Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by Beatles (The) (CD, Jun-1987, Capitol/EMI Records)

There was nothing like Pepper before the Beatles' released it and nothing like it afterwards. When the Beach Boys released Pet Sounds prior to Pepper, it was considered ground breaking. After they heard Sgt Pepper, deep depression set in for the surfer boys. From a technical perspective, Pepper was recorded on only 4 tracks. However, by using a technique called "bounce tracking" the Beatles were able to create an LP that was the equivalent of a 24 track recording which was unheard of back in 1967 (hats off to George Martin). The remarkable part was the mix down and getting every track (bounced or otherwise) to ring out with clarity and not sound muddled. The songs themselves are brilliant and most have stood the test of time. Although the LP is dominated by McCartney tunes, Lennon's Lucy In The Sky and A Day In The Life (with the middle section of the song written by Paul) are stand outs. In one fell swoop, the Beatles with Pepper captured an entire era of psychedelic rock emitting a tidal wave of color, sounds and imagery that has yet to be surpassed. No band today worth its salt can deny Sgt Pepper as one of their major influences. If you have no other Beatle recording, this is the one to have. ** BnB Beatles Depot **