An early version of Norwegian Wood from The Beatles‘ Rubber Soul album has been hailed as “genius” by fans.
Preference for the early version comes as a demo version of the song was uploaded to YouTube. Racking up nearly two million views over the last nine years, fans are still cropping up in the comments to share their love for the Norwegian Wood alternate. It’s a version that has people still left surprised by the song, while others have suggested this Norwegian Wood is superior to the one featured on the album. The Beatles’ Rubber Soul is considered a turning point for the band, with Norwegian Wood featuring lyrics influenced by Bob Dylan. The legendary artist would not, however, influence the sitar featured on the song.
John Lennon had asked George Harrison to add a sitar layer to the song, with the track suggested as a veiled account of an extramarital affair. Harrison’s additions to the song have been hailed as a “genius” inclusion on the track. One user wrote: “I can’t get over how much of a genius George is.”
Another agreed, adding: “Paul McCartney’s harmonies on this song get me every time. Their two voices together were something else…” A third praised the sitar work on the song, writing: “I love how the sitar note in the verses fits perfectly with bass and drum. They were changing everything in the world of music.”
Others believed this early version of Norwegian Wood highlighted how Harrison’s genius was overshadowed by McCartney and Lennon. The fan wrote: “George was the greatest. Very underrated, being overshadowed by the genius of John and Paul. There will never be another like him. Not afraid to think outside the box.
“This is a great example of that. Wish I could have met him. He was just a lad from Liverpool. RIP George. Blessings and peace to Olivia and Dhani.” Another hailed this versio as “groovy,” writing: “It makes you fly, you transport yourself to another dimension. Groovy.”
A third shared: “Wow! I love all these takes. They had such a fantastic way of getting to their final product. The great thing is that all these versions are truly amazing. This particular recording makes me feel like I am floating down the river smoothly in a raft to a destination unknown. Wonderful in every sense. The gold standard!”
Not everyone was as amazed by the version, though, suggesting this is merely an “early” take on the song and not a massively different experience. They wrote: “This is simply a raw version of the song that we know. It’s an out-take that wasn’t yet a finished product. I’m still happy it’s on YouTube, and that I was able to hear it.”
Another disagreed, adding: “This almost made me tear up, it sounds absolutely amazing! I would’ve preferred this over the one on the album.” A third wrote: “This is probably the most magical version of any Beatles song I’ve heard so far, I’m in love.” You can listen to the early version of Norwegian Wood below.
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Meh
In the 60s we just didn’t know any better, but when I hear that sitar now it just reeks of cultural appropriation.
Cultural appropriation could account for everything in the world. It’s a nonsensical term. As a species we influence each other and absorb what we find interesting or useful. The world wouldn’t be anywhere without appropriating thousands of British inventions for instance. We are humans.
So easy to shoot out mischaracterizations about the natural evolution and exchange of cultures. What is your point ?….
to discourage creativity and expression that can and has led to cross cultural development.
What a small mind you must have.
Do you hold the same views on anyone not white performing in orchestras? Playing classical music? I suppose the beautiful music played by an artist like Oscar Peterson is cultural appropriation too because it’s on a piano?
It’s a musical instrument being used by a guy who was starting to explore Indian music and indeed Hinduism. He went on to be tutored by Ravi Shankar and wrote Within You Without You, using a band of Indian musicians who thought he was exceptionally respectful and a decent sitar player.
Indian music uses flutes, violins and trumpets, so is that also cultural appropriation? Culture is all about cross pollination – just like life.
This was from the Anthology. While it is always cool to hear The Beatles’ outtakes and alternative versions, this take is NOT worthy of being used for the album. The Beatles and George Martin knew what they were doing when they kept working on this great song until it was perfected. They raised it from the key of D to E(Using a capo) and thus, John’s and Paul’s voices sound more alive.
Beatles – the Greatest band of all time. There will never be another.