The last recorded Beatles album is one of the best swan songs in popular music. In an environment well known to be one of the most uncomfortable ever witnessed in rock and roll the band managed to pull together for a final album after the failure of the Get Back project earlier in the year.
The music is another essential Beatles album. All the albums are good, everyone knows that already. For me, it’s one of the ones I always overlook. I always forget about it, but when I listen to it, it feels like the best work they ever produced. Some of the production is a little dated, the keyboards on Here Comes the Sun are an example.
The best work on the record is the second side, which amalgamates most of their then-unfinished works and turns them into a continuous suite starting with You Never Give Me Your Money and concluding with Her Majesty. If I had to pick my favourite track from the first side I’d be torn between Come Together and I Want You (She’s So Heavy). The Whole album is really good, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
As far as CD pressings go, the 1983 Toshiba Black Triangle will blow your head off of your neck. The 2009 master has a lot more bass, but in a fake boosted low end way and filters out the sound of John changing his pickups. Only downside is the Black Triangle normally goes for about $200 US for a good copy. Despite its problems, the 2009 is a close second choice and is readily available.
Come Together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSRhO83u-pk
Abbey Road Medley (Part 1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6SgtdcI1KQ
Abbey Road Medley (Part 2): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_AZaTqXUIY
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