New mania for a long-buried Beatles track

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Not only is “Carnival” a delicacy for specific tastes, but some Beatles freaks are hungrier than others for it. Bruce Spizer, an author and historian who has written seven books on the Beatles, including “The Beatles Story on Capitol Records, Parts I and II” and “The Beatles on Apple Records,” admits he would like to hear “Carnival,” but is keeping his expectations in check.

“I think the legendary ‘holy grail’ status that’s attached to the track is because so few have heard it and not because it’s a brilliant piece of Beatles music,” Spizer said. “So I don’t think it’s the gem that the early take of ‘I’m Looking Through You’ that appeared on ‘Anthology’ is.”

Spizer said Beatles producer Sir George Martin — who was contacted for this story but declined comment — didn’t think much of “Carnival,” either. “The story I heard,” Spizer said, “is that Sir George was reminded of it and his response was, ‘I’ve forgotten about that and it’s just as well.’ I think he regarded it as a frivolous waste of time.”

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Still, there undoubtedly is a legion of Beatles loyalists who will line up to hear the track once it is made available, which could be anytime after the release is approved by Ringo, Yoko Ono and Harrison’s widow Olivia. That begs the question: Are there any other buried-treasure recordings by the Beatles still to be unearthed?

“One live recording,” Babiuk said. “From the last time the Beatles toured England, in December of ’65. Paul played ‘Yesterday’ on a Vox organ. I’ve been looking feverishly for years, talking to people. I’m looking for a simple hand recording, anything.”

“I heard there were some additional songwriting moments during the making of ‘Magical Mystery Tour,’ some interesting outtake stuff,” Schillinger said. “Also a series of recordings of the film and the rooftop sessions of ‘Let It Be,' referenced by some known recordings on a Nagra (tape recorder) on the side of the room by one of the film guys.”

On Spizer’s wish list: “The 27-minute version of ‘Helter Skelter’ that wasn’t put on ‘Anthology.’ That’s something other Beatles fans would be interested in. Also, from my standpoint, I’d rather hear take one of ‘A Day in the Life,’ with just John’s lead vocal and drum track. I’m interested in the idea behind it, that from this very intimate sound, what starts as a small thing grows into this fabulous production number.”

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In the meantime, those who study the Beatles will have to settle for “Carnival.” Rich Pagano, a member of the Fab Faux as well as an accomplished solo artist (richpagano.com), said even though the track is strange, it’s still a valuable piece of popular music history.

“The Beatles have become a template for the great pop hook or arrangement,” Pagano said. “There is always something to learn from their creative process. Of course, this will appeal a bit more to those of us who dissect their music to understand why it is so brilliant.

“The bootlegs, work-in-progress, unreleased tracks are essential to study exactly what they peeled away to get to the essence of the song.”