Please Mr. Postman
Written by: Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Brian Holland, Robert Bateman, Freddie Gorman (credited to Brian Holland)Recorded: July 30, 1963 (Studio 2, Abbey Road Studios, London, England)
Mixed: August 21 and October 29, 1963
Length: 2:29
Takes: 9
Musicians: John Lennon: lead vocal, rhythm guitar (1958 Rickenbacker 325)
Paul McCartney: backing vocal, bass guitar (1961 Hofner 500/1)
George Harrison: backing vocal, lead guitar (1962 Gretsch 6122 "Country Gentleman")
Ringo Starr: drums (1963 Black Oyster Pearl Ludwig kit)
Released on: (CDs in bold)
- With The Beatles, (UK: Parlophone PMC 1206; PCS 3045, Parlophone CDP 7 46436 2, US: Capitol CLJ 46436)
- The Beatles' Second Album, (US: Capitol (S)T 2080, Capitol CDP 7243 8 66877 2 2)
- "Please Mr. Postman" was a girl-group hit for the Marvelettes in the fall of 1961 (Tamla T 54046), the first Number One for the fledgling Tamla label that would later morph into part of the Motown empire. The Beatles were always huge girl-group fans, as were many bands on the Liverpool scene, and this cover was a live favorite in the Cavern days.
- This song was recorded at the beginning of the second session for With The Beatles, just before work began on "It Won't Be Long."
BBC versions: 3 (for the BBC radio programs Pop Go The Beatles, Here We Go and From Us To You)
Trivia:
- Since the band hadn't played this song live in a year and a half, it took nine takes to nail down what should have been an easy recording. John had particular difficulty in nailing the vocal track.
