MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

The Beatles follow up to the brilliant "Sgt Pepper" never seems to get the same level of praise.If anything it seems to be thought of the equivalent of the previous album's snotty little brother.Possibly the reason is that it was never conceived as an album as such and was basically cobbled together from the double EP of the same name plus a few non album singles.And let's face it - the cover is a bit tacky like one of those cheap budget records that used to clog the record racks.So unlike its illustrious predecessor- not exactly a work of art. The music itself is just wonderful.The opening title track is an exhilarating slice of Classic Prog-Pop."The Fool On The Hill" is also mesmerising with its massed recorder solo.The next instrumental track "Flying" is definitely Proto-Prog and unlike anything the band had produced before.The trippy "Blue Jay Way" is just full on drug fuelled Psychedelia."Your Mother Should Know" is pure McCartney Music Hall at his best. Lennon's classic "I Am The Walrus" surely quells any doubts as to the the Beatles' Prog credentials.Just the fact that among others it has been covered by Spooky Tooth and Zappa says a lot. It's one song I just never tire of hearing.It's bonkers but brilliant.

That's just the double EP. The additional tracks are all exceptionally strong. "Hello Goodbye" is not usually considered one of their best singles even though it was a massive hit but for me it is almost the most quintessential late 60's Beatles song they produced. The legendary double A side "Strawberry Fields Forever"/"Penny Lane" is also included and both tracks are clearly highlights on the album.While I love both songs equally hats off to Lennon for the shear ambition melotron drenched "Strawberry Fields"

The final two tracks "Baby You're A Rich Man" and the rather repetitive singalong "All You Need Is Love" are probably less essential but I alway love the slightly harmonically off-kilter "Baby".

Overall this is an immensely lovable album and definitely worth the full 5 stars

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