I CAN SEE FOR MILES

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'"I Can See for Miles"' is a song written by Pete Townshend of The Who, which was recorded for the band's 1967 album, ''The Who Sell Out''. It was the only song from the album to be released as a single, on 14 October 1967. It remains The Who's biggest hit single in the USA.
The recording of "I Can See for Miles" exemplified the ever-increasing use of studio techniques in the late 1960s. Not only was it recorded in separate sessions, it was recorded in a geographic range stretching thousands of kilometres. The backing tracks were recorded in London, the vocals and overdubbing were performed in New York at Talentmasters Studios, while the record was finished with mastering in Los Angeles, at the Gold Star Studios.
It reached #10 in the U.K. and #9 in the U.S. Though these figures would seem successful to most bands, Townshend was disappointed. He is quoted as saying, "To me it was the ultimate Who record, yet it didn't sell. I spat on the British record buyer." The song also appears at #258 on the List of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
The song inspired The Beatles' song, "Helter Skelter". Paul McCartney wrote "Helter Skelter" after reading a review of "I Can See for Miles" wherein the writer of the review claimed that it was the heaviest song he'd ever heard. Then McCartney, who had not actually heard the song, wrote "Helter Skelter" in an attempt to make an even heavier song than "I Can See for Miles".
The opening segment combined with the chorus part at 1:03 was used for an automobile headlights advertisement, by Sylvania.

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References

★ Kent, Matt and Andy Neill. ''The Who: The Ultimate Collection'' (liner notes). MCA Records, 2002.