The Beatles Unveil Rare Sitar Version Of 'Norwegian Wood' From Studio Vaults

Music history buffs, assemble. The Beatles are dipping back into their legendary studio vaults once again, unleashing a captivating alternate recording of "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)." The newly released session track offers fans an intimate front-row seat to the band's creative process in late 1965, highlighting George Harrison's fascinating early experimentation with the sitar. Officially designated as "Second Version – Take 2," the fresh teaser captures a pivotal moment during the making of their groundbreaking album *Rubber Soul*. According to reports, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr originally attempted to lay down the track during their very first day of recording for the album. However, the group was unhappy with how that early attempt turned out, prompting them to revisit the composition nine days later to cut three brand-new takes.

When does the Rubber Soul special edition come out?

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This newly surfaced track serves as the third official teaser ahead of the upcoming expanded Special Edition of *Rubber Soul*, which is scheduled for official release on October 2. The expanded box set celebrates the iconic 1965 project by bundling the classic tracklist alongside a rich collection of rare archival audio. Collectors and casual listeners alike will get access to unreleased home demos, behind-the-scenes studio sessions, and a newly shared double A-side single featuring "Day Tripper" and "We Can Work It Out." The roll-out for the reissue has already provided several fascinating glimpses into the group's studio workflow. Prior to dropping this latest spin on "Norwegian Wood," the band's estate shared "Michelle (Take 1)" to kick off the album campaign. That sample was quickly followed by an informal songwriting work tape, giving listeners a candid look at how the riff and structure for "Day Tripper" originally came together before the band brought it to the studio floor.

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What makes this version of Norwegian Wood different?

The standout feature of this newly unveiled "Norwegian Wood" take is undoubtedly Harrison's acoustic exploration. During the original 1965 recording dates, the late guitarist had only recently stumbled upon the sitar, a traditional Indian stringed instrument that he would soon turn into a staple of mid-sixties psychedelic rock. This newly released "Take 2" showcases Harrison actively mastering his newly discovered instrument on the fly. Listening to the raw session tape provides an unmatched perspective on how the Fab Four built one of their most celebrated arrangements from scratch, showing the precise trial-and-error moments that ultimately led to pop music history.