MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR (UK VERSION)

Never been a massive Beatles fan myself, though their revolutionary ground-breaking inspirational directions of pop/rock music are undisputable. From humble, early beginnings, the 'Fab Four' eventually discovered drugs (mainly pot and LSD, like most bands did...an amazing source of inspiration - so I'm told....) and always utilised the latest recording technology where applicable - even to the point of incorporating the studio as a further 'instrument' - something a lot of intelligent prog bands attempted to do, with various outcomes.... McCartney's subsequent work with band 'Wings' sometimes encroached on prog territory, though I don't own any albums by them anymore

I have the lovely little Gatefold/Booklet dbl 7 " release of this 'Magical Mystery Tour', and it has some very interesting arrangements from the boys....prime-time psychedelia, and perfect partner to The Rolling Stones' 'Satanic Majesties...', which was hammered for being 'too Sergeant Pepper's...' - go figure. The title song is quite a popular track and encompasses everything that was so in fashion at the time (not that I'd know...) the varying tempos, raunchy brass arrangements, and suggestive lyrics - "Roll Up..." (I bet, what a splendid idea !!!). The closing bars of the song always leaves me wondering - these guys could've jammed on that for ages and given Floyd a run for their money ; just a thought. 'Your Mother Should Know' is classic McCartney, melody to the fore. 'I Am The Walrus' is one of the psychedelic giants from the era, with its distorted vocal lines, string arrangements, trippy lyrics and unusual progressions. Record 2 consists of 'The Fool on the Hill', a real hippie song with recorders(or is it a Flageolet ??) and soft melodies - my least favourite track here. 'Flying', though considered as an 'instrumental', does have melodic vocal chants, but its terrific mellotron parts always make it a fond fave for prog-heads. The last bit of the track is really strange, with backwards effects and off-the-wall noises - something that would've been a surprise for many. Lastly, the Harrison led 'Blue Jay Way', features 'leslied' vocal lines, organs and a slight eastern riff, it shows off Harrison's hippie idealism and reflects his interest in India (and hashish - unsure whether they had already gone there, or if it was after this??) - never mind, these songs are definately worth 4 stars.