The second last song on the fourth Parlophone UK LP "Beatles For Sale" is an original Lennon/McCartney composition written mainly by Paul entitled "What You're Doing". This tune carries a nice little guitar riff by Harrison and a very cool drum pattern by Ringo. In my opinion, it's not the best tune on the LP, but it's very nice and well written and done (although there are mistakes with the back up emphasis on the first words of the verse).
The basic track for "What You're Doing" was first recorded on September 29 1964 in Studio two. Seven takes were attempted with these takes all being part of the rhythm tracks, take seven being deemed the best of the attempts. On the next day, September 30 1964 also in Studio two, the Beatles used this basic track and added overdubs over five more takes whereby the new best take was now take 11 (take 12 was not used). The song at this stage was scrapped and is available on the bootleg CD "Turn Me On, Dead Man".
The Beatles decided to re-make and re-record "What You're Doing" from scratch on October 26 1964 after a mixing session. The recording took place once again in Studio Two. Seven more takes were attempted and only three were actually complete performances. The takes started, strangely enough, with take 13 and ended with take 19 which was deemed the best and used for the commercial record. The next day on October 27 1964 from the control room of studio two, "What You're Doing" was mixed for mono and then mixed for stereo for inclusion on the album.
"What You're Doing" is available on the Parlophone UK LP/CD "Beatles For Sale" as well as the North American Capitol LP/CD "Beatles VI".
This song was never performed live nor was it ever performed for BBC radio.
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