Yesterday (EP)
The Beatles released Yesterday (EP) on March 4, 1966, and this would be their eleventh EP record so far. Of course, the title of the EP is the first song on Side A. However, all tracks on this EP were available on the 1965 album “Help!” So people had already bought these songs by the boatload. So, would this disc sell like hot cakes as well?
While single records had one song on both sides, an EP typically had two tracks per side. We will name the other songs below, but first, we list some useful information.
In Detail
- Released: March 4, 1966
- Recorded: 17 February – 17 June 1965
- Studio: EMI Studios, London
- Format: 7-inch EP vinyl (45 RPM) (Mono only)
- Genre: Pop, rock, folk rock
- Length: 8:52
- Label: Parlophone ( Catalogue number: GEP 8948)
- Producer: George Martin
Performers
- Ringo Starr: lead vocal, drums and tambourine
- George Harrison: double-tracked lead vocals, double-tracked lead guitar, acoustic rhythm guitar, and also the lead guitar
- Paul McCartney: harmony vocals, backing vocals, piano and bass guitar
- John Lennon: acoustic guitar, Hohner Pianet electric piano, tambourine, backing vocals
- George Martin: piano
Performers (Yesterday Only)
This song is credited to Lennon-McCartney, but no other band member had anything to do with it.
- Paul McCartney: vocal, also the acoustic guitar
- George Martin: string arrangement
- Tony Gilbert, Sidney Sax: violin
- Kenneth Essex: viola
- Peter Halling/Francisco Gabarro: cello
Yesterday (EP): The songs
The beautiful thing about this record is that all four songs had each of the Beatles singing the lead vocal.
- A1: Yesterday: Paul McCartney
- A2: Act Naturally: Ringo Starr
- A3: You Like Me Too Much: George Harrison
- A4: It’s Only Love: John Lennon
Yesterday (EP): Chart Success
Just eight days after its release, this EP hit the UK charts. Furthermore, it was at the top of those charts for six weeks after it reached the prized spot on March 26, 1966.
Moreover, it remained on the charts for thirteen weeks. Indeed, the Beatles could do no wrong, and Beatlemaniacs were loving it all.
However, the release of this record was at the time when John Lennon let slip a comment that caused uproar in parts of America. Of course, we refer to the statement he made, saying the Beatles were “More popular than Jesus.”
It was a statement that made some burn their records, and some DJ’s refused to play their songs, etc.
No matter how correct Lennon was, it goes to show that sometimes you need to keep your big mouth shut. But remember, only the religious fanatics were offended!
Finally, did you have a favourite Beatle? If so, did this influence boost your liking for any of the songs on this disc?
