"I'm Down" (McCartney – July 19, 1965)
B-Side of “Help!”
"I'm Down" is a song by the Beatles written by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon/McCartney) and first released as the B-side to the single "Help!" in 1965. According to critic Richie Unterberger of Allmusic, "I'm Down" is "one of the most frantic rockers in the entire Beatles catalog." The song was influenced by 1950s rhythm & blues artists—Amazon.com called it a "homage to Little Richard."—and some critics see it as a rewrite of Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally", but Unterberger says there are significant differences. Another example of this style song by McCartney is 1964's "She's a Woman", the B-side of "I Feel Fine".
Composition –
The Beatles recorded "I'm Down" on 14 June 1965 in the same session as "Yesterday" and "I've Just Seen a Face".
The Beatles recorded the backing track in seven takes. The first of these takes can be heard on Anthology 2, with a quiet organ track and no backing vocals. At the beginning of the Anthology version, McCartney says, "Let's hope this one turns out pretty darn good" in a faux American accent. During the session, particularly between takes one and two, McCartney can be heard repeating the phrase "Plastic soul, man, plastic soul". He later revealed that the phrase, which the Beatles later adapted for the title of their album Rubber Soul, was used by black musicians to describe Mick Jagger.
Recording –
The Beatles recorded the backing track in seven takes. The first of these takes can be heard on Anthology 2, with a quiet organ track and no backing vocals. At the beginning of the Anthology version, McCartney says, "Let's hope this one turns out pretty darn good" in a faux American accent. During the session, particularly between takes one and two, McCartney can be heard repeating the phrase "Plastic soul, man, plastic soul". He later revealed that the phrase, which the Beatles later adapted for the title of their album Rubber Soul, was used by black musicians to describe Mick Jagger.
Recording –
Takes: 7
Personnel
John Lennon – Backing vocals, rhythm guitar (1964 Rickenbacker 325), organ (Vox Continental )
Paul McCartney – Lead vocals, bass guitar (1961 Hofner 500/1)
George Harrison – Backing vocals, lead guitar (Gretsch 6119 "Tennessean")
Ringo Starr – Drums (Ludwig), bongos
Paul McCartney – Lead vocals, bass guitar (1961 Hofner 500/1)
George Harrison – Backing vocals, lead guitar (Gretsch 6119 "Tennessean")
Ringo Starr – Drums (Ludwig), bongos
Release –
The official release date for the "Help"/"I'm Down" single was 19 July 1965 on Capitol Records in the US and 23 July on Parlophone in the UK. "I'm Down" was never released on an official Beatle studio album, and was only available in the US. in mono as the B-side of the "Help!" single until the summer of 1976. That year, it appeared in stereo on Rock 'n' Roll Music, a compilation LP released in the US by Capitol featuring up tempo Beatles' tracks. The first CD release was in 1988 on the compilation Past Masters, Volume One, where it appeared in true stereo.
There is also an alternate version of the song (take 1) on Anthology 2. The tempo is slower and there are no backing vocals.
There is also an alternate version of the song (take 1) on Anthology 2. The tempo is slower and there are no backing vocals.
Live Performances –
The Beatles used "I'm Down" to close concerts in their final year as a live act replacing "Long Tall Sally" for most of those shows.
During their performance at Shea Stadium in August 1965 (the largest audience the Beatles ever drew during their career as a live touring band), the band played a memorably frenzied version of the song, with John Lennon playing a Vox Continental Organ with his elbows at times. Footage of this performance may be seen on The Beatles Anthology video.
The band also played this song during their 12 September 1965 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show which was recorded 14 August 1965, the day before the Shea concert. Lennon played the keyboard with his elbow for this performance as well. However, Lennon played guitar, rather than organ, for a version recorded in Tokyo on their 1966 tour even though a Vox organ was set up on stage.
McCartney played the song to open his set at the Concert for New York City following the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. The concert was held at Madison Square Garden in support of firefighters, policemen, and other public workers who suffered from the aftermath of the attacks. He also reintroduced "I'm Down" into his set list for his three historic concerts at Citi Field (which replaced Shea Stadium) in July 2009.
The band also played this song during their 12 September 1965 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show which was recorded 14 August 1965, the day before the Shea concert. Lennon played the keyboard with his elbow for this performance as well. However, Lennon played guitar, rather than organ, for a version recorded in Tokyo on their 1966 tour even though a Vox organ was set up on stage.
McCartney played the song to open his set at the Concert for New York City following the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. The concert was held at Madison Square Garden in support of firefighters, policemen, and other public workers who suffered from the aftermath of the attacks. He also reintroduced "I'm Down" into his set list for his three historic concerts at Citi Field (which replaced Shea Stadium) in July 2009.
Trivia –
Paul McCartney opened his section of the September 11 benefit The Concert For New York City with this number.
Aerosmith helped get themselves a record contract by playing a version of this song at their audition; they later recorded the song in the studio for 1987's Permanent Vacationalbum.
Aerosmith helped get themselves a record contract by playing a version of this song at their audition; they later recorded the song in the studio for 1987's Permanent Vacationalbum.
The Beastie Boys infamously sought to sample this song for their 1986 debut, Licensed To Ill, but couldn't get permission from Michael Jackson, who had just acquired the publishing rights and who found the Beasties offensive.
Today in Beatles History (From The Internet Beatles Album) February 13 –
1963 – Transmision of performance for ABC-TV's Thank Your Lucky Stars.
1964 – Start of stay at Miami. Dezo Hoffmann is with them.
1965 – Brighton. Ringo and Maureen's wedding trip.
– Brian, Marianne Faithfull, Adrienne Posta and Ted Ray appear on Juke Box Jury.
1966 – Brian throws a party at 24 Chapel Street. Guests, among others: Cilla Black, Gerry and the Pacemakers and wives, John and Cynthia, Ringo and Maureen, Paul and Peter Asher.
1967 – US single release: "Strawberry Fields Forever"/"Penny Lane".
– Studio 2. 7.00pm-3.30am. Mono mixing: "A Day In The Life" (remixes 2-5, from take 7). Recording: "Not Known" (working title of "Only A Northern Song"). (takes 1-9). Producer: George Martin; Engineer: Geoff Emerick; 2nd Engineer: Richard Lush.
– Recording of "Only A Northern Song" rhythm track.
– Recording of "Only A Northern Song" rhythm track.
1968 – Ringo sings with Cilla "Do You Like Me Just A Little Bit", on BBC-TV.
1969 – Post Office Tower's restaurant. Party thrown by Apple Records to launch Mary Hopkin's debut album, Postcard. Paul and Linda attend.
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