Bang bang, MAXWELL'S SILVER HAMMER

At this time of year, 40 years ago, the Beatles were putting the finishing touches on their final album, Abbey Road. After the horrible infighting (and resultant iffy songwriting) of Let It Be, they'd agreed to put their personal differences aside and make one last, great album. Which they did.

Let's celebrate the 40th anniversary of Abbey Road with a few very different versions of the album's jaunty little serial killer tune, Maxwell's Silver Hammer.


A cute and really well-done cartoon version, creator sadly unknown.


Steve Martin's rather exhaustingly goofy version from the 1979 big screen bomb, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Sometimes it seems like the Steve Martin of the '70s could do no wrong. This clip proves otherwise.


From the legendarily tense Let It Be sessions, a relatively mellow clip showing the band working on a rough version of the song. It's fascinating to see the song take shape, with McCartney scatting the lyrics as the band tries to shape the melody. But the sad thing is that the guy doing the hammer-bangs is the only one who looks like he's having any fun at all.


And, just for kicks, here's a pretty adorable, animated student film based on Mean Mr. Mustard.


Got a tip for Monsters and Rockets? Want to contribute to the site? Send us an email.