Remixing "I Want To Hold Your Hand"

This session was the second of four mixing sessions to create missing stereo versions of some Beatles’ songs, for inclusion on the compilation “A Collection of Beatles Oldies” (released in December 1966). The three other sessions were held on October 31, November 8 and November 10. None of those sessions was attended by The Beatles.

From 2:30 to 5:30 pm, George Martin oversaw the creation of a stereo mix of “I Want To Hold Your Hand“. The result was labelled Remix 1, although two previous stereo mixes had been made on October 21, 1963, and June 8, 1965.

George Martin had also intended to mix “She Loves You” and “From Me To You” during that session. “She Loves You” was held over until the following day, and “From Me To You” was finally not remixed for the album.

The album’s stereo mix of [From Me To You] is simply the original two-track tape, rhythm on the left channel, vocals on the right. [Keen students of the Beatles’ output will be aware that the mono single and stereo LP versions differ, the mono being the only one to have harmonica in the introduction. This was because the single included a harmonica edit piece which was overlooked during the preparation of this album. The 14 March 1963 stereo mix of `From Me To You’ had already been scrapped.]

From “The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions” by Mark Lewisohn

BEST COLLECTION EVER

Parlophone are to release a special Beatles album in time for the Christmas rush. Titled “Oldies”, it must contain the most fantastic collection of hit tunes ever to be gathered together in two long grooves. The only title which has not been released before in this country is “Bad Boy”, an up-tempo number written by Larry Williams. It was recorded at E.M.I., St. John’s Wood, on May 10th, 1965, and was released on Capitol Record’s album, “Beatles Six”. Full list of titles and original release dates: “She Loves You” (August 1963), “From Me To You” (April 1963), “We Can Work It out” (December 1965), “Help” (July 1965), “Michelle” (From “Rubber Soul”, L.P. December 1965), “Yesterday” (From “Help”, L.P. August 1965), “I Feel Fine” (November 1964), “Yellow Submarine” (August 1966), “Can’t Buy Me Love” (March 1964), “Bad Boy” (December 1966), “Day Tripper” (December 1965), “A Hard Day’s Night” (July 1964), “Ticket To Ride” (April 1965), “Paperback Writer” (June 1966), “Eleanor Rigby” (August 1966), “I Want To Hold Your Hand” (November 1963).

From Beatles Monthly Book – December 1966

Session activities

1. I Want To Hold Your Hand

   Written by Lennon - McCartney

   Mixing • Stereo mixing - Remix 1 from take 17

   AlbumOfficially released on A Collection of Beatles Oldies (Mono)

Staff

Production staff

Going further

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