A special edition of The Beatles' album Rubber Soul is set for release, featuring previously unreleased session recordings and home demos, including an unheard John Lennon song. The Super Deluxe collections include 24 early session recordings, 20 of which are previously unreleased takes, along with three home demos. Among these is Little Girl, a song written by Lennon that never saw an official release.
Lennon sketched the song on the back of a postcard that George Harrison received from a fan in Japan. A few lyrics from that draft can be heard on the new demo tape.
Super Deluxe Editions Include Rare Book
The Super Deluxe editions come with an 88-page hardbound book featuring a new introduction from Paul McCartney and a foreword using Lennon's own words, alongside rare photographs. Originally released in December 1965, the new edition is due out in October.
Rubber Soul's Legacy
Many fans regard Rubber Soul as the Beatles' best album and a turning point in their musical evolution. The record bridged the gap between early Beatlemania rock 'n' roll and the band's later experimental psychedelic sound. The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson credited Rubber Soul with inspiring him to write Pet Sounds, which in turn influenced Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album includes tracks such as Norwegian Wood, In My Life, Drive My Car, Nowhere Man, Michelle, and Girl.
Recording in 1965
Rubber Soul was recorded over four weeks in October and November 1965, shortly after the band's record-breaking concert for over 55,000 fans at Shea Stadium in New York. The band had rare time away from concert, radio, or film commitments, which their agency said allowed their music, ideas, and creative ambitions to truly flourish.
New Stereo Mixes
All new Rubber Soul formats feature the album's new stereo mix, sourced directly from the original four-track master tapes. The reissue brings together all 14 new stereo mixes for the first time. The Beatles have previously released special editions of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The White Album, Abbey Road, Let It Be, and Revolver. The Liverpool four-piece went on to become the best-selling music act of all time, with estimated sales of over 600 million units worldwide and hold the record for most singles sold in the UK at 21.9 million. The group has won eight Grammys, four Brits, an Academy Award, and 15 Ivor Novello Awards, and are known for songs such as Yesterday, Hey Jude, and Get Back.
