The much anticipated re-release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, marking the 50th anniversary of this watershed album, on June 1st will offer some tantalizing new mixes and studio out-takes. Several editions will be available, including previously unreleased takes and documentary footage.
Today, April 22nd, the first of these will arrive with a exclusive limited edition 7-inch vinyl single of “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane,” – two of the first songs recorded during the Sgt. Pepper’s sessions, but ultimately held off the album. Only 7000 copies are available – did you get yours?
This album marks a quantum leap in composition, production and recording. Equally innovative is McCartney’s bass playing.
For the first time in The Beatles recording career, McCartney’s bass is at the forefront of the structure of individual songs. Heavily influenced by The Beach Boys “Pet Sounds” album, the bass is often louder in the mix and more supportive of the melody.
Songs like “With A Little Help From My Friends” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” feature Paul’s Rickenbacker bass more clearly than on previous recordings.
Stay tuned for my video tutorials on Facebook Live as I’ll break down the bass parts of many of the songs on this iconic album.