The Beatles' "Helter Skelter"

About this episode

The episode explores the chaotic recording of The Beatles' 'Helter Skelter' and its impact on music.

A flaming ashtray. A saxophone mouthpiece. Blistered fingers. How did one of the Beatles’ most chaotic recording sessions lead to a raucous masterpiece that paved the way for metal? On the first part of this Beatles Two-Parter, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into the tumultuous creation of “Helter Skelter,” tracking its origins as a 30-minute mellowed out blues-rocker to the review that inspired Paul McCartney to crank the track up to an eleven. Plus, LUXXURY tries to convince Diallo to listen to Wings. Songs Discussed: “Helter Skelter” - The Beatles “Mama’s Pearl” - The Jackson 5 “Helter Skelter” - Mötley Crüe “Dear Prudence” - The Beatles “I Can See For Miles” - The Who “Holidays in the Sun” - Sex Pistols “Fire” - Arthur Brown “Birthday” - The Beatles “Happiness Is A Warm Gun” - The Beatles “You Really Got Me” - The Kinks “Exciter” - Judas Priest “Whole Lotta Love” - Led Zeppelin “Paperback Writer” - The Beatles “Long Tall Sally” - The Beatles “She Loves You” - The Beatles “Silly Love Songs” - Wings “Arrow Through Me” - Wings “Old Siam, Sir” - Wings “Muzik” - Knoc-Turn’al “Temporary Secretary” - Paul McCartney One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

People in this episode

Guests: Diallo Riddle, LUXXURY

Topics covered

• The Beatles
• music history
• recording sessions
• rock music
• metal origins
• song analysis

Keywords

• Helter Skelter
• The Beatles
• recording session
• rock music
• metal
• song analysis
• music history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Beatles, The Jackson 5, Mötley Crüe, The Who, Sex Pistols, Arthur Brown, Wings, Knoc-Turn’al, Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin

Books & works: Helter Skelter, Mama’s Pearl, Dear Prudence, I Can See For Miles, Holidays in the Sun, Fire, Birthday, Happiness Is A Warm Gun, You Really Got Me, Exciter

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