Sgt Pepper must die! (overrated albums critiqued by different artists)

The Guardian ^ | Friday June 15, 2007 | Interviews by Paul Lester

[weegee]

The Beatles, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Nominated by Billy Childish, prime mover of British garage rock

I had a Beatles wig Beatles guitar when I was four - so I know what I'm talking about, but Sgt Pepper signalled the death of rock'n'roll. Rock'n'roll is meant to be full of vitality and energy, and this album isn't. It sounds like it took six months to **** out. The Beatles were the victims of their success. This is middle-of-the-road rock music for plumbers. Or people who drive round in Citroens - the sort of corporate hippies who ruined rock music.

I bought it the day it came out: it was ideal for a seven-year-old. These days, well, it's my contention that it represents the death of the Beatles as a rock'n'roll band and the birth of them as music hall, which is hardly a victory.

The main problem with Sgt Pepper is Sir Paul's maudlin obsession with his own self-importance and Dickensian misery. (Paul McCartney is the dark one in the Beatles, not John Lennon, because he writes such depressing, scary music.) It's like a Sunday before school that goes on forever. It's too dark and twisted for anyone with any light in their life. Then again, when he tries to be upbeat, it rings false - like having a clown in the room.

The best thing about the album was the cardboard insert with some medals, a badge and a moustache. But the military jackets they wore on the front made them look like a bunch of grammar-school boys dressed by their mummy.

[snip]

This isn't the greatest album ever made; in fact, it's the worst Beatles album up to that point. Live at the Star Club trounces it with ease.

[weegee]

I just got a cheap LP of the Ramsey Lewis Trio covering about half of the White Album.

Honey Pie isn't on it. Neither is Paul's Helter Skelter.

[snarks_when_bored]

Revolver.

[BenLurkin]

koo-koo-kachoo

[weegee]

Gesundheit.

[DJ MacWoW]

Classic lyrics along with “yellow matter custard dripping from a dead dogs eye”. Drugs did so much for their talent. :(

[steveo]

Sad how many young people would say “wha...?” to that reference. Then again sad how many young people would say “wha...?” when asked just about anything.

[Hebrews 11:6]

Perhaps someone can tell me, a huge Beach Boys fan, what was so allegedly great that everyone seems to have found in their Pet Sounds album. Aside from a couple of songs, it sounds numbingly similar and boring to me.

[MikeD]

I love Pet Sounds. The arrangements are rich and full, the melodies are beautiful, the harmonies are exquisite, and the lyrics are, well, OK, written by an ad guy. It marks the last time Brian Wilson was in full control of his faculties in the studio.

Besides, how many albums can claim a bass harmonica/banjo solo?

[Paisan]

Who ever claimed Sgt Pepper was a “rock ‘n roll” album?

Exactly. And, one must be aware that there is a significant difference between Rock n’ Roll and Rock and Roll.
I prefer the former, but no one does it good anymore. Last group I heard do Rock n’ Roll well were the Stray Cats. But then, I’m a child of the 50’s...

[Hebrews 11:6]

Thanks for the explanation. I remain far from convinced, but based on your recommendation I will probably try it once more.

[Oberon]

They can say what they want, but the Peppers was a groundbreaking album at the time.

Maybe, but as pop, not rock.

[weegee]

Try singing along to the whole album.