Recording, mixing: It’s All Too Much – 31 May 1967
Wednesday 31 May 1967 | Studio, Yellow Submarine
De Lane Lea Recording Studios, London, England
Engineer: Dave Siddle
On Wednesday 31 May 1967, The Beatles held their second consecutive session at De Lane Lea Recording Studios in London, continuing work on George Harrison's composition 'It’s All Too Much'. The session ran from 7pm until midnight and was conducted without producer George Martin present.
The Session
The first task of the evening was to create a reduction mix of the backing track recorded on 25 May 1967, freeing up space on the four-track tape for further overdubs. Because the session was taking place at the independent De Lane Lea Studios rather than EMI, the usual numbering convention did not apply — had the session been at EMI, these two reduction mixes would have been numbered takes five and six (following the four backing track takes). Instead, they were designated takes one and two.
The new take two was then used as the foundation for overdubs:
- Track two: George Harrison's lead vocals, backed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney on vocals and handclaps
- Track three: Cowbell and tambourine
Recording of 'It’s All Too Much' was completed at a further session on 2 June 1967.
About 'It's All Too Much'
'It’s All Too Much' was written by George Harrison and reflected the psychedelic spirit of 1967. The song was recorded for the animated film Yellow Submarine and eventually appeared on the Yellow Submarine soundtrack album, released in January 1969. Its sprawling, feedback-drenched arrangement — clocking in at over six minutes — made it one of the most ambitious recordings of the era.
De Lane Lea Studios
De Lane Lea was an independent recording facility in London, separate from The Beatles' usual home at EMI Studios in Abbey Road. Its use for the 'It’s All Too Much' sessions reflects the more experimental and free-ranging approach The Beatles were taking in 1967, working outside their usual environment and without their producer for certain sessions.
Key Facts: 31 May 1967
- Studio: De Lane Lea Recording Studios, London
- Engineer: Dave Siddle
- Producer: George Martin (not present)
- Session time: 7pm – midnight
- Song: 'It’s All Too Much' (George Harrison)
- Work done: Reduction mix of 25 May backing track; lead vocals (Harrison), backing vocals and handclaps (Lennon, McCartney); cowbell and tambourine overdubs
- Takes: Reduction mixes designated takes one and two
- Recording completed: 2 June 1967
- Released on: Yellow Submarine soundtrack (January 1969)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'It's All Too Much' by The Beatles?
'It’s All Too Much' is a psychedelic rock song written by George Harrison, recorded in May–June 1967 for the Yellow Submarine film. It was released on the Yellow Submarine soundtrack album in January 1969.
Where was 'It's All Too Much' recorded?
The song was recorded at De Lane Lea Recording Studios in London, an independent facility separate from The Beatles' usual home at EMI Abbey Road Studios.
Who produced the 'It's All Too Much' sessions?
George Martin was The Beatles' producer, but he was not present at the 31 May 1967 session. The engineer was Dave Siddle.
What is a reduction mix?
A reduction mix (also called a bounce or submix) involves combining tracks already recorded onto a multi-track tape to free up space for further overdubs. On 31 May 1967, The Beatles reduced the 25 May backing track to create room for vocal and percussion overdubs.
When was 'It's All Too Much' completed?
Recording was completed at a further session on 2 June 1967.
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