Before releasing "Revolver" in 1966, The Beatles had already exploded onto the U.S. pop scene in 63' with "I Want to Hold Your Hand", triggering the British Invasion, and offering Americans a new sound. Much like many other bands of the time, the Beatles released several albums with great success that relied on strong rhythms and upbeat lyrics, but taking little chances musically as radio at that time often wouldn't air anything considered to be experimental music. However, the group aimed to push the limits with Revolver, and as a result, were responsible for creating many studio techniques that are standard today, in addition to paving the way for the psychedelic rock movement.
With the counterculture rapidly spreading throughout the United States in the 1960's, drugs were gaining popularity at a comparable pace, and even more so in circles of musicians. During the mid-60's, members of The Beatles began experimenting with marijuana and LSD. The result were experiences that the group would both treasure and fear, but also be largely influential on their approach to making music in years to come.
With several "trips" under their belts, and a new outlook on songwriting, The Beatles hit the studio in 66' to record Revolver. The sessions would soon become the benchmark for what studios and recording technology were capable of producing. Prior to Revolver, most sessions had used the studio as a means of attempting to record and reproduce the most accurate sound possible. The Beatles however, saw these new technological possibilities in the studio as a way to add layers of sound and creativity that had not yet been heard in pop music.
While in the studio recording Revolver, the band introduced many elements that had never been heard, or even contemplated in any recording. One of the more interesting aspects of the album, in my opinion, is McCartney's fascination with his tape recorder, and the range of sounds he captured while experimenting with recordings. A great example of this is the haunting tape loops used in "Tomorrow Never Knows". Maybe the most important technique introduced on this album though is the use of automatic doubling through linking the tape recorders. This adds a level of "fullness" that is definitely noticeable when compared to other albums of that time, and really helps the mix shine.
Since first listening to Revolver in it's entirety several months back, it's quickly taken a spot in my favorite albums. The Beatle's ability to create a record with such different musical characteristics on each track, yet still retain a sense of continuity throughout is an incredible achievement, and one that can largely be credited to the chances they took in the studio. Revolver is a clear example in what kind of results can be yielded by thinking outside the box, and manipulating what equipment is available to engineers in order to get the sound you want.
With the counterculture rapidly spreading throughout the United States in the 1960's, drugs were gaining popularity at a comparable pace, and even more so in circles of musicians. During the mid-60's, members of The Beatles began experimenting with marijuana and LSD. The result were experiences that the group would both treasure and fear, but also be largely influential on their approach to making music in years to come.
With several "trips" under their belts, and a new outlook on songwriting, The Beatles hit the studio in 66' to record Revolver. The sessions would soon become the benchmark for what studios and recording technology were capable of producing. Prior to Revolver, most sessions had used the studio as a means of attempting to record and reproduce the most accurate sound possible. The Beatles however, saw these new technological possibilities in the studio as a way to add layers of sound and creativity that had not yet been heard in pop music.
While in the studio recording Revolver, the band introduced many elements that had never been heard, or even contemplated in any recording. One of the more interesting aspects of the album, in my opinion, is McCartney's fascination with his tape recorder, and the range of sounds he captured while experimenting with recordings. A great example of this is the haunting tape loops used in "Tomorrow Never Knows". Maybe the most important technique introduced on this album though is the use of automatic doubling through linking the tape recorders. This adds a level of "fullness" that is definitely noticeable when compared to other albums of that time, and really helps the mix shine.
Since first listening to Revolver in it's entirety several months back, it's quickly taken a spot in my favorite albums. The Beatle's ability to create a record with such different musical characteristics on each track, yet still retain a sense of continuity throughout is an incredible achievement, and one that can largely be credited to the chances they took in the studio. Revolver is a clear example in what kind of results can be yielded by thinking outside the box, and manipulating what equipment is available to engineers in order to get the sound you want.
In Response to Revolver Post:
Hey Dean,
I really like what you have written about the Revolver album. I also feel that The Beatles use of drugs heavily influenced their writing and lifestyles. I feel the drugs were used constructively and helped the band open their minds to new aspects of music. I like how you also mention their additions to the recording industry with their Revolver album and how Paul McCartney’s tape recorder was utilized. I do not see any aspects of your post that needs improvement. It sounds like you appreciate Revolver for the same reasons that I do.
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