Okay, who hasn't heard this record? If you haven't, where have you been for the past forty years? Your mother probably has a vinyl copy stashed away in the attic. Do yourself a favour: dust that hunk of plastic off, put some headphones in and just listen.Following on from the experimentation which appeared on 1966's "Revolver", "Sgt. Pepper" featured the Fab Four incorporating orchestras and innovative production techniques, as well as blending other musical genres into the mix. Elements of jazz, rock and roll, and even traditional Indian music were all added by the band, creating an unforgettable banquet of musical excellence.
A loose concept album starring the Beatles as the the fictional eponymous Lonely Hearts Club Band, "Sgt. Pepper" follows the life of (again, fictional) Billy Shears, involving themes of aging ("When I'm Sixty-Four", "She's Leaving Home"), love ("Lovely Rita"), set during post-war Britain. The album was intentionally bookended by the title track and the reprise at the end of the record.
It's hard to define "Sgt. Pepper" without mentioning its psychedelic style. The album is often referred to as the definition of the then-new genre, a style which would be continued by the band on "Magical Mystery Tour", before moving into a more progressive, almost avant-garde style on the untitled "White Album".
But, you as a music fan, probably already know this. The album was a huge success and went on to sell shitloads, arguably becoming the Fab Four's magnum opus, but how good is it?
The answer is very fucking good.
The album becomes immediately hypnotic, from the first guitar licks of the intro track to the infamous three-way piano chord conclusion to "A Day in the Life". It's almost impossible to detract from the experience until the forty minute total is through. Despite the popularity of "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds", "Getting Better" and the much-covered "With a Little Help from My Friends", this is not an album for cherry-picking.
Yes, there are some flaws, but minor ones. Harrison's venture into the world of Indian raga rock, "Within You Without You" is mesmerising at first, but lacks interest around halfway through. After a few listens, the track becomes somewhat annoying.
"When I'm Sixty-Four" strikes of McCartney's 'grandma music' but can be forgiven due to its length and laughable 'what ifs' (Sir Paul is sixty-eight this June).
I only mention these 'issues' to bring some kind of balance to this half-arsed 'review' as the tracks don't even bother me that much. It's like the Mona Lisa having a five o'clock shadow: you wonder what the fuck the artists were smoking, but love it anyway. It's like your girlfriend having halitosis, but you don't care because the big picture is a beautiful one.
This album is a definite, no questions asked, must-have. Is it overhyped? Perhaps, but rightfully so. "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" deserves ever bit of praise it gets.
No comments:
Post a Comment