Expert: Pattie - 9/16/2009

Question
Hi Pattie
I have recently bought the Remastered "Rubber Soul" CD.. I think that this album was the most poorly mixed album of all of the Beatles.. I love the songs but Ringo might as well have not even played on the album because he is mixed so far back you can barely hear him... But that is not the issue here.. LOL.. On the CD  for Ringo's song "What goes on?".. what are all the instruments on that song.. I only hear Paul on bass/vocals, John vocals, George playing lead and ringo on drums.. are those the only instruments.. Did John not play ...or is this again the lousy mix.. and he is playing the 160e but it is mixed so far back I can't hear him...
Thanks Matt...

Answer
Hi Matt!

I have the stereo box set of the remasters and have to agree with you that "Rubber Soul" has the worst mix, which is a real shame for me because that's my favourite Beatles album. Anyway, to answer your question the instrumentation on "What Goes On" is as you would expect:

McCartney-bass, harmony vocal
Lennon-rhythm guitar, harmony vocal
Harrison-lead guitar
Starr-drums, lead vocal

Ringo is actually trying to copy a tape of Paul singing the song for him as a guide when he did the vocal for this one. It was the first song he ever got a songwriting credit for.

This album has historically had a sour mix. In fact, the first mono copies in the UK were pulled and are now referred to as the "Loud Cut" versions because the mix was so bad. Hope this helped. Thanks for the question!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)

Sorry...I forgot to add in my original response that yes, John is playing the Gibson J160e.