It's All Too Much

George Harrison's second contribution to the Yellow Submarine soundtrack was this extended psychedelic track, with lyrics combining some of his newfound Indian influences, insights gleaned from LSD experiences, and a few references to his wife Pattie, all filtered through his dry, characteristic Liverpudlian wit.

For some reason, the Beatles chose to work at several different studios around London in 1967.  In this instance, they visited De Lane Lea Studios for all work on this number.  This meant that they were assisted by engineers unknown to them, since every studio had its own staff.  Even producer George Martin was not present at the first session on May 25th, though he was a freelancer by this point in time and able to work anywhere he wished.

With Paul on his bass and Ringo on drums, George sat at an organ and led the group through four takes of the basic track on this date.  Given the chance to play lead guitar, John channeled his best Jimi Hendrix impersonation and cut loose with some feedback right from the top of the number.  Take four, running a lengthy 8'09", was chosen as the best.

The group returned to the studio on May 31st with the same engineering team, though the producer's chair was still empty.  George recorded his lead vocal, John and Paul sang backing vocals, and all four Beatles added handclaps, which would be prominently placed in the mix.  They also threw in some tambourine, cowbell and woodblock for good measure.

George Martin was present at De Lane Lea on June 2nd for completion of the number.  He recruited four trumpeters and one bass clarinetist, but there was no arrangement waiting for them, as George Harrison wasn't sure what he wanted.  The session dragged on for several hours while everyone tried to figure out what they should be playing under the rambling eight minute track.  They even wound up throwing in a bit of The Prince of Denmark's March to fill some space.

Though the film Yellow Submarine premiered on July 17th, 1968, the soundtrack album was delayed by the Beatles and George Martin while they worked on the "White Album."  A full six months went by before it finally saw the light of day in January of 1969.  In the interim, one verse and chorus were edited out of It's All Too Much, bringing the running time down to 6'27" - still one of the longest songs in the group's catalog.

Only two and a half minutes of the song are used at the very end of the film for a celebratory sequence.  But the missing verse and some instrumental sections cut out of the version on the soundtrack album are used, so fans have probably actually heard the bulk of the recording.