| Love You To | |
|---|---|
| The Beatles | |
| Genre | Indian rock, experimental rock, raga rock |
| Written by | George Harrison |
| Released | August 5, 1966 |
| Album | Revolver |
| Also featured on | Yellow Submarine Songtrack[1] |
| Recorded | 11 and 13 April 1966 EMI Studios, London[1] |
| Length | 3:01 |
| Label | Parlophone |
| Producer | George Martin |
| Revolver guide | |
| Previous I'm Only Sleeping |
Next Here, There and Everywhere |
| Yellow Submarine Songtrack[1] guide | |
| Previous Eleanor Rigby |
Next All Together Now |
Love You To is a song written by George Harrison on Revolver. The song was the band's second use of the sitar, since Harrison was inspired by its use in Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)[1]. In fact, the song was designed to reflect Indian music, so he had almost no help from the other Beatles, using professional Indian player. It is a love song to Pattie Boyd, with the song having themes from experimenting with the drug LSD. The song is claimed for introducing non-Western themes, and for incorporating Indian music.
Contents
Recording[edit | edit source]
Love You To was placed on the third track in Revolver. The song was first recorded with Harrison on vocals and acoustic guitar, with Paul McCartney and John Lennon on backing vocals. There were three takes of this version – Harrison implemented sitar later in these first takes. At 8 pm, musicians from the Asian Music Circle, situated in London, were then recorded. Various takes with the Asian Music Circle were recorded. Take six was then chosen as best and a reduction mix on the song started. "Take 7" had more of Harrison's vocals, and Ringo Star playing tambourine. Harrison also placed a fuzz-tone electric guitar in the mix.[1] Final mixing commenced on June 21. After this, Harrison met with Ravi Shankar to talk about the song and plan sitar lessons.[2]
Reception[edit | edit source]
The song was primary well received by critics, with praise towards Harrison's sitar and revolutionary style. Richard Green of Record Mirror was positive, saying, "Starts like a classical Indian recital ... This is great. So different. Play it again! Best [track] so far."[3] Allen Evans of the NME called the sitar action "stunning and tremendous" and calling it "one of the most striking tracks."[4] Paul Williams "heaped praise" upon the song.[5]
However, US critics were lukewarm because of John Lennon's statement of the Beatles being more popular than Jesus.[5] But various critics wrote good reviews of the song, including Richard Goldstein, calling it "a revolutionary record."[5]
Personnel[edit | edit source]
- George Harrison – Lead and Backing Vocals, Sitar, Rhythm Guitar (Gibson J-160E), Lead Guitar
- Paul McCartney – Backing Vocals
- John Lennon – Backing Vocals
- Ringo Starr - Tambourine
- Anil Bhagwat - Tabla
- Various musicians from the Asian Music Circle in London - Sitar, Tambura
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.beatlesbible.com/songs/love-you-to/
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_You_To#Recording
- ↑ http://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/the-beatles-irevolveri-parlophone Requires subscription
- ↑ Sutherland, Steve (ed.) (2003). NME Originals: Lennon. London: IPC Ignite!. p. 40.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 : How the Beatles Reimagined Rock 'n' Roll. Milwaukee, WI: Backbeat Books. ISBN 978-1-61713-009-0., p. 175
