billy Preston (both produced by George) and James Taylor (produced by Peter Asher-brother of Paul's girlfriend Jane Asher).
July
John & Yoko launch a joint art exhibition, You Are Here at the Robert Fraser Gallery in London.
The world première of the animated Beatles' film, YELLOW SUBMARINE takes place in London. All the Beatles attend, Paul arrives (significantly) without girlfriend Jane Asher.
Cool footage from the premiere in London.
August
During recording of The Beatles (The White Album), Ringo quits The Beatles. After leaving London, Ringo spends two weeks with Peter Sellers on his yacht in the Mediterranean. While there he gets inspired and writes the song, “Octopusʼ Garden”. Meanwhile, The Beatles continue recording, “Back In The U.S.S.R.” and “Dear Prudence” with Paul on drums.
The Beatles launch their new label, Apple Records with the simultaneous release of four 45rpm singles, including the double A-side single, “Hey Jude”/”Revolution” by The Beatles, which would become the BIGGEST selling single of the year!
Charts: #1 UK / #1 US
The other Apple Records 45's are...
Mary Hopkinʼs debut single, the Paul produced, “Those Were The Days". An old Russian folk song which is recorded in five different languages (French, German, Spanish, Italian, & Afghanistan Farsi) and becomes a massive hit around the world.
Mary Hopkinʼs debut single, the Paul produced, “Those Were The Days". An old Russian folk song which is recorded in five different languages (French, German, Spanish, Italian, & Afghanistan Farsi) and becomes a massive hit around the world.
Jackie Lomax single, “Sour Milk Sea” written and produced by George. The band is; George and Eric Clapton on guitar, Nicky Hopkins on piano, and Paul & Ringo on drum and bass.
September
The Beatles send a telegram to Ringo asking him to come back. He returns to the studio to find his drum kit covered in flowers. They continue recording as a group again with “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. George invites Eric Clapton to play the solo.
October
The Beatles (The White Album) now completed, The Beatles go their separate ways for a few weeks. Paul goes to New York to holiday with new girlfriend, Linda Eastman.
George is in the studio producing Apple artist Jackie Lomaxʼs debut LP, Is This What You Want?.
November
The first two Apple Records' Long Players are released. Both are the first Beatles' solo LP's from John and George.
LP – The Beatles (The White Album) two-record set by The Beatles is released.
Charts: #1 Around the World
John appears on The Rolling Stonesʼ Rock ʻnʼ Roll Circus performing The Beatles' song, “Yer Blues” with Keith Richards on bass, Eric Clapton on guitar, and Mitch Mitchell from Jimi Hendrix Experience on drums. Due to The Who's performance being so great and The Rolling Stones (playing after 2AM) admittedly not in the best shape (especially Brian Jones), the film is shelved and never seen until almost thirty years later in 1996.
LP – GEORGE HARRISON & Band/Indian Orchestra - Wonderwall Music
Georgeʼs India/Ragga based original score for the cult film WONDERWALL. The film stars Jane Birken as Penny Lane and Jack MacGowen as Scientist Oscar Collins. The film is currently available for streaming online.
-
Charts: #49 US / Does not chart in UK
Have a taste or enjoy the full album audio here...
Have a taste or enjoy the full album audio here...
_______________________________________
LP – JOHN & YOKO - Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins
The second Apple Records release is a purely experimental LP, consisting of John & Yoko tripping, making noises and sundry sound effects, with tape loops, recorded during an all-night session at John's music room six months earlier. Infamous for itʼs cover of the new couple aux natural.
Charts: #124 US / Does not chart in UK
See how far you get listening to this one (NOTE: Yoko starts screaming at 4:30)…
Here is a (more listenable) psychedelic folk sixties answer/track called, “John You Went Too Far This Time" by Rainbo (AKA a young Sissy Spacek)...
_______________________________________
LP – The Beatles (The White Album) two-record set by The Beatles is released.
Charts: #1 Around the World
The
45rpm single, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”/”While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles is released around the world, except in the UK, US and Canada (?!?).
Charts: #1 in several countries
In the absence of it being released in the UK, several band's cover the song, and Scottish band, Marmalade have a #1 UK hit with it.
The first Scottish band to top the charts!
Charts: #1 in several countries
In the absence of it being released in the UK, several band's cover the song, and Scottish band, Marmalade have a #1 UK hit with it.
The first Scottish band to top the charts!
December
Apple Records releases the album, Under The Jasmin Tree by The Modern Jazz Quartet (with cool artwork by Alan Aldrich). The only Jazz artist on Apple.
 |
| Released Dec '68 in UK - Feb '69 in US |
Apple Records releases the debut self titled album from James Taylor (produced by Peter Asher).
John appears on The Rolling Stonesʼ Rock ʻnʼ Roll Circus performing The Beatles' song, “Yer Blues” with Keith Richards on bass, Eric Clapton on guitar, and Mitch Mitchell from Jimi Hendrix Experience on drums. Due to The Who's performance being so great and The Rolling Stones (playing after 2AM) admittedly not in the best shape (especially Brian Jones), the film is shelved and never seen until almost thirty years later in 1996.
_____________________________________
The Beatles, as they have always done since 1963, send out their annual, The Beatles' Fan Club Christmas 45. Interestingly influenced by John's sound experiments and Monty Python. Featuring an appearance from Tiny Tim singing, "Nowhere Man".
Since The Beatles are no longer a touring group, they kick off 1969 by jumping right back into recording another album, but their time will be divided between their outside projects and solo recordings.
After all is said and done,
It's only Rock 'n' Roll.
Shark
All Time is Now with DJ Shark
Heard 'round the World
-
For your listening pleasure,
and to share with your friends,
additional episodes can be found at…
