Beatles CD to go 'back to basics'

The Let It Be tapes were handed to Spector as The Beatles fell apart

A "back-to-basics" version of The Beatles album Let It Be, taking it back to its rock roots, is to be released.

Let It Be... Naked returns the album to Sir Paul McCartney's original plans, stripping out producer Phil Spector's lavish effects and orchestrations.

"It's exactly as it was in the room," said Sir Paul. "You're right there."

The 1969 album was recorded as the band drifted apart, so hundreds of hours of abandoned tapes were given to Spector to turn into something to release.

Sir Paul was said to be annoyed by the orchestration added to his song, The Long and Winding Road.

You're bloody right again - it sounds great without Phil Ringo Starr to Sir Paul McCartney

"If we had today's technology back then, it would sound like this because this is the noise we made in the studio," he said.

Ringo Starr recently told Rolling Stone magazine: "Paul was always totally opposed to Phil.

"I told him on the phone recently: 'You're bloody right again. It sounds great without Phil.' Which it does."

Songs cut

The album, which includes the tracks Across the Universe and Let It Be, was originally supposed to be called Get Back.

The songs Dig It and Maggie Mae, plus background dialogue - which appear on the album - will be removed for the new version, with Don't Let Me Down added.

It will be released by EMI Records on 17 November.

Spector, one of the most celebrated producers in rock history, is waiting to hear whether he will be charged over the death in February of Lana Clarkson at his home.