MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

This is one of those instances when not everything the Beatles did was pure gold. This is a flawed album with some shining moments. The shining moments are the title track, that rocks along with a roll call and very quirky time signature changes, and unusual choice of instruments, particularly the brass section. 'The Fool on the Hill' is a McCartney spotlight that has nice melodies and a freaky ending that feels psychedelic. 'Blue Jay Way' is a weird Harrison penned gem that is more psychedelic than anything on the album including the film with its memorable kaleidoscope effects. 'Your Mother Should Know' is a melody with lovely organ passages and quirky lyrics.

The lowlights unfortunately mar this album considerably. 'Flying' is a worthless instrumental that never gelled with me and perhaps never will. It is such a throwaways it would have been better if the album had not included the track. The same can be said of the nonsensical 'Baby You're a Rich Man' that never really belonged among all these treasures.

Among all these tracks are three shining jewels that are quintessential Beatles. Of course they are well known and a part of the Beatles scenery; none other than 'I Am The Walrus', 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'All You Need is Love'. First 'I Am The Walrus' is an incredible journey into acid fuelled lyrics of pure nonsense and musical virtuosity. The bridge features a bizarre interlude of people talking and an off kilter violin. A very progressive structure similar to the material on the opus 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'. There is a quirky ending with multi layered vocals and chants and the infamous radio fade out; It is simply indispensable. 'Strawberry Fields Forever' was not originally on this album but ended on it due to a lack of songs originally. It is a welcome addition. The track has some of the best lyrics and very intriguing musical orchestrations especially towards the conclusion. The violin and cello are haunting and then there is that chilling ending, the train crosses the tracks and the carnivalesque music hides the eerie 'I buried Paul' line (Cranberry sauce in actuality) confirming the rumours that Paul is indeed dead. To further enhance these rumours Pauls lapel rose on the back cover pic is black! It was a creepy time for The Beatles but they laughed all the way to the bank. The last track is the anthem 'All You Need is Love' that was featured at the end of the film and really ends the album on a positive powerful note. Overall this album has some incredible tracks and apart from one or two tracks is a Beatles triumph. 4 solid stars.

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