Previous to my miraculous discovery of this CD at Half Price Books in Apple Valley, I must say that I half heartedly viewed the Beatles. I expected such a universally revered band to have something important to say to me. I had purchased Sgt. Pepper, expecting to be blown away, but ended up being confused. Everything seemed disjointed, I could really only get into a few of the songs. The Beatles seemed one of those required bands that pretentious music snobs like myself must enjoy in order to be taken seriously. But I must admit, I faked it. I dutifully pasted them into my favourites on facebook, did the little jig, yada, yada, yada. But in my heart, I felt John Lennon's voice was only slightly more pleasurable than a chainsaw, and the forays into Indian music were only slightly more successful than the current invasion of Iraq.
However, this week's pick gave me a complete about face. Changing my life, actually. Even George Harrison's explorations into Indian music, they don't bother me. In fact, I increasingly enjoy them. I would classify Revolver as a much more accessible introduction to some of the Beatle's heavier fare than Sgt. Pepper. I mean, it's esosteric, but not so esosteric as to just weird you out. I guess, I compare pop music today to this, and it freaks me right out. Highly recommended. Some of the chords in the vocal parts are simply amazing, and the melodies are pure and musical. God knows what these dudes were smoking, injecting, or snorting at the time of recording, but who cares. It's beautiful music. My personal favourites:
I'm Only Sleeping
Eleanor Rigby (fun fact, this is the first song with a string quartet to reach No. 1)
Good Day Sunshine
Doctor Robert (supposedly this song is about John Lennon's dealer)
In other fun musical news, I got tickets to Sigur Rós in September. Literally freaking right out. Can. Not. Wait.
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