Video: 'Eight Days A Week (2023 Mix)'
(Sunday, October 18, 1964, 2:30-11:30 p.m. BST; during Beatles For Sale sessions) — The Beatles embarked on an intense nine-hour studio session today at Abbey Road Studios in London, completing the recording eight tracks for both their forthcoming single and the highly anticipated fourth studio album, Beatles For Sale.
Video: 'Kansas City / Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey (Medley / Remastered 2009)'
The tracks completed today included “Eight Days a Week,” “Kansas City“/”Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey!,” “Mr. Moonlight,” I Feel Fine,” “I’ll Follow the Sun,” “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby,” “Rock and Roll Music” and Words of Love.”
Video: 'Kansas City / Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey! (Anthology 1 Version / Medley)' (take 2)
The band kicked off the session by working on “Eight Days A Week.” Although they initially recorded an elaborate introduction and coda, the intro was eventually discarded. The final product, captured in takes 14 and 15, set the stage for what will become the A-side of their next single.
Video: 'Mr Moonlight (Remastered 2009)'
Next, they tackled Little Richard’s energetic “Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey!” in two takes, with the first take emerging as the superior version for the album. George Martin, the band’s producer, joined them on piano, adding a distinct flair to the recording.
Video: 'The Beatles - I Feel Fine (Take 1 and Take 2)'
Earlier attempts at “Mr. Moonlight,” recorded on Aug. 14, 1964, had left the band dissatisfied. They revisited the track today, recording four new takes and selecting the best as the final version.
Video: 'The Beatles - I Feel Fine (Take 5)'
The session also included “I Feel Fine,” which is slated to be The Beatles’ Christmas single. The distinctive feedback introduction was present from the very first take. The band recorded eight takes of the rhythm track, overlaying vocals on the final take to achieve the desired sound.
Video: 'The Beatles - I Feel Fine (Take 6)'
Video: 'The Beatles - I Feel Fine (Take 7 and Take 9)'
Video: 'I Feel Fine (2023 Mix)'
Paul McCartney’s “I’ll Follow The Sun,” a composition dating back to 1959, was recorded in eight takes. McCartney revealed that innovative percussion techniques, like tapping knees and using a cardboard box, were employed to keep their sound fresh and distinctive.
Video: 'I'll Follow The Sun (Remastered 2009)'
Carl Perkins’ “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby” and Chuck Berry’s “Rock And Roll Music” were both recorded swiftly in single takes, with the latter featuring contributions from Lennon, McCartney, and Martin on a Steinway grand piano to mimic the original piano part by Johnnie Johnson.
Video: 'Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby (Remastered 2009)'
Video: 'Rock And Roll Music (Remastered 2009)'
Finally, The Beatles put their unique spin on Buddy Holly’s “Words Of Love,” recording a version faithful to Holly’s arrangement but adding their own touches. The final version was take two, with additional overdubs completed before the session concluded.
Video: 'Words Of Love (Remastered 2009)'
The energy and creativity displayed during this marathon session underscore The Beatles’ relentless drive to innovate and produce music that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
