BDJ's Cellar Full of Remixes
278 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsOnce upon a time (or maybe twice) there were four magicians; and they made wonderful music, and called themselves The Beatles. In BDJ's Cellar, their spirits roam freely, they play and mix with other music, young and old.
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Episodes
Child of Nature
May 02, 2010 15:16 - 3 minutes - 4.23 MBIn Rishikesh, the Beatles attended a lecture by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi about a "son of the mother nature". This inspired both Paul McCartney and John Lennon to write songs about the same subject. Both were demoed at George Harrison's Esher home in May of 1968. The demo featured Lennon's double-tracked vocal and an acoustic guitar. McCartney's composition "Mother Nature's Son" was selected for The Beatles (The White Album), while Lennon's song "Child of Nature" was not. And rightly so...
Paperback Writer ft The Monkees
April 26, 2010 20:35 - 2 minutes - 2.9 MBThe Monkees could never escape their image of being the US Beatles. Nothing wrong with being that, they might have said. Indeed, their first hit single, Last Train to Clarksville ows more than just a bar or 2 to Paperback Writer. How much excactly, becomes clear fom this emix.
Rain (ft Herman Brood's Wild Romance)
April 25, 2010 16:14 - 3 minutes - 5.23 MBHerman Brood was the Rockiest Rock Singer the Netherlands ever produced. Starting out as keyboard player in a number of memorable Dutch rock groups, he found his true sound as the singer in his own group, His Wild Romance. He mostly wrote his own songs, and covered few Beatles songs; but Rain is one of those. Brood gave it his typical interpretation, changing both the chord scheme and the lyrics to create his very own Rain. Here, we feature Lennon instead of Brood on vocals; while...
I Am The Walrus (Rockband Remix)
April 17, 2010 21:31 - 4 minutes - 5.82 MB"I Am the Walrus" was the first studio recording made after the death of The Beatles' manager Brian Epstein, recorded September 1967. George Martin arranged and added orchestral accompaniment that included violins, cellos, horns, clarinet and a 16-piece choir. A large group of professional studio vocalists named "The Mike Sammes Singers", took part in the recording as well, variously singing "Ho-ho-ho, hee-hee-hee, ha-ha-ha", "oompah, oompah, stick it up your jumper!", "everybody'...
Old Brown Shoe (ft Dani McCullogh & Eric Clapton)
April 05, 2010 20:33 - 4 minutes - 5.92 MBA Rocking old rendition of this Harrisong B-side. Real experts prefer it over the rather simple A-side (The Ballad of John and Yoko). To liven things up a bit, mashed the Live in Japan performance with the instrumental sections of Dani McCullogh's cover. And slowed it down to a more serious 120 bpm. Enjoy the Shoe even more this way !
Love ft Phil Spector & The Lettermen
March 19, 2010 17:48 - 2 minutes - 4.11 MB"Love" is one of Lennon's most beautiful songs, included on the Plastic Ono Band album in 1970. The production on the album is just Lennon (vocals, guitar) and Phil Spector (piano). The track was recorded 'live', which also adds to the dramatic feel. Only vocals were double tracked, which - I think - was a mistake. The piano starts very low in the LP mix, and is faded out at the end. Did Spector feel insecure about his pinao playing (he appeared so according to his remarks on the se...
Step Inside Love (Unplugged)
March 01, 2010 18:05 - 2 minutes - 3.83 MBStep Inside Love is one of McCartney's finest songs that he never released himself. Written for Cilla Black, it brings out the best in her voice, to a level which she found later difficult to reach. The released version sounds slightly over-produced, and it appears that Cilla needs to sing louder than optimal. So, the BDJ engineers started with the rehearsal tapes, that feature Paul on guitar, Cilla, and that's it. A Magical session, which - doubletracked and slightly messed about -...
Who Are You (Rockband)
February 21, 2010 14:23 - 4 minutes - 5.56 MBA 'naked' remix of the Rockband version of this classic the Who anthem. Less is better once again; in additon to bringing out the vocals, the track has been condensed into a more listenable length.
No Reply Tk 0
February 13, 2010 20:54 - 2 minutes - 3.16 MBThe first recorded session of No reply ('Take 0') has a more Rock & Roll feel to it than take 1 and the released versions. Unfortunatley, the take 0 is incomplete, and the vocals are not quite OK at some places. So, the BDJ engineers set to have the best of both worlds, and combiend the instruments from take 0 with the vocals take 0. NB: The intro is from the actual take 0.
No reply ft Beatallica
February 07, 2010 17:50 - 2 minutes - 3.18 MBThe Heavy Metal thunder suits No Reply remarkably well.
The Ballad of the Void
January 26, 2010 20:20 - 3 minutes - 4.66 MBA remix of the esoteric with the mundame, the ying with the yang and Yoko with the Void. A thousand monks on the top of the Himalayas rock to the beat of a honeymoon in bag. Dig it ?
The Ballad Of John and Techno
January 15, 2010 23:26 - 4 minutes - 5.07 MBA 21st Century remix, ready for the clubs and parties on this planet. Heavily looped and techno ornamented, this mix will get you moving.
The Ballad Of John, Paul & Arik
January 02, 2010 22:47 - 2 minutes - 3.78 MBThis classic Beatles track (their last no 1 single) was recorded by John & Paul, no other Beatles were hurt in the performance of the song. I don't hear Yoko's caracteristic vocals on it (this would become more prominent later). In this mix, Arik takes the lead vocals, giving the song a new flavour (and new lyrics....).
Y NOT BOYS
January 01, 2010 17:54 - 3 minutes - 4.14 MBRingo goes Retro on his new album (Y NOT). As if 40 years haven't passed, Ringo mashes his Beatles vocal performance with a new track (Fill in the Blanks). Certainly, the blanks are filled with cameo 'bap shoe wha's ' by George and Paul ?
Roxanne Across The Universe
December 19, 2009 22:31 - 3 minutes - 5.93 MBFrom Cyrano de Bergerac, to John Lennon, to The Police, it's a giant leap for man but a small step for the BDJ engineers. Result is an unplugged-flavoured rendition, highlighting Sting's vocals escapades.
We Won't Get Fooled Again (BDJ-Retouch Remix)
December 09, 2009 21:21 - 6 minutes - 9.51 MB"It seems a shame," the Walrus said, "To play them such a trick, After we've brought them out so far, And made them trot so quick!" "O Oysters," said the Carpenter, "You've had a pleasant run! Shall we be trotting home again?' But answer came there none-- And this was scarcely odd, because They'd eaten every one. In Lewis Carrol's poem, the oysters were fooled once too often. By his own admission, this poem inspired John Lennon for 'I Am The Walrus'. His identification with The Wal...
Boston: More Than A Feeling (Naked)
December 02, 2009 22:09 - 5 minutes - 7.17 MBLess is better for Boston's greatest hit. Thanks to some Rockband isolations, the BDJ engineers were able to bring this song back to its (beautiful) essentials.
Beatles Christmas Record 1970
November 30, 2009 20:50 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBThe traditional Christmas records were sent out exclusively to Beatles fan club members from 1963-1969. These recordings not only featured Christmas songs by the Beatles, but also include entertaining ad-libs and pantomime banter between all 4 Beatles, which provide a fascinating insight into how their lives changed dramatically between `63 & `69. Kenny Everett produced and featured in the Beatles Christmas records in 1968 & 1969. Zak - Ringo's son, designed the cover of the 1969 re...
Michelle Nova
November 23, 2009 22:50 - 2 minutes - 3.57 MBAt the dentist, on the escalator, in South America ? Then this is THE remix of Michelle for you. Carefully arranged by Rita Lee, beatifully adorning the soothing voice of ole' brown eyes himself.
With A Little Help From Rita
November 21, 2009 17:26 - 2 minutes - 2.96 MBThe Beatles do well in reggea format, and here's Something New: Beatles in Bossa Nova ! With help from Rita Lee (backing vocals), Ringo goes Latin; get your dancing shoes on.....
Here Comes the Sun (naked )
November 15, 2009 15:29 - 3 minutes - 4.39 MBWe all know this delightful track from the Abbey Road Album. Paul's thumping bass dominates the lower regions of the soundscape, while Ringo hits his snare drum always just a millisecond late. But what if Harrison had recorded this song just a few months later, as a solo artist ? And what if he had run into BDJ's Tearoom orchstra in studio 2 ? The answer is here......
I saw The Sun Standing There
November 14, 2009 19:30 - 3 minutes - 4.43 MBHarrison and friends go back to the Cavern days, for this rock-your-socks-off version of Here Comes the Sun.
Here Come the Glow
November 04, 2009 20:28 - 1 minute - 2.72 MBGeorge Harrison and heavy metal ? This is why (not), and the Voodoo Glow Skulls help George through this track at lightning speed.
Little Darling ft. Riddim
November 03, 2009 22:34 - 3 minutes - 4.36 MBGeorge Harrison teams up with the famous reggae ensemble Riddim for a Jamaica flavoured rendition of Here Comes The Sun.
Here Comes Someone
November 02, 2009 22:15 - 2 minutes - 3.01 MBTwo of Harrison's most famous songs in this re-mix: If I Needed Someone vs Here Comes The Sun. Result: a strangely melancholic song, with a spectacular double-tracked Rickenbacher.
Birthday ft. The Swingle Singers
October 24, 2009 16:55 - 2 minutes - 5.31 MBAlmost an 'Unplugged' version of this classic rocker. The Swingle Singers really let their hair down. This mix is made possible thanks to the new vocal isolations.
Get Back take J
October 18, 2009 16:11 - 2 minutes - 5.48 MBIt is said the Beatles were in a gloomy mode during the get Back sessions at Abbey Road. This mix proves the opposite. A cheerful fab Four record a reggae version of Get Back, never heard until the BDJ engineers extracted it from the reverse side of a Nagra tape. Note that the intro and outtro chat is really form the actual get Back session.
Let Imagine Be
October 08, 2009 19:59 - 3 minutes - 6.26 MBOn the White Piano, John Lennon, on the Black Keyboard it's Paul McCartney. Together, they produce the final true Lennon-McCartney composition. After 10 years of Beatles, each wrote a song that defined the decade. Their ultimate genius is demonstrated here, in the seamless fusion of Words and Music of their best songs. Sound from the Anthology and Lennon Legend DVD's.
You Won't See Me Looking Through You
October 07, 2009 20:26 - 2 minutes - 4.36 MBThere's a lot of seeing and looking on Rubber Soul. These Macca songs bear a strong resemblance, both in music and lyrics. So here's a mash of You Won't See Me with I'm Looking Through You. Both songs express rather angry feelings towards Macca's (ex?) lover, a sentiment Lennon also used on various occasions. This mix is almost a 1 on 1 overlay of one over the other, just a semi-tone adjustment of the pitch. Co-incidence ?
I'm Looking Through You (RS 2009)
October 06, 2009 21:05 - 2 minutes - 4.65 MBI'm looking Through You is known in 2 versions: the Rubber Soul track, and the Anthology version. The Rubber Soul version is a bit more perky, but the stereo is in the classic 'instruments right, voices left' mode. So, the BDJ engineers set to work to produce a - true - stereo I'm looking Through You. They used 3 diferent versions: the Rubber Soul track, a US release, and the unpublished Take 4. Results is a pleasant song, fully up to 2009 stereo standards.
This Boy RS 2009
September 12, 2009 21:10 - 2 minutes - 5.14 MBThis Boy must have been one of the most succesful B-sides of the Beatles. It was the flip side of I Want To Hold Your Hand, their first no. 1 in the US. They performed the song during the famous Ed Sullivan Shows, on during various concerts. It showcases their vocal abilities, and John gets to rip his vocal chords to great effect during the middle eight. There is no good quality stereo release of This Boy. The single was in mono, and it was then customary NOT to include singles on (...
Come Together (Rockband Mix)
September 08, 2009 21:09 - 4 minutes - 9.68 MBA day before the release of Rockband, BDJ proudly presents the first ever remix featuring material from the Rockband soundtrack. Never heard before bits are mixed with chunks of Take 1, and other bits from the recent BBC radio broadcast "The Record Producers, George Martin". Result: a brandnew experience, with no audio from the Abbey Road album whatsoever...
Mean Mr Mustard
September 01, 2009 20:05 - 3 minutes - 8.07 MBWe all know Mean Mr Mustard as a part of the big B-side Medley of Abbey Road. Surprisingly, Mean Mr Mustard was composed long before Abbey Road, during the Beatles stay with the Maharishi in India. They probably did not think of it very highly, because they did not record it on the White (double) album, nor on Let It Be. Apparently, they were in such dire straits to fill the B-side of Abbey Road that they finally recorded it; in its form on Abbey Road, it is not really a complete s...
You Know What To Do
August 30, 2009 16:49 - 2 minutes - 5.86 MBFollowing Paul's first song, it is now George's turn in BDJ studios. Not quite his first recorded song, but - interestingly - the first known Harrisong that was never recorded by the Beatles. George Harrison's second solo composition, You Know What To Do was recorded as a demo at Abbey Road on 3 June 1964. The demo remained unissued until 1995 when it was released on Anthology 1. Here, for the first time, we present the full version of You Know What To Do, properly orchestrated an...
I Lost My Little Girl
August 22, 2009 22:08 - 4 minutes - 11.3 MBSir Paul has said that I Lost My Little Girl was the first song he ever wrote. Most staff at BDJ studios find that hard to believe; the song is quite complex (note the variation in vocals between verse 1 and 2), it contains a 'full stop' after the middle eight etc. Furthermore, the group played the song during the Let It Be session (1969) with Lennon on vocals. This suggests that the song was on the reportoire at some time. However, no recording by the Quarrymen is known. Therefore, ...
Your Mother Should Know
August 16, 2009 21:02 - 2 minutes - 5.88 MBYour Mother Should Know is a typical McCartney song, which takes him back to the days when his father played the piano in a band. The production of the song is a bit strange, distracting from the attractiveness of this throwaway; the vocals start banked to the left, then move to the right, then end in the middle. This was great fun when stereo was just invented. While remixing the vocals in the middle, the BDJ tea-room orchestra entered the studios, and strings and woodwind were a...
Happy Just To Dance With You ft. Eric Clapton
August 13, 2009 17:49 - 2 minutes - 5.1 MBThis Harrisong was briefly heard in the film A Hard Days Night, before being faded out to make room for some silly dialogue. All in all, the production indeed sounds as if the other Fab 3 were not Too Happy To Dance With George on this tune. Paul's bass playing is one of the poorest tracks he ever recorded, and Lennon is not on it at all..... In later years, Harrison would turn to Eric Clapton to spice up his recordings and concerts, with great effect (on both George and Pattie...)....
Abbey Stroll ft MinkDeville
August 09, 2009 21:06 - 5 minutes - 11.9 MBWilly Deville was born the day that Paul met John, and he died excactly 40 years after the photshoot for the Abbey Road album. His life thus spans the career of the Beatles, and BDJ was inspired to mix this tribute to Willy. Coverart is the pedestrian crossing at Abbey Road as it looked today on the Webcam; a sight Willy didn't live to see.
Because ft Satellite Kingston
August 06, 2009 19:28 - 3 minutes - 8.35 MBThere's always been a hymn-like aura surrounding Because. The vocals sound more like '1000 monks singing on a hill-top' then in Tomorrow Never knows (where Lennon wanted that sound). Lennon claiming that he was inspired by van Beethoven doesn't help either to make this a poppy song. So, BDJ to the rescue, to bring Because down to earth. Some great instrumental sections by the famous Satellite Kingston, a new intro, enhanced overall sound, and new lyrics; here we go !
If I Fell RS2009
August 02, 2009 18:49 - 2 minutes - 5.25 MBIf I Fell is one of my favourites, and I took it to the limit (or slightly beyond) of pleasant harmonies in the Clapton remix (see below). To make amends, here is a modern arrangement that I made of the song, so not a remix in the true sense. Started with nylon guitar and piano, upright bass and simple percussion. Couldn't resist to mix in strings amd woodwind towards the end, but still avoiding the dreaded wall of sound.
Whatever gets You ThroughThe Night (Take 9)
July 31, 2009 21:12 - 3 minutes - 7.64 MBA nice & crisp, clean version of this Lennon track. Straight from the heart, a lot more emotion & fun than the released version. This remix is composed of 4 different outtakes. A slightly different version is on Tuned To A Natural E 6. Come on, listen to me !
Octopus Garden (party Remix)
July 25, 2009 19:26 - 4 minutes - 11.1 MBIt's Party Time in BDJ's cellar ! A massive 4m50s remix of this Ringo classic, arguably his best composition. Get ready to shake yer booty, and don't forget your bottle of water, since dehydration is a serious risk with this mix.
To Know Her is To Love Her RS1
July 19, 2009 15:18 - 3 minutes - 5.64 MBThe Beatles started, and ended, their career with Phil Spector. Phil's (over)production of the Let It Be album is well documented. It is less well known that the Beatles performed a Phil Pector song on their first recording session: the Decca Audition, January 1st, 1962. That recording suggests that Lennon (lead vocals) was not at his best; his voice is too low, and too soft. Perhaps he did not like the song ? Pete Best' drumming did not add to the excitment either..... Here's an at...
Being For The Benefit of Mr Izzard
July 08, 2009 20:04 - 2 minutes - 5.92 MBEddie Izzard gives a wonderful perfomance of mr kite in 'Across the Universe'. Actually, he does two (the second is in the deleted scenes section). Here, he joins forces with lennon, to create a super splendid rendition of this fine track.
All Bad Together Now
July 04, 2009 21:43 - 4 minutes - 9.49 MBMichael Jackson, Paul McCartney. The less said about this mix, the better.
Baby It's You ft. Helen Shapiro
June 28, 2009 10:12 - 2 minutes - 6.04 MBHere's another one for the Helen Shapiro fans. She never covered a Lennon-McCartney song, but she did cover songs that the Beatles also covered. The Beatles were Helen's backing group on her UK tour, so they probably played this track many times with Helen on lead vocals. No wonder that the Beatles version mashes well with Helen's recording.
Imagine No Pianos
June 25, 2009 21:39 - 2 minutes - 5.45 MBThe great White Piano features prominently in Lennon's Imagine. We all remember the clip, Lennon dressed in white, in a white room, at the white piano. Oh yes, Yoko was there too..... Still, to me, Imagine sounds like a song composed on guitar, not at the piano. Some support in the Imagine film, where Lennon has trouble playing the song on the piano for the first time to his friends (including Harrison). So what would Imagine sond like without a piano ? Used a live guitar version, ...
Isn't It A Pity (Demo)
June 20, 2009 18:21 - 4 minutes - 9.47 MBSome of George Harrison's most beautiful songs suffer from 'overproduction', by certain producers who shall remain nameless. The recently released demo of Isn't It A Pity offers the opportunity to go back to the music, and hear it in its pure form. Added some strings, wind instruments etc.; the real tearjerker (for me) is the violin solo. See if it hits your soft spot.....
Back in the US-SR
June 07, 2009 20:18 - 3 minutes - 7.59 MBPaul made it no secret that Back in the USSR was a send-up from Check Berry's 'Back in the USA'; with some Beach Boys references for good measure. So why not make the circle round, and bring the US closer to the USSR ?
Can't Buy Me Love ft. Peter Sellers
June 06, 2009 18:02 - 2 minutes - 4.92 MBHere's another Novelty Record that never was. George Martin produced both the Beatles and Peter Sellers, so why didn't he ever combine the two ? We'll never know, but we do know - -now- what it would have sounded like.