Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Unbelievably, back in the '80s, the Beatles definitive psychedelic statement was viewed by some with contempt, a fact which probably says more about that decade than about this masterwork. A rich tapestry of texture, melody and panache, 1967's Sgt. Pepper is today restored to its rightful place in 20th Century culture. The only example of ferocious talent, liberating drugs and oodles of money conspiring to create great art. Luck played a part. A caustic Lennon was subdued by acid, McCartney was at the height of his collaborative powers and Starr and Harrison were still willing and expert sidesmen. The songs were terrific, yielding tiny moments of beauty and power that pop has rarely glimpsed since. The sparkling harpsichord intro to "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", Ringo's dampened drums on "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" and Lennon's spectral vocals on "A Day In The Life" inspire awe. Musicians are still floored by it, listeners are still agape, critics still worry whether Revolver was actually a bit better. Whatever. Sgt. Pepper remains the record on which the reputation of British pop music is built.
With A Little Help From My Friends
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Getting Better
Fixing A Hole
She's Leaving Home
Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite
Within You Without You
When I'm Sixty-Four
Lovely Rita
Good Morning Good Morning
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
A Day In The Life