SGT.PEPPER'S LONELY HEART CLUB BAND

1967 SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEART CLUB BAND

SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEART CLUB BAND : If The Beatles, starting from "Rubber Soul" started their transcend from merely a good band to a great band, then this 1968 release surely sees them reached their musical Nirvana. This album has been called the greatest album of all time and heaps of lavish praises allocated it by critics and fans alike. But somehow to me, it still falls short of something. There seems to be more fillers here than on other Beatles' album. For the title of best Beatles album, I'll place my bet on either "Rubber Soul", "Revolver" or "Abbey Road" or even "The Beatles"   Still, this does not mean that "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band " is bad. It's a great album but there are just better Beatles albums abound. There are many 'first' that comes with this album. Among the most significant was that it was the first album that comes with lyrics, the first that comes with an open sleeve. There are also cut outs of  a picture of Sgt. Pepper himself which was also a first.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band ( Lennon / McCartney ) : The album's famous opener that spurred a thousand imitations. Jimi Hendrix was so impressed with this song that he was singing it on his concert within days of it's released. It also inspired the ill fated movie of the same name starring The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton plus a host of other stars. Afirm favorite..

With A Little Help From My Friends ( Lennon / McCartney ) :  The second most successful Ringo Starr  vehicle since 'Yellow Submarine" from "Revolver". Joe Cocker later would make an even more successful cover of this song taking it to greater height. Still, I prefer this version to Joe Cocker's or any others versions. Call it the Ringo charm.

Lucy In The Sky With Diamond ( Lennon / McCartney ) : The first totally blown out psychedelia song by John with his love of words play. Inspired by a drawing by his son Julian's friend called Lucy. It was also suspected to be a drug song not helped by its initials LSD, which led it to be banned from the radio.  John have denied its reference to drug to his dying days.

Getting Better ( Lennon / McCartney ) : After the surreal feeling from 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamond', we are bought back to earth by this bountiful wonderful song by Paul. It's a optimist song with a few cynical remarks thrown in by John. A winner and the lead guitar is awesome.

Fixing A Hole ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Another winner by Paul. This one is about just what the song implied, fixing a hole. Fixing a hole in the ceiling or whatever but somehow the power that be suggested that it might be another drug song as in getting a fix. Those in the know knows that you just don't look for deep meaning in Paul McCartney's songs unlike John Lennon who might just be liable to do that.

She's Leaving Home ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Compare to the glorious ballads in their respective albums, this one is quite a downer for me. Not that it's bad, on the contrarily, most band of the day would sell their mothers to have a song like this in their album. Just that compared to the greater than great ballads in their previous albums, this one is a step down.

Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This one is an eye opener. Close your eyes when this song is being played, you could swear that you are in the circus. Copied almost words for words from an old circus poster, this one shows the power that The Beatles process. I am convinced that they can even make a hit song out a telephone book.

Within You, Without You ( Harrison ) : A weird but fine track from George Harrison one and only offering here. This one features only George and a few Indian musicians. It's a joke to play this at home and have your neighbors giving you strange look. Initially I used to skipped this track but in time, I grew to appreciate the musical side of it.

When I'm Sixty Four ( Lennon / McCartney ) : A personal favorite of mine and anyone who's over 50. Paul's favorite 50's style of musical tribute to his father. A nice one to sing to your lover during the courting stage. Never fail.

Lovely Rita ( Lennon / McCartney ) : A slight filler on the album according to Beatles standard. Beatles fillers as numerous times being acknowledged are usually still heads and shoulders above any other artists. Filler or not, this one have a catchy melody.

Good Morning, Good Morning ( Lennon / McCartney ) : A throwaway according to the composer, John Lennon, and this time I quite agree with him.. Filler only by Beatles standards. I've been using this as wake up call on my phone since cell phone have been in use.. A good way to start any mornings with The Beatles waking you.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band [ Reprise ] ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This is the second time this song appear on the album, though only a short one. This one is more upbeat.

A Day In The Life ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This song have been listed by many polls as being the most popular Beatles songs of all time. It's the perfect blending of actually two songs by both John and Paul and the result is earth shattering to say the least. In spite the reputation it have acquired since, it's not my favorite on this album, 'cos there are just too many great songs for me to choose from here.

DOP : 16th May 1992.