The Grammys and new music, now and again
I used to be going by means of the Grammy 2025 nominations once I was struck by a number of issues. First, 5 of the 8 nominations for brand spanking new artists have been ladies, and one of many 3 males nominated was from Pakistan. Apparently one thing has modified within the Academy.
The brand new expertise nominations, in case you didn’t see them have been, Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Khruangbin, RAYE, Chappell Roan. Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims. Khruangbin is a trio that’s largely instrumental , however the Latina bass participant, Laura Lee Ochoa(aka Leezy,) who co-founded the band, not solely retains the bassline transferring, however sings on the band’s non-instrumental songs.
The opposite factor that struck me was the alternatives for Document of the 12 months of the yr, I’m not shocked by Taylor Swift for “Fortnight” that includes Submit Malon, Charli XCX for “360, Billie Eilish for “Birds of a Feather” , Kendrick Lamar for “Not Like Us”, and Beyoncé for “Texas Maintain Em” (how may they not?). And I used to be blissful to see “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan, and “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter.
However what caught out was the Beatles. Sure, the Beatles, who’ve been nominated for “Now and Then“, a track written and left incomplete by John Lennon 45 years in the past.
“Now and Then” has emerged as a preferred addition to their encyclopedic discography, capturing the eye of followers and critics alike. Initially penned by John Lennon within the late Nineteen Seventies, he recorded the house demo on cassette in 1977 and the observe remained unfinished till Paul McCartney and producer Giles Martin (the son of George Martin, the Beatles’ former producer sometimes called the “Fifth Beatle” ) determined to revisit it. Their collaboration aimed to finish this heartfelt ballad, which to me, embodies an essential a part of the essence of The Beatles’ musical legacy
The journey of “Now and Then” to its launch has been prolonged, spanning over 4 a long time. Initially supposed to be a part of a mission that includes different unreleased Lennon tracks, the track confronted quite a few challenges and delays. In a means it was prescient within the line And if I make it by means of/ It’s all due to you.” He didn’t make by means of, however because of his good friend Paul McCartney and his bandmates, the track made it by means of.
The unfinished track stayed within the Beatles archives lengthy after he was murdered in 1980, however then the surviving Beatles determined to complete it for him – a difficult proposition, however a loving one. They usually knew precisely learn how to do it. In 2022 McCartney began the mission utilizing Lennon’s authentic 1977 unfinished recording and guitar riffs from the 1995 Anthology periods performed by George Harrison, who handed away from most cancers in 2001. Ringo Starr re-recorded the drumming and sang background vocals and Martin produced a combination that turned a prime ten single within the Billboard Scorching 100.
It struck me in a number of methods. I grew up with the Beatles, cried when John Lennon was shot, and nonetheless play “Lucy within the Sky with Diamonds” at the least twice every week. So a brand new track by John Lennon – even whether it is actually an outdated track – is an occasion, which frankly, eclipses the opposite songs nominated at the least in emotional impression. Greater than that, although, it makes me surprise, is that this the ultimate finish of the Beatles period, of the music that upended society, the music trade, creativity and a lot extra? And I’m wondering if the adjustments within the musical, racial, gender, and nationwide range within the Academy and what music is as we speak, may be traced again to a band whose songs by no means appear to die.
The discharge has additionally included a CD single contrasting “Now and Then” with the band’s first UK single, “Love Me Do,” showcasing the distinction between their early and later work. We all know that there are extra unfinished songs within the Beatles archives. Perhaps Paul and Ringo will deliver them again and end them, now and again.
Patrick O’Heffernan
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