Let it Be vs Abbey Road - Part 1

<p> </p> <p>Welcome to Album Clash! We start a new season this week, and what a blessed relief it is to not have had to deliberately listen to terrible music. We are taking things in a slightly different direction for the next few pods, because instead of pitting two albums by different artists against each other we have decided that two albums by one legendary artist will go head to head inside the ring of death. And the name for this new season? Kev suggested ‘Clash of the Titans’ but Tim, not at all concerned that that name might infringe on the title of a much more popular podcast, proposed the infinitely better ‘ALBUM CLASH: CIVIL WAR!’</p> <p>And what a way to start our civil war season, as we go through the disintegration of the most successful band of all time by plotting our way through the Beatles’ final two albums, ‘Let it Be’ and ‘Abbey Road’.</p> <p>First up it’s ‘Let it Be’ - yes, we know it was released last but it was recorded first so it makes more sense this way - and, as will be no surprise whatsoever, it’s something of a long pod this week. Although to be fair we do manage to pretty much get through the entirety of the ‘Get Back’ documentary in a little over 90 minutes, so frankly I think we deserve a little credit.</p> <p>Yep, there’s loads or us to get into, as we talk about how Paul McCartney’s idea to help the band rediscover the joys of playing together after the claustrophobia of the White Album sessions was to bring everyone together to write, rehearse record and perform a full album in less than three weeks. All while being recorded by a team of documentary film makers. Hmm, can’t think why that didn’t work, can you?</p> <p>You know the story, but it’s worth re-telling because frankly it’s utter madness. From suggestions of playing to a live audience in the Libyan desert, to George Harrison deciding Yoko sitting on his amp was the final straw, to the guys decamping to the roof of the Apple Corps headquarters on Savile Row for their final ever public performance. It’s absolutely fascina