h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Was I Am The Walrus on the original Mystery Tour EP? I thought it was part of a double a-side with Hello Goodbye; I know it's in the film (the clip is probably the most famous sequence in it) but I think Ian MacDonald's book Revolution In The Head lists the single as its first release.
The whole Mystery Tour saga is a little confusing as I gather it was conceived as an interim project (and one that most of the band weren't that crazy about) rather than an album,so the US release mopped up non-album material-Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane,of course,were originally intended for what became Sgt Pepper,after they'd abandoned an autobiographical linking theme.

The track listing of the original EP was:
A.) Magical Mystery Tour
Your Mother Should Know
B.) I Am The Walrus
C.) The Fool On The Hill
Flying
D.) Blue Jay Way

so yes, I am The Walrus was on the EP, which was released on the 8th December 1967. And you are right, the double A-side single, "Hello Goodbye/I Am The Walrus", was out first, on the 24th November.
But it's true that the whole project was disorganised without anyone really sure what they were doing.
If I was writing this article now, I would have included a lot more background details.

<BB<

That's a bit of a relief,actually,as I'd always associated IATW with the Mystery Tour.I've just been rereading MacDonald's book and noticed for the first time that single release date.
It's delightful to know that after all these years the MMT is still causing some confusion,as it did when it was first broadcast.And I wouldn't worry too much,even without background details for pedantic people like me,it's a good piece on a sometimes-dismissed Beatles episode.

Yes, I'd definately agree that "I Am The Walrus" is 100% a Magical Mystery, along with the rest of the project .

So, how good and useful do you find MacDonald's book? I've seen it in the shops, but not bought it as yet...

<BB<

I rate it very highly.MacDonald analyses each song in great depth and,perhaps most importantly,puts the band's entire career into context-the introduction is one of the best pieces of writing on the sixties I've read.The musical analyses might not be to everyone's taste,but I feel he manages to get to the heart of their achievements as musicians/composers and articulate just how and why they were GREAT.He doesn't dodge the personality and business issues that tore the group apart,either.Very useful chronology table at the back,setting Beatles events opposite major world/cultural/political events.I hope I haven't made it seem heavy going;I've found it a fascinating read.

just FYI, you said Penny Lane twice in the article when mentioning the 5 added tracks.
Live Long and Prosper.
Ultima

I'll look out for his book, then, and will probably get it when I have some money.

As for Penny Lane, thanks for mentioning it. Penny Lane and Strawbeery Fields are both mentioned in the list of additional songs, and then in the next sentance are mentioned as being previous singles. I agree it's not very clear, probably something I'd iron out if I had the chance to re-write this article.

<BB<

ooooooh, i didnt see the period. The quotes threw me off.
Live Long and Prosper.
Ultima

Something I forgot to mention about Revolution in the Head is that there are currently two editions of it in print-the B-format paperback of the first edition,which covers the whole career but was published in 95,and the second pbk edn from 97 (I think)where MacDonald took the opportunity to add a final section about the Anthologies,plus two new entries on Free As A Bird and Real Fluff.The reason I mention this is that,though the additional stuff is every bit as good as the "original" book,to date Pimlico have only published it as a more expensive large trade paperback (and a square one at that) which would probably fall to bits after a couple of hours,or minutes if you're feeling nasty.I've been hoping for a more user-friendly B-format edition of this for some time,but it doesn't seem to be on the cards yet.If you're strapped for cash I'd still go for the original paperback (red,£8.99) and read the Anthology/Threetles stuff in the library or bookshop.
MacDonald insists in the second edition that he won't write a third,but if I hear that the second is coming in a less cumbersome and expensive version I'll post that info here.And that,without further ado,is that for this evening.Good Night.

Hello Ultra-Walrus

I would really like to invite you to join the Natural History Museum http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A416819 but I can't until you write something in your Space.

That's also why I have had to interrupt this conversation so rudely. But I'm sure Bluebottle will forgive me because he's so nice . No one can leave messages in your Space until you write something.

Do you need any assistance?



Amy the Ant