Was The Beatles Guitar Feedback On ‘I Feel Fine’ Intentional Or Accidental?

November 30, 2011 3:44 PM

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picture sleeve i feel fine 385x280 Was The Beatles Guitar Feedback On I Feel Fine Intentional Or Accidental?

To my knowledge, it was the first example of feedback being used on a pop record – or any record for that matter. If you can find an earlier one, I’d like to know about it. This #1 song from the American [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Beatles[/lastfm] ’65 album was unlike anything else that came before, and opened the door for[lastfm link_type="artist_info"] Jimi Hendrix[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Who[/lastfm], and others to let feedback become part of the music. But was it planned or just an accident that worked?

Stu

On page 50 (Sunday 18 October) of the magnificent book “Beatles Recording Sessions” by Mark Lewisohn, the opening sound to “I Feel Fine” is described as a deliberate act, conceived by John Lennon. Paul plucks his bass, Lennon creates the feedback.

If you want to see how some of the world’s greatest music was recorded, “Beatles Recording Sessions” will open your eyes. Great Christmas gift for the Beatles fan. The Beatles and George Martin et al weren’t just players and producer, they were CRAFTSMEN. As you slip on your headphones and marvel at the clarity of sound – so rare to most 60s music – of the Beatles’ recordings, read how they did it. Day by day, song by song.