RUBBER SOUL

It clearly marked some evolution in terms of instrumentation. The best example is "Norwegian Wood" of course. The use of a sitar on a rock track was quite revolutionary for the time. The Stones will also use one in the fantastic "Paint it, Black". It is one of my fave from this Fab Four album.

The band have never reached such perfection in their vocal arrangements and some gorgeous songs are featured on this album which is an enchantment to listen to. The opener "Drive My Car" featuring funny lyrics is one of them even if Paul is not too enthusiastic about it. "Nowhere Man" is another one of that kind. It is auto biographic and explains John situation while trying hard to come up with a song for "Rubber Soul". Since he couldn't write anything good after several hours. He thought of himself, I quote : ""Then I thought of myself as Nowhere Man - sitting in his nowhere land". And here we go...

Some great songs in awaiting of the bilingual "Michele". Another brilliant yet simple and ultra melodic, melancholic ballad. I am virtually excessively moved while listening it for this review. Because when you concentrate on these songs (which unfortunately little people do), you are just submerged with such an emotional feeling.

The good point of the vinyl album was that you had to physically get up and turn the record to listen to side two, because the shock with "What Goes On" is tremendous. By far the weakest song from this album. Press next to prolonged the enchantment of "Michele" with one of their most melodic song ever : "Girl". An unusually mood for a Lennon song. But how great it is. Another highlight."In My Life" sounds childish and was harshly criticized by John (who wrote it). Still, a jewel in my standards.

The second Harrison song from this album stressed, if needed, that his composing skills are exceptional and I understand his frustration to be allowed to only feature one of his songs here and there on the Fab Four albums. It was his only song ever played live. Prior to this there was already "Think For Yourself" which showed interesting backing instrumental parts.

Almost each song here does get a great treat. Melody as well as lyrics. "Run For your Life" is far from being a childish song as it MAY sound. John's lyrics are rather hard towards the fair sex.

I quote : "You better run for your life if you can, little girl. Hide your head in the sand little girl. Catch you with another man. That's the end'a little girl. Let this be a sermon. I mean everything I've said. Baby, I'm determined. And I'd rather see you dead".

In other words, you belong to me, little girl.

This album is probably the best one the Fab Four have recorded so far. Four stars.

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