The Beatles - Helter Skelter

The Beatles - Helter Skelter 1968

"Helter Skelter" is a song written by Paul McCartney, credited to Lennon/McCartney, and recorded by The Beatles on their eponymous LP The Beatles, better known as The White Album. A product of McCartney's deliberate effort to create a sound as loud and dirty as possible, the clangorous piece has been noted for both its "proto-metal roar" and "unique textures." It was one of several White Album compositions interpreted by Charles Manson as coded prophecies of a war to arise from racial tensions between blacks and whites.

The Beatles recorded the song multiple times during the The White Album sessions. During the 18 July 1968 sessions, a version of the song lasting 27 minutes and 11 seconds was recorded, although this version is rather slow and hypnotic, differing greatly from the volume and rawness of the album version. Another recording from the same day was edited down to 4:37 for Anthology 3, which was originally twelve minutes long. On 9 September, 18 takes of approximately five minutes each were recorded, and the last one is featured on the original LP. After the 18th take, Ringo Starr flung his sticks across the studio and screamed, "I've got blisters on my fingers!" The Beatles included Starr's shout on the stereo mix of the song (available on CD); the song completely fades out around 3:40, then gradually fades back in, fades back out partially, and quickly fades back in with three cymbal crashes and Ringo's scream (some sources erroneously credit the "blisters" line to Lennon due to the fact that in the video he can be seen screaming at the end; in fact, Lennon can be heard asking "How's that?" before the outburst). The mono version (originally on LP only) ends on the first fadeout without Ringo's outburst. The mono version was not initially available in the US as mono albums had already been phased out there. The mono version was later released in the American version of the Rarities album. In 2009, it was made available on the CD mono re-issue of the White Album as part of the Beatles in Mono CD box set. * Paul McCartney -- lead vocal, lead guitar * John Lennon -- background vocals, 6-string bass, and sound effects (through brass instruments) * George Harrison -- rhythm guitar, sound effects, and background vocals * Ringo Starr -- drums, screamed sentence "I Got Blisters On My Fingers". * Mal Evans -- trumpet

In other news, I have added the lyrics to this song so you can sing along, or perhaps learn the song! This is how I learned my first Beatles song! Enjoy :)

Album: White Album

• Category

  Music

[12DeleteYourself]

idiot bieber used weed himself you moron

[hoffnerrocks]

kid get the hell out, one direction also has a staff to write their music for them. Besides in a few years they will no longer be popular just like the jonas brothers. The Beatles are timeless who amazed the world with their innovative sound.

[ziva saul]

Beatles Beatles, mas como americano é idiota

[EmilyIsAvenged]

I love the beetles!

[liberalboi]

I will agree that my comment was a little bit hyperbolic, as it was intended to be more humorous than serious.

But I still believe that arguing over opinions in musical taste is a bit ridiculous. Telling somebody that the Beatles are better than 1 Direction isn't going to make them change their mind.

The type of music that people enjoy has a basis in heredity, not conscious choice. Personally, I don't like 1 direction, but if that's what kids like then who are we to say they shouldn't as well

[Nikolas Marsh]

Now that's what I call..uh.confusion..Helter Skelter.

[Robert M.]

You're over emphasizing things to prove a point. Very few Beatles fans say "if you listen to anything else, you are a stupid little kid". Those who DO are just ass holes.

What I have a problem with is when people come on here and try to say Justin Bieber of 1 direction has more talent or influence than the Beatles.

[alexswift1]

This is probably the first heavy metal song ever written

[liberalboi]

Typical comment section on a Beatles video.

Always a bunch of assholes preaching about how the Beatles are the best band ever and that if you listen to anything else, then you are a stupid little kid.

Long live 2 Chainz!

[xmisunderstoodfulx]

How does older stuff like this have to do with shitty music that is made now a days you bieber,little wayne, one direction get the fuck out of here you have your own shit to listen to now stop bashing shit you don't get. Really had to take your time and come here bashing when obviously this band has been around for many years so get the fuck out of here.

[emily fischel]

Quality IS better than quantity; that is why the Beatles are better than Just Biever.

[nintendopwns002]

As much as I agree with you, I must remind you to not feed the trolls. This is the internet, where you must proceed with caution.