Umbrella

**Umbrella** is the ninth studio album by the English rock band the Beatles, released on 21 September 1968 by Apple Records. The first record not produced by George Martin, the cover features a shot of the four Beatles during their stay in India. Despite topping the UK charts, it is widely regarded as The Beatles' biggest mistake, being panned by the critics at the time, reaching only number 4 in the United States. Retrospectively, Umbrella is recognised for its fragmentary style and diverse range of genres, as well as being influential on lo-fi and DIY scene.

Featuring sixteen songs, twelve of them were written in India (exceptions are *Only a Northern Song*, *Birthday*, *Don't Pass Me By* and *Savoy Truffle*). As the only instrument available was an acoustic guitar, this resulted on most of the songs recorded on the album being acoustic and recorded solo or only by part of the group. The production aesthetic ensured that the album's sound was scaled-down and less reliant on studio innovation than most of their releases since *Revolver* (1966).

At the end of May 1968, the Beatles returned to EMI Studios in London to commence recording sessions that lasted until July. During these sessions, arguments broke out among the foursome over creative differences. After a series of various problems, including an argument between Paul McCartney and George Harrison over creative freedom over the band, Ringo Starr left the band for two weeks in June. Things were settled as Brian Epstein became far more present in the sessions.

The performance of the album was disappointing to the band and bad for Apple Records' early reputation. After the repercussion, manager Brian Epstein decided to bring George Martin to the producer role, leaving The Beatles to record the songs, releasing *A Doll's House* in a little more than four months later. In later years, The Beatles expressed dissatisfaction with the record. Despite this, the album was considered vital to lo-fi musicians, who praised the "raw material" of the album.

## Track listing

All tracks are written by Lennon–McCartney, except when noted.

## Personnel

The Beatles
* John Lennon – lead, harmony and background vocals; acoustic, lead, rhythm and bass guitars; piano, Hammond organ, harmonium; harmonica, saxophone mouthpiece; assorted percussion
* Paul McCartney – lead, harmony and background vocals; bass, acoustic, lead and rhythm guitars; acoustic and electric pianos, Hammond organ; assorted percussion; drums
* George Harrison – lead, harmony and background vocals; lead, rhythm, acoustic and bass guitars; Hammond organ; and assorted percussion
* Ringo Starr – drums and assorted percussion; piano and sleigh bell; lead vocals and backing vocals

Guest musicians
* Yoko Ono – backing vocals, lead vocals and handclaps on "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill", backing vocals on "Birthday"
* Mal Evans – backing vocals and handclaps on "Birthday"
* Jack Fallon – violin on "Don't Pass Me By"
* Pattie Harrison – backing vocals on "Birthday"
* Maureen Starkey – backing vocals on "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill"

Production
* George Martin – string, brass, clarinet, orchestral arrangements and conducting
* Chris Thomas – Mellotron on "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill", harpsichord on "Piggies", electric piano, organ and saxophone arrangement on "Savoy Truffle"
* Ken Scott – engineer and mixer
* Geoff Emerick – engineer
* Barry Sheffield – engineer (Trident Studio)