Why has Revolver taken over Sgt. Peppers?

The musical tastes of the masses ebb and flow differently over time.

I can say that The Beatles spent more time on Pepper than any other album they made, about five months. Mostly Paul and John going back in the studio with engineer Geoff Emerick spending hours trying different mic's, various mic positions, various instruments, using or inventing various studio effects, to get the exact sound that Paul or John wanted.

I read and recommend Emerick's book "Here, There and Everywhere". I believe it was there that I read the remark that, looking back, Pepper was really a John and Paul duo album. George's one song, the great "Within You, Without You" was done with Harrison, George Martin and Harrison's Indian musician friends. None of the other Beatles are on the song.

Paul handled the majority of the lead guitar parts, all of the bass and God knows what else.

Revolver was done quicker. What is lacking in studio and musical perfection is made up for by a wider variety of songs and performances.

I think Revolver is a much much stronger album. I can finish it without reaching for the skip button, which is something I do with Pepper. Not too fond of the latter although it contains my fave Beatle tune ever 'A Day In The Life'. 

Stool Man wrote: NYSPORTSFAN wrote: When I was growing up when it came to The Beatles albums it was Sgt. Pepper that was considered their best album. Now it seems people think its Revolver? What is the reason for this turnabout in opinion. Depends on when you were growing up.  I remember in the 1980s Revolver was considered the better of the two, except of course in 1987 ("It was twenty years ago today" etc)    Personally I don't understand it when americans go on about the Magical Mystery Tour album.  The Beatles never made such an album.  They made a Magical Mystery Tour film, and a Magical Mystery Tour double EP.  The american label made the album so loved by americans, not The Beatles.  Approval after the fact is not the same thing at all.

I don't think anyone had mentioned MMT up to this point, but I'm glad someone else thinks the same as me!

Earthmover wrote: Because it's their best album and imo the only great one (haven't heard Rubber Soul and White Album tho)

Revolver quite easily beats Rubber Soul but you really need to hear The Beatles before commenting. It's really 4 solo albums and a bit all over the place, but it's my favourite Beatles album.

DamoXt7942 wrote: I'm so sad some people around me don't know The Beatles ... I've got older.

Me too..........my brother and I were in a record store back in the early 80's and these two young kids were buying Wings lp's and one turned to the other kid and said hey...McCartney was in a band called The Beatles.

chopper wrote: dr wu23 wrote: DamoXt7942 wrote: I'm so sad some people around me don't know The Beatles ... I've got older.  Me too..........my brother and I were in a record store back in the early 80's and these two young kids were buying Wings lp's and one turned to the other kid and said hey...McCartney was in a band called The Beatles. Now that is sad.

When Alan Partridge was asked "Who are Wings" he replies "Only the band the Beatles could have been!"

Atavachron wrote: In 'Tomorrow Never Knows' you can smell the acid; In 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!' you can smell the peanuts.

Peanuts? Surely you mean sawdust? Or horse dung.

Don't know about critics or those fickle creeps who steer public opinion, but when I want to listen to the Beatles it's rarely Pepper's that I put on.  It's Revolver, Rubber Soul, Mystery Tour, and I've even been on a bit of an early Beatles kick lately.  I put on Abbey Road the other day and for the first time it just didn't move me....had to take it off.  I think I just might've overplayed Pepper, White and Road, let's hope it stops there.

richardh wrote: I only own those 2 albums by the Beatles and neither get played much. The Beatles produced amazing songs but not so amazing albums imo. (yes that is contradictory I know) The Alan Partridge comment is funny. I may actually be Alan Partridge as I prefer Wings