I first bought this album when I was fifteen. Having read everywhere about it being the 'best Albums ever' I was a little suprised when it turned out to be little more than a bunch of nursery rhymes.
The Sgt. Pepper bit at the beggining is alright but also downright silly considering the wonderful music the Beatles produced before and after this album. It does feature McCartney singing in a fairly raw voice, usuallt the reserve of Lennon, but other than that it's little more than an album filler.
With a Little help from my friends is a great song. But the original is terrible. Like so many other of the Beatles songs (eg. Across the Universe by Fiona Apple) it took another artist to really show us what it was about. Ringos singing is bland and the arrangement is little better.
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds show the Lyrical genius of Lennon, but fails to have the elements of the song arranged into anything like a proper song. The chorus is disconnected from the verse and perhaps its the influence of Drugs on Lennon that lead to the great lyrics (almost certianly!!!) but sloppy arangemnet. Again the Elton John version of this song is probably better than the original.
The Next Four tracks (Getting better, fixing a hole, She's leaving home, Being for the benefit of Mr Kite) are typical McCartney fillers. There is no Musical integrity shown on his part. As a band they have strayed too far towards the idea of the concept album rather than the good album at this point. Lyrically these songs are some of the worst the Beatles ever wrote and the string arangements add to the overall tackiness.
Within you without you, a song by the late George Harrison is a different kettle of Fish altogether. While I must admit I don't really like it that much, one has to admire Harrison for being the onlt Beatle so far on this album to think about the actual music rather than the image of the album. His arrangement is far superior to that of Lennon or McCartney (with the exception of 'A day in the life') and he tries out some genuinly interesting musical ideas. This is the only track, before the ultimate one, to create any sort sort of atmosphere. In fact i'm suprised some DJ hasn't added a beat to this and sent it to number one!!
The Lovely Rita, Good Morning Good Morning and the Reprise are more of the same - effortless album fillers that the Beatles should be ashamed of.
A Day in the Life is the one truely exceptional track on the Album. Although it was never released as a single it is easily the best track the Beatles wrote and certianly my favorite. It starts with a guitar and piano introduction before Lennons untimate vocal performance. It's not spectactuar but I challenge anyone to listen to it without a twinge of nostalgia. There are also some interesting musical ideas here, the full orchestra instead of the usual bland string arrangemnets. Some brilliant Lyrics as well.
In the same way that Dark Side of The Moon, by Pink Floyd is remembered for songs on Wish you were here, Sgt. pepper is remembered for songs of Magical Mystery tour (strawberry field's etc.). A poor album. If you buy it don't be swept along with the hype. Be honest with yourself.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I'm afraid i don't agree with you as i'm a big Beatles fan, but everyone has their own opinon i guess.
blueuk 20.06.2002 01:05
I'm a big fan of The Beatles but I can see where you're coming from. I would of given a higher rating if you had given both views of the songs. By the way what do you think of the other songs The Beatles did. Paulette
Su36 20.06.2002 00:39
Hmm Sargeant pepper is to the Beatle's members, what Mona Lisa was to Da Vinci. It is deep stuff if you can feel it! Really :o)
Before Sgt. Pepper's, no one seriously thought of rock music as actual art. That all ... more
changed in 1967, though, when John, Paul, George and Ringo (with "A Little Help" from their friend, producer George Martin) created an undeniable work of art which rem...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
One of the most famous albums in the world and definitely the most famous album sleeve, ... more
'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' ushered in the psychedelic era and the 'Summer of Love' and remains the pinnacle of British psychedelia. From the whimsy of ...
Jun 19th, 2002
very helpful by (23%):
helpful by (77%):
![River Is Wide, The [Remastered] - Forum (The)](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/251/prod_small-6006251.jpg)
