Work continued on two key tracks for Revolver on 22 April 1966, as The Beatles returned to Studio Two at EMI Studios, Abbey Road, under producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick.

The session focused on 'Taxman' and 'Tomorrow Never Knows', both of which would become landmark recordings showcasing the band's growing studio experimentation.

'Taxman' Recording Progress

Following the previous day's basic track recording, work began with a reduction mix to free space on the four-track tape. George Harrison's vocal takes were combined onto a single track, allowing further overdubs.

A cowbell was added, and John Lennon and Paul McCartney recorded their distinctive "Mister Wilson / Mister Heath" backing vocals, which were punched into an existing track — overwriting earlier tambourine and guitar parts.

'Tomorrow Never Knows' Development

Still titled 'Mark 1' at this stage, 'Tomorrow Never Knows' underwent further transformation during the session. Overdubs of organ, tambourine and piano were added, deepening the track's hypnotic texture.

John Lennon manually double-tracked his lead vocal on the opening verses, with the signal routed through a Leslie speaker, creating the song's distinctive swirling effect.

The tape was then reversed, allowing Paul McCartney to record a lead guitar part designed to be heard backwards in the final mix. With the addition of this reversed guitar passage, recording for 'Tomorrow Never Knows' was completed.

FAQs

What songs were worked on during this session?

'Taxman' and 'Tomorrow Never Knows' from the Revolver album.

What was 'Tomorrow Never Knows' originally called?

It had the working title 'Mark 1'.

What effect was used on John Lennon's vocals?

His vocals were routed through a Leslie speaker to create a rotating, psychedelic sound.

Was the guitar solo reused from 'Taxman'?

No, although similar in style, the guitar parts were separately recorded.