Episode 14 – Beatles ’67 pt4

We're back with a detailed look at side B of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band! To open the second half of the record, George Harrison picks up where he left of on Revolver's "Love You, Too" with the Indian-influenced "Within You, Without You". A moody choice for the otherwise bright record, George's exercise in writing western pop for eastern instrumentation is a beautiful exploration of the soul through the lens of a young man on the verge of the biggest period of spiritual enlightenment of his life. Of course the follow-up, Paul's "When I'm Sixty Four" is an exploration in abrupt, sharp turns! One of the very first songs a young McCartney crafted in his teen years, this was also one of the first recorded for the record in the winter of 1966. From there the Paul train rolls on with "Lovely Rita", followed by John's "Good Morning, Good Morning". If his songs on side A of the record were to be considered "workman-like", this track is certainly no exception - with it's principal hook lifted from a corn flakes commercial. The Sgt. Pepper Reprise then leads us into what is considered by many to be the band's finest work of song-craft, the beautiful and haunting "A Day in the Life." As we leave this album behind and proceed through 1967, it's clear that the good times will never be this good for the Beatles again. So love it or hate it, Sgt. Pepper is the peak. Enjoy the view.