'Universe' uses low-tech recording gear

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Hollywood director Julie Taymor wanted authenticity for Beatles’ tunes in her movie “Across the Universe,” so the songs were recorded with vintage equipment.

The production team recorded the music using analog tape and microphones that were in use when the Beatles were recording the music that Taymor said formed the basis for the movie.

"The entire concept of this musical is that the lyrics will tell the story," Taymor said in a statement. "They are the libretto. They are the arias. They are the emotion of the characters."

The romance -- set in the 1960s -- and its Interscope Records soundtrack were released in the United States Friday.

The CD features 16 songs -- including Joe Cocker singing "Come Together," Evan Rachel Wood singing "Blackbird" and Bono performing "I Am the Walrus" and the end title track, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”

The CD also includes performances by the movie’s cast of "All My Loving," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "It Won't Be Long," "I've Just Seen a Face," "Let It Be," "Something," "Oh Darling," "Across the Universe," "Helter Skelter," "Strawberry Fields" and "Hey Jude."