The Beatles – Outtakes, Early Takes, Rare & Anthology Versions and Esher Demos

The outtakes, early takes, and rare and Anthology versions by The Beatles form an integral part of the band's wide discography, giving a rare glimpse into their creative process and the development of some very iconic songs. Many of these recordings, which had previously been unreleased or appeared in the Anthology series collections, breathe new life into familiar tracks and uncover a wealth of previously buried treasures.

Abbey Road Medley "Restored" Version
The Abbey Road Medley is arguably one of the band's most beloved pieces of work, and the "Restored" version breathes new life into this classic suite. It knits together various takes from the 1969 sessions and showcases complex arrangements and smooth transitions between songs like Golden Slumbers and Carry That Weight.

Across The Universe (Take 2 / Anthology 2 Version)
Across The Universe is a lyrical treasure from John Lennon. On Anthology 2, Take 2 provides clearer insight into how the track came about. Intricate vocals, experimental instrumentation, and Lennon's unique phrasing sound just as captivating in this alternate version.

Dear Prudence (Esher Demo)
Though recorded during the White Album sessions, this Esher Demo of Dear Prudence presents the song in its most raw, acoustic form. Contrasting the final studio version's somewhat airy arrangement with the intimate nature of this demo places this hauntingly beautiful song in an altogether new perspective.

Blackbird (Esher Demo)
Another gem from the Esher Demos, Blackbird captures Paul McCartney's most raw vocals before the eventual studio release. This demo highlights McCartney's virtuosity on the guitar and his heartfelt vocals, which add a touch of vulnerability and purity to this classic.

Can't Buy Me Love (Anthology 1 Version)
The Anthology 1 Version of Can't Buy Me Love offers an interesting early take of this hit song. With rougher vocals and a looser arrangement, this version allows fans to appreciate how one of the band's first big hits was developed with a real sense of youthful energy and innovation in pop music.

Come Together (Anthology 3 Version)
The title track Come Together from Abbey Road sounds different in this Anthology 3 Version. With different vocals and shades of instruments, this take epitomizes the experimentation that the members explored during the later years of the band.

Glass Onion (Esher Demo)
The Esher Demo of Glass Onion is an exceptional example of the band's tendency to create early, often playful experiments before finalizing a song. In its demo state, a rough arrangement combined with Lennon's tongue-in-cheek lyrics offer an unusually transparent, unfiltered version of this composition.

Fixing A Hole Sessions (9 Feb. 1967)
The Fixing A Hole sessions from February 1967 provide a fascinating look into the creative process behind one of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band's standout tracks. The outtakes feature the band's painstaking work on the song's complex arrangement, intricate orchestration, and layered vocals.

Helter Skelter (Second Version / Take 17)
With its intensity and raw power, the Take 17 version of Helter Skelter captures the chaotic energy that made the song a precursor to hard rock in the 1970s. This extended take offers a glimpse into the band's increasingly experimental phase, with wild instrumentation and McCartney's aggressive vocals.

I Want You (She's So Heavy) (Trident Recording Session & Reduction Mix)
The I Want You (She's So Heavy) Trident Recording Session captures a darker, heavier version of the song before its final cut. The reduction mix is dark and brooding, with much of the song's appeal emanating from how far the band pushed the boundaries of sound during the Abbey Road sessions.

Let It Be (Naked Version / Remastered 2013)
Let It Be: Naked is a necessary reworking of the original 1970 album. Without the "wall of sound" production by Phil Spector, this version presents the tracks in their raw form, providing a more organic and emotional listening experience.

Strawberry Fields Forever (Take 26)
Strawberry Fields Forever is often considered one of the most experimental and innovative songs by The Beatles. Take 26 captures the song in its evolution, with Lennon's soaring vocals layered over complex tape manipulations and disorienting sound effects.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Anthology 3 Version)
The Anthology 3 Version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps is an interesting alternative to the original. Featuring Eric Clapton's iconic guitar solo, this version adds an extra layer of emotion, making it a favorite among fans who appreciate the raw, unpolished energy of the song.

Something (Studio Demo / Audio)
George Harrison's Something has resonated with generations of listeners. This Studio Demo version represents his initial vision for the track, offering a more tender, intimate rendition compared to the fully fleshed-out studio version.

Revolution (Esher Demo)
The Esher Demo of Revolution presents the track in a more acoustic, laid-back form before it was transformed into the energetic anthem we know from Hey Jude (1968). This version emphasizes Lennon's vocals and highlights the collaborative nature of the band's songwriting.

Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown - Take 2)
One of the more striking variants from the Rubber Soul sessions, Norwegian Wood Take 2 retains the celebrated sitar arrangement, but with more improvisation than the final version. The interplay of Lennon and McCartney's vocals here is even more delicate and intimate.

With A Little Help From My Friends (Take 1 / False Start And Take 2 / Instrumental)
The With A Little Help From My Friends Take 1 and Take 2 (including false starts) provide a studio peek into the development of this iconic Sgt. Pepper track. The early takes are playful, with Ringo Starr's infectious drumming leading the charge.

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (Esher Demo)
The Esher Demo of Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da offers a casual, acoustic version of the playful song. The demo format reveals the song's frivolous nature, a stark contrast to the more polished version that would eventually appear on the White Album.

The wealth of outtakes, early takes, rare versions, and Esher demos showcases the magic of The Beatles' creative process. These recordings are a treasure trove, revealing how the band crafted some of the most influential songs in music history. From the tender versions of Blackbird to the raw energy of Helter Skelter, these recordings help connect fans to the band on a more personal level, making them essential for any Beatles enthusiast.