Magical Mystery Tour
John Lennon thought this was the best Beatles album...what better praise could "Magical Mystery Tour" get? John liked it because it was "so wierd", and that's my main reason for liking it too. It's quirky but solid. Despite the wonderfully odd songs such as "Blue Jay Way", the lovely "Flying" and the title track, this album also features some of the Beatle's best songs. I mean, come on - "Strawberry Fields Forever", "I Am the Walrus", "Fool on the Hill", "Penny Lane" on the same album? Wierd songs, great songs, it was an extension of Sgt Pepper, but the music here is more personal, heartfelt and meaningful. This album, "Magical Mystery Tour", is often knocked by critics, mostly because its songs are gathered from many sources, (EP's, singles) and because it came from a film which was not well liked, (though I think the film was marvelous fun!) Plus, the Beatles had just released "Sgt Pepper". Nevertheless, you've got to admit, "Sgt Pepper" was kind of a tough act to top! MMT was brilliant in its own right. Extra points for the Beatle's fabulous use of the mellotron throughout this record, truly one of the most haunting & beautiful instruments. And one final bonus point for "I Am the Walrus"...the Beatle's best song ever recorded!
Movie
The hype (most of it) that has surrounded this movie basically said: "It's a silly nonsense movie, not worth your time, etc." Well, the silliness and the nonsense are precisely the point. There is a "Zeitgeist" here from 1967 which is kinda "the hippie vs. the Straight World" or "Authority vs. Fantasy/Dreams"...or you may have your own description. If you followed the Beatles "down the rabbit hole"/as they evolved so-to-speak you'll know what I mean. For me, since I've gotten it, it is one of my most watched DVDs. For exactly the reason that it IS more a "vibe" than about anything "concrete". And yes, the sound and picture are restored beautifully...the commentary by Paul and Ringo is cool and so are the extras. And finally, not to be too philosophical about it (but I will anyway!), the modern world could use the fun fantasy and non-violent silliness that MMT provides.
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