After nearly half a century, The Beatles have graced the airwaves with what is being celebrated as their swan song, “Now and Then”. This long-awaited track encapsulates a journey that began with John Lennon’s home-recorded demo in the late ’70s and culminates in a 2023 release that features all four Beatles, thanks to a blend of archived recordings and advanced AI technology.
Specs & Features of ‘Now And Then’:
- Title: “Now and Then”
- Origin: A John Lennon demo from 1978, completed with the surviving Beatles and AI assistance.
- Band Members: Features John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
- Release Form: Double A-side single with “Love Me Do.”
- Streaming Availability: On major services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Prime Music.
- Physical Copies: Available in CD, vinyl, and cassette formats.
- Included Albums: The Beatles’ Red and Blue greatest hits albums, remastered and expanded editions.
- AI Technology: Used to isolate and enhance Lennon’s vocals, removing background hiss and interference.
- Critics’ Reception: Generally positive reviews, acknowledging the track can’t rival The Beatles’ classics but still serves as an “affecting tribute.”
- Paul McCartney’s View: Describes the recording process as “magical” and emphasizes the emotional resonance of the song.
- Music Video: Directed by Peter Jackson, featuring rare and previously unseen Beatles footage.
In the heart of the track lies a poignant reflection, a blend of Lennon’s haunting vocals with McCartney and Starr’s contributions, and Harrison’s 1995 guitar recordings, all orchestrated into a harmonious goodbye. The process behind “Now and Then” was no less than an ambitious undertaking. With the advent of sophisticated AI, once unusable recordings were transformed, stripping away decades of hiss and background noise to reveal a “crystal clear” Lennon.
While skeptics may question the decision to release a song anchored in artificial intelligence, the move has been largely embraced, offering fans a fresh piece of The Beatles’ lore. Critics, including Rolling Stone and The Guardian, have offered nods of approval, labeling the single a “brilliant final statement” and an “affecting tribute,” respectively.
The track’s emotional weight is further highlighted by McCartney’s sentiment, as he reflects on the enduring love and memory encapsulated in the song. The narrative is not just about the music but about the enduring connections and the collective journey of The Beatles.
It is considered to be cocktail of hamptons that is being appropriate to the Beatles 2023, when half of its members have died far too soon and other half are looking back on Lennon’s words through the vantage point of their early 80s.
Accompanying the release is a heartfelt music video by Peter Jackson, laden with nostalgia, including rare footage that dates back to the band’s early days, even featuring the only known video of the band in their pre-fame leather suits. It’s a fitting visual homage to the enduring legacy of a band that continues to influence generations.
As “Now and Then” finds its place among The Beatles’ revered discography, it offers a final note that echoes with love, loss, and a timeless longing that only music can express. It serves as a testament to the band’s lasting impact, proving that even in their absence, The Beatles can still bring the world together in a moment of shared history and emotion.