Matchbox: Introduction
“Matchbox” is a Carl Perkins song that The Beatles covered in 1964. Moreover, it comes from their “Long Tall Sally” EP. However, it is also available on their “Past Masters” album as well as “Live At The BBC.”
In Detail
- Release Date: June 19, 1964 (UK EP), August 24, 1964 (US single)
- Recorded: June 1, 1964
- Genre: Rock and roll, rockabilly
- Track Duration: 1:57 (label on both singles and albums say 1:37, which is wrong.)
- Record Label: Parlophone (UK) Capitol (US)
- Songwriter: Carl Perkins
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- Ringo Starr: double-tracked vocals, drums
- John Lennon: Rickenbacker 325/12 rhythm guitar
- George Harrison: double-tracked lead guitar
- Paul McCartney: bass guitar
- George Martin: piano
Where To Find “Matchbox”
You can still buy this song if you get a hold of the following releases:
**The original recording is on the EP. It is also on the Past Masters album.
Matchbox Background
In 1927, Blind Lemon Jefferson wrote “Match Box Blues,” which has lyrics close to this Carl Perkins song. However, musically, the songs are different.
Carl Perkins recorded “Matchbox” in December 1956 as the B-side to “Your True Love,” which gave him minor chart success in 1957.
While The Beatles were gigging in their early days, they would also sing this song as part of their live repertoire.
Prior to Ringo Starr joining the group, Pete Best would sing solo on this song. John Lennon then took over the lead vocals onstage once the band had their new drummer. However, Ringo Starr sang on the commercially available recording.
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording “Matchbox” on June 1, 1964, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 2.30 p.m.–5.30 p.m. session. All in all, they recorded five takes, with the last one of those being suitable for commercial release on the “Long Tall Sally” EP.
While The Beatles were in the Abbey Road studios recording the song, the original singer, Carl Perkins, dropped in. Perkins was on a UK tour at the time and took advantage of his invitation to observe the Fab Four recording.
Ringo Starr sang the song while playing the drums at the same time. But he said he felt “very embarrassed” while the American guest called in. This is because the drummer had a bad throat that day. In fact, just two days later, he was in the hospital with acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Due to his illness, Starr missed the start of the Beatles’ world tour.
The Beatles also recorded “Matchbox” for the BBC Radio show “Pop Go The Beatles,” which aired on July 30, 1963. This version is obviously on their 1994 album, “Live At The BBC.”
Take A Listen
Finally, take a listen to the song, then give your opinions below.
