The Beatles, a band whose music transcended time, have astonished the world once more with the release of “Now and Then,” a song that marries the past with the cutting-edge present. This four-minute and eight-second track marks the first original Beatles recording of the 21st century, featuring the voices of all four members, including the late John Lennon and George Harrison, intertwined with the help of artificial intelligence technology.
A Musical Bridge Across Decades
The song emerges from the depths of the Beatles’ archives, its roots planted in Lennon’s unreleased demos from the 1970s, which came to light when Yoko Ono entrusted them to the remaining Beatles. Though the demos gave life to “Free As a Bird” and “Real Love” in the mid-’90s, “Now and Then” remained incomplete until now. Hindered by past technological limitations, it awaited the innovations of the 2020s to reach its full potential.
The Technological Twist
With advancements in machine learning akin to those used in Peter Jackson’s documentary series “The Beatles: Get Back,” the engineers of today have achieved what was once deemed impossible. They have successfully isolated Lennon’s haunting vocals from a once-muddled cassette recording. This breakthrough allowed Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to craft and lay down the final bass and drum tracks, infusing “Now and Then” with the spirit and style of the Beatles.
Harmonizing the Past and Present
George Harrison’s touch resonates within the song through guitar parts he composed during the 1995 sessions, including a distinctive slide guitar solo. The recording was further adorned with a string arrangement facilitated by Giles Martin, who channeled the creative essence of his father, the legendary Beatles producer George Martin. To maintain secrecy about the song’s significance, contributing musicians were under the impression they were partaking in a McCartney solo project.
The Visual Companion
The song’s visual counterpart, directed by Peter Jackson, is set to premiere with a composition of personal footage from McCartney and Starr, alongside 14 hours of rediscovered film from the 1995 sessions. This historical mosaic is completed with private home movies from Sean Lennon and Olivia Harrison, as well as rare, unseen moments from the band’s formative years, generously provided by Pete Best. Jackson describes the resulting video as a balance of humor and poignancy.
The Beatles’ Eternal Echo in the Digital Age
“Now and Then” stands as a testament to The Beatles’ enduring legacy, bridging generations through the art of music and technology. As it debuts alongside the iconic “Love Me Do,” it does not just mark another milestone in music history but also closes a chapter, being the final track to ever feature all four Beatles. This release not only offers a nostalgic homage to the fab four’s indelible impact on music but also showcases the harmonious potential of blending classic artistry with modern innovation.
