SONG OF THE DAY

OCTOPUS´S GARDEN

Written by: Richard Starkey Recorded: 26, 29 April; 17,18 July 1969 Producers: George Martin, Chris Thomas Engineers: Jeff Jarratt, Phil McDonald

Released: 26 September 1969 (UK), 1 October 1969 (US)

Ringo Starr: vocals, drums, percussion, effects
John Lennon: guitar
Paul McCartney: backing vocals, bass, piano
George Harrison: backing vocals, lead guitar, synthesiser

Available on: Abbey Road /Anthology 3 / Love

Ringo's second composition for The Beatles was written in Sardinia. On 22 August 1968 he temporarily walked out of sessions for the White Album after becoming disenchanted with the increasing tensions within the group. He took his family abroad for a boating holiday, returning to Abbey Road on 5 September. The song was first worked on by Ringo and George in january 1969 during the Get Back sessions.

Although The Beatles temporarily considered Octopus's Garden as Ringo's vocal spot on what would become the Let It Be album, it wasn't recorded properly until the Abbey Road sessions. On 26 April they recorded 32 takes of the rhythm track, with Ringo on drums and guide vocals, George & John on guitars and Paul on bass.

The arrangement was in place early on, including the opening guitar runs played by George.Take two of the song, including Ringo's guide vocal, was included on Anthology 3 in 1996.

On 29 April Ringo overdubbed his lead vocals, though these were later re-recorded. The song was then left until 17 July, when Paul added a bass part, he and George contributed backing vocals, and various sound effects were added - including the sound of Ringo blowing bubbles into a glass of water.Ringo finally recorded his lead vocals in 18 July, the song was completed.