Is ＂Now and Then＂ a Beatles All-Time LOW Moment! An Editorial
United States of Analog | November 9, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a critical editorial about The Beatles’ new release “Now and Then,” which is being marketed as their final single. The host Bob expresses disappointment with both the song itself and its pricing, questioning whether this represents an all-time low for the band. He discusses finding the 12-inch vinyl single at Target and his shock at discovering the $21.99 price point for what he considers a subpar release.
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The Beatles are his favorite band of all time and he’s been collecting their music since the 1960s
- “Now and Then” doesn’t sound like a genuine Beatles song to him [00:02:16]
- He questions whether the vocals even sound like John Lennon [00:02:26]
- The $21.99 price for a two-song single is shocking and unreasonable [00:01:58]
- One of the songs he already owns, making the value proposition even worse
- The Beatles’ greatest accomplishment was leaving “while they were still great” and not diluting their catalog like the Rolling Stones [00:03:02]
- He praises Peter Jackson’s technology work and has watched the “Get Back” documentary four times [00:03:38]
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Implicit warning about the high price point of $21.99 for the “Now and Then” single [00:01:57]
- Strong praise for Peter Jackson’s “Let It Be Get Back” documentary, which he’s watched four times in its entirety [00:03:38]
Any interesting vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- “Now and Then” 12-inch single by The Beatles on red vinyl (Target exclusive) – $21.99 [00:01:40]
- Contains two songs, one of which the host already owns
- Discussion of Beatles catalog preservation and how they avoided diluting their discography
- Brief mention of Wings (Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles band) which he admits to liking [00:03:20]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- “Oh Beatles, my Beatles, what have you done? This might be an all-time low for you.” [00:00:00]
- Humorous aside about shopping for jeans at Target when he discovered the record [00:01:18]
- “I’m not even sure John Paul George and Ringo are from planet earth. I think they were delivered from above from a UFO. They’re probably greys.” [00:02:54]
- Sheepish admission: “I even like Wings. Don’t tell anybody.” [00:03:20]
Summary
Bob, host of United States of Analog, opens this editorial with a heavy heart as a lifelong Beatles fan dating back to the 1960s. He discovered The Beatles’ new “Now and Then” single at Target while shopping for jeans and was shocked to find it priced at $21.99 for a 12-inch record containing only two songs. The red vinyl appears to be a Target exclusive, but Bob questions the value proposition since he already owns one of the tracks.
The host expresses deep disappointment with “Now and Then” itself, questioning whether it even sounds like John Lennon or a genuine Beatles song. This troubles him greatly since The Beatles are his favorite band of all time. He launches into praise for the band’s cultural impact, crediting them with changing everything from hairstyles to politics while delivering transcendent music that seemed almost otherworldly in its quality.
Bob emphasizes that The Beatles’ greatest achievement was knowing when to quit – they preserved their legacy by disbanding while still at their creative peak, unlike bands like the Rolling Stones who continued releasing material that diluted their catalogs. While he acknowledges the impressive technology work by Peter Jackson and Giles Martin (he’s watched the “Get Back” documentary four times), he remains skeptical that “Now and Then” represents anything close to the band’s former greatness, calling it potentially their “all-time low moment.”
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:03:46] “Now and Then” doesn’t sound like a John Lennon song, despite being based on his demo
- [00:03:50] The track sounds more like a Paul McCartney song from the early 2000s, specifically comparing it to “Creation in the Backyard”
- [00:04:01] It doesn’t sound like anything The Beatles have ever done before and is “kind of a downer”
- [00:06:08] This release represents “an all-time low for the Beatles”
- [00:06:12] The release is primarily “a money grab”
- [00:06:14] The Beatles don’t need the money as all members/estates are already well off
Were there any price/value assessments?
- [00:04:08] The vinyl costs $21.99 for just two songs
- [00:04:19] Host bought his first Beatles single (Hey Jude/Revolution) in 1969 for 69 cents
- [00:05:11] After inflation calculation, that 1969 purchase would equal $5.79 today, maybe $7.50 for a 12-inch
- [00:05:29] A remixed, remastered Abbey Road was available at the same Target for $24, making the pricing seem unreasonable
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- The “Now and Then” single release (the main subject)
- [00:04:22] Hey Jude/Revolution single from 1969 – described as “two great Beatles songs” and “classics”
- [00:05:29] Abbey Road remixed/remastered edition
- [00:03:52] Reference to Paul McCartney’s “Creation in the Backyard” (though host seems uncertain of exact title)
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- [00:04:08] “And then you’re talking $21.99 for two songs?”
- [00:05:38] “Where do they get off? Where do they get off?”
- [00:06:08] “This is an all-time low for the Beatles, and it pains me to say that”
- [00:06:12] “It’s a money grab”
- [00:04:48] “I’m angry and I bought it. I bought it because I can’t resist, right?”
Summary
The host expresses deep frustration with The Beatles’ “Now and Then” single release, criticizing both its musical quality and commercial aspects. He argues that the song doesn’t sound authentically like John Lennon’s work despite being based on a Lennon demo, instead comparing it unfavorably to Paul McCartney’s solo material from the early 2000s. The host finds the track to be a disappointing departure from classic Beatles sound and describes it as “kind of a downer.”
The pricing becomes a major point of contention, with the host calculating that the $21.99 cost for two songs is dramatically overpriced compared to historical Beatles releases. He draws a stark comparison to his 1969 purchase of the Hey Jude/Revolution single for 69 cents, which would only equal about $7.50 in today’s money after inflation adjustment. The fact that a full Abbey Road remaster costs nearly the same price further emphasizes his sense that fans are being overcharged.
Despite being a devoted Beatles fan who admits he “can’t resist” purchasing Beatles releases, the host condemns this as “an all-time low” for the band and labels it a pure “money grab.” He’s particularly frustrated because he believes none of the surviving Beatles or their estates need the money, making the high pricing feel exploitative to dedicated fans. His anger is palpable throughout this segment, reflecting the disappointment of a longtime fan who feels let down by both the music and the commercial approach.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- [00:06:29] White Album on vinyl (multiple copies mentioned)
- [00:06:36] CD versions of Beatles albums
- [00:07:00] “Now and Then” Beatles release on red vinyl, pressed in Germany
- [00:07:44] $21.99 12-inch single price point ($23+ with tax)
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
- [00:08:27] Final verdict: This release is a “money grab” that contributes to rock music’s decline
- [00:07:42] The Beatles “don’t need the money” and should give this away for free
- [00:09:14] Criticizes charging $21.99 for what he considers essentially a 12-inch single
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- [00:08:27] Calls on rock and rollers to “stop with the money grab”
- [00:08:36] Advises against $2,000 concert tickets and $50-100 t-shirts
- [00:09:04] Suggests artists need to “learn to economize” rather than overcharge fans
How did the video wrap up?
- [00:09:16] Acknowledges this was a “rant from a rock and roll fan”
- [00:09:22] Signs off saying he’ll “see you next time under better circumstances in the United States of analog”
- The host admits he’s “red hot” and frustrated about his recent purchase
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
- [00:07:02] “I fell for it, because I’m a pushover. I’m a chump.”
- [00:08:32] “Rock and rollers, let’s stop with the money grab. Bands, solo artists, this is why rock is dying.”
- [00:09:00] References Ray Davies: “times are tough, but we’ll all survive. We just have to learn to economize.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host reveals himself as a devoted Beatles superfan who owns multiple copies of the White Album and has personal connections to the band members, including having interviewed Ringo Starr and attended concerts. Despite his deep love for the Beatles, he expresses frustration at having just purchased the “Now and Then” release for $23+ after tax, calling himself a “pushover” and “chump” for falling for what he perceives as a money grab.
The host’s criticism extends beyond this single purchase to a broader indictment of the music industry’s pricing practices. He argues that expensive concert tickets, overpriced merchandise, and costly releases like this 12-inch single are contributing to rock music’s decline. While acknowledging that artists face financial pressures due to streaming’s low payouts, he maintains that established wealthy artists like the Beatles shouldn’t be charging fans premium prices for what amounts to minimal new content.
The video concludes as an impassioned rant from a frustrated fan who loves the music but despises the business practices. Despite his criticism, he admits he’ll probably add the record to his collection without even opening it, and he wraps up by promising viewers he’ll return “under better circumstances” in future episodes, suggesting this was an emotional response to his recent purchase experience.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
