Fab Four unearth “Take 3” of Help! classic ahead of new volume’s Nov. 21 release
The Beatles have previewed their upcoming Anthology 4 by unearthing an unreleased take on the Help! classic “I’ve Just Seen a Face.”
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios (Studio Two) on June 14, 1965 — just over 60 years ago — this never-heard rendition of “I’ve Just Seen a Face” captures the rollicking third take the Beatles laid down in the studio; the Fab Four ultimately recorded six takes of the song, with the last one serving as the foundation for what appeared on Help!
“I’ve Just Seen a Face (Take 3)” opens with raw audio of the Beatles in the studio, with John Lennon quipping that “Lonnie” — presumably Lonnie Donegan, a Scottish skiffle singer who influenced the band — is “gonna regret not singing this one,” followed by Lennon missing his cue when the song opens.
Due out Nov. 21, Anthology 4 features 36 tracks, including 13 previously unreleased outtakes and demos. The set will be accompanied by an expanded and restored version of the Beatles’ Anthology documentary, with the now-nine-part series premiering on Nov. 26 on Disney+.
In addition to the unearthed “I’ve Just Seen a Face (Take 3),” Anthology 4 also boasts unreleased takes on “In My Life,” “Nowhere Man,” “If I Fell,” an unreleased rehearsal for the BBC broadcast of “All You Need Is Love,” and 2025 mixes of Anthology songs “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love.”
All four volumes of Anthology will also be released as one giant collection, a 12-LP box set on 180-gram vinyl and an eight-CD box set, from Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMG, as well as digitally.
