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The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band CD (album) cover

SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

The Beatles

 

Proto-Prog

4.36 | 1218 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
5 stars It is true to say that this album is one of the most influential of the rock history. But IMO, it has nothing to so with prog. Some links with psychedelia, that's for sure. But who didn't a psyche album in 1967 ?

"The Doors" did it already with their first album released in January of that year, Hendrix will flirt as well with the genre in "Electric Ladyland" (in 1968). Even the Stones released "Their Satanic Majesties Request". Not to mention Floyd of course, but there is little to discuss about their progressiveness, right ?

That said, "Peppers" is a jewel of an album.

It took the Fab Four no less than six months to record it (where they were used to release an album every six months; and this from their debut one till "Revolver"). The sound quality is close to perfection thanks to the use of the most advanced technology available in the UK.

Lots of effects and artifices were used as well, which procure a unique experience while listening very attentively to this great album.

Side one is a collection of pure wonders.

From the rocking and hard "Sgt. Peppers" to the wonderful "LSD" (oooooups, sorry. Nothing to with the drug of course). The arrangements; both vocals and instrumentals are excellent. The contrast between the slow verse and the upbeat chorus is rather catchy.

In between "With A Little Help Of My Friend" is the only song which features Ringo on the vocals and which I really like. This song will be magnificently covered by Joe Cocker during his Woodstock appearance. It has been three times a number one in the UK charts, but not this version.

"Getting Better" is very difficult but this song is another pearl. A true Lennon / McCartney collaboration. Melody at its best for a simple and dynamic song. It is really incredible to keep on with so many great numbers. OK, "Fixing A Hole" isn't extraordinary.

But what comes next is just wonderful. Again, the subtle use of chords is magnificent. It was the first Fab Four song which was not arranged by George Martin. He was not available at that time. This is so sweet a song; I just have the shivers while listening to this one (but there are many from their fabulous repertoire that do the same effect to me). Another highlight (but it is already the fifth one.).

Even if "Being for the Benefit Of Mr. Kite" is a bit weaker, it features such great strokes of inspiration that it turned to be interesting as well.

With the first notes of "Within You Without You" one can say that this is a George song. Fully in line with "Love You To" from "Revolver". Initially, it was a THIRTY minutes song! He modestly reduced it to a mere five minutes which is probably a better format IMO. Lyrics are fully inspired by Hinduism. Very much in their mood at the time (and for some time). Three Indian musicians are playing typical Indian instruments which provides this feeling of a full world music song.

The first weak song from "Sgt" is "When I'm Sixty Four". It is the first song Paul ever wrote (he was sixteen at that time). He really felt like releasing it at this time since his father would soon be sixty-four. "Lovely Rita" is much more accomplished and features some personal lyrics from Paul. Again, creativity is at its peak.

"Good Morning Good Morning" also features some tricky sounds all the way through. It is not the best track here either. Brass are too invading but again the research to put all things together is quite impressive. At the end, a whole menagerie is joyfully uttering as it would be doing on a farm in the early morning (hence the title).

The closing number is one of the most beautiful of the whole album. Melancholic, complex musical arrangements which will lead to an organized chaos just before the middle part (it will be repeated at the end of the song as well). It changes from mood all the time but is still very consistent. It is difficult to know how they could achieve this. But they are the Fab Four, right ?

This song was banned from the BBC because of its drug oriented lyrics. This might well be the most complex and creative song from the Fab Four. IMHHO.

It is a wonderful manner to close this unbelievable album. What else can I say ?

Five stars maybe ?

ZowieZiggy | 5/5 |

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