1967 SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEART CLUB BAND

SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEART CLUB BAND : If The Beatles, starting from "Rubber Soul" started their transcend from merely a good band to a great band, then this 1968 release surely sees them reached their musical Nirvana. This album has been called the greatest album of all time and heaps of lavish praises allocated it by critics and fans alike. But somehow it still falls short of something. There seems to be more fillers here than on other Beatles' album. I place my bet on either "Rubber Soul", "Revolver" or "Abbey Road" or even "The Beatles"  for the greatest Beatles album or the greatest album of all time. Still, this does not mean that "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band " is bad. It's a great album but there are just better Beatles abound. There are many 'first' that comes with this album. Among the most significant was that it was the first album that comes with an open sleeve and also the first that comes with lyrics of the songs.

SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEART CLUB BAND : The album's famous opener that spurred a thousand imitations. Jimi Hendrix was so impressed with this song that he was singing it on his concert within days of it's released. It also inspired the ill fated movie of the same name starring The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton plus a host of other stars. A favourite of mine.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS  The second successful Ringo Starr vehicle since 'Yellow Submarine" from "Revolver". Joe Cocker later would make an even more successful cover of this song taking it to greater height. Still, I prefer this version to Joe Cocker's or any others versions.

LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMOND : The first totally blown out psychedelia song by John with his love of words play. Inspired by a drawing by his son Julian's friend called Lucy. It was also suspected to be a drug song not helped by its initials LSD,which John denied to his dying days.

GETTING BETTER : After the surreal feeling from 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamond', we are bought back to earth by this bountiful wonderful song by Paul. It's a optimist song with a few cynical remarks thrown by John. A winner and the lead guitar is awesome.

FIXING A HOLE : Another winner by Paul. This one is about just what the song song implied, fixing a hole. Fixing a hole in the ceiling or whatever but somehow the power that be suggested that it might be another drug song as in getting a fix. Those in the know knows that you don't look for deep meaning in Paul McCartney's songs unlike John Lennon who might just do that.

SHE'S LEAVING HOME : Compare to the glorious ballads in their respective albums, this one is quite a downer for me. Not that it's bad, on the contrarily, most band of the day would sell their mothers to able to compose a song like this. Just that compared to the greater than great ballads in their previous albums, this one is a step down.

BEING FOR THE BENEFIT OF MR. KITE : This one is an eye opener. Close your eyes when this song is being played, you could swear that you are in the circus. Copied almost words for words from an old circus poster, this one shows the power that The Beatles process. I am convinced that that can even make a hit song out a telephone book.

WITHIN YOU, WITHOUT YOU : A weird but fine track from George Harrison. This one features only George and a few Indian musicians. It's a joke to play this at home and have your neighbors giving you strange look. Initially I used to skipped this track but in time, I grew to appreciate the musical side of it.

WHEN I'M SIXTY FOUR : A personal favorite of mine and anyone who's over 50. A nice to sing to your lover during the courting stage. Never fail.

LOVELY RITA : A slight filler on the album according to Beatles standard. Beatles fillers are usually still the best on any other artists album. Filler or not, this one have a catchy melody.

GOOD MORNING, GOOD MORNING : A throwaway according to the composer, John Lennon. This one's the same as above. Filler only by Beatles standards. I've been using this as wake up call on my phone since forever. A good way to start any mornings with Beatles waking you.

SGT. PEPPERS' LONELY HEART CLUB BAND ( REPRISE ) : This second time this song appear on the album, though only a short one. This one is more upbeat.

A DAY IN THE LIFE : This song have been listed by many polls as being the most popular Beatles songs of all time. It's the perfect blending of actually two songs by both John and Paul and the result is earth shattering to say the least. In spite the reputation it have acquired since, it's not my favorite on this album, 'cos there are just too many great songs for me to choose from here.