Friday, May 14, 2010

Did the Beatles Write "Twist and Shout"?

No, "Twist and Shout" was written by Phil Medley and Bert Russell and originally recorded by the Top Notes. A cover version by the Isley Brothers released in 1962 inspired the Beatles' version. The Beatles helped to enhance the song's popularity by using it as the album closer to the Please Please Me LP and as a concert opener for much of their touring career. The best performance of the song by the Beatles happened to occur in Abbey Road Studios on February 11, 1963 at the end of a marathon recording session for Please Please Me, recording most of the album in a single day. They recorded two takes of "Twist and Shout," but take one was the keeper. It featured a magnificent vocal performance from John Lennon, which George Martin described as ripping his voice to shreds.

1 comment:

Tom Degan said...

And speaking of the Beatles....I'm on my way to Abbey Road tonight!

http://tomdegan.blogspot.com/2010/05/were-off-to-abbey-road.html

All you need is love,

Tom Degan