Dylan Wanted to Make an Album w/ Beatles and Stones
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"Keith and George thought it was fantastic," writes producer Glyn Johns. "Paul and Mick both said absolutely not."
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bob-dylan-album-with-beatles-and-rolling-stones-20141107#ixzz3IP3kbGZy -
Consequence of Sound is reporting the same now. Really interesting story, especially since it's never been mentioned - ever. It made me think that a full book could be written of all the fascinating things that in Beatles history and didn't. (Of course, it would have to be things rooted in some kind of documented basis, and not just complete conjecture.) Obviously this would qualify, and even be a great starting point. If it was supposed to be in some point in 1969, I think the biggest obstacle would have been Mick Jagger, whose gargantuan ego was larger than every other Beatle and Rolling Stone combined. Paul, the other hold out, would probably have been much more receptive to the idea if it had been introduced (or reintroduced) a bit after John announced his exit. The notion of giving the Beatles a different ending than "Let It Be" (in terms of music quality) and having it be a collaboration with the likes of Dylan and the Stones would probably have been very exciting for both Paul and John. That, in turn, would have made the inevitable split at least a bit more amicable than it ended up being, which would have softened their memories of each other in the event of a solid reunion being discussed in the mid and late '70s... That's plenty to work with
But really, imagine for a minute what music would be like now if these things had occurred. This Dylan project alone could have proved to be the most groundbreaking supergroup project of its time, and have a rippling impact as I mentioned above. In the end, however, I have to admit that a lot of the Beatles' extended mystique lies in the fact that they became so big and enduring while never being able to fully reunite. This gives us the chance to fanaticize in these ways, which is admittedly quite enjoyable. When you think about it, too many bands have had disappointing reunions that rob their fans of this golden opportunity -
By way of a hoax, it happened: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Masked_Marauders "In its October 18, 1969 issue, the magazine ran a tongue-in-cheek review of a non-existent album that purportedly captured a "super session" of the era's leading rock and roll musicians, including Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney. The review claimed that none of the artists could be listed on the jacket cover because of contractual agreements with their recording companies. "
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Mr. Spock:
Consequence of Sound is reporting the same now. Really interesting story, especially since it's never been mentioned - ever. It made me think that a full book could be written of all the fascinating things that in Beatles history and didn't. (Of course, it would have to be things rooted in some kind of documented basis, and not just complete conjecture.) Obviously this would qualify, and even be a great starting point. If it was supposed to be in some point in 1969, I think the biggest obstacle would have been Mick Jagger, whose gargantuan ego was larger than every other Beatle and Rolling Stone combined. Paul, the other hold out, would probably have been much more receptive to the idea if it had been introduced (or reintroduced) a bit after John announced his exit. The notion of giving the Beatles a different ending than "Let It Be" (in terms of music quality) and having it be a collaboration with the likes of Dylan and the Stones would probably have been very exciting for both Paul and John. That, in turn, would have made the inevitable split at least a bit more amicable than it ended up being, which would have softened their memories of each other in the event of a solid reunion being discussed in the mid and late '70s... That's plenty to work with
But really, imagine for a minute what music would be like now if these things had occurred. This Dylan project alone could have proved to be the most groundbreaking supergroup project of its time, and have a rippling impact as I mentioned above. In the end, however, I have to admit that a lot of the Beatles' extended mystique lies in the fact that they became so big and enduring while never being able to fully reunite. This gives us the chance to fanaticize in these ways, which is admittedly quite enjoyable. When you think about it, too many bands have had disappointing reunions that rob their fans of this golden opportunity Interesting idea about late 1969, after Abbey Road, to give the Beatles a better ending. Still, John was really ready to move on, with Yoko, so perhaps not. A better time frame might possibly have been late 1968, between finishing the White Album and starting the Get Back sessions. John had done the "Rock 'n' Roll Circus" with the Stones, and John and Paul attended a Beggars Banquet listening party. Oh well!
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Not sure I'd have wanted this one to eventuate. Might've been interesting, and it would have lifted the brand of the Stones and Dylan, but why would the Beatles want to dilute their brilliance? Mick would not have liked it, because as iconic as he might be, he always looks like a deer in the car lights when photographed in the presence of John and Paul. Not sure his inferiority complex would've sat well in the same studio as John and Paul. With every other band put on the planet, yes, but he seemed to know his place when in the company of the Beatles. Paul would not have liked it either, as he would've known the Beatles would be better served making their own music, and nothing could trump that. John might've been curious, probably would've thought it humorous, but I reckon ego would've got in the way there too.
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Dylan was well past his prime at this point, while the Beatles & Stones were very much in their primes. I can see why Dylan wanted to do this while the other bands didnt.
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I'm kind of imagining this "super group", kind of like the Travelling Wilburys but with Paul, John and Mick involved. Whilst I think it would have been interesting if this actually happened, I think the best decision was ultimately made. I can't imagine the album would have been received well by critics either.
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JoeySmith:
Dylan was well past his prime at this point, while the Beatles & Stones were very much in their primes. I can see why Dylan wanted to do this while the other bands didnt.
1969 was the year that Dylan released Nashville Skyline, which IMO is one of his best albums. His style was more country-oriented around that time. I would say that Dylan's prime is from 1965 to 1969.
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One things for certain, Dylan and both bands would totally be under the influence!
