"I Just Don't Understand" is a song written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kent Westberry,[1] released by Swedish-born singer and American citizen Ann-Margret. It charted at No. 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961.[2] It was one of the first records to feature a fuzz-tone guitar.[3] It was later recorded by the Beatles on 16 July 1963 at the BBC Paris Studios, London, for the Pop Go the Beatles radio show and appeared on their 1994 compilation album Live at the BBC, with lead vocals by John Lennon.[4]
| "I Just Don't Understand" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Ann-Margret | ||||
| from the album On the Way Up | ||||
| B-side | "I Don't Hurt Anymore" | |||
| Released | June 1961 | |||
| Recorded | 1961 | |||
| Length | 2:37 | |||
| Label | RCA Victor | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Marijohn Wilkin, Kent Westberry | |||
| Producer(s) | Chet Atkins, Dick Pierce | |||
| Ann-Margret singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| "I Just Don't Understand" | |
|---|---|
| Song by the Beatles | |
| from the album Live at the BBC | |
| Released | 30 November 1994 |
| Recorded | 16 July 1963 |
| Genre | Rock |
| Length | 2:47 |
| Label | Apple |
| Songwriter(s) | Marijohn Wilkin, Kent Westberry |
| Producer(s) | Terry Henebery |
Time Magazine reviewed the song, commenting that Ann-Margret "is that rarity in the record field: a girl singer who can really make a pop song pop."[5]
In 1965, Australian pop star Normie Rowe presented a rockier version. This appeared on the B-side of his Australian top 10 hit, "I (Who Have Nothing)".[6]
The song was also covered by Willie Nelson, Jerry Reed, Les Paul and Freddie and the Dreamers.[7]
American indie rock band Spoon included a cover of the song on their 2014 album They Want My Soul.[8]
The Beatles personnel
edit- John Lennon – vocals, rhythm guitar
- Paul McCartney – backing vocals, bass
- George Harrison – backing vocals, lead guitar
- Ringo Starr – drums[4]
References
edit- ^ "I just don't understand (music) / words & music by Marijohn Wilkin & Kent Westberry". Trove. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
- ^ "The Hot 100 Chart. September 11, 1961". Billboard. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
- ^ Rae, Kit (July 2014). "A Fuzz and Muff pedal Timeline". Kitrae. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
- ^ a b "I Just Don't Understand | The Beatles Bible". beatlesbible.com. 15 March 2008. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
- ^ "Music: Pop Records". Time. 28 July 1961. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Kimball, Duncan (2002). "Record Labels – Sunshine Records". Milesago: Australasian Music and Popular Culture 1964–1975. Ice Productions. Archived from the original on 6 March 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
- ^ I Just Don't Understand | Song Info | AllMusic, retrieved 4 December 2020
- ^ They Want My Soul - Spoon | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 4 December 2020
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