BDJ's Cellar of Remixes

Yesterday (Live)

BDJ — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:37:24 GMT

Some 4 to 5 live recordings of Yesterday survive, with largely varying sound quality. None of them are in Stereo; until today, that is ! For the first time, in glorious stereophonic sound (provided your turntable is equipped to reproduce stereo), and a little help from our friends at NHK, we present: Yesterday !

Feel Yesterday

BDJ — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:17:50 GMT

I'm pretty sure that Yesterday is the most often covered Beatles song. Can we still do something original with it, after more than 40 years of messing about by the worlds greatest singers/musicians ? That is the Challenge for the month of August. Could not do that alone, but - fortunately - had help from Robbie Williams. Sounds different when you hear it, just listen to it twice and you will not forget it ever..... And that is the point of Yesterday; cherish the memories, have some regrets, and always look forward. I think that sir Paul has done a great job at that.

L.A Universe

BDJ — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:35:26 GMT

Here is a delciate rendition of Across the Universe, supported by the Doors (my other favourite group). Not bad for a last-minute entry in the July Remix-of-the-month challenge ? NB as a challenge to the experts, I included one bad edit in the mix. See if you can spot it!

Across Lennon's Universe

BDJ — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:54:00 GMT

In the way that Good Dog Nigel captures the essence of Lennon in a a poem, so does this track capture Lennon in Song; or at least I tried..... All that is important is here: peace, mother, and the man imself. Who could ask for more ?

Back in the USSR (Live in Amsterdam)

BDJ — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:19:31 GMT

Once upon a time - or maybe twice - there lived a young boy boy named BDJ. And he loved music, but he couldn't play. He BDJ grew up and a beard, and - one fine day - he spoke upon his friends and said: let's make music. And so they did, although they could not play. Unfortunately, their music ws recorded and preserved for posterity, though no one wanted to hear it. When BDJ's beard had turned grey and shaven off, he decied to enter the digital age and post his music in BDJ's Cellar of Remixes, the only raeson being it was a Beatles cover. So here it is; pure energy, and not much more, but sweet memories for those who witnessed it.

Hey Sheepdog !

BDJ — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:45:29 GMT

Many Beatles Songs can be performed in different styles, the Beatles themsleves tried out their tracks in vatious formats on occasion. In this way Strawberry Fields started as a mellow singalong, ending up as the galaxy-busting supernova of sound that we have come to know. Here, we go the other way with Hey Bulldog: from the rough and let's-do-it-now version that was released, to a more introvert interpretation, as suggested by Beatlegrass.

Pick Up The Bulldog

BDJ — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:01:14 GMT

The Beatles visit funky town in this free-flowing re-mix with the Average White Band. Miraculously, the songs fit quite well together, and Hey Bulldog settles nicely to the groove.

Hey Nigel !

BDJ — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:38:01 GMT

One of Lennon's shortest poems, "Good Dog Nigel", paired with the only logical backing. This poem clearly shows what Lennon's poems are about: looks like "A Laugh-a-minute with Lennon" at first sight, but one level down, the story is pretty sad. According to Philip Norman's "Shout", p.49: 'They (Mimi and John ed.) used to keep al little dog named Sally...John really thought the world of her. One time, when John had walked out...., Mimi got rid of Sally. That was the only time that I (Pete Shotton ed.) ever saw John really heartbroken and showing it....' Why the name Nigel, not Sally ? Well, Lennon usually garbled words and names, perhaps to make himself not too vulnerable. In this case, Nigel probably came to mind, as Nigel (Walley) was John's friend who spoke with with Julia (John's mother) moments before she was died in car accident. As usual with John's lyrics, the poem Good Dog Nigel is based on his own experiences: here the loss of his beloved dog and his mother merge into in a single powerful little poem.

The Wumberlog

BDJ — Sun, 25 May 2008 19:48:01 GMT

This is the longest poem Lennon wrote (I think). Here, just the first minute or so is set to music, before it all turns too sad......

In His Own Write and Wrong

BDJ — Sun, 25 May 2008 11:51:43 GMT

One needs to know a bit of British political history to fully appreciate the poem "The General Erection", which Lennon wrote while Wilson was in office as prime minister (and awarded him an MBE...). Even so, the poem sits nicely with 'Revolution', written when Lennon had already returned his MBE.......

A Spaniard in the Works and Life of a Little Budgie

BDJ — Sun, 25 May 2008 07:32:02 GMT

Here's a teaser for Lennon's second book (Spaniard in the Works) set to Music. What is more beautiful, Lennon's music or Lennon's Poetry ? We don't know, but the combination of music and poetry should surpass all. Judge for yourself, in this charming little episode, from John in a rare contemplative mood.

In His Own Write

BDJ — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:36:29 GMT

The project to set Lennon's poetry to music is progressing well. Here is 'I sat belonely', one of the best known poems from Lennon's first book. Lennon took his poetry as seriously as his music. History may judge differently (perhaps), and what it will say about these music/poems, only time will tell....... And you, just leave a Comment.

Yer Blues & Friends

BDJ — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:53:15 GMT

Is it possible, John Lennon (rythm guitar, vocals), Eric Clapton (lead guitar) and Keith Richard (bass) in a single mix ? Yes it is ! and it sort of happened in december 1968. Never released tracks of these superstars performing live took a little doctoring, and the result is stunning. Rock & roll, baby !

Wild Honey Pie

BDJ — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:05:03 GMT

Wild Honey Pie is a strong contender for the worst song that the Fab Four ever released. Why was this episode of non-music included on the White Album ? McCartney - who was always very keen to release only qualiity Beatles tracks - explained that Pattie Boyd said she liked the recording, so he decided to keep it on the album. What clouded Macca's judgement, was is it Something in the way she moved ? One would expect any re-mix to outshine the original WHP, but there are exceptions......

Come Flying

BDJ — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:08:03 GMT

Here's a classic rocker that never was. It's a Hey Bulldog type throw-away, that turned out better than anyone expected (at least better than I hoped for.....).. Pity that George had left in anger, before his solo had been recorded.....

Instant Love

BDJ — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:57:46 GMT

Circumstance or inspiration ? Some songs just belong together, but are they stronger when combined ? Find out here......

All You Need Is a Lifetime

BDJ — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:51:54 GMT

A rare Live recording of John Lennon & Talking Heads. Gives a new perspective on the Anthem of the Sixties. Is this the way Love (is all you need) was meant to be ?

All You Need Is Love

BDJ — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:52:50 GMT

A true Remix of this classic. Tried to make it crisper and cleaner, but couldn't help adding a little something at the beginning and the end. Everything is from the All You Need sessions though.

Paperback Breakthru

BDJ — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:27:59 GMT

Queen and the Beatles may appear like very distant cousins, but they actually share quite a bit of background. Both groups played the Cavern (how | wish i was there....), and Queen took their logo from a statue just acroos the street from the cavern. Freddy m went to the same school as John L, but a few years later...... Good enough reasons to try a collaborartion of the two Liverpool supergroups ?

We Can Work it Out

BDJ — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:55:55 GMT

A Courtney Audain/MCartney collaboration, resulting in a catchy groove and great lryics. Doing this re-mix, found out (the hard way) that the Fab Four speed up quite a bit during WeCan Work It Out........Adds to the excitement.

Why Don't We Do It In Abbey Road

BDJ — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:27:41 GMT

This is a McCartney vs McCartney vs McCartney.... mash-up. The ''ímprovisation' performed during the Chaos BBC sessions at Abbey road studios appears to have been not as improvised as it seemed....

Spoiling Jack Flash

BDJ — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 20:22:37 GMT

Another track from the Lost Stones-Beatles Sessions ? Just like Paint It Pepper, this track shows how close the musical formats of the Stones and the Beatles actually were. A few glitches in the vocals perhaps, so probaly an early take...............

Bad to Me

BDJ — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:01:48 GMT

Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas recorded Bad to Me, while the Beatles themselves never released it. So, supported the Lenon-McCartney by a period backing tack: No, NOT Billy J !

Thank you Girl

BDJ — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:11:23 GMT

With a little help from airbag, I added some Metal and Fuzz to this strange song. Is it serious, or is John pulling all our legs ? We'll never know.

Because (there are 7 levels)

BDJ — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:14:18 GMT

A simple re-mix of Because. Why ? I've heard so many re-mixes of the vocals, I wanted to give the backingtracks a go. Much more mysterious this way........

LIVE: BDJ at the Cavern

BDJ — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:29:57 GMT

A one-time only appearance of BDJ at the Cavern, but greatly appreciated (by BDJ).

Lucy in the Sky with Tomothy Leary

BDJ — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:19:34 GMT

It is Lucy in the Sky month. Therefore, a re-mix that captures the ambiguity in the song: is it really just about a children's drawing, or does it include some kind of trip ? Judge for yourself, with advice form the grodfather of LSD himself......

Memphis Tennessee in Stereo

BDJ — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:04:12 GMT

Memphis Tenenessee , great Chuck Berry song, but only so-so versions by the Beatles survive. The Beatles recorded the song on various occasions (Decca audition, BBC sesions), all mono recordings. They never released it on an album. What would it have sounded like (in Stereo) if they had put more effort into it for an album ? Perhaps like this, A stereo version compiled from various contemporary sources. Cheated just a little, not 100% Beatle stuff...... Does this not beat any known version !?

Fabs on 45

BDJ — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:37:08 GMT

Remember Stars On 45, the Mother of All Mash-ups ? It reached the number one spot in both the Netherlands and the United States. In the U.K. number two was the highest position. Since the copyrights of The Beatles songs made it a tricky affair, the producer ( Jaap Eggermont) decided to have the songs re-recorded by Okkie Huysdens (as Paul McCartney), Bas Muys (John Lennon) and Sandy Coast's Hans Vermeulen (George Harrison). Here, I have re-remixed Stars on 45, now with the orginal versions; experience the 80's as they should have sounded !

Paint it Pepper

BDJ — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:06:19 GMT

Did the Beatles and the Stones ever record together ? Rumour has it that early session tapes exist, somewhere...... This copuld be an early take, around '63. It is evident that this recording inspred the Stones and Beatles, resulting in hit records for both later on.

Two of Us

BDJ — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:26:58 GMT

What if the Beatles hadn't died or split up (in any order), and had kept on going, like a Rolling Stone ? They could have issued this hit single a few years ago, based on a song they composed 40 years earlier...... I don't really like this kind of re-mix, but I couldn't get it out of my head.....

I'll Be Back in Triple Time

BDJ — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:43:27 GMT

Take 2 (and presumably Take 1) were recorded in triple time. Unfortuantely, these takes broke down, because it was 'too hard to sing'. Here's an attempt to paste a complete version together, basis the incomplete Take 2.

Mimi Maura Came In Through the Bathroom Window

BDJ — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 15:41:53 GMT

Nice combination of Mimi (no relation) and Paul's retelling of a traumatic experience. His underwear was stolen ! Those were the days, imagine now being able to just jump over the fence and climb into any rockstar's house........

Across The \Universe

BDJ — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:22:14 GMT

Another good song that could have been done better - in my most humble view...-. Here's an attempt at a decent production, without sounds of birds and trees........

Imagine the Lennons

BDJ — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 22:25:21 GMT

Freddy and the Dreamer never recorded this song. Should they have recorded together ? The unlikely product may have sounded like this.

Lady Madonna

BDJ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:01:31 GMT

One night in Kingston... Gondwana play their south-american reggae set. Then, the fab four get up and join in......

Don't let Me Down

BDJ — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:55:37 GMT

A Reggae version, driven by the famous Planta & Raiz.. McCartney holidays frequently on Jamaica, so why why not record some tracks there with the band ?

Something ft Frank Sinatra & Eric Clapton

BDJ — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:39:38 GMT

The plan to give Something to Sinatra did not go ahead, but this is what it might have sounded like. Old blue eyes does a wonderful job, making this song his very own, while Eric Clapton provides lovely counter melodies. What have we missed......

Ain't She Sweet ft. Frank Sinatra

BDJ — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 10:25:00 GMT

A long time favourite of the boys, dating back to the Hamburg days (vocals), this song was revived during the Get Back era (instruments). Why ? Perhaps as the B-side to 'Something'', that was offered to Frank Sinatra ? if so, it might have sounded like this........

Can't Buy Me Love (love)

BDJ — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 22:18:28 GMT

Best of two takes, combining chorus and solos.

Because the Ticket

BDJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:11:14 GMT

We've all heard the a capella version, what about adding some rhythm?

It Does Come Easy

BDJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:06:55 GMT

This is what a live performance wpu;d have sounded like, if only....

My Sweet You

BDJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:04:39 GMT

Great tune, but the guitar backing track is rather monotonous.... Ask the Chiffons to lend a hand and up the tempo a bit !

Get Sgt Pepper Back

BDJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:02:01 GMT

Who needs a reprise ? Let's re-mix !

Get George Back

BDJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:58:33 GMT

George sings a tune he obviously liked. Is this his revenge for not being allowed to play his way on Let IIt Be ?

Help, Help !

BDJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:27:32 GMT

Help, stripped down to the essentials, with a snippet from later days, if JL could only have remembered the cords.....

A Brighter Day in the Life

BDJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:40:20 GMT

This day needed a bit beefing up for it to shine. Also watch out for the new middle eight!

Yes it is better

BDJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:24:29 GMT

Acoustic, more dramatic, rendering of this famous "I'm so sorry for myself" song by JL.

A better Art of Dying

BDJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:57:18 GMT

Harrison sings, now with a more suitable backing group......