OpenTube

Why Paperback Writer Sounds So Different

Parlogram

102,578 views

Head to https://squarespace.com/parlogram to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PARLOGRAM

When Paperback Writer was released in 1966, it didn’t sound like any Beatles record that came before it. The bass was louder, heavier and far more powerful than people were used to hearing on a pop record at the time.
But that sound wasn’t an accident.
In this video, we take a closer look at how The Beatles, Geoff Emerick and the EMI engineers pushed recording and vinyl cutting technology right to its limits in order to create one of the most distinctive-sounding singles of the 1960s.
From Paul McCartney’s Rickenbacker bass and experimental recording techniques, to Fairchild compression, ATOC cutting systems and groove wear on original UK 45s, this is the story of how Paperback Writer changed the sound of Beatles records forever.

Thanks to Miles Showell for the footage of his VMS 80 lathe at Abbey Road.

#TheBeatles #PaperbackWriter #Revolver #Vinyl #Beatles

If you enjoyed this video, you can explore more here: @parlogram

Support the channel
If you’d like to support the channel and help keep videos like this coming:
Become a channel member: @parlogram
Join us on Patreon for updates, exclusive content and behind-the-scenes stories: Patreon: parlogram

Shop with us:
If you collect vinyl, you can find great-sounding Beatles and 1960s pressings here: https://www.parlogramauctions.com
You can also browse our merchandise: https://parlogram-auctions.creator-sp...

Get in touch:
Email: andrew@parlogramauctions.com

Socials:
Facebook: Facebook: parlogram
X: Twitter: Parlogram
Instagram: Instagram: parlogram67

Or via the website:
https://www.parlogramauctions.com/Con...

Thank you!

20 Comments

@Parlogram Creator 4 months ago Pinned

Apologies to anyone who can hear a high-pitched noise during parts of the commentary. Unfortunately, a fault seems to have crept into the audio during production which I only became aware of after upload.
I hope it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of the video too much, and I’ll make sure it’s resolved before the next upload.

@macsnafu 4 months ago

I love this "middle period" with songs like Paperback Writer and Rain.

@jonothanthrace1530 4 months ago

I wonder how many bassists heard Paperback Writer and thought "damn, I really have to step up my game!"

@robertnowall488 4 months ago

Thanks. Demonstrates how lucky it was that The Beatles worked at EMI Abbey Road Studios. Not just a recording studio, but a recording laboratory, where experiments could be made, and how the staff was loaded up with problem solvers.

@wheatonna 4 months ago

"Rain" is also a high point for the four as musicians. Every part is fabulous.

@daytripper9222 4 months ago

When i bought this single back in 1966 my brother and I were blown away listening to Pauls bass, and ringo bashing away on the drums. These are 2 brilliant songs.

@philmulliner3913 4 months ago

I always felt that these two tracks should have been on Revolver in place of Yellow submarine

@louisb5563 4 months ago

As a bass player, I simply LOVE this tune with its bouncey notes!

@ChromeDestiny 4 months ago

I worked at a record store for a brief time in the early 2000's. I got burned out on The Beatles having to hear 1 so much and took nearly a decade off listening to them. Then near the end of the 00's I read about how superior The Beatles' mono mixes were and decided to check it out by listening to the mono version of Paperback Writer. It was a revelation and I've been enjoying The Beatles again since.

@ZenArcher9091 4 months ago (edited)

The lyric sheet for the Japanese pressing of the "Hey Jude" album actually translates John's backwards vocal at the end as: "Stare it down and nourish what come near you." That COULD actually be a Beatles lyric!

@captainfantastic9158 4 months ago

Back in art school, my friend, Lisa, was a huge Prince fan, and a very casual Beatles fan. Playing THE RED ALBUM while painting after class one day, "Paperback" came on. She remarked, "I don't know this one."

I concluded that "Paperback" was one of the "lesser-known" Beatles singles...if such a thing could exist. Not as world-renowned as "Hold Your Hand," "Help," or "Hey Jude."

Though unfamiliar with the tune, she did say something about it that I found notable:

"I like the deep bass lines."

@GaryNickerson 4 months ago

Paperback Writer was the first Beatles 45 I purchased when it first came out. It was the day after their performance on Ed Sullivan. I owned a small record player at the time so I didn't notice the prominent bass. But I owned their newest record!

@ajpp9 4 months ago (edited)

Another great video/topic Andrew! I always felt that ‘Paperback Writer/Rain’ were recordings that attacked your ears like nothing that came before it. Another example of the greatest band ever continuing to push boundaries! Thanks again👏👏

@MrRETEROROB 4 months ago

I first heard 'Paperback Writer' on A Collection of Beatles Oldies, when I was 13.. to me that song stuck out and made itself known.

@thescurfie 4 months ago

I bought the single as soon as I could. The bass was so strong, and then on the flip was Rain. Rain is one of my favorite Beatles songs.

@TrafalgarPigeon 4 months ago

Interesting video. The word that comes to my mind in association with Paperback Writer is 'drive'. Aside from the bass, the guitars too (also on Rain) seem to have a bit more presence than on earlier Beatles records. Back in 1966, the engineers had to be as innovative as the artists.

@danswan1047 4 months ago

What an excellent explanation for the average person who doesn’t know about this type of technology. Thanks so much for making it so accessible for everyone. Great video as usual Andrew, keep em’ coming.

@lookbovine 4 months ago (edited)

I’m surprised they didn’t know that Motown was recording bass direct by that time.

@MaxCawthray-v8r 4 months ago

I heard sometime ago that Geoff Emerick was summoned into the office for putting the microphone closer to the amplifier to get the heavier drum and bass sounds, but when he told them it was for a Beatles recording the EMI management let him off!

@Rob-Cat67 4 months ago (edited)

This has always been one of my favorite Beatles tracks. I obviously always noticed the Bass line, but this video gave me a deeper apprectiation for it. We always talk about this music being simply recorded, but it was in fact lovingly ENGINEERED.