Michael Gerber
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That Means a Lot

Just waiting for PJ Proby to make it famous.

Over the weekend I Stumbled Upon this great little webpage, which was compiled by Columbia U. Beatlefan Joseph Brennan ‘way back in the heady days of the late 90s, when the vaults of Abbey Road were still exhaling their treasures. I’ve always wanted to do a post that was a one-stop shop for all the tracks like this, and Brennan’s page seemed like as good a starting-point as any. Commentariat, I’m counting on you to add more to it.

A Beatles/JPGR-version is linked to the title; and the cover version is linked with the artist. I personally discovered a few lovely songs while doing this post; Penina will be getting a few spins from me this week, for sure.

If you know of a better source currently available on the web, please put it in the comments, and I’ll update it. The first link is the Beatles’ version, if available, and the cover is linked under that, with the artist and date.

Which ones have we missed?

Songs The Beatles Didn’t Do, 1957-62

In Spite of All the Danger (McCartney/Harrison)

You’ll Be Mine (Lennon/McCartney)

Cayenne (McCartney)

Cry For a Shadow (Harrison/Lennon)

Songs from Rehearsal at Paul’s House, Forthlin Road, April 1960

Some Days (Lennon/McCartney)
I Will Always Be in Love With You (Harrison)
You Must Write Everyday

1963-64

I’ll Be on My Way (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by Billy J Kramer with the Dakotas, April 1963.

Bad to Me (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by Billy J Kramer with the Dakotas, July 1963.

Tip of My Tongue (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by Tommy Quickly, July 1963.

Hello Little Girl (Lennon/McCartney)
(And here’s a slower, more Buddy Holly-like version from 1960.)
Single by the Fourmost, August 1963.

Love of the Loved (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by Cilla Black, September 1963.

I’ll Keep You Satisfied (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by Billy J Kramer with the Dakotas, November 1963.

I’m in Love (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by the Fourmost, November 1963. Brennan: “A version of this by John has been bootlegged as the demo, but now is believed to be post-1975. A previously unissued version by Billy J Kramer with the Dakotas has recently appeared on the CD Best of Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas.”

A World Without Love (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by Peter and Gordon, February 1964.

One and One is Two (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by the Strangers with Mike Shannon, May 1964. A Beatles demo has been bootlegged.

Nobody I Know (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by Peter and Gordon, May 1964.

Like Dreamers Do (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by the Applejacks, June 1964.

You’ll Know What to Do (Harrison)

From a Window (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by Billy J Kramer with the Dakotas, July 1964.

It’s for you (Lennon–McCartney)
Single by Cilla Black, July 1964.

I don’t want to see you again (Lennon–McCartney)
Single by Peter and Gordon, September 1964.

1965

If you’ve got troubles (Lennon/McCartney)

That means a lot (Lennon/McCartney)
Single by P J Proby, July 1965. [Fans of “Bedazzled” should watch the video; it’s very Drimble Wedge and the Vegetation. — MG]

12-Bar original (Lennon/McCartney)

1966

Woman (Webb)
Single by Peter and Gordon, January 1966.

1967

‘Carnival of Light’ Rave


Catcall (McCartney)

On an album by the Chris Barber Band, October 1967, with Paul in a group of voices at the end.

Shirley’s wild accordion (Lennon–McCartney)
Recording made 12 October 1967 by Shirley Evans, Reg Wale, Paul and Ringo for the “Magical Mystery Tour” film, but not used in it. Shirley Evans does play some accordion in the film.

Jessie’s dream (McCartney–Starkey–Harrison–Lennon)

1968


Step inside love
(Lennon–McCartney)
Single by Cilla Black, March 1968.

Thingumybob (Lennon–McCartney)
Single by John Foster and Sons Ltd Black Dyke Mills Band, 26 August 1968.

Sour milk sea (Harrison)
Single by Jackie Lomax, 26 August 1968.

Circles (Harrison)

Not guilty (Harrison)
A demo by George has also been bootlegged. Recorded by George years later.

What’s the new Mary Jane

Brian Epstein Blues

Everyone Had a Hard Year (Lennon)

Etcetera
Brennan says, “Demo made by Paul at EMI, 20 August 1968, and taken away. No version has come out, including bootlegs.”

Badge (Harrison/Clapton)
On an album by Cream, February 1969, with George on rhythm guitar as L’Angelo Mysterioso.

1969


Goodbye
(Lennon–McCartney)
Single by Mary Hopkin, March 1969, produced by Paul. A demo by Paul has been bootlegged.

Come and get it (McCartney)
Single by Badfinger, December 1969, produced by Paul. A nearly identical demo version by Paul has been bootlegged.

Dehra Dun (Harrison)

Penina (McCartney)
On obscure recordings by the group Jotta Herre, the hotel band at the Hotel Penina in Portugal, and then soon after by the Portuguese singer Carlos Mendes, both in 1969.

Get Back-era scraps

Oh Jesus these were difficult for me to listen to. But I do it all for you, dear readers.


Adagio for Strings
 (Lennon–McCartney)

Jazz piano song (McCartney–Starkey)

Suzy Parker (Lennon–Starkey–Harrison–McCartney)

Teddy boy (McCartney)

Hot as sun [with words], I lost my little girl, I fancy me chances, If tomorrow ever comes/I’ll wait till tomorrow (2:30), Just fun, Thinking of linking, Too bad about sorrows (1:24), Because I know you love me so, Won’t you please say goodbye (3:33)

Improvisations/unfinished work songs

Commonwealth/White power/Can you dig it medley (Paul and John), How do you tell someone (George), Window Window (George), I’m going to pay for his ride (Paul), Madman (John), Negro in reserve (John and Paul), Pillow for your head (Paul), Shakin’ in the sixties (John), Taking a trip to Carolina (Ringo), There you are Eddie (Paul), Watching rainbows (John)

Finished later…

…By Paul:

Another day, Back seat of my car, Every night, Suicide, Teddy boy, Junk

…By John:

Child of nature, Give me some truth

…By George:

All Things Must Pass, Let it down, Hear me lord, Isn’t it a pity