Written by: Paul McCartney & John LennonReleased: March 22nd, 1963
Appears on: Please Please Me
Lead vocal: Paul
For some bizarre reason, George Martin had no confidence in Ringo. So, he brought in veteran session drummer, Alan White to record with the group and threw Ringo a tambourine to bang on. Funnily enough, when you hear the version that Martin put on the album, Ringo's tambourine is much more clearer and upfront than White's pedestrian drumming. The truth is, though, "Love Me Do" in itself is a simple song, not requiring much in the instrumentation department.
The two versions, especially when you listen to them back-to-back, really aren't that different. Paul and John give the same vocal performance, almost note-for-note and George's guitar is just as straightforward as before.
Anyway, the end of the story was that Ringo got really insulted (considering only days before, he joined the band) and Martin apologized, allowing him to drum on the frst album. Ringo also got the last word by recording a rather funny version of "Love Me Do" on Vertical Man (a fantastic album, by the way).
Also, it is interesting as to where the singles are placed in relation to the rest of the LP. The four previously released single-sides are stuck in the middle, sticking out like sore thumbs. There is something missing from these tracks. I think it's a little bit of energy. The Beatles were obviously just getting their feet wet and were as professional as possible. When they went into EMI on that February day to record the album, Martin let the boys loose and just record any ten songs. So, when I listen to Please Please Me, I always find the transition from "Boys" to "Ask Me Why" jarring; almost as if the pieces don't fit.
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