Gramatik Vs. The Beatles - Don’t Let Me Down 2012

Whenever I hear of a project involving The Beatles’ songs in any way, I’m always incredibly wary that the rendition won’t be a complete screw up. That means covers, mashups, remixes, samples and live versions all come under close scrutiny and high expectations. I always hope against hope that the remake won’t be an insult to the legacy of the greatest band that has probably ever existed. So naturally, when I cam across this track by Slovene / American producer Gramatik, I was very suspicious - not least because he put his name before The Beatles and included a ‘Vs’ to in the title of the collaboration.   

Luckily, Don’t let Me Down 2012 has been given the big thumbs up. Gramatik has blurred the lines between the original and the rework. He explains the process

So, back in 2006 when I was still rapping (in Slovene), I sampled ”Don’t Let Me Down” by The Beatles and later on recorded lyrics over it. The beat was very simple, adapted for rap vocals so I decided to revisit it, remove my raps and add a bunch of other live instruments, synths and samples to it, so you guys can enjoy it in instrumental form without it being boring. It’s a downtempo hip-hop flavored banger that continues the evolution of collage sampling combined with live instrumentation and synthesis. Hope you guys like it.

I also hope you like it. 

Download - Don’t Let Me Down 2012