Paul McCartney has revealed the story behind the iconic cover of The Beatles' 1965 album 'Rubber Soul' in a new introduction for its re-release. He explained that the distinctive stretched image was the result of a happy accident during a photo session with Robert Freeman.
McCartney recounted that while choosing a suitable shot, the cardboard projection of the image slipped, elongating the band's faces. Instead of dismissing it as a mistake, The Beatles embraced the idea, believing it perfectly echoed the album's title, 'Rubber Soul'.
The classic album, which features tracks such as 'Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)' and 'Michelle', was re-released last week on Friday, October 2. The Super Deluxe Special Edition includes new stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes, the original mono mix, and the original Capitol US Album version. It also features the double A-side single 'Day Tripper / We Can Work It Out', along with previously unreleased session recordings and home demos.
The re-release is available as either a 5-LP or 4-CD box-set, containing 68 tracks and an 88-page hardbound book with McCartney's new introduction and a foreword compiled from John Lennon's words. The album is currently on track to reach Number One in the UK charts, 60 years after its original release.