The Beatles’ 1966 masterpiece, Revolver, saw the band expanding their musical horizons by using the studio as another instrument. Unusual effects abound — from varispeed (recording with the tape deck running at atypical speeds) to tape loops. But while they were expanding their production palette, The Beatles were simplifying their harmonic one. In fact, most of the songs on Revolver are composed with only a few chords.
And, while we’re on the subject of Revolver, check out the trailer for my Beatles film which “gets under the hood” of this classic album. It’s playing at theaters across the country. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!
Photo credit: Portrait of British pop group The Beatles (L-R) Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon at the BBC Television Studios in London before the start of their world tour, June 17, 1966. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)