In October 1965, The Beatles recorded two new tracks for their annual December single: Day Tripper and We Can Work It Out. These songs are perfect examples of The Beatles’ ability to create catchy pop songs on demand. As one of their strongest singles, it was also the first to be released as a double A-side.
Day Tripper was recorded first on 16 October 1965. The band attempted three takes of the basic rhythm track, which included only instruments – no vocals at this stage. Drums and bass were recorded on Track 1, while rhythm and lead guitar were placed on Track 2. The third take was the only complete version. Onto this, Paul and John added lead and backing vocals on Track 3. Track 4 was used to double-track the vocals, while George played a second lead guitar part and Ringo added tambourine. The final four-track layout was as follows:
- Take 3
- Track 1: Drums, Bass
- Track 2: Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar
- Track 3: Vocals
- Track 4: Vocals, Electric Guitar, Tambourine
Although these two tracks were recorded during the Rubber Soul sessions, the most well-known stereo mixes (found on Past Masters Vol. 2) weren’t completed until 1966. These mixes were created by EMI engineer Peter Bown, rather than Norman Smith or Geoff Emerick. Bown worked in Room 65 using Studio Two’s retired REDD.37 console. Unlike the “dry” mixes typical of Rubber Soul, Bown added more reverb than usual, particularly noticeable in Day Tripper. However, he kept the standard vocals-right panning style characteristic of the Rubber Soul era.
In 1965, few changes were made to Abbey Road’s recording equipment at Abbey Road. The REDD.51 desk, along with Fairchild and Altec outboard units, remained in place. However, a significant upgrade occurred in April when a four-track tape machine was installed directly inside Studio Two’s Control Room. EMI had acquired four new Studer J 37 machines for use at Abbey Road.
Peter Vince described the Studer J-37 as the “ideal machine,” noting it was smaller than the BTR machines and fit seamlessly into the setup. From that point forward, nearly all four-track recording for the Beatles was done on the J-37. Day Tripper, is one of many Beatles songs recorded on this legendary recorder.
In the UK, Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out ranked as the seventh best-selling single of the 1960s. As of December 2018, it was the 54th best-selling single of all time in the UK, and one of six Beatles singles featured in the Official Charts Company’s top sales rankings.
