If there were ever a time when one could consider taking up the controversial advice from the late Dr. Timothy Leary to “Turn on, Tune in, Drop out,” it’s right now. People around the world, entire countries, are self-quarantining while officials and leaders of the professional health community sort through how to best slow the spread of the COVID-19 viral catastrophe, and it’s all quite a lot to handle emotionally.
Yet, even with no live performances on the horizon, fans can channel their escapist desires by turning inward, into own’s own consciousness through music. One unique music recording from the vast YouTube universe which makes for a wildly psychedelic listening experience is a stretched-out, 24-minute edit of John Lennon‘s masterpiece “Tomorrow Never Knows”, which originally appeared on The Beatles‘ 1966 Revolver album.
Related: Reflecting On John Lennon’s Life And Legacy On The Anniversary Of His Death
Anyone in search of the ultimate sonic accompaniment to his or her inner-exploratory journey should know this time-stretched version of “Tomorrow Never Knows”, which runs 800 percent slower than the original, sets the new standard for psychedelic remixes. Shared by YouTube user theethereal91, the updated take on the counterculture anthem delivers reworked audio straight out of another dimension thanks to the “PaulStretch” editing effect.
The drones which ring throughout the song ooze right in to begin the ride, and are quickly joined by the heavily ambient and forcefully present ringing waves of cymbals and the drawn-out bird caws which sound more like otherworldly creatures escaping from the depths of hell. Lennon’s nasally vocals make their entrance like an eerie, skull-rattling siren beginning at the 1:34 minute mark with his haunting lyrics, “Turn off your mind, relax and float down stream, it is not dying.”
The real mastery on display here is the craftsmanship of Sir George Martin, The Beatles’ longtime producer who was the man in charge of organizing all these wild musical and creative ideas. Additionally, by allowing the experience to be slowed down, it allows the listener more time to process hearing the specific placements and panning motions of the specific audio tracks, which come in from all directions and pile on top of one another with layer after layer of dreamy cosmic perfection.
Take a break from this lame reality and drop into “Tomorrow Never Knows” as you never have before. Safe travels compadres.
The Beatles – “Tomorrow Never Knows” [Time-Stretched Remix]
[Video: theethereal91]