Listen to a Previously Unreleased Outtake of the Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ Title Track
Beatles fans have to wait until May 26 for the 50th anniversary deluxe reissue of the band's classic Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band to arrive, but in the meantime, they can catch a sneak peek at the expanded set's contents courtesy of a previously unreleased take on the title track.
Listed as "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Take 9 and Speech)," this version is substantially similar to the one we all know by heart, but still obviously a rougher early run-through; the assorted sonic filigrees that padded out the final release (including crowd noises and a brass arrangement) are missing, and it sounds like the group was still working through ideas for vocals. As noted by the Guardian, where the track is streaming exclusively, it all adds up to an "intriguing glimpse" at the creative process that birthed the LP.
As previously reported, the Pepper's anniversary reissue will be available in a number of configurations, including a two-CD Deluxe edition, a Deluxe vinyl version and a four-CD/DVD/Blu-ray Super Deluxe box. Depending on which version fans purchase, they can expect to find everything from a fresh stereo remix of the record to high-res audio files, a documentary and promotional films. In addition to reams of bonus material, "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Penny Lane," the double A-sided single that was released shortly before the album and left off, is included in the set.
While the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper's, surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr both have busy schedules mapped out for the year. McCartney recently added a new spate of dates to his current tour, while Starr is set to return to the road this fall — and both men are reportedly readying new albums for release later this year.
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