On this day in 1967, the Beatles released the record that would top every “Greatest Albums Ever” list by major mags, in perpetuity (or at least as long as a Baby Boomer is editor-in-chief). And that’s cool — its greatness is undeniable — but we’re guessing most of you spin Revolver or trek down Abbey Road twice as often as you salute the Sgt.. You’ll find celebratory articles everywhere, with expositions on Peppers‘ impact on recording techniques, songwriting, fashion, etc. — but don’t you forget to tune in to BBC Radio 2 tomorrow from 4:30-6:30 GMT for that Sgt. Peppers Lonely “All Star” Jam, with covers by Oasis, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers, James Morrison, The Fratellis, and Razorlight!
Sorry, did we say “don’t you forget”? Obviously we don’t mean that. Happy 40th, Sgt. Pepper. You deserve better. But still you look marvelous.
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Right now on WFUV, 90.7 in new york theyre having a program with beatles experts to determine whether this record merits its unofficial status as the greatest album of all-time or whether it is an overblown/overproduced record that introduced pretension into rock music. Pretty interesting stuff.
Michael, let us know what they conclude.
Is Paul still dead?
Wonderful album that changed music as we know.
Of course, I’m more of a Revolver guy, but Sgt. is a fucking awesome spectacle.
This album’s fine, but it’s no Chicago 17. “Stay the Night”… now that was an influential piece of music.
The top 2 greatest albums of all time….
1. R. Kelly “Double Up”
2. The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper”
I’m more about Revolver and Rubber Soul myself but Sgt. Pepper certainly has it’s moments.
It’s no “Red Rose Speedway.”
I might’ve actually listened in if it were Travis Morrison and James (full band) instead.
Am I only the one who thinks this band is pretentious bullshit?
Wait… which band are we talking about now?
I’m pretty sure Oasis and the Killers dropped out because of scheduling conflicts. I’m 100% sure the Killers did, Oasis not for sure.
Yeah, I listen to Revolver and Abbey Road way more than Pepper, but it is still a good album that has, for best or worst, influenced most of what came after.
But these things are so subjective. Pepper gets deification because it was “The Boomers’ Choice”, thus it will forever be the greatest LP of All Time in their eyes, and that’s fine. Better Pepper than some Jefferson Airplane funk. There’s a whole generation that thinks “Thriller” is the neplusultra of recorded music, and still others who hold “OK Computer” with the same high regard.
And try ripping “Spiderland” away from a Slint fan, I just dare you.
The point I want to make is that we are fortunate that these titles do have immediate merit. They are glorified by their supporters, still have flaws as all these things do if you’re being honest, and maybe the legend outshines the reality, but I can’t argue with anyone who says any of these recordings are worthy.
I mean, none of them are Disco Tex and the Sexolettes, but whatever could be?
DwD
I think Sgt. Pepper deserves the title more than any other great album because of the cultural impact it had.
Yeah that’s a pretty useless comment but it’s just my 2 cents
pet sounds? hellooooo
D-dub-dunphy– I agree in principle, but being a narrow-minded asshole grabs more attention than appreciating other people’s points of view
And sorry, but Pet Sounds was only number two on Rolling Stone’s “greatest 500 albums evar” list, even though it may have made Sgt. Pepper possible.
My personal favorite Beatles album is, when you take Let It Be and Abbey Road, cut out “The Long and Winding Road” and “The Octopus’s Garden” and– voila!– it fits perfectly on one disc.
“D-dub-dunphy– I agree in principle, but being a narrow-minded asshole grabs more attention than appreciating other people’s points of view
”
I have done both in my lifetime.
I will probably do both again (very soon!)
I’m an enigma wrapped in a pastry.
DwD
I guess I’m one of those weird Ringo fans, because I love ‘Octupus’s Garden’.
That being said, I actually listen to this more than any other Beatles album I own.
My fav is “With The Beatles” then “Rubber Soul” then “Abbey Road” then this, tied with the White Album.
Since you all asked.
Wasn’t it the first album to not have gaps between songs? Or something like that? Maybe I’m thinking of something else.
I think you’re right Todd.
Too bad you have to find a mono LP to hear this album the way it was meant to be heard. Apple Corp owes Beatles fans big time (in terms of remastering).
Any of you see the Hip-Hop Sgt. Pepper’s? This guy put it together by hand:
http://dkpresents.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/hip-hop-sgt-peppers-the-cover-art/