The Beatles' "Helter Skelter"

The Beatles' "Helter Skelter"

Author: Hartbeat March 26, 2026 Duration: 1:03:24
A flaming ashtray. A saxophone mouthpiece. Blistered fingers. How did one of the Beatles’ most chaotic recording sessions lead to a raucous masterpiece that paved the way for metal? On the first part of this Beatles Two-Parter, Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY dive into the tumultuous creation of “Helter Skelter,” tracking its origins as a 30-minute mellowed out blues-rocker to the review that inspired Paul McCartney to crank the track up to an eleven. Plus, LUXXURY tries to convince Diallo to listen to Wings. Songs Discussed: “Helter Skelter” - The Beatles “Mama’s Pearl” - The Jackson 5 “Helter Skelter” - Mötley Crüe “Dear Prudence” - The Beatles “I Can See For Miles” - The Who “Holidays in the Sun” - Sex Pistols “Fire” - Arthur Brown “Birthday” - The Beatles “Happiness Is A Warm Gun” - The Beatles “You Really Got Me” - The Kinks “Exciter” - Judas Priest “Whole Lotta Love” - Led Zeppelin “Paperback Writer” - The Beatles “Long Tall Sally” - The Beatles “She Loves You” - The Beatles “Silly Love Songs” - Wings “Arrow Through Me” - Wings “Old Siam, Sir” - Wings “Muzik” - Knoc-Turn’al “Temporary Secretary” - Paul McCartney One Song Spotify Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what happens when a seasoned comedy writer and a sharp-eared music producer get stuck on the same track? That’s the simple, brilliant premise behind One Song. Each episode, Diallo Riddle-the Emmy-nominated force behind shows like ‘South Side’-and producer Blake "LUXXURY" Robin take a single, often iconic, pop song and hold it up to the light. What you get is less a formal dissection and more of a freewheeling, deeply funny conversation between two friends who happen to be experts in their fields. They’ll pull apart the production quirks you’ve never noticed, unpack the cultural moment that birthed the hit, and share personal stories that the music triggers, all while landing plenty of laughs. This isn’t a dry history lesson or a technical masterclass, though you’ll certainly learn things. It’s the joy of hearing two passionate minds revel in the details of a three-minute masterpiece, whether it’s a chart-topper you’ve heard a thousand times or a forgotten gem they insist you need in your life. The magic of this podcast lies in its focus: by digging into just one song per episode, every layer-from a specific synth sound to a bizarre lyric-gets its moment. It’s a celebration of pop music’s weirdness and wonder, delivered with the easy chemistry of a great hang. Tune in and you’ll find your listening habits changed, as you start hearing your favorite songs with new ears and a bigger smile.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 149

One Song
Podcast Episodes
Janelle Monáe’s "Make Me Feel" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:59
Is Janelle Monáe’s “Make Me Feel” an homage to Prince’s “Kiss”? Diallo and LUXXURY break down the connections, Prince’s influence, and how Monáe created a musical world that is uniquely her own. Don’t let financial oppor…
Oasis' "Wonderwall" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:42
What makes ‘Wonderwall’ the definitive Brit pop anthem of the 90s? This week on One Song, Diallo and LUXXURY unpack the lore of the Gallagher brothers, the inspiration behind the stadium sized hit, and recall Noel’s atte…
Fall Out Boy's "Sugar, We're Going Down" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:11
Is “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” emo’s ultimate anthem? Diallo and LUXXURY dive into Fall Out Boy’s breakout hit, charting the band’s journey from Chicago hardcore kids to Hot Topic legends, all while untangling the genre eni…
Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:50
How did a jazz innovator help bring hip-hop into the mainstream with one groundbreaking instrumental? Diallo and LUXXURY explore Herbie Hancock’s 1983 hit “Rockit,” the electro avant-garde experiment that elevated scratc…
Doja Cat "Paint the Town Red" with Laci Mosley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:27
This week on One Song, Blake and LUXXURY are resharing their ‘‘Paint The Town Red’ episode in celebration of the release of Doja Cat’s new album Vie. In this episode, they discuss her rise from viral star to super star a…
Sylvester's "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" with Stevie Mackey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:43
Why does “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” still light up dance floors decades later, and what makes Sylvester’s soaring falsetto pure legend?Diallo and LUXXURY get into the heart of this enduring disco anthem with renown…
SWV's "I’m So Into You" with Brian Alexander Morgan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:08
One Song celebrates 100 episodes with Brian Alexander Morgan, an era-defining producer of early 90s R&B. Brian breaks down how he created his own lane in the genre, fusing gospel, funk, and hip-hop on SWV’s 1993 breakout…
Ozzy Osbourne's “Crazy Train” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:55
All aboard! Diallo and LUXXURY pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with “Crazy Train” — the ultimate comeback anthem. They trace Ozzy’s rise from disgraced frontman to solo rockstar and go off the rails with a close listen of R…
Junior M.A.F.I.A. feat. The Notorious B.I.G. and Lil' Kim  "Get Money" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:51
Is Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money” the definitive battle-of-the-sexes anthem? Diallo and LUXXURY dig into the fiery dynamic between Lil’ Kim and The Notorious B.I.G., on this classic hip-hop track where fact and fantasy…
Olivia Rodrigo's “good 4 u” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:48
Does ‘good 4 u’ build a bridge over the generational rock / pop divide? Diallo and LUXXURY dive into the teenage scream of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘good 4 u’. They discuss her deep rock influences, Paramore interpolation woes,…