The Beatles' "Helter Skelter"

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 (open.spotify.com/playlist/40SIOpVROmrxTjOtH7Q1…)

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