REVOLVER

3.5 stars. This album was very Revolutionary (perhaps that's the point of the title, "Revolver"?) in that it has been very influential to music to this day, and completely transformed the music scape since.

Possibly the biggest thing to notice here is the guitar tone, which, almost in itself, has defined the tone of the 70's and 90's and beyond (not so much the 80's, that was all synths, ya know!) It was such a huge leap forward from the DEFINITELY 60'S sound of Rubber Soul.

Aside from the guitar tone, many other aspects of this album have been greatly influential, such as the whole counter-culture that is detailed in lyrics of songs like "I'm only sleeping" and "Elanor Rigby", or the way the album challenges the concept of what popular music can achieve. I reckon Harrison is the star of the album, not only because of his guitar, but because the opening "Taxman" is a gloriously fun 60's song. "Love you to" is a groovy Indian experiment, and Mr.Harrison has added two of the best songs on the album.

Taxman is followed by Paul's orchestrated criticisms of the Catholic Church "Elanor Rigby", a fine piece of music it is! "I'm so sleepy" is a cool psychedelic song, while "Here There and Everywhere" is a lovely ballad with ethereally pleasing vocal harmonies. So it begins with five excellent songs, and we know it ends with the Wonderful experimentation of "Tomorrow Never Knows", and a personal favourite of mine "Got to get you into my life", a fun 60's pop song that's a real blast!

But come on, to get a really good rating (like five stars) it should be consistent from beginning to end. This sought of runs out of steam about 2/3 the way through; sure "Yellow Submarine" is alright, but, seriously, it gets old after a few spins, when the novelty wears off. "She Said She Said" tries to be so 'psychedelic' and 'ground-breaking' with lyrics about 'I know what it's like to be dead'; well so do I! Especially when I listen to this utterly charmless song! "Good Day Sunshine" is very average indeed, vaguely enjoyable but... "And your bird can sing" might come off as a bit of filler, but it't one of the most FUN songs on the album. "For no one" is anything but fun, seriously dull could be closer to the truth. Sorry Paul, even the trumpet doesn't really save it. "Doctor Robert" is more filler, but still has a nice groove to it, and "I want to tell you" picks things up, a third song from Harrison!

Revolver is a very influential and ground-breaking, but only a few of the songs really carry the album (Tomorrow never knows, I'm so sleep, Elanor Rigby) and to be a truly great album it should be stronger from beginning to end. Three stars, but seeing it's influential (and a good time length, not too long!) I'll go with 3.5.