Please Mister Postman: Introduction
“Please Mister Postman” is one of the early Beatles’ cover songs. Indeed, the band sang this popular song regularly on the live scene in 1962, especially at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.
In Detail
- Release Date: November 22, 1963 (mono) (UK), November 30, 1963 (stereo) (UK), April 10, 1964 (US)
- Recorded: July 30, 1963
- Studio: EMI Studios, London
- Genre: Doo-wop, soul, rock and roll
- Track Duration: 2:36
- Record Label: Parlophone (UK)
- Songwriters: Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Freddie Gorman, Brian Holland, and Robert Bateman
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- John Lennon: double-tracked lead vocals, rhythm guitar, also handclapping
- Paul McCartney: backing vocals, bass guitar, and also handclapping
- George Harrison: backing vocals, lead guitar, also handclapping
- Ringo Starr: drums, cowbell, and handclapping
Where To Find “Please Mister Postman”
If you are looking to buy this version, then you will find it on the following albums:
**Choose the 1963 album if you specifically want the original version of the song.
Please Mister Postman: Background
Originally, “Please Mister Postman” was an American number one for The Marvelettes in 1961. In fact, this was the first Tamla Motown song to reach this position.
Just like other up-and-coming bands, The Beatles would regularly sing cover songs from established artists. With this in mind, the band took on this song with good effect, making it part of their live repertoire in 1962. John Lennon sang the lead vocals, while Paul McCartney and George Harrison provided the backing vocals.
In short, this track appears on their second studio album from 1963, “With The Beatles.”
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording “Please Mister Postman” on July 30, 1963, in Studio Two of EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in London during the 10:00 a.m.–12:30 pm session. However, by this time, The Beatles were no longer singing the song live on stage. Indeed, they were slightly rusty, but after nine takes, they gave a decent account of the track.
There is another version available on their 2013 album, “On Air: Live At The BBC Volume 2.” But that version is from their BBC Radio show, “Pop Go The Beatles,” from July 30, 1963.
Other Versions
Not only did The Marvelettes reach number one in America with “Please Mister Postman,” but The Carpenters did the same in 1974. A New Zealander, Lyn Barnett, reached number 4 in the New Zealand charts with her cover version in 1962. The Saturdays also covered the song, and this version was featured in the 2014 film “Postman Pat: The Movie.”
Take A Listen
Finally, some people use “Please Mr. Postman” as the title. However, our album has Mister, not Mr, so this is what we use. So, leave your comments below after you hear the song. You can also use our forum to start a thread if there’s not already one there.
