I already have the original American Mono edition of this album, which has fewer songs than the British version. I bought the new remastered / reissue mono "Revolver" mostly out of boredom while waiting for a bus in Pasadena, and I was nearby the great Canterbury Records store on Colorado Boulevard. For new year's day, and in a quiet series of moments during the early evening, i put this album on the turntable with my headphones on my ears. It wasn't like visiting an old friend, in fact, I haven't listened to this album for some years. More of a meditation on what seems so perfect, and marveling what must have been so new in 1966.
"Revolver" always struck me as a violent title for an album. Especially considering how John Lennon died years later, yet for some reason, I now see the title in a new light or awareness. I think of it more as "revolve" as in moving in a circle on a central axis. As one grows older they change, in other words, they revolve as in a verb. Yet, it's a clever title, because most of us will think of the title as a revolver gun. I have to imagine it was John Lennon who thought up of the title as a pun of sorts. Then again it could have been Ringo! Nevertheless, this is an album in motion. Their next album "Sgt. Peppe"r strikes me as a beginning, middle, and end. Revolver just keeps turning round and round, with no start or no stop.
"Revolver" may be the first proper 'modern' power-pop format album. The guitars, the aggressive but melodic bass playing (by Paul) is upfront and always driving the song. Also, incredible piano playing throughout the entire album as well. Not sure if it's Paul or George Martin handling the keyboards, but it's an essential part of the overall sound, and especially when you included Indian instrumentation here and there. Their previous album "Rubber Soul" is the first Beatle album to sound grown-up, and "Revolver" is made by wise men who tasted life in their own time-frame. It exposes the inner world of 1966 than say the news of the day or time. "Taxman" by Harrison is a bitter song about of course, the rich man's number one hatred 'paying taxes.' Harrison's songs are always odd because at one point it can deal with spirituality and then make a sharp turn about the bitterness of romance or being pissed off about taxes. I suspect the average Beatle fan in 1966 could care less about the tax issues among the wealthy. Still, Harrison was an amazing songwriter when he was good. "Taxman" is a funk machine of sorts that is mechanical in format, but driven by it's seductive (not necessarily sexual) rhythm.
The only song that makes me frown is "Yellow Submarine" not due that it's a bad song, because it's not horrible, but just tattoed on my brain from so many years ago. I never need to hear that song again. On the other hand "Here, There, and Everywhere" is like butter melting on a hot biscuit, it's a perfect melody word combination that is classic Lennon/McCartney. "Tomorrow Never Knows" is the perfect ending or beginning of "Revolver." As mentioned, the circle is completed but I feel it can go on until one has enough of the album. I reviewed the American edition, writing that it's an old friend that one doesn't need to really revisit anymore. Hearing the full British version (and in mono) the album is not new, but I realize the delights that come up on "Revolver" is consistently fresh (except for "Yellow Submarine") and one just marvels at the tightness of the playing and the brilliance of George Martin's production.
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