Slow Down

Slow Down

Written by: Larry Williams
Recorded: June 1, 1964; June 4, 1964 (Studio 2, Abbey Road Studios, London, England)
Mixed: June 4, 1964; June 22, 1964
Length: 2:54
Takes: 5
Musicians: John Lennon: lead vocal (double-tracked), rhythm guitar (1964 Rickenbacker 325)
Paul McCartney: bass guitar (1961 Hofner 500/1)
George Harrison: lead guitar (Gretsch 6119 "Tennessean")
Ringo Starr: drums (Ludwig)
George Martin: piano
First released: August 24, 1964 (US: Capitol 5255; b-side of "Matchbox")
Available on: (CDs in bold)

• Something New, (US: Capitol (S)T 2108, CDP 7243 8 66876 2 3)
• Long Tall Sally (EP), (UK: Parlophone GEP 8913)
• Past Masters Volume 1, (UK: Parlophone CDP 7 90043 2, US: Capitol CDP 7 90043 2)

History:

• Originally recorded by New Orleans R&B artist Larry Williams, who was groomed by Specialty records to replace Little Richard after he left rock and roll for religion. The Beatles covered three Williams songs on record during their career ("Slow Down," "Bad Boy," and "Dizzy Miss Lizzie"), which ties him with Carl Perkins for most-covered artist by the group.
• The Beatles performed "Slow Down" often during their Hamburg and Liverpool days, again with John on vocals. It was also recorded for the BBC nearly a year before the official version.
• Although this was cut at the same Carl Perkins-attended session which produced "Matchbox," the a-side of this single, a piano was overdubbed by George Martin three days later.

BBC radio versions: 1 (for the BBC radio program Pop Goes The Beatles)
Trivia:

• Although he was never a superstar in America, Larry Williams was quite influential in the UK, which is why the Beatles recorded so many of his songs. Most of the Williams covers were released in the UK before they were released stateside.