Slow Down: Introduction
“Slow Down” is a Beatles’ cover song from their EP, “Long Tall Sally” from 1964. However, it is also available on their “Past Masters” album. There is also a version on their “Live At The BBC” album as well. Indeed, The Beatles would sing this song regularly in their early live performances.
In Detail
- Release Date: June 19, 1964 (UK EP), August 24, 1964 (US single)
- Recorded: June 1, 1964
- Genre: Rock and roll
- Track Duration: 2:54
- Record Label: Parlophone (UK), Capitol (US)
- Format: 7-inch EP (UK), single (US)
- Songwriter: Larry Williams
- Producer: George Martin
- Engineer: Norman Smith
Performers And Instruments
- John Lennon: vocals, also the rhythm guitar
- Paul McCartney: bass guitar
- George Harrison: lead guitar
- Ringo Starr: drums
- George Martin: piano
Where To Find “Slow Down”
If you need this song, it is available on the following releases:
**Purchase the EP or Past Masters album if you just need the original version of the song.
Slow Down: Background
In September 1957, Larry Williams originally recorded the song “Slow Down.” This track became the flip side of “Dizzy, Miss Lizzy” when released as a double A-side single in March 1958.
Only “Dizzy, Miss Lizzy” reached the “Top 100 Sides” chart, peaking at number 69 during the week ending April 19, 1958. This is a description of the song’s instrumentation by the backing musicians at the time:
“Unstoppable, non gimmicky, almost careening out of control with its pounding piano and booting sax.”
Gene Sculatti
Music Journalist
Of course, The Beatles recorded both songs. Not only that, but these two songs were part of the Beatles’ live repertoire in their early gigging days.
Recording Studio
The Beatles began recording “Slow Down” on June 1, 1964, in Studio Two of the EMI Studios in London (2.30 p.m.–5.30 p.m. sessions). All in all, the band recorded six takes, with take six becoming the rhythm track. Then the overdubbing of John Lennon’s double-tracked vocals began.
On June 4, further overdubbing took place with a piano piece from George Martin, and the track was then complete. However, the recording was raw and lacked the usual Beatles’ authority.
“One of the Beatles’ least successful rock-and-roll covers,” lacking “bottom, drive, and basic cohesion.” Furthermore, “the guitar solo is embarrassing, and the sound balance a shambles.”
Ian MacDonald
Revolution in the Head
MacDonald also criticised the way dropouts seemed to occur in the recording. For example, the piano fades out, which is noticeable at 1 minute and 14 seconds. Then, Paul McCartney’s bass goes missing in places!
As was usual in the early sixties, The Beatles would feature heavily on BBC Radio. So, on July 16, 1963, they recorded a version at the BBC Paris Theatre in London for the radio show “Pop Go The Beatles.” Then, on August 20, 1963, the presenter, Rodney Burke, played the song on the show.
Take A Listen
Finally, give this song a whirl and see what you think. Share your thoughts with us here or in our massive Beatles Forum (link in the tabs above).
