REVOVER

1966 REVOLVER

REVOLVER : With this album, The Beatles continued their transcend from being a mere pop group to greatness beyond the reach of mortal bands started during their last album "Rubber Soul". This is the album where George Harrison finally came out of the shadow of Lennon / McCartney and  also the only Beatles album that housed three George Harrison's compositions. John Lennon's songs here are more experimental than ever while Paul McCartney's songs are all bona file classics that some even went as far as to call this a Paul McCartney's album. We have this album in the house.

Taxman ( Harrison ): George's finest song so far and a splendid opening. The lead guitar is what drive the song and it's being played by Paul. It's every beat as good as any Lennon '/ McCartney song and it also fits in very well with The Beatles' tendency to open their albums with an upbeat number. A solid number.

Elanor Rigby ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul's next number was an instant classic. Written in almost the same style of 'Yesterday', but with more orchestral backing. This was one of the few songs that John and Paul have some disagreement over how much input John have into the lyrics. This song also won the 1966 Grammy for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Performance, Male. So what more is there to say.

I'm Only Sleeping ( Lennon / McCartney ) : A lazy song for lazy people but what a glorious lazy song. I like this song. It's nice to sing to someone who try to get you up early in the morning.

Love You To ( Harrison ) : Another of George's songs that reflects his Eastern wisdom that he gathered from from his visits to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, complete with Indian instruments. Not one of my favorite but it fits in with the album.

Here, There And Everywhere ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul can always be depended upon to come up with a beautiful ballad or two on any Beatles' album and this time, he seems to have outdone even himself. Arguably his greatest ballad, and my all time favorite. This song was a favorite among young courting couples on the dance floor and one song that I could press on the repeat button forever. Paul did a new version of this song on one of his solo album in the eighties.

Yellow Submarine ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Amid all these classics, they still find time to write a children's song for Ringo Starr to sing. In Ringo's word, 'You can start a career with just this one song' and indeed,he have been singing this song in his so;o concert ever since. A delightful distraction, this song will definitely outlive us all.

She Said, She Said ( Lennon / McCartney ) : A song inspired by something that movie actor Peter Fonda said, this is another one of John Lennon's experimental song. Experimental songs don't come any better than this.The lead guitar is awesome.

Good Day Sunshine ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul seems to be on the right footing with his lady love on this album as opposed to his songs on "Rubber Soul". Almost all his song save for the lonely 'Elanor Rigby' are bountiful and a joy to listen to and this is no exception. The Tremeloes have a hit with this song.

And Your Bird Can Sing ( Lennon / McCartney ) : John again and it sounds like he is having a ball. This song used to be the theme song for their cartoon series on TV. I love this song. The only complain was that it was too short. Just when you were getting into the groove of thing, it ended. Damn.

For No One ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Another great one from Paul. When I say that Paul was on a roll, now you know what I mean. Heck, this album doesn't seems like an ordinary album at all. Matter of fact it seems more like a greatest hit album than the normal album. This is a quieter track in direct contrast to John's earlier louder effort.. This was later re recorded by Paul as well in the eighties.

Doctor Robert ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This was said to be about the good doctor who introduce The Beatles to the world of drug. A rocking number, I somehow detected some similar musical notes from 'Nowhere Man' or is it just me.

I Want To Tell You ( Lennon / McCartney ) : The last one from George. Not my favorite but a  worthwhile song anyway.

Got To Get You Into My Life ( Lennon / McCartney ) : An awesome one from Paul. Just when you thought nobody could top this, Earth, Wind & Fire did just that in the ill faded 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Band' soundtrack. In fact, this was the only song that most people remember from that movie. Still, much as I loved Earth, Wind & Fire's version of this song, Paul's version here could not be faulted either.  Like comparing oranges and apples. Just different.

Tomorrow Never Knows ( Lennon / McCartney ) : The last one from John Lennon was the one that have everybody from here to the moon raving about. Not really one of my favorite but then there are really no bad Beatles' songs just different. You may not like a particular song but they will be many others who will swear by it.

DOP : 31st May 1992.