"Let It Be...Naked" vs. "Let It Be (2009 Remaster)"

[Derek]

I've heard all the 2009 remasters and i've heard the "Let It Be...Naked". Id have to say that my vote would have to go to "Let It Be...Naked". Because originaly, i think thats what they wanted. They didnt mind Phil Specter...but he totaly screwed that album up. "Naked" was the way it was supposed to sound from the very beggining. Aside the fact that they shouldve left in the "chatter" and "Dig It", "Naked" is supeior to "2009 Remastered"
But i do love the rest of the remasters.

[chris]

i'm embarrassed to admit that i have never purchased the naked version. heard it, tho. it has a slightly different song list, doesn't it? and i think...that the version of let it be is altogether different from the original release. maybe it is the version they played in the film. is this so?

[Derek]

The "Naked" versions were the film except of course for "I, Me, Mine" which was recorded (without John, i might add), in Jan. 1970 for the album, which Phil managed to screw up. There were no brass, orhestrations and female choir "muzaking" it up. Listen to the "Naked" version of "Long & Winding Road", that was Paul's version. "Across The Universe" is much better, it dont sound like it's dragging like the original album version does, almost reminds me of the "Past Masters 2" version. "Don't Let Me Down" is even on "Naked", i still don't know why they left it off the original. "Naked wouldve been better if they had left in "Dig It" and the "chatter", but i'm OK without them.

[2 of 3]

I really like the vocal and delivery Paul has on TLAWR on the original Let It Be...I'd love to hear that without the orchestration and choir. I also wish they used the original version of Don't Let Me Down too. Maybe I am just used to them and the change is a bit startling for my old ears.   

[Derek]

I think it's the same version, but differant mix, stripped from that orchestration Phil put on in. They even left in Billy Preston's keyboard playing in the middle of it. Sorry to say this, but aside from George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" album, Phil Specter is a poor producer. He didnt know squat about Beatles' music and how it was supposed to be produced and heard. I have no idea why George Martin didn't mix that album. Trust me, listen to "Naked" some versions are differant some are the same with drasticly improved mixes. You'll love it!

[chris]

I don't really care for Phil's wall of sound either. At least, when applied to Beatles music. Don't even get me started on George's All Things Must Pass.

[2 of 3]

To me at least...the naked version of TLAWR sounds too much like Paul does it today. There was something about the original...there was some pain and heartache in the delivery. Some warble in his voice, that I don't hear in the Naked version. Maybe Phil did that? I don't know..someday I am sure somebody on Youtube will come up with the original vocal untouched :)

[Kylenz]

I prefer the remastered 2009 version by miles - the orchestrations, searing lead guitars, everything sounds better. The Naked versions always sound to me like an inferior take of each song. especially in The Long and Winding Road, it bumbles along like a cheap wedding band playin' bum notes akimbo! George's solo on Let It Be (naked version) is uninspired and sloppy, whereas on the 1970 LP mix, it's absolutely stunning... flawless.

And then, there are no little bits like Dig It, all the impromptu dialogue between songs is gone, I really don't know why so many people prefer the Naked version - I will always be a fierce defender of Phil Spector's production. Perhaps the only time I will stand behind a convicted murderer! 

[Paperback Writer]

Welcome Derek!

......as far as Long and Winding Road....How about the Anthology 3 version?  I haven't heard it in a while, but I really dug it when it came out.  I think it was a different vocal version than the originals and is different from the 'naked' version AND the spectored one.

My take on it, BEFORE Paul spoke about why he did 'naked' - was that it was melancholy, whistful and sentimental.  I found this fitting, as the Beatles' career was in this "place," at the time.  I found much of the original L+WR and Let It Be singles to be way too "busy" and bombastic for both Beatle music , those particular songs and especially where their (and fan's) heads were at  - in real time.
 

[acebackwords]

Its true that "Let it Be" went a little off-course in terms of their original concept.   But wasn't that part of the greatness of the Beatles?  That they knew when to push the concept.  And when to let the concept push them.  Or as Lennon put it:  "Life (and albums) is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

[chris]

I don't know..someday I am sure somebody on Youtube will come up with the original vocal untouched :)

pretty sure the anthology 3 version is the original LP version without the orchestration.

[2 of 3]

Hey chris...you are correct. Thanks for reminding me. That is my favourite version for sure :)

[Paperback Writer]

2/3, Naked version (recorded a different date) is a different version than Anthology or original, right?

[2 of 3]

Uhmmm?  Yes?