Revolver (1966)

OK... When a band makes an album that could be seen as the pinnacle of their achievements / powers (Rubber Soul) what are they to do? I know... re-define the very GENRE of 'the album' and create a MASTERPIECE that not only is a showcase of what they do best but ADDS new, exotic and exciting instruments to the mix. Tablas, Cellos, Violas, Tenor Sax, Trumpets, Tape Loops, Backward Guitars, French Horn to name but a few! And so here we are... the STUDIO years begin!!!!

What strikes me about this album is the symmetry of it... It is possibly THE MOST symmetrical album The Beatles ever made with every song that follows the other belonging to a different Beatle!!! (If that makes sense???)

Anyway, as John produced the pure classic standard songs on Rubber Soul so does Paul here on Revolver. 'Eleanor Rigby', 'Here, There and Everywhere', 'For No-One', 'Got to get you into my Life' and 'Good Day Sunshine'. However, in true Beatle fashion, John gives us the eccentric.... and mind blowing it is... 'Tomorrow Never Knows' (a throw away comment by Ringo)... OMG this song is not real... unbelievably produced...can you believe they made this in 1966 ????? 'I'm Only Sleeping' with it's backwards guitars and the soaring 'And Your Bird Can Sing'... It is also the album where George puts his first bona-fide classic up in 'Taxman'... Great lyrics, searing lead guitar and THAT bass!!!! WOWEE!!!

And of course Ringo comes to the fore taking lead on the whimsical, wildly psychedelic Paul song, 'Yellow Submarine'... On the surface this song was written with children in mind for children to enjoy but if you think about it... a YELLOW SUBMARINE!!!! Not even Roald Dahl thought of that!!!

I think this is the album I come back to the most when I try to nominate my 'Favorite Beatle Album'

A footnote on the album cover... AGAIN a striking cover designed by their old chum Klaus Voorman from the Hamburg days.... why is it that the Beatle story has these 'weird' happenings???? A man they meet in Hamburg in 1961 also happens to be a funky artist who produces a cover that could ONLY be used for this album!