George Martin - Under-Appreciated?

Hi folks.

I only signed up today. Looks like a good community!

First question - How much did George Martin contribute to studio recordings?

I've always thought his contribution is underrated.

Firstly, Let It Be. Sandwiched between my two favourite Beatle albums, White Album and Abbey Road, it compares very badly (IMO), and I always thought it was more than just Phil Spector's gaudy over-production. To me, it's like there's something missing. I.e. George Martin.

Secondly, there are several songs I think Martin must have played a huge part in. All those instrumental parts that The Beatles didn't play themselves. A good example is I Am The Walrus. The orchestration and harmony in that! If it were a Paul song, I might be prepared to believe that he wrote all that himself, but because it is a John song, I'm inclined to believe that he just told Martin to deal with it. Going back several years, the instrumental section of In My Life gives me the same feeling.

Does anyone have any evidence or resource that confirms or counters my argument?

I'd be very interested.

Love+Peace,

StillNeedsSweeping.

Hey, welcome to the forum. I'm new here myself, and hoping to maybe help revive the place a bit.

I wouldn't say GM is overly under appreciated, as he was extremely influential in the Beatles early productions. That being said the Beatles as individuals grew musically by leaps and bounds, and were able to do far more creative work on their own as years went by. However, GM was still a great help, and I am also sure a lot of their later work would not have sounded the same without him. He will always be considered the 5th Beatle after all.

As for Let It Be, I kind of wish Phil Spector had never been involved, but it is what it is. Can't say I have been a fan of Let It Be... Naked though.