BeatlesFest - 'Think For Yourself' by cuthbert

[cuthbert]

Here's one of my faves from one of my favorite Beatles albums, Rubber Soul. It was one of the first songs recorded to feature a 'fuzz bass' and one of the few George songs that didn't feature an apple variety name as its working title.    Lyrically, it was a little bitter, but still optimistic; musically, it rocked. Kinda like George at the time...  



I recorded it in three or four sessions over three days, and instead of the MBR drums, I used an old sixties Wurlitzer rhythm machine that I just picked up on eBay a few weeks ago as the guide rhythm track, just because I wanted to use it on something. It was a real bugger to get all the parts right during recording - some of the 8th note 'maracas' and fuzz bass in the chorus required a few retakes. There are two bass parts in the song - I used a ProCo Rat for the fuzz effect. I always thought Paul played the bass and George played the fuzz bass on it, but recently read they were both played by Macca.

Anyway, it was a real blast to do - now I think there are only three tracks remaining for Rubber Soul? (hint, hint...)

Thanks for listening.

Think For Yourself
George Harrison

performed by: cuthbert
instruments used:
Guild D-25 acoustic guitar
Bruno Maxitone soprano uke
Rickenbacker 4001 bass/fuzz bass
Chicken shake 'maracas'
Tambourine
Wurlitzer Swingin' Rhythm, 'Teen Beat' preset (analog, baby!)
recorder: recorded and mixed with Boss Micro BR, final-mixed and mastered in Audition.

[reverbnation]5085740[/reverbnation]

[Bluesberry]

Thats some beautiful sound, so warm.  Great job.  Yup. It kinda makes me think of Pink Floyd having a crack at this song (your vocals perhaps), and it makes me realize what an understated phychedelic masterpeice this song was/is.  Your version seems to bring that out for me. 

[henwrench]

Totally great job. Love the vocals. 'Teen Beat'? hahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaa....

                                              henwrench

[Oldrottenhead]

yeah yeah yeah
                                                 very psychedelic.

[Gritter]

Very well put together...at first I felt the drums to be too quiet but the focus here is on your amazingly warm fuzz bass sound and your elctrodelic vocals - really trippy! Excellent cover!

[Facemask93]

Oh yes , what an excellent cover man , it had me singing a duet with you Cuth , love everything you've done here , top marks to a fine prodution , and super vocals , but what the hell is a wurlitzer rhythm machine , please tell

Rob

[Kenneth]

I like the relaxed feel here, good job on capturing the vibe. This is a very well done and enjoyable listen.

[SE]

Gotta Beatles kinda Seattle Nervana sound, interesting and excellent.

[64Guitars]

Great job, cuthbert! The vocals are excellent. Very good harmonies. Love both basses and the clever percussion. The mix is very clear and the instruments are well-placed. Well done.

Rickenbacker 4001 bass/fuzz bass

Cool! Geddy Lee's bass. 

What year is yours? Is it black?

Wurlitzer Swingin' Rhythm, 'Teen Beat' preset (analog, baby!)

That looks like fun!




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2bVcrHawoY

Here's the poor man's version:

http://www.keyboardmuseum.com/d_machines/wsr.html

Anyway, it was a real blast to do - now I think there are only three tracks remaining for Rubber Soul? (hint, hint...)

Yep. We just need "Michelle" to complete side 1, and "What Goes On" and "Wait" to complete side 2.

And we only need "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" and "Because" to complete Abbey Road.

[Redler]

I downloaded this at first, 'cos I knew I'll download it anyway . Excellent cover tune again! I really love all of them; well performed and produced like this! And Wurlitzer - never heard before! It must be valuable nowadays...

Kari