The Beatles

When the Beatles gave up touring they poured their energy into the studio and the results made history.

Released on June 1st, 1967 on mono and stereo vinyl as well as reel to reel tape Sgt. Pepper’s went to number one in the UK charts two days later and spent 27 weeks in that position, this in a year that saw Jimi Hendrix and the Doors release debut albums.

None of the tracks had gaps between them, it was a continuous stream of musical consciousness. There were secret drug references, songs about meter maids, circuses and potholes in Lancashire and Intro and Outro tracks like it some kind of rock opera. Then there were random voice recordings spliced together in incoherent fashion.

But the music, in either mono or stereo, is a thing of absolute wonder. Remastered by Allan Rouse at Abbey Road in 2009, the 13 tracks are brought back to life like shiny new sixpences. The sound reflects technology as it was in 1967 inasmuch as bass is in short supply but it’s clear that Martin and the band were starting to think about the potential of stereo. The imaging produced by reverb and echo make it a full on audio experience.

John sang “I’d love to turn you on”, George preached “Glimpse the truth”, and the back sleeve promised: “A splendid time is guanteed for all”. Sgt. Pepper’s is the stuff of legend and a genuine audio milestone in popular music.