YELLOW SUBMARINE

This is an interesting and different album, which many feel is more for fans as there are only four Beatles songs here which are not found on the other original albums. However, there is still enough good work to be found. "All Together Now" is a fun song that captures the same mood of the song Yellow Submarine, although it is simple, easy to sing and not very substantial. The George Harrison's songs are more interesting musically and lyrically. You get the feeling that he was trying to see what he could get away with. I love the silly lines in "It's All Too Much," "and all the world is birthday cake So take a piece ... but not too much!" "Hey Bulldog" is a favourite here for sure. It's a great rock tune, and very unusual indeed with some word-play from Lennon. Just like George, he is clearly having a laugh at us, I think. The real gem is the second half. George Martin's suite of music which he wrote for the Yellow Submarine soundtrack is terrific. You hear him experimenting with some of the sounds which he had helped to create for The Beatles, such as the sitars and orchestral strings of Within You, Without You and the slurpy cellos of I Am the Walrus. "Pepperland" is a favourite of those pieces, it's a really lovely tune. The album is not among the best by any means, but if you love the Beatles AND Classical music, I think you will appreciate it.