Revolver Entry

Revolver

Prior to the recording of their Revolver album, The Beatles had a much more clean-cut image. The overall direction of their material had more of a pop feel which, of course, garnered the attention of the pop target audience of teens and young adults.

During the time frame during which The Beetles were conceptualizing and beginning to write and record for Revolver, the social and political atmosphere was beginning to change. Recreational drug use was becoming more prevalent and accepted, especially among entertainment industry professionals. While this factor almost assuredly help in part drive the new direction of Revolver, it was not the only contributor. Being a band composed of four individuals, each member had their own personal experiences and issues to draw upon to help craft their music. In addition, the psychedelic rock movement was beginning to take hold and this influenced The Beetles as well.

During the process of recording Revolver, The Beetles utilized several studio techniques that were revolutionary and innovative for their time. One of the techniques that I found interesting was the use of reverse recording and playback. This allowed for the creation of reversed ambient sound effects, as well as reversed complimentary audio elements as well. Another audio element that I found interesting was the use of the sitar. At the time, this particular instrument was virtually unheard of. The choice to take a risk and include unfamiliar elements in their music was part of what makes The Beetles so unique and revolutionary. Lastly, one can’t help but admire The Beetles mastery of harmony. The complexities of their harmonic patterns were comparable to some of the greatest vocalists of all time.

As an industry professional, the aspect of The Beetles music that stands out to me the most is their use of the stereo image to their advantage. There are always interesting placements of instruments and vocals within the stereo fields. As a listener, I found the complex musical textures and intricate lyrical composition intriguing. These two elements ensure that the ear is kept entertained, and the mind has material to ponder upon.