A Day In The Life - The Beatles - Full Instrumental Recreation (4K)
Музыка
Well, this is what I've been working on!
Here it is, one of the truly epic Beatles songs. A haunting, massive track.
Covering this was a hell of an endeavor, encompassing 2 months of effort. There's no way I can describe all the magic of this song in this space, but it was truly a privilege picking this apart.
This little project started for a simple reason: I realized that despite having the best drum part of perhaps any song in music history, there's no note-for-note recreation of this song anywhere on KZread. As someone who is always up for a challenge, I decided to make my own! I slowed down the fills, studied them, and played it enough times to get the feel. To get the sound perfect, I spent day after day messing around with micing and tuning my set. I even consulted Geoff Emerick's notes and removed the bottom tom heads, which was great advice! After 8 separate days recording and testing, I finally hit upon a close sound. Viola!
But getting the drums right was just the beginning! Everything else about this song is interesting. John's jazzy acoustic chords during the middle 8 and that strikingly thick J-160E tone. Paul's brilliantly quirky piano fills (major props to Mattiboo's cover for illustrating how complex those parts are). Weirdly eclectic percussion (maracas, congas, AND tambourine). This song is BANANAS. Can you believe this was released by the same dudes who sang "She Loves You"? Man, to be alive at the time. Minds must've exploded everywhere.
The bass also took 3-4 attempts before getting a close sound. Paul's really playing less of a bassline and more of a countermelody, similar to "Something." And just like that cover, I needed to memorize it note-for-note to get the song right. Man, what a song!
Trivia:
- Initially recorded on January 19, 1967 with the working title "In the Life Of..."
- Yes, that's the original strings/orchestra part! I used the isolated track as a placeholder and intended to make my own version with Cinematic Studio. Incredibly, the orignal track was not blocked! You can hear some of my own brass in the "Ahhs" dream section, which I blended with the original.
- I own no congas, so I used a djembe (thanks Mark!). Sounded damn good!
Thank you infinitely to my Beatles brain trust for your advice - Clay, Jack, Galeazzo, Ryan, Perry, DLD2, Nathan, and many others.
Instruments:
- Acoustic Guitar: 2017 Gibson J-160E 1962 Custom Shop (Pyramid .13 flats)
- Bass: 2018 Rickenbacker 4003 bass (Pyramid flats)
- Drums: Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl 1969 No. 980 Super Classic 9x13 / 16x16 / 14x22
- Piano donated for this song by a close connection. You know who you are!
- Maracas
- Djembe
- Tambourine
Recording Equipment & Miscellaneous:
- PreSonus Studio 1824C Interface (6 microphones used)
- Cad Audio Stage7 7-Piece Drum Microphones (top and bottom snare, bass drum)
- MXL V250 Condenser Mic: acoustic guitar, under rack tom
- Shure SM57 (2 - one under and on top of floor tom)
- Drums recorded and mixed with PreSonus Studio One
- Beatles Drop-T #4 drumhead courtesy of Russ Lease (beatlesuits.com)
- Track assembled in Audacity
Plugins used on this track:
- Waves Abbey Road RS124 Compressor Stereo
- Abbey Road Plates Stereo
- Puigchild Compressor
Video Equipment:
- Camera: Canon M50
- Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro on HP Envy 32'' All in One
Feel free to leave comments, I'll respond to as many as I can.
Пікірлер: 487
For a version with special guest vocalists - vimeo.com/745631085.
@RandyR
Жыл бұрын
Totally blown away WHOA
@skarloeyexpress4353
Жыл бұрын
unrelated to the comment, but a question about the video, where do you get the isolated orchestral arrangements and other more complex things for people like me to find, such as the strange sounds you played on the keyboard in tomorrow never knows
I never realized it until now but the maracas in the beginning almost sound like a clock ticking, up until the alarm goes off. Just another level of the Beatles’ genius.
Michael, I'm speechless. I have no words to describe what I just saw. This is, without any doubt, the BEST cover of this song on KZread. Congratulations on another success.
@johnurban7333
5 ай бұрын
I love how perfect you did this song. Just amazing. The Analogs band also has a perfect version of this song using all the original instruments and also using an orchestra.
Ringo's drums on this track are so symphonic, he plays them like a timpani. I've been waiting for this one. Stunning as always. The best channel on KZread by far. Can't wait for the next one!
This is by far the greatest Beatles instrumental I have ever heard. Wow. Just wow…
@Robd07
11 ай бұрын
This was impressive
and this was done by one dude😳
LYRICS ??? [Verse 1: John Lennon] I read the news today-oh, boy About a lucky man who made the grade And though the news was rather sad Well, I just had to laugh I saw the photograph He blew his mind out in a car He didn't notice that the lights had changed A crowd of people stood and stared They'd seen his face before Nobody was really sure if he was from the House of Lords [Verse 2: John Lennon] I saw a film today, oh boy The English Army had just won the war A crowd of people turned away But I just had to look Having read the book [Refrain: John Lennon] I'd love to turn you on (Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten) *alarm clock rings* [Bridge: Paul McCartney] Woke up, fell out of bed Dragged a comb across my head Found my way downstairs and drank a cup And looking up I noticed I was late Found my coat and grabbed my hat Made the bus in seconds flat Found my way upstairs and had a smoke And somebody spoke and I went into a dream [Interlude: John Lennon] Ahh-ah-ah-ah Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ahh [Verse 3: John Lennon] I read the news today-oh, boy Four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire And though the holes were rather small They had to count them all Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall [Refrain: John Lennon] I'd love to turn you on [Instrumental Outro] *whistle* *studio chatter*
@sebastiandenhoff1616
2 жыл бұрын
Except Interlude actually is Paul McCartney doing the Ahhs!
@PepeLuguillo
2 жыл бұрын
@@sebastiandenhoff1616 It's both Lennon and McCartney
@TheMusicalElitist
Жыл бұрын
@@PepeLuguillo Actually the correct answer is that no one knows
@Henry3Studios
3 ай бұрын
@@TheMusicalElitistit’s John. Even Geoff Emerick, whose memory seems to heavily favour Paul, says it’s John.
2:50 this part gave me goosebumps, it sounds very identical to the original!
@polarlegal5606
2 жыл бұрын
Me too omg 🥰
@hanselorellana
Ай бұрын
Impossible not to hear the screaming!
I honestly don’t think you could’ve come back stronger. Fantastic stuff. You absolutely blew it out of the water.
@markbarnes6806
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed!
Bass sounds so awesome and punchy here. The Rick really returned with a bang
@stephenclarke4675
Жыл бұрын
I think he has flats on it.
Seeing the visuals of the drumming just highlights how Ringo was looking at the drum part in a completely different way than anybody else was doing at the time. Instead of the standard high-hat and snare holding the beat then doing fills at the end of a section, he's playing it more like a xylophone, doing a counter-melody throughout with each drum its own unique "note." Just a totally different approach to pop and rock drumming. Then there's the simplicity of the piano part, the simple chord strumming of the acoustic, the maracas all simple parts that mesh together to form such a complex web of music. A true masterpiece and an awesome note-for-note recreation!
I've always been skeptical of A Day In The Life covers, because most of them are missing something in one way or another, but this is the first time I actually like a cover of this song. And I know it means nothing to you, but just know that you made someone happy with your cover!! Great stuff man, you earned yourself a subscriber!!!
Holy shit, that snare drum is so SWEET, and I swore I could hear some vocals during the infamous "ahhh" section, You've no doubt heard this a million times, but stellar job once again.
@kashmir3489
Жыл бұрын
Me too dude, probably just my head though lol. Haunting stuff and an amazing cover
For those who say "Shure sm-57 is a bad microphone", an incredible recording lesson for you and for all of us. Astounding, marvelous, you are great.
@TheAstroTaco13
2 жыл бұрын
Anyone who says the sm58 or sm57 is a bad mic obviously doesnt know what theyre on about
@sevchyk
2 жыл бұрын
What about SM7B? Is sm58 better?
@TheAstroTaco13
2 жыл бұрын
@@sevchyk theyre two totally different beasts
@sevchyk
2 жыл бұрын
@@TheAstroTaco13 "theyre two totally different beasts"...You could just have said, "I'm a noob and I don't know". That would have been more on point than your ignorant comment.
@TheAstroTaco13
2 жыл бұрын
@@sevchyk cheers mate, but their practical uses are totally different. The SM58 is first and foremost a live mic. That’s why its known as the industry standard for such. Its versatility and rugged design is totally different to that of the SM7B. If anyone is being a noob, it’s probably the bloke who’d ask such a vague open ended question like “whats better, this mic, or this mic”. Its like asking if Fender’s are better than Gibson’s. Its a ridiculous question to try answer honestly.
"Found my way upstairs and had a smoke. Then everybody spoke and I went into a dream. Oh, shit."
One of my all time favorite drum parts is this one by Ringo - it is brilliant and i could head it thousands of times and it never gets old - there are so many musical highlights in this recording but Ringo's drums probably stand out the most for me -- great job Mike, outstanding!
God knows how many times I've listened to the original, this is utterly impressive.
I like how the piano is so clear in this mix. Fantastic work as always Michael.
Astonishing. Dead on accurate to every detail. This is what The Beatles would’ve sounded like if they had the ability to record on infinite tracks and it’s amazing. Job well done is an understatement
you forgot Ringo moving his foot in the coda ,details Michael , just kidding ,unreal , great stuff
Absolute perfection. So cool to learn about the doubled piano lines! Great job as always man
Never noticed Ringo's magnificent work in this song until now. As a beatle fan since my childhood, I'm surprised
OMG! It gave me goosebumps from start to finish! You're incredible!
Holy hell this is amazing I love it so much. I have clue what you did to make the drums sound like they did but the tone and audio quality sounds 100% like the original. This freaking amazing man.
This is the most amazing beatles cover I've ever seen! Simply stunning :)
Seeing it as we’ve heard after all these years is quite breathtaking. Those eerie guitar strums, the unsettling piano accompaniment and those drums all add to the atmosphere but the way you piece them all together is outstanding. Amazing.
Perfection! The hardest thing anyone can ever do imo. This requires so much skill and ear for music to pull off.
The reincarnation of one man beatles. There aren't enough place one could find these accurate instrumentals. It's awesome man and you know it.
I can't add anything new to the comments about what a great job you did, so I'll just say "Brilliant!" and comment on your comments. Please keep up the good work. From "She Loves You" to this in 4 years. Yes, being alive then and waiting with eager anticipation for the next album, it was indeed mind blowing. I was the perfect age, 16 for "Rubber Soul", 17 for "Revolver", then 18 just as "Pepper" came out. Whew! The excitement cannot be explained if you weren't there. People who say Ringo was not that great a drummer have never listened to this song. Sure he did not have the chops of Kieth Moon, but imagine if Moon had played on this song. Terrible. Moon was right for the Who, and Ringo was right for The Beatles. Different groups, way different styles. This song was the high-water mark for The Beatles. It made the album. In fact, "Pepper" was far from as enjoyable to listen to as "Rubber Soul" or "Revolver". Sure it changed things (again) but there were several songs on the album I just did not enjoy. Every Beatle album was so different from the previous, and this was certainly no exception. Little things like the songs running into each other without the usual 4 or 5 second delay were interesting. Paul's bass reached a new level of being "lead bass" and literally making many of the songs. But on this, perhaps the most new of new Beatle songs, I have to ask, "Where is George Harrison?" He no longer determined the style of their songs by his choice of which guitar he played.
You conquered the big one, you can officially do anything
Truly a one man Beatle
Mike...no words for how unbelievably good this video is...congrats!
@MichaelSokil
2 жыл бұрын
thanks, Mark! 😁
i love how at the very beginning of the song like with just the acoustic guitar, it sounds like returning home from somewhere, but then all the other instruments come in and it turns in a complete different direction, as if going back for one more adventure
Absolute perfection! Best cover of the history! Thank you Michael, grettings from Santiago, Chile
Awesome! The simplicity of this song and how it all comes together is amazing
Michael; how perfectly tuned those toms are! I always wondered if Ringo was playing a couple of old bass drums in lieu of toms but wow, there you are with perfection in sound AND performances! Proving it was a rack tom and floor tom indeed! You my good man are amazing.
Большое спасибо! Грандиозный труд! А это Великая композиция, и так приятно видеть ее "расклад", а не только слышать)
when you put it this way, it's such a simple and stripped down song (without the orchestra part)
Hey Michael, it's just me again, Doug out here in Green Bay, WI. Man, I'm telling ya, everytime I hear this song, I'm mesmerized. This song, I don't really have the words to describe it and I just happened on it tonight and actually sang along with it. A Masterpiece recreated to sound to me exactly like the 1st time I heard it. Man, I miss your video's, but know where to find them. Thanks again Michael for all you difficult work you put in this project last year. Phenomenal Pop Combo!!!! There'll never be another band like this one, I really believe that. Outstanding work. Oh, May 24, 6 years cancer free, pretty good eh? Take care my friend from far away. Once again, Crazy Beatle Doug.🏈🎸🎹🎻🥁
Fabulous...I could have a karaoke party for one or 2 singing to these well arranged tracks.
Michael, I stumbled upon your channel in October, and have been a fan ever since. Your covers are so accurate and make me feel like I’m listening to backing tracks. Keep up the amazing work and looking forward to seeing you tackle more Beatle tunes. One I’d love to see, in particular is “Day Tripper”.
Absolutely wonderful. I especially enjoyed your notes in the description. Your attention to detail, respect for the original recording and composition, and joyous approach to the whole project is just the best. You are absolutely my kind of guy. Well done! Good on you!
Another masterpiece of my favorite Beatles song. I am truly amazed at your technical and artistic skills capturing the sounds. I sincerely hope you recreate every song they made :)
Soooo gooooood ! I noticed, in previous covers, that you use the complete songbook of the Beatles. But it does not show everything. In fact, your play is so accurate. It really helps me to play as the Beatles played on their records thanks to you: your hand/fingers on the guitar, bass or piano are very well filmed. And now, I can do it, though I tried for years to find out the right note, at the right place. Therefore, a big THANK to you ! All the best, knarf from France 🎸🇫🇷
IN-FRIGGIN'-CREDIBLE. Emotional. There are those who "TRY" to pull off this song, especially with Lennon's Gibson. Most (if not all, IMO) fall short. Michael nailed it. Floored! You captured the . . . magic. ~sujoeinc~ aka Joe Springer
George's maracas work is the GLUE that holds the song together.
@gutgolf74
5 ай бұрын
😂
I'm Blown away by the drumming!! Spot on!!
It requires 250 violin players to do this, you did it alone 🎉
Brilliant Michael!!!
You have absolutely blown my bloody mind . Amazing.
I love playing along with your instrumental versions to learn all the parts. It's so helpful and fun!
Since first listening to this song in 1967 I have imagined seeing them play it in the studio.
Wow
A song of undescribable beauty. Well done and thank you.
Pure perfection Michael. Truly truly amazing job here. Any chance of posting a spotlight video on just the piano?
That was absolutely spot on brilliant. 👍🏼
Awesome, awesome, awesome!
Este instrumental cover es una obra maestra también!!
Had to listen again Michael, everytime I hear your arrangement, it sounds more and more like the first time I took the shrink wrap off and at the end of the album heard this. Wow, once again and Hi George and Ari. Sending thoughts and prayers up for your little buddy, Hi George, get well. Love you guys!!!
I watched this the morning you posted it after having missed a lot of the recent videos and was so glad I started my day with it. Just excellent!
How does this guy not have more subscribers?
Verry nice You got it Make more Videos because I love them Thank you Michael
This is nuts!!!
So incredible. Absolutely one of the best recreations of a Beatles song ever.
Absolutely incredible work.
That was masterfully done. Very impressive. You nailed Ringo's drums! 👍👍
"Sugar plum fairy. Sugar plum fairy!" lol.
It's unbelievable.
Wonderful!
Wonderful....Thank you.
MICHAEL mis respetos que gran version y de paso gracias por los acordes que nos enseñas.
amazing drums!!!!
Chills bro, especially at that last chord
A very, very good job! It's the best instrumental cover I've have even heard about this song!
Absolutely amazing, a perfect rendition!
Wow wow wow , what else can i say.....LOVE
Beautifully done! Love the accuracy of the drums especially. Subscribed.
I kid you not, I was totally expecting at the end as it faded to black, for something to come back on and say "never could see any other one,never could see any other one,never could see any other one,never could see any other one".
Really amazing
I was 13 when this came out. I thought The Beatles couldn't keep up their high standards for another multi hit album. I mean, nobody had done that. Then Srg Pepper came out and it literally blew my mind. This track in particular. The chord at the end is everybodys mind exploding! So many genres done so well. Multiple hits AGAIN on one album. So original. I told my Mum.. " these guys are geniuses Mum, this is even better than anything they have already done!" It was unbelievable. You've done a great job, especially Paul's piano which I love. It's so casual, just ad libbing in the groove of the song. I agree, Ringo's drums are perfect for the song too. Thanks again, all the best.
Incredible stuff. Many people can replicate the tempo and the notes. But it's not easy to get the texture just right and that's what you nail, time and time again.
I can't stop watching your content. Amazingly well done. Keep up the great work.
日本人のビートルズファンです。 マイケルさん、凄い再現力ですね！ 完コピとはまさにこのことです😮 これを聞いたらジョンもポールもびっくりするのではないかと思います。 目覚まし時計の7：03には何か意味があるのですか？ 太鼓の上に置いてある、マールボロの箱もこだわりがあるのですか？ 本当に素晴らしいカバーをありがとうございます😊！
This is absolutely fantastic! I am voiceless. I just discovered your incredible covers of the Beatles. This one is the most stunning! Congratulations!
spine tinglingly To the last note Perfection !!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant! I loved Mal’s alarm clock 😅
Amazing, what a way to return! Can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.
holy shit! Fantastic. That is not an easy tune. Drumming was uncanny
Masterful Re-Creation!
Pfffff this is perfect, all the energy of the Beatles is here, the story and the atmosphere can be felt, I almost heard the lyrics, this sound is great, I will check your channel, this is awesome and so complete
Yeaah! You're back!
One word....BRILLIANT!❤
Simply brilliant! Nothing more needs to be said except, as always, thank you for sharing your amazing talents! PS…how about a making of video? Would love to see some of the behind the scenes work!
thank you so much for doing all these awesome covers! its lovely to hear these masterpieces with the current recording technologies available thus making us appreciate more all the tiny details and such. brilliant work! 🥳
I have no words... Absolutely amazing!!
Bravo!!! This was brilliant and well worth the wait.
Bloody incredible work, best one yet dude!
It's GREAT!!!!! my favorite song of the bealtes
Absolutely phenomenal!
Flawless! Impeccable! 👏👏👏