Official album • Released in 1996
2:49 • Outtake • B • Stereo • Takes 2 and 8. In August 1968, two months after recording his first solo song composition Don't Pass Me By, Ringo took a break from the White Album sessions and, while on holiday, was inspired to begin writing a second number, Octopus's Garden. The piece developed over the next few months and, in April 1969, the Beatles recorded the basic track for Abbey Road. Knowing that he would re-record his vocal as an overdub, Ringo sang a guide while playing the drums, with Paul contributing bass and John and George guitars. The master, Take 32, was brimful of added sound effects and backing vocals, but this Anthology selection is Take 2, concluding with a humorously ironic statement from the end of Take 8.
Paul McCartney : Bass Ringo Starr : Drums, Lead vocals John Lennon : Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Electric guitar Jeff Jarratt : Recording engineer
Session Recording: Apr 26, 1969 • Studio EMI Studios, Studio Two, Abbey Road