The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Review
I think because of the massive amount of attention that is given to this album's so called "historical significance" that sometimes not enough attention is given to the music itself. I hope to correct that imbalance with this review which focuses entirely on the album's 13 tracks.
01. "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" - This opening track really sets the mood for the entire album. The song shifts styles abruptly just like the album does from song to song. And of course the crowd noise and the entire "Sgt. Pepper" concept are introduced here.
02. "With a Little Help from my Friends" - I know there are quite a few people who think that Joe Cocker really did the definitive version of this song, but I'm definitely not one of those people. I like Cocker's version, but the original contains the real magic to my ears.
03. "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" - One of the bands most famous songs. This is a great one to listen to in mono (you have to get The Beatles in Mono Box Set) because it sounds so much different in mono than it does in stereo. There's a lot more effect on the vocal in mono!
04. "Getting Better" - This may just be the song I most commonly think of when I think of the Sgt. Pepper album. I'm not quite sure why that's the case, but it is! To me this song defines the spirit of the album very well.
05. "Fixing a Hole" - I love this kind of more subtle psychedelia. And yes, this is a very psychedelic song. And how about those lyrics? Anyone who doesn't think McCartney could write lyrics should pay close attention to these.
06. "She's Leaving Home" - Another great reason to get The Beatles in Mono Box Set. This song sounds faster and higher (by a semitone) in the mono version. It's a treat to hear!
07. "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" - I think my favorite part of this song is the cut up tape section where it sounds like sort of insane random carnival music.
08. "Within You Without You" - Speaking of "far out" how about we go all the way to India? Some people don't like this song because it doesn't fit with their preconceived notions of what music is supposed to sound like. To me this song is brilliant because of that very reason. We shouldn't limit ourselves.
09. "When I'm 64" - Some people don't seem to get how "tongue in cheek" this song is. McCartney loved to mess around with different musical styles in this way. In fact I think Ween sort of ripped off their whole shtick from Paul McCartney. Listen to McCartney's "fruity" songs (as George Harrison called them sometimes) from the perspective of Ween doing them and I think maybe they'll click.
11. "Lovely Rita" - I have to admit that tracks #10 and #11 are probably my least favorites on the album. But considering I quite like both of those tracks, that says a lot about how much I love this album.
11. "Good Morning Good Morning" - My least favorite song on the album. Yet I still think it's pretty great at times and it has some very interesting elements. I think that says a lot about how much I love this album.
12. "Sgt. Pepper's (Reprise)" - Rocks harder than the first version. I love how it ties the album together and it's brilliant how this closing version is "looser" just like a band may be looser at the end of a real show. And that's what the concept of this album was all about after all. The idea was that this album would "go on tour" rather than the band themselves.
13. "A Day in the Life" - In my opinion this is the best song ever written. An absolutely epic way to end the album. - 23806
01. "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" - This opening track really sets the mood for the entire album. The song shifts styles abruptly just like the album does from song to song. And of course the crowd noise and the entire "Sgt. Pepper" concept are introduced here.
02. "With a Little Help from my Friends" - I know there are quite a few people who think that Joe Cocker really did the definitive version of this song, but I'm definitely not one of those people. I like Cocker's version, but the original contains the real magic to my ears.
03. "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" - One of the bands most famous songs. This is a great one to listen to in mono (you have to get The Beatles in Mono Box Set) because it sounds so much different in mono than it does in stereo. There's a lot more effect on the vocal in mono!
04. "Getting Better" - This may just be the song I most commonly think of when I think of the Sgt. Pepper album. I'm not quite sure why that's the case, but it is! To me this song defines the spirit of the album very well.
05. "Fixing a Hole" - I love this kind of more subtle psychedelia. And yes, this is a very psychedelic song. And how about those lyrics? Anyone who doesn't think McCartney could write lyrics should pay close attention to these.
06. "She's Leaving Home" - Another great reason to get The Beatles in Mono Box Set. This song sounds faster and higher (by a semitone) in the mono version. It's a treat to hear!
07. "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" - I think my favorite part of this song is the cut up tape section where it sounds like sort of insane random carnival music.
08. "Within You Without You" - Speaking of "far out" how about we go all the way to India? Some people don't like this song because it doesn't fit with their preconceived notions of what music is supposed to sound like. To me this song is brilliant because of that very reason. We shouldn't limit ourselves.
09. "When I'm 64" - Some people don't seem to get how "tongue in cheek" this song is. McCartney loved to mess around with different musical styles in this way. In fact I think Ween sort of ripped off their whole shtick from Paul McCartney. Listen to McCartney's "fruity" songs (as George Harrison called them sometimes) from the perspective of Ween doing them and I think maybe they'll click.
11. "Lovely Rita" - I have to admit that tracks #10 and #11 are probably my least favorites on the album. But considering I quite like both of those tracks, that says a lot about how much I love this album.
11. "Good Morning Good Morning" - My least favorite song on the album. Yet I still think it's pretty great at times and it has some very interesting elements. I think that says a lot about how much I love this album.
12. "Sgt. Pepper's (Reprise)" - Rocks harder than the first version. I love how it ties the album together and it's brilliant how this closing version is "looser" just like a band may be looser at the end of a real show. And that's what the concept of this album was all about after all. The idea was that this album would "go on tour" rather than the band themselves.
13. "A Day in the Life" - In my opinion this is the best song ever written. An absolutely epic way to end the album. - 23806
About the Author:
The Beatles In Mono Box includes the original mono mix of Sgt. Pepper's. The Beatles In Stereo includes all of The Beatles albums in remastered stereo.
posted by X - Men at
12:35 AM
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