REVOLVER

Before releasing 'Revolver' in 1966, The Beatles were still basically a completely-pop oriented band. The songs were pretty in tune with the common style of the day, and while the songwriting was obviously far superior to alot of the material generally being released (hence the band's overwhelming popularity and acclaim) there wasn't really a big factor of true innovation about their music. Suddenly, 'Revolver' comes along, and all of a sudden, The Beatles are experimenting; push the barriers of popular music to new heights. In context, this could be considered one of the most prog albums of all time, simply because it was so ahead of it's time. The psychedelic era wouldn't start for at least another year, and the prog movement in general was practically unheard of. A truly forward-thinking release from one of the most popular groups of the time was sure to cause a stir.

This is (possibly disregarding 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.') my favourite Beatles release, and there's good reason as to why. There are obvious pop-oriented tunes, but there are also more creative techniques used in some of the material. The most progressive song on here, without a doubt is the psychedelic 'Tommorow Never Knows.' Despite being a relatively short piece, it's my favourite Beatles song, and one of the most progressive songs ever recorded. The song is essentially designed in order to emulate an acid trip, and a great deal of effects are used. The lyrics are very cerebral/cryptic, and discard alot of the romantic leanings they have with alot of their material. It's a song that I can listen to over and over again and still be amazed.

The fact that all of the songs fall under being four minutes long might turn off some progressive listeners, but one must accept 'Revolver' for what it is, a 'pop' album that helped pave the way to more progressive things. I find the poppier numbers quite enjoyable to listen to (especially the ones that incoperate hefty doses of psychedelia.)

'Revolver' would be the first Beatle's album that could be considered a 'masterpiece.' While it's critically overshadowed by 'Sgt. Peppers,' it forever holds a place in my heart as being one of the inaugural works of progressive rock. An obvious essential.

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