**#** [All Things Must Pass](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1TvXtLHjYyP4uRylWc3DSg)

13th Studio Album by The Beatles 

Release Date: February 10th, 1970 

Label: Strawberry Records 

Genre: Folk Rock, Indie Pop 

Producer: George Martin

**SIDE ONE**

1. **I'd Have You Anytime**
2. **All Things Must Pass**
3. **Run Of The Mill**
4. **Isn't It A Pity?**
5. **Man We Was Lonely**
6. **The Lovely Linda**

**SIDE TWO**

1. **Loser's Lounge**
2. **Too Many People**
3. **My Sweet Lord**
4. **A Love For You**
5. **Dear Boy**
6. **Maybe I’m Amazed**

In October 1969, the Beatles met at Strawberry to discuss their plans following the release of the album "Sun King." After the debate, they reached a decision to move forward as a trio, excluding John. They were confident in their ability to proceed without any problems. Then in November, the band made a press announcement about John's departure. In the early days of December 1969, George saw John on the street carrying an empty paper bag. John visited a small record store and returned with a collection of Beatles' Void records. He walked through the nearby streets handing them to strangers, like bus drivers, shop clerks, etc. He only responded to the confused faces of people with, "You'll understand me later, dear." Meanwhile, George stood in a doorway across the lane and watched, the bag still heavy in John's hands.

On BBC 2's Late Night Line, George and Paul appeared. During the interview on December 27th, they were questioned about their latest album, musical inspirations, and future plans before the interviewer made a question about John. Paul was unsure about John's situation post-departure. George corrected Paul by saying, "***I've seen him in public giving out albums to strangers, which surprised me, but that's John for you!***" On New Year's Eve, John and Yoko hosted a party with family and friends. At the start of the celebration, John walked into a bedroom, retrieved his guitar, and began playing a soulful rendition of the song "Across the Universe." Following this, Yoko realized that John was missing. She went in search of him and brought him back to the party. John performed on BBC’s music show Top Of the Pops on February 3rd, 1970, performing 'Isolation," filmed in Studio Eight in BBC Television Centre, London. Stuart Sutcliffe played bass, and Alan White played drums in support of John during the performance. Yoko, John's wife, did not make an appearance during the performance. John was the first solo member of The Beatles to perform on this show. The performance, recorded in three takes, was aired on February 4th, the day after the recording.

John Lennon performing ‘Isolation’ on piano "Top of the Pops, February, 1970"

(SLIDE TWO)

In March 1970 Strawberry Records opened to the public, inviting artists and bands to audition. The first act accepted was Pink Floyd, who had just released their 1969 double album Ummagumma, was the first act accepted at Strawberry Records. That month John Lennon released “Isolation” as a solo single on Strawberry Records, his first release without Yoko. On April 3, 1970, the Beatles gathered at Strawberry Studios as a trio for the first time since John’s departure to record several songs. Later that week, Paul McCartney brought Linda in to provide backing vocals. The initial recordings were made at Strawberry Studios before being sent to EMI for mixing by George Martin.

**John phoned Paul on an afternoon of May 1970. In 2011 an audio recording of the unheard call appeared on** r/beatles\*\*, posted by u/(deleted), and was verified as genuine by several sources.\*\* 

**Paul:** ***Hello?*** 

**Paul:** ***Who’s this?*** 

**John:** ***It’s me,*** 

***John.*** 

**Paul:** ***John…*** 

**Paul:** ***Lennon?*** 

**John**: ***The very same.*** 

**Paul:** ***Oh!? Didn’t expect this.*** 

**John**: ***I was just thinking about that church.*** 

**John:** ***You remember? You were up there with the guitar.*** 

**Paul:** ***St. Peter’s, yeah*** 

**Paul:** ***After you came up, you asked about the chords.*** 

**John:** ***Aye, that's the one.*** 

**John:** ***You played Twenty Flight Rock. Thought you looked far too confident for your own good.*** 

**Paul:** ***And you looked half asleep.*** 

**John:** ***Still am, mate.*** **Paul:** ***So, what’s this about then?*** 

**Paul:** ***You ringing to talk music?*** 

**John:** ***No, No…*** **John:** ***Just ringing.*** 

**Paul:** ***Right… well, it’s good to hear you.*** 

**John:** ***Yeah. Don’t read into it. I’m not coming back.*** 

**Paul:** ***I didn't say you were…*** 

**John:** ***I know you, Paul.*** 

**John:** ***You didn’t have to.*** 

***(…)*** 

**Paul:** ***You doing alright, John?*** 

**John:** ***I’m getting by.*** 

**John:** ***Write something good, yeah?*** 

**Paul:** ***Always try.*** 

**John:** ***Good lad.***

The Beatles released “Too Many People b/w I Dig Love” on Strawberry Records in late October 1970. The song “Too Many People,” credited to Paul, sparked speculation among fans and music critics. It is suggested that the lyrics, particularly ***"You took your lucky break and broke it in two,"*** refer to events in John Lennon's life, such as the birth of his second son followed by a car accident. After hearing these interpretations in the song, John was upset and decided to send a letter to Paul.

***John Lennon's letter to Paul, Nov 5, 1970. Response to the single “Too Many People.” (Strawberry Corps Archive, Box 3, Folder: Correspondence 1970.)***

***"Dear Paul,***

***Your new single landed in the shop this week. I listened, more than once. because I couldn’t quite believe a man of your gifts could disguise a bloody lecture as a record so neatly.***

***"Too Many People"? Charming melody. Very domestic advice column. If that song was meant for me, put the thing down and have a biscuit. I am not your subject, and I do not appreciate being turned into a moral case on vinyl.***

***Send your music where it pleases you. But do not expect me to smile at being made small. I won’t be polite about being made someone else’s example. Forward this where you like. I’d rather it arrive on your desk than be sung about in another chorus.***

***Yours sincerely, John Lennon"***

The Beatles' **All Things Must Pass** was released on Strawberry Records on February 10, 1971 in the UK, and on February 14, 1971 in the US and worldwide. The album is named after George Harrison's song "All Things Must Pass." It was critically acclaimed and fairly successful despite John Lennon's departure. This was the first album without any songs by John. Linda McCartney contributed backing vocals, with session players including Pete Drake and Billy Preston adding instrumental variety. Critics praised the trio’s songwriting and the album’s emotional cohesion even as some reviewers missed John’s voice in the songwriting mix.

Promotional Poster for All Things Must Pass, Strawberry Records, 1971

(SLIDE THREE)

All Things Must Pass - The Beatles (1971)