The White Album was probably the last time I looked forward with great anticipation to a record release. I still recall when they finally arrived at the store and I got mine (I actually bought two thinking that they would be collector items).
And I remember that first listen. It was like an LSD trip. the songs were almost jarring in their intensity, the transitions so stark, and the emotions so manic. We found ourselves racing through the entire two-album set in one tremendous binge, only to go back and re-sample selections a second and third time.
I didn’t think it was their best work (for me that would either be Revolver or Rubber Soul) but it certainly was one of their most dramatic albums.
Lots of good songs on the White Album: Dear Prudence, Blackbird, Sexy Sadie, Helter Skelter, I’m So Tired, Back in the USSR and others.
RIP Sir George.
My wife (literally the girl-next-door) and I moved to LA/Hollywood just before White Album was released - a couple of 18y/o kids from Ohio.
I was listening to KHJ (may have been KRLA) on a Sat afternoon when the White Album was being played for the first time.
Between each track, a voice (guest of the DJ) was explaining the background of each song and what was happening in Abbey Road studio during that song.
That voice was George Harrison.
After hearing the entire album, I drove to a record shop on Sunset and bought the album.
Good times...