Mr. Moonlight (song)

"Mr. Moonlight" is a song written by Roy Lee Johnson, best known for being covered by the Beatles on the 1964 albums Beatles for Sale in the United Kingdom and Beatles '65 in the United States.

Different versions

The first known recording of the song was by blues pianist Piano Red, recording as "Dr. Feelgood and the Interns". It was released as a B-side of a minor rhythm & blues hit single (titled "Dr. Feelgood") in 1962.[1] The record became something of a cult favorite among several young British R&B enthusiasts, some of whom would soon go on to become members of well-known bands.

Another emerging beat group, The Hollies, recorded and released their own performance of the song with Graham Nash on lead vocals prior to the Beatles' version.

In addition, the same song was also covered by the Merseybeats in 1963.

A Spanish cover was recorded by the Mexican vocal trio Los Apson Boys titled "Triste Luna".

The Beatles' version
"Mr. Moonlight"
Cover of the song's sheet music
Song by the Beatles
from the album Beatles for Sale
ReleasedDecember 4, 1964 (mono and stereo)
RecordedOctober 18, 1964
StudioEMI, London
GenreFolk rock
Length2:38
2:41 (US stereo version)
LabelParlophone
Songwriter(s)Roy Lee Johnson
Producer(s)George Martin

The Beatles had covered the song in their live act for years before it appeared on record. Their recording features Latin-style percussion, prominent vocal harmonies, and, unusually, an organ solo. John Lennon sings lead, with backing vocals from Paul McCartney and George Harrison.

Recording

The Beatles recorded this song across two different days in 1964. The first day was August 14, where they recorded four takes (of which, one and four appear on Beatles Anthology 1). They also recorded on October 18, again in four takes, the last two of which showcased McCartney on Hammond organ.[1]

Critical reception

Though Lennon's vocals have been described as "blistering" , the song is held by many as one of the least successful songs in The Beatles' catalogue.[1]

In regard to the backlash the cover received, author and Beatles enthusiast Dave Rybaczewski stated:[2]

"Mr. Moonlight" has been described quite disparagingly by authors and fans alike, suggesting it as "the weakest track The Beatles ever recorded" and as the song "everyone loves to hate." In the company of rockers like "Kansas City" and "Rock And Roll Music" which they also decided to cover for this album, "Mr. Moonlight" does seem a little too campy for their tastes. What most people fail to realize is, not only were The Beatles proud of the obscure tracks they unearthed, the sense of humor is very much on display in this song. How much of "Mr. Moonlight" was done 'tongue-in-cheek' is hard to tell, but an examination of the ingredients that make up the performance is very telling. For instance, the straight impassioned vocal delivery from Lennon, the African drum bursts from Harrison, the monotone background harmonies, and the "cheesy" organ solo all demonstrate the gaudiness of the track. As author Tim Riley states in his book Tell Me Why: "By taking the whole thing so seriously, they actually make it hysterical."[3][2]

The Anthology 1-version further points at the 'gaudiness' of the track: instead of an organ, the solo was originally played "on comically quivering slide guitar by Harrison", in Ian MacDonald's assessment.[4]

Personnel

References
  1. "The Beatles Bible: Mr. Moonlight". Beatlesbible.com. Retrieved April 14, 2009.
  2. ""Mr. Moonlight" History". Beatlesebooks.com.
  3. Tim Riley (May 30, 2002). Tell Me Why: The "Beatles" - Album by Album, Song by Song, the Sixties and After. Da Capo Press. ISBN 978-0306811203.
  4. Ian MacDonald (2007). Revolution in the Head: The Beatles' Records and the Sixties. Chicago Review Press. ISBN 978-1-55652-733-3.


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