Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play... I know the line is incorrect but you will see my master plan soon enough.
40 years ago today (now do you get the title?) The Beatles released their groundbreaking album. This is the album that every music aficionado swears by. They say things like, "It is one of the most influential albums of all time" or "It is an undeniable work of art " or "It the milestone of Psychedelia" and so on and so forth. Basically, this is the album that changed the rock music scene forever. And to think that only four years earlier, John, Paul, George and Ringo were dressed in smart matching suits and shimmied their mop-tops to their happy pop music.
40 years ago today (now do you get the title?) The Beatles released their groundbreaking album. This is the album that every music aficionado swears by. They say things like, "It is one of the most influential albums of all time" or "It is an undeniable work of art " or "It the milestone of Psychedelia" and so on and so forth. Basically, this is the album that changed the rock music scene forever. And to think that only four years earlier, John, Paul, George and Ringo were dressed in smart matching suits and shimmied their mop-tops to their happy pop music.
I must admit that this is not my favorite album ever but I do acknowledge its importance. Just imagine how this album must have stood out in 1967 - a big ol' colorful sore thumb amongst a sea of corporate compliant acts (no where near as bad as today but corporate compliant none the less). While everyone was still being formulaic even when they were trying to stand out and be different - The Beatles said, "Nuts to you guys, we are going this way."
OK, maybe they didn't say it exactly like that but you get the idea. Tired with touring and playing the game, they decided to create an album unlike anything they have or anyone else has done before. They tried anything and everything that popped into their heads. Basically assuming there were no rules in making a pop record. They were not concern about singles or touring in support of the album or much less what the label wanted or fans. They just said let's try this. And by trying this, they created an amazing record that holds up even today. And 40 years later, people are still trying to create their very own Sgt. Pepper.
OK, maybe they didn't say it exactly like that but you get the idea. Tired with touring and playing the game, they decided to create an album unlike anything they have or anyone else has done before. They tried anything and everything that popped into their heads. Basically assuming there were no rules in making a pop record. They were not concern about singles or touring in support of the album or much less what the label wanted or fans. They just said let's try this. And by trying this, they created an amazing record that holds up even today. And 40 years later, people are still trying to create their very own Sgt. Pepper.
So happy birthday Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. May you play for another 40 years. Play it if you have it.
2 comments:
ahh, i still remember when i saw those blokes in concert...okay not really, it was beatlemania and it was my tenth birthday and would you believe i made my parents take me to lawry's for prime rib!
I have to admit it's getting better. It's getting better all the time (...It can't get much worse!).
Ah, if I had to sum up the great dynamics of the musical relationship between John and Paul it has to be this line. Great juxtapostion of Paul's optimistic pop sensibilities and John's creative cynicism.
Oh, and Ringo has to be one of the most underrated drummers in rock history. And George, poor George- Harrison is GOD (mmm, sacrilicious...)!
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