In a move that echoes through the hallowed halls of rock history, UMG and Apple Corps Ltd. have unleashed a tantalizing new version of 'Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)' from the upcoming Special Edition of The Beatles' iconic 1965 album, Rubber Soul. This is not just any version; it's the Second Version – Take 2, a rare glimpse into the creative alchemy that defined a band on the brink of transcending the boundaries of pop.
For those unaware, the original take of 'This Bird Has Flown' was recorded on the very first day of Rubber Soul sessions and prominently featured George Harrison's groundbreaking foray into the sitar. However, the band wasn't satisfied, leading them to tape three more performances just nine days later. The second take, which has now resurfaced, showcases John Lennon’s acoustic prowess, Paul McCartney’s bass wizardry, and Ringo Starr's rhythmic heartbeat, all weaving around George's exploratory sitar notes.
This version opens with a mesmerizing drone of double-tracked sitar, setting the stage for a bridge that hints at the uncharted territory The Beatles were about to traverse. Harrison’s infatuation with Indian music, sparked during the filming of Help! and ignited by conversations with David Crosby of The Byrds, became a pivotal element in the band's sonic evolution. In his own words, George described the spontaneous decision to incorporate the sitar, stating, “It just needed something and it was quite spontaneous.”
The release of 'Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)' (Second Version – Take 2) marks yet another jewel in the crown of the forthcoming Rubber Soul Special Edition, meticulously mixed by the legendary Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell. This expanded collection is a treasure trove, offering 24 early session recordings, including 20 previously unreleased takes and three unheard home demos. It’s an unprecedented opportunity to delve into the creative process of a band that was redefining music as we know it.
Originally hitting the world on December 3rd, 1965, Rubber Soul signaled a seismic shift in The Beatles' trajectory. Captured over four frenetic weeks post their record-shattering concert at Shea Stadium, the album's legacy lies not just in its chart-topping hits but in its willingness to embrace new sounds and techniques. Classics like 'Drive My Car,' 'Nowhere Man,' and the newly enhanced 'Norwegian Wood' illustrate a band that wasn’t just riding the wave of fame but rather, crafting the very waves themselves.
As we approach the Special Edition's release on October 2, metalheads and music lovers alike should prepare to dive deep into The Beatles' creative cauldron. This reissue promises a revelatory experience, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge sound technology to resurrect the raw energy of a band that forever altered the landscape of music.