REVOLVER

I know this isn't prog, but I can't bring myself to give it less than full marks, because it is one of those albums that are so near perfect that it transcends any kind of musical label or genre. There is nothing special about the bands technical skills, they are just four average musicians, but when it comes to composition they have a gift to create some of the most beautiful melodies, sounds and lyrics to be created in the 20th century. Anyway on to the songs...

'Taxman' kicks off the album and it rocks hard. A thunderous bass line and acid-tinged lyrics drive this song. It was probably written about a problem with taxes at the time, but is still relevant now as it outlines a corruption in 'the system'.

'Eleanor Rigby' is perhaps the most beautiful song on the record, and one of the most perfect pop songs created. It does not include any traditional pop/rock instruments, but orchestral strings. The vocals are wonderful and the lyrics are touching. It is a great contrast with the last track, and proves my comment that the music transcends labels and genres.

'I'm Only Sleeping' is a great psychedelic number with John on vocals. This may or may not be a reference to drugs, but I don't care. The music is excellent and that's what counts.

'Love You To' is an experiment in traditional Indian music and uses authentic Indian instrumentation (another deviation away from traditional po/rock). The droning sound of this song sounds and dreamy and it is quite possible for the listener to feel elated purely by listening to this music.

'Here, There and Everywhere' is the first real pop song on the album, but when we're talking about the Beatles that isn't a bad thing. It has a beautiful melody, and showcases the band's talent to create lyrics that you can relate to, rather than the cheesiness that was becoming popular in love ballads at the time.

'Yellow Submarine' is unfortunately the first below average song on the album. It is not terrible, but I must admit this sounds very commercial and seems to be merely a novelty song. But as novelty songs go, it's a good one.

'She Said She Said' is another song with a psychedelic hint to it. The psychedelic genre I think was in its very early stages at this point, and the Beatles contributed a lot to its development. The songs lyrics are quite depressing, but by keeping them simple the band can really make it feel like something you can relate to.

'Good Day Sunshine' is a real feel good song, and is a bit of light relief after the dismal 'she said...'.

'And Your Bird Can Sing' seems like a 'nice' love song at first, but inspection of the lyrics reveals it might be a bit more sinister, contrasting with the upbeat tune.

'For No One' is my favourite song on the whole album and my second favourite by the band. It is a beautiful and melancholic song with perhaps the most harshly realistic lyrics on the album. It is somewhat reassuring though. At one point in my life I found it very eerie that the lyrics perfectly described how I was feeling. Add to this the best melody on the album and we have a perfect pop song.

'Doctor Robert' is my least favourite song on the album, but I can enjoy it when I'm in the right mood. It doesn't really fit in with the rest of the record.

'I Want to Tell You' is a song that is easy to look over but is a real hidden gem, with its ultra catchy chorus and some lyrics which I think any guy can relate to and has understood at some point.

'Got to Get You into my Life' returns to a more rocky sound. Apparently it's about drugs, but it doesn't have to be, and again taking into consideration the strength of the musc it doesn't matter.

'Tomorrow Never Knows' finishes the album in a spectacular array of sounds that are just on the border of what can actualy be called music. It is a strange way to end an album, but the Beatles can pull it off, leaving a sense of completeness to the album.

It is hard to listen to this album without going through many emotions, and it is a journey for me as the different tracks remind me of different times in my life. 5 stars.