"Slow Down" is a rock and roll song written and performed by Larry Williams. Recorded in 1957, AllMusic writer Stewart Mason describes it as "raucous enough to be punk rock
nearly a full two decades before the concept was even in existence." Specialty Records released it as a single in 1958, but only the second-side "Dizzy, Miss Lizzy" reached the record charts. Both songs were later covered by the Beatles.
Recording
Williams recorded the song at Master Recorders, Hollywood, California, on September 11, 1957. Music journalist Gene Sculatti describes the instrumentation provided by the back-up musicians as "unstoppable, nongimmicky, almost careening out of control with its pounding piano and booting sax, 'Slow Down' is arguably Williams's hippest track". Producer George Martin added piano overdubs three days later. The song is also included on the 1988 Past Masters compilation. He also points out the edit at 1:14 where the piano momentarily disappears and McCartney's bass becomes inaudible. According to MacDonald, the personnel includes:
- John Lennonvocal, lead guitar
- Paul McCartneybass guitar
- George Harrisonrhythm guitar
- Ringo Starrdrums
- George Martinpiano
However, author John C. Winn states that Harrison played the lead guitar on the track.
Charts
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Chart performance for "Slow Down"
!scope="col"|Chart (1964)
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
|}