Features
What was the psychedelic movement? Who was George Martin? Find the answers here along with the story of "Sgt. Pepper's" famous cover, the album's ground-breaking recording methods and people's reactions.
Reactions to Sgt. Pepper
On its release, on June 1 1967, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was an instant hit, with both critics and the public. The "New Musical Express" critic, Allan Evans predicted, "It will sell like hot cakes", and it went on to spend 23 weeks at the top of the album charts.
The Psychedelic Movement
"Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was released in June 1967, on the very brink of the Summer of Love. It was the Beatles’ eighth album, and one that broke decisively into new, experimental musical territory. It wasn’t just the sound that had changed significantly from earlier albums, though. There was an atmosphere about the record that chimed with the gathering psychedelic movement that had been born on the west coast of America, and had travelled rapidly across the Atlantic.
The Fifth Beatle: George Martin
If anyone has the rightful claim to the title "The Fifth Beatle", it’s surely the man responsible for producing most of the band’s music. Ironically, it was George Martin’s credentials as the man who produced comedy albums by Peter Sellers which initially won him the respect of John Lennon, a lifelong Goons fan.
Creating the Cover
The "Sgt. Pepper" album cover is one of the most iconic designs ever. Behind the cardboard lies many stories about its production. Some are fact, some are myth – but all have made their way into rock legend.
Recording Techniques
One of the most remarkable aspects of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is the experimentation and innovation involved in its recording process.
"Revolution In The Head"
Ian MacDonald's "Revolution In The Head" is perhaps the definitive work of Beatles music criticism. MacDonald examines every Beatles song, analysing how it works musically and exploring the context in which it was written and recorded. Here he introduces the seventh track from "Sgt. Pepper", 'Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite!'.
Ten Things…
What inspired the track "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and how old was Paul McCartney when he wrote "When I'm Sixty-Four"? Read on and find out.
