Pop - Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows - SONORITY/TEXTURE

Question 1

What studio engineering devices were used to achieve the unique sound of Tomorrow Never Knows?

Answer 1

• automatic double-tracking
• distortion by running through a Leslie speaker (to sound like chanting Tibetan monks)
• tape-loops:
  - seagull effect = speeded up tape of McCartney (at
  8 secs)
  - orchestral chord of Bb maj (at 19 secs)
  - electric guitar phrase, reversed and played
  double speed (at 22 secs)
  - sitar-like sound, reversed and played double
  speed (at 56 secs)

16 different tape loops
Assembled in aleatoric way, recorded in one take

Question 2

Describe the texture of Tomorrow Never Knows

Answer 2

• Electric polyphony with occasional homophony
  (chords of Bb and C)
• solo voice supported by c drone throughout
• bass guitar riff form bar 3
• drums throughout
• Use of sitar and tambura (drum) hint at Eastern meditation