Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles – What’s On The Table
It’s wonderful to be here …
… with a new “What’s On The Table” episode! When it comes to picking records for these WOTT videos, Beatles albums are always a no-brainer. We’ve done Rubber Soul, we’ve done Revolver, we’ve done Help!, now let’s jump to “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, the album that was dubbed “the best album of all time” by the Rolling Stones magazine.
Just under 40 minutes long but filled with so many masterpieces and moments that defined and changed music history from there on out.
We’re 99% sure that this picture disc has been sent to us by an MLT Club member but we unfortunately didn’t write down or remember who it was. Our guess would be Neill T. from Arizona, who also sent us the “Sound Of Music” vinyl from the last WOTT episode. If the right person could let us know in the comments, that would be great (BIG THANKS TO YOU)! π
We are sure many of you have a lot of thoughts & feelings about this album and perhaps even some personal anecdotes that you are willing to share in the comments. We’d love to hear them!
Thank you for hanging out with us this Friday, you’re such a lovely audience!
Stay groovy,
Mona & Lisa
I love your infectious enthusiasm for the Beatles’ albums – maybe you should make one or two of these public so people outside the MLT Club can see what they are missing?
WOTT sessions are always fun to watch β especially the clips of the two of you performing the songs when you were younger! So this suggestion has NOTHING to do with Sgt. Pepperβ¦but Iβd love to hear you devote a session to Abbey Road. And Iβd LOVE to hear you cover βBecauseβ from Abbey Road β or better still, just the multi-tracked vocals, the version on Anthology 3. Your harmonies are always esquisite, and it would be a treat to hear six or eight or however many of you it would take to cover it. Just a thoughtβ¦stay groovy! LOL
I hope the next one you will talk is Carol King Masterpiece Album “Tapestry”, all the songs are excellent, I think. Also with the Fab Four, the album “Magical Mystery Tour” and of course “The White Album”.C est toujours un grand plaisir de recevoir vos commentaires. Merci.
Watching the two of you during the playing of this album I noticed how muech you REALLY got into it. Got me thinking that you should do a series of some of these songs for Duo Sessions. About half of them would seem to be good candidates.
Love how much fun you seem to have during WOTT sessions. Some great memories that you shared with us, and those outfits you’re wearing are terrific. Seems to fit each other and the theme.
Anyway. I see some awesome covers to be made from this. That said, I am really into your original songs. There is great music that you come up with and WHY is just as inventive as Pepper is.
Thanks for this. It was a lot of fun.
I have three copies of this album. The vinyl, 2019 remastered CD and the 50th anniversary edition CD. Sgt. Pepper is one of the most important albums in the music history and it changed the pop music very much. But I think itΒ΄s even not the best Beatles album. ItΒ΄s so much the album connected to the summer of 1967 that some of it sounds a little bit dated today. DonΒ΄t get me wrong, I love Sgt. Pepper but I prefer Revolver and Abbey Road even more.
Hallo, Ihr Lieben, ich finde diese Platte sehr schΓΆn und mein Lieblingslied ist Lovely Rita.
Herzliche GrΓΌΓe, Reinhart aus Hamburg
Such a great record! I guess that’s an understatement.
I have two birthday related stories based on Sgt. Pepper.
First, while it wasnβt the first Beatles album I heard, it is the first LP I owned. My sister gave me the copy I still have for my 10th birthday.I tend to credit the gift as the event that solidified the Beatles as my favorite band. Without that, I probably wouldnβt be an MLT Club member today.
Second, spin the clock ahead 54 years when my wife gave me my birthday present a little early. Significantly, I turn 64 next month. So, we just returned from a 3-1/2 week European trip, with The Beatles Pilgramage Tour as the centerpiece! It was as incredible as you would expect. I met several significant people from the Beatlesβ history including their childhood friend and video producer (among other things) Tony Bramwell, original Quarryman Colin Hanton, the very lovely Freda Kelly who was Brian Epsteinβs secretary and the leader of the Beatles Fan Club throughout their years as a band. (BTW – the tour leader noticed my MLT shirt one morning, which prompted him to note that Mona and Lisa had been on the tour in the past. Any stories??) The highlight of the trip was staying in the hotel around the corner from Mathew Street. It was a 3 minute walk from the room to the Cavern Club, so I was finally able to sit, lhave a drink, and listen to music in the place where my two favorite bands played. It could only have been better if ONE of those bands was on stage on one of the days I was there. π€ Maybe next time Iβm thereβ¦or sometime in Arizona. You never can tell.
A couple days late here Mona and Lisa, but thanks for another WOT! This is certanily a classic album for the ages in my book. Don McClean American Pie had a reference to the Beatles when he sang The Marching Band refused to Yield and I always thought it was reference to Sargent Peppers album. They made a statement with this album that set the standard. As Much as I love the Rolling Stones, they tried coming out with an album of sorts at the same time, Their Satanic Majesties Request and it did not stand up to Sargent Pepper. I would like to throw my 2 cents here and would love for you both to cover Fixing a Hole, to me? I would think you would cover this song very well and keep the essance of the song alive. So thank you again for this segment and looking forward to Friday’s video, until then we love you and stay groovy.
Bill and Maddie Isenberg Huge fans from Pittsburgh PA USA
Of all the things I can say about this most enjoyable βWhatβs On The Table,β I have to comment on your outfits. Such Groovy prints! I love all kinds of things about the 1960s – the clothing especially. You two definitely rock the 1960s style!
My own personal favourite off the album is Lovely Rita and think you ladies would do an awesome cover. With so many excellent tracks on this album I do not know why Rita stands out for me. I saw you mention a documentary, what is it and is it available to watch yet?
I forgot to add the Pink Floyd connection to Sgt Peppers
Pink Floyd recorded their first album βPiper At The Gates of Dawnβ at Abbey Road while the Beatles were recording Sgt Peppers in the studio space next to them. PF met them while they were recording Lovely Rita. Given that fact, there are quite a few different stories of being able to faintly hear faintly hear the Beatles on Pink Floydβs album, and vice versa.
I found a nice quote from Nick Mason, drummer:
βWe were recording in Abbey Road, the temple of greatness, and they were recording βLovely Rita.β They were God-like figures to us. They all seemed extremely nice, but they were in a strata so far beyond us that they were out of our league.β
ο»Ώ
Thank you so much for giving your comments of Sgt. Pepper, I love it and to watch you singing Good Morning Good Morning, how about doing a cover of the song and also Lovely Rita?! I bought Sgt. Pepper in June 1967, I bought the mono album, i was surprised by the cover and that they have moustaches and the songs were remarkable like Lucy in the sky with diamonds , A day in the life, Within you Without you, and so on, and it was the first time that the words were printed at the back of the cover. It is always a great pleasure to see you talking about an album. Merci pour tout vos beaux sourires.
Hi Claude,
You mentioned purchasing the Sgt Pepper album in mono. It reminded me that, when I went to my local record shop and bought “Meet the Beatles” and “The Beatles’ Second Album”, which were the first two released in the USA, I got them in Mono because they were a little less expensive. After that, I bought all the future albums in Stereo.
Take care,
Bobby S.
Ein wahnsinniges Meisterwerk, das seines Gleichen sucht unerreichbar. Ich bin in der DDR aufgewachsen und hatte kaum MΓΆglichkeiten an englischsprachige Musik ranzukommen auΓer ΓΌbers Radio RIAS2 hieΓ der Sender in Westberlin, der unregelmΓ€Γig LPs zum “Mitschneiden” auf dem TonbandgerΓ€t anbot, so geschehen Ende der 60er mit Sgt Pepper mitten in der Nacht. Ich werde es nie vergessen. Ich saΓ an meinem TonbandgerΓ€t und wartete, dass der Berry Graves, so hieΓ der DJ von dem Radiosender, das Kommando zum Aufnahmebeginn gab. Bis zum letzten Takt alles auf Tonband aufgenommen, auch das letzte Loch in Blachburn Lancashire -Lach-. Wie gesagt, ich werde es nie vergessen. SchΓΆn, dass man an eure gute Musik einfacher rankommt als wir frΓΌher an Beatles und Co. Macht weiter so und biba
Euer Detti
Beatles, MonaLisa Twins. It doesn’t get any better !!
A day in the Life, one of my favorite Beatles songs.
Happy 4 th of July to all.
Think the Mona Lisa Twins could do a really haunting version of Day in the Life. Would be a joy to listen to on a moody winter day.
I love being in your audience, you girls are so entertaining! I remember when Sgt. Pepper came out, it was so different than any record that I had ever heard. I agree that you would do a great cover of Lovely Rita! Thank you for a great Friday! P.S. I love your coffee mugs!
Thanks for tackling this album – it was a huge success at the time and since then and seemed to mark some sort of turning point in the direction of pop music. Up until then it was so often simple three-minute songs about boy meets girl. This album changed things forever.
I notice that whenever, you two sing along to one of the songs you are always beautifully in tune. I’m afraid that when I sing along that’s not the case at all. My buddies used to say that I could only sing in one key – that of F demented!
Keep up the good work.
“When I’m Sixty-Four” is my favorite from this album, and one of my favorite Twins’ cover songs. I discovered the Twins when I was searching for the song to play for a friend’s 64th birthday. I quickly found three versions, including the Twins’ version. At that time I didn’t even know who the MonaLisa Twins were. I liked the Twins’ version best, in fact, I liked it better than the original. I have been a big fan ever since.
If you do another cover from this album, my vote is for “A Day in the Life”.
M & L,
“See the Beatles Standing There!”…. WAIT!.. WHAT!!!??? OK, I had to get out all 4 of my copies of “The Beatles Complete” song books from various years. The lyrics all said — “See the people standing there,” in one Chorus, and “Silly people run around,” in the other Chorus. Then I consulted my Paul McCartney 2 book set of “The Lyrics,” and again, it’s “See the people”… I listened several times when Lisa sang “See the Beatles,” and it did kind of sound like that when Paul sang it! So, hmmm, what did he REALLY sing there? I listened back to your commentary, & it sounds like Lisa had thought she was hearing “See the Beatles,” but it really wasn’t that. Still, it would have been an interesting lyric. Paul mentions nothing about that in his book. But he explains the drug influences, & the writing process on the “Fixing A Hole” page. And I’ve been lucky to see Paul live 4 times. He always does a few “Sgt. Pepper” songs!
I often have a hard time understanding lyrics in songs, & have to google them, because I either use them in Music classes, or just want to sing the song with my guitar. Whatever, your WOTT video this morning was very funny & entertaining! As a new member I’m catching up with as many of your videos as I have time for every day!
I started out playing trumpet, so I was mostly interested in Jazz, Latin & Classical Music. I got into Rock because of a friend of mine, Jim who played sax with me in our high school band. He turned me on to his collection of the Beatles, the Stones, Frank Zappa, Donovan & a bunch of other stuff! His bedroom/Music room was downstairs & his mother used to stamp her foot loudly on the floor upstairs if the music got even a LITTLE bit loud! Pretty funny! I was aware of the Beatles, but really got into them in ’72 when I saw “Hard Day’s Night” on TV. “If I Fell” was the first song that got my attention, then everything else followed. So I bought all their albums & learned each whole album by singing them while driving! Later, I sang a few Beatles songs in some Rock bands I was in, and also taught a few to my students in class. I keep up my guitar skills partly by learning new songs & singing along.
Being like Beethoven is one aspect of genius, and creating great songs like the Beatles did is another aspect of genius. It’s not an easy thing to do, & writing songs that strike a common chord with people worldwide takes an exceptional creative genius! The Beatles had that, & “Sgt. Pepper” is another of their masterpieces!
Thank you, Mona & Lisa for taking us into your world & sharing your thoughts with us! (My daughter used to have sleepovers here with 12 girls.
Your parents were very brave to have 30 or 40 over!)
Btw, I got your MLT jacket in the mail today, (love it,) & you’ll be getting your late BD package from me around July 3rd.
THANKS for EVERYTHING! — Bud Jackson
I don’t recall ever holding a copy of this album in my hands. I was 11 years old and focused on baseball when this was released, so I wasn’t paying attention. Somehow, I eventually absorbed it from the ether, and know all the songs. Not sure how, but that’s the Beatles. They’re part of the culture.
One of my very favorite covers of yours is When I’m 64. That could be Exhibit A for why you are so astonishing. All your covers are great, but some are just magical. That one is pure magic. And I think you could cover anything that you set your minds to, even in a Duo Session. And sometimes, especially in a Duo Session.
It’s so fun to listen to you singing along with it. And your back stories on things like your 13th birthday party are special. One of the best things I like about your Friday vids are those kinds of stories.
Thanks so much.
I was 13 when Sgt. Peppers was released and at the time, I thought it was merely the Beatles contribution to the general βpsychedelicβ phase that was going on in pop/rock music. Things like the Sgt. Pepper album cover uniforms, songs like βLucy in the Sky with Diamondsβ, and Georgeβs sitar music all added to this perception for me. Psychedelic was definitely the rage in 1967. The radio waves were full of songs like the Rolling Stones β2000 Light Years from Homeβ and Strawberry Alarm Clockβs βIncense and Peppermintsβ. I remember one of my friends at the time showing off his new Electric Prunes album with the single βI Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)β. Thankfully, the psychedelic push didnβt seem to last too long β for me culminating in 1968 with Iron Butterflyβs βIn-A-Gadda-Da-Vidaβ. I look back fondly on a lot of those songs now, but at the time, I thought the whole psychedelic thing was pretty goofy. Again, I was a young teenager.
Later, in my college years, I actually bought the Sgt. Peppers album and then started to truly appreciate it for being such an amazing album in its own right. My favorite songs were βWith a Little Help from My Friendsβ and of course, βA Day in the Life.β
As a final note, when I was in college in the mid-1970βs, if one was in a bar with a live band and perhaps had a bit too much to drink, the standard, go-to request song one would yell for was βIn-A-Gadda-Da-Vidaβ. Amazingly, a large number of bands would oblige and start right in, although never completing the entire 17-minute opus. Somehow, I imagine Mona and Lisa never had a request for βIn-A-Gadda-Da-Vidaβ at the Cavern Club.
Hi Joe, I’d like to add a couple more records from that era that I still think are great. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On by Vanilla Fudge and Frijid Pink’s version of House Of The Rising Sun. Both had that funky psychelia going on. Also Tommy James Crystal Blue Persuasion and Crimson and Clover were great also.
Thanks, Tim. I certainly agree with your Vanilla Fudge and Tommy James selections and enjoyed them both. Frijid Pink’s “House of the Rising Sun” is not ringing a bell, so I’ll have to check it out. I certainly liked the Animals’ version.
We were talking about the space between us all and the people who hide themselves behind a wall..did George learn about the internet when he was in India? The Beatles were prophets.
My older brother gave me this album for my 14th birthday. He knew I liked DSOTM so he simply smiled and said,βYouβre gonna like thisβ I remember listening to it alone lying on my bedroom floor with my head between the speakers. It was late, I could not play it loud, and I did not have good headphones. I like to think that young me knew that some day I would look back and realize what a magical time that was. He also gave me Pink Floyd Animals so it was quite the psychedelic journey.
I was familiar with the Beatles hits, but this was something special. I do remember hearing A Day In The Life for the first time and scrambling to flip back over to Side A for another listen. This is one of those albums that plays best in itβs entirety.
Sheβs Leaving is the one I would say makes me feel, uh, sad. At first I feel sad for the daughter, and then Iβm with the parents realizing they are not prepared for her to grow up, and then what is she doing, meeting a man from the motor trade, why are they trading motors, is that like trading pink slips, whatβs a pink slip, are you going to make that appointment already, havenβt you time for tea, look what you are doing to your mother, your tearing the family apart. It is an emotional roller coaster to say the least.
All kidding aside, we just adore your cover of Sheβs Leaving. I have always had a special hold on this song, so when I saw your cover, I was truly taken back. There are only a few albums I can remember my first listen, and this is one. I have wondered why you did not select this one earlier. Although, I think this WOTT has been in the can for a while. Good things come to those who wait.
You guys are hilarious as ever. My garbage alarm goes off at 7:30 Tuesday nights. Marlo makes fun of me for the alarms, aka reminders, I set on my phone. When Mona said it was her reminder to put out the trash, we were laughing our butts off. Marlo makes fun of me, and then asks me to add a reminder for blah, blah, blah.
Lovely Rita as a Duo Session? That would be groovy.
That was fun. We are looking forward to next Friday already.
Love,
Marlo & JP
Thank You Ladies for today’s video. It’s always enjoyable to see you.
Sgt Pepper’s album has so many good songs. A work of art.
Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend and Happy Independence Day on July 4th to those in the USA.
Cheers,
Bobby S.
This album has some of the Beatles best songs in my view. Your singing along is great too. The title song and I love to turn you on are my favourites (I’m Canadian). Stay Groovy!
Eins, zwei, drei, vier! No… that’s a different album. It’s interesting that Sgt. Pepper’s was the last album of the Beatles for me to listen to, along with A Hard Day’s Night. I had the other albums and I had the double Red and Blue compilations, which had the highlights. Only after I was well versed in the Beatles (heavily wearing down those grooves) did I get a chance to get the full SPLHCB album.
Loved the Salt & Pepper, reference. I had heard that it came about Paul “mishearing” Mal when he said “pass the Salt and Pepper”, but he clarified later that he had an ongoing thing with Mal, where they would banter and throw words around. “Sergeant Pepper” was an “aural pun” Paul came up with in one of those instances, as he described it.
It’s so interesting that that line “Silly people standing there” always felt off to me. “See The Beatles standing there”! That would have been so much better. Missed opportunity Paul!
A Day In The Life is a masterpiece, it’s amazing they never released it as a single.
Thank you for another great WOTT video!
Today’s session was really entertaining because of your personal takes on the songs – and I love how you guys sing along with them. The version of With a Little Help from My Friends that I am most familiar with is Joe Cocker’s. It has a harder bluesy sound. Trivial trivia: John Fred and the Playboy Band had a song out around this time that was a play on Lucy in the Sky called Judy in Disguise (a good song by the way). According to Paul (if I remember right), A Day in the Life started out as two songs; one by Paul and John. They could not finish them so they added a bridge and combined them into the song. I am sure whichever song you decide to do will be super-dyna-wappin. Peace be.
I like the Joe Cocker version of Little Help From My Friends. It was used as the theme song for the TV show The Wonder Years. I remember he also covered She Came In Through The Bathroom Window from Abbey Road.
Hi Joe,
Yes, Judy in Disguise was a big hit and reached #1 in the U.S., Germany & Australia and & #3 in Canada & the U.K.
That reminds me when a group called The Detergents sang “Leader of the Laundromat” in response to The Shangri-Las big hit “Leader of the Pack”. Ron Dante, who went on to sing the Archies song “Sugar, Sugar, sang lead for The Detergents.
And you are correct about “A Day in the Life”. Both Paul & John had a portion of a different song that was not completed. They decided to merge them together and it worked out great.
Bobby S.
I have always enjoyed your covers from this album. “When I’m 64” is awesome and your entire set with Mike Masse was really something. It looked like you had a great time performing with him.
I completely agree, so many of the other songs on Sgt. Pepper would be problematic to replicate, especially in a duo session. Two Beatles songs from their later catalog that would be cool to do would be “Sexy Sadie” from the White Album and “Oh Darling” from Abbey Road.
Thank you, as always, for another fun WOTT.
As always, fun and entertaining!
Not from Sgt Pepper, but from the White Album, I would love to hear you cover “Julia” by John. I don’t know why really, but I have always loved that song. Even though it makes me sad I just love the melody.
Lucy, yeah I have always thought and still do, that the song was written around the topic of hallucinations associated with taking LSD. Still, I loved the song even though I was always afraid of trying the drug. I had a close friend who did his best to get me to try it, but I never did. He said it expanded his mind and made him feel closer to God. Whatever, I never tried it. Back then I think it was referred to as “dropping acid.”
My parents said that even trying it one time could cause permanent brain damage. There were stories of people having a bad trip and killing themselves. I was a chicken and I donβt regret it.
Far out!!
Peace, Love and Music were enough for me.
Hey Jerry,
You were NOT a chicken, you were smart.
I would always say that I do not need artificial stimulants. I would get “high” on just listening to music.
Bobby S.
Thanks
I wasn’t going to say anything but then Tim Johnson mentioned the pepper shakers behind the couch so, I’ll finish it for him. I think the girls are trying to project a subliminal message here. Those are in fact salt & pepper grinders. So why are they standing behind the couch? McCartney saw unique salt & pepper dispensers on the dining table and he said Salt & Pepper! That developed into Sergeant Pepper and continued to develop into one of the greatest collections of music of the 20th century. Now here we are today and we are all members of the new Lonely Hearts Club and Sgt. Mona & Lisa Pepper are the band.
Imagine That
I always enjoy WOTT just to hear your perspective and of course a few clips of some of your covers! Thanks for making this a great friday.
The video stopped playing for me at the 3:00 mark. I’ll try watching again later…
Can’t get the video to play starts then stops that’s a shame I see in the comments other people have had that problem it would have been a good one
I loved this video. Sgt. Pepperβs Lonely Hearts Club Band album was my favorite Beatles album. I was only eight years old when the album came out in 1967. And now it is only fitting that you do this album. That is because I am 64 years old. Anyway, I have to agree with all of their critics, this was their best album.
Iβm not sure whether I envy the way you discovered The Beatles, or if perhaps you missed out on something. Most of us had to wait for the album release for the entire catalog and even though I was only nine when this one came out, it was such a departure from the previous albums that it almost seemed like a whole new band. If I remember correctly (full disclaimer, take no bets) this was the first album that was intended to be experienced from beginning to end, with the songs interwoven together, much like βDark Side Of The Moon.β Has anyone else heard that?
In any case, great WOTT choice, looking forward to the next one!
Hello Dale,
I am pretty certain that I remember hearing that also.
Bobby S.
To be honest i never listened to the album, i do know and like the most songs. I allso never knew there was so much mystic about the album, thanks for explaining in WOTT. Alltough dear prudence is not on this album i would love to hear you perform it, i heared it was recorded in India?
I’d like to hear MLT cover the run-out groove from the Sgt. Pepper album.
Nice! LOL
I love these album discussions! It’s so nice to bring out the highlights and some thoughts on each track. This album heavily influenced a generation and all music after, so Sgt Pepper is a pretty big deal π I was waiting for you to get to Lovely Rita – this is probably my favorite track – yes, the chords, the melody – Paul’s vocals, and the whole band / song was tight. I like what was said about it, and all the songs. It’s like we are all sitting around the coffee table just talking about great music!
When I’m 64 is actually one of my favorite Beatle songs and I sent your version of it to my Brother earlier this year for his 64th. He loved it. Not saying it’s their best but just one of the most enjoyable pop songs of the ’60s. Thanks as always for these Friday gems…
After watching again (2nd of what will be around 100), I wanted to addβ¦
Your cover of Getting Better is easily one of my favorite tracks. I love hearing it.
I loved it when Lisa is counting tracks in German.
I loved it when Monaβs phone goes off. Itβs stuff like this that makes you so relatable.
Lisa hearing See the Beatles Standing There is so obvious I donβt know how I missed it all these years. Thank you for a new perspective. I donβt even want to tell you what I thought Rocket Man chorus was.
And I love the pepper shakers in the background.
Just like the album cover, very conspiratorial π
We are such a lovely audience as we have such lovely hosts.
Thank you so much for the Friday smiles! You make the day so perfect. π
Arrrgghhhh…. stupid Tablet/YouTube or whatever reason(s) that the video is not playing for me to enjoy….it’s just pausing/buffering around…. I’m hoping it will eventually get working so I can enjoy watching/listening, as I always look forward to these WOTT segments, this one is going to be super-duper, whenever the issue decides to behave itself again….. here’s hoping it will behave again real soon……
Hi Jacki, I can not play this on my TV, but it does play on my iPad. Do you have a different device you can try it on? I have not tried it on a PC yet.
I have the same issue with one of the Advent videos, and I think the Help videos. It kinda looks like this video was posted with a different type of media player than usual. Did Mona post this? π
My brother brought this album into the house in 67. I was 8 years old at the time and played it over and over every day. It was my favorite album for almost 40 years, now I like Pet Sounds a little more. Sgt Pepper has probably more great bass lines on it than any other album I heard.
My favorites on it were Little Help From My Friends, Getting Better, Fixing a Hole (love the lyrics), When Iβm 64 ( my age now so it is more poignant), and Lovely Rita. My mother in law name is Rita so that song lost some luster for meπ but I think a MLT rendition would bring it back. Now that I am 64, will you help me out? With a little help from my friends, you would be fixing a hole where the rain gets in.
Fantastic album from The Beatles. My first Beatles album was actually the blue album (Beatles 1967-70) on cassette which is an amazing ‘best of’. After that I slowly got them all. John was referencing a lot of contemporary ideas in Good Morning. I think there is a line about “meet the wife” which was a 60’s TV show and not just a casual reference to somebody. I also like the fact that the crowd screaming sounds in the first song were actually taken from the tapes of the hollywood bowl concerts which did not appear on vinyl until 1977! I think Lovely Rita would be a great MLT track as some of the others would be a bit tricky. Although LSD is not your favourite I love the music in it and even Elton John says its the best song ever written!
Hi Allan,
I think Elton John probably said that because he had a number one hit in the US, when he recorded it and he made lots of money haha.
I think John Lennon was also on the record with him.
Bobby S.
So true, it was Johns last live performance too. They also played I Saw Her Standing There which was a Paul song!
My first memory of Sgt. Pepper was in the 8 track tape player in my brother’s 1963 Corvair. I was probably 8 years old and liked the title track and Lovely Rita and LSD (the song). I always liked all the Ringo songs too and When I’m 64. Hard to believe but in August I will be 64 myself. I remember hearing a little clip of you doing Little Help From My Friends and would love to here you do a nice version of that one. Thanks for another great Friday morning in the MLT Club. I like the fade out at the end, “it’s groovy man”.
ItΒ΄s always a pleasure to see and hear “WhatΒ΄s on the table”. With Sgt.PepperΒ΄s you presented the best of the Beatles for my opinion. Ever when I hear this wonderful album I get the feeling I had when it came out in 1967. At that time I was a Beatles fan already, but this album flashed me!
We really enjoyed this video. Pepper is one of my all-time favorite albums. I read somewhere that George Martin intentionally put “Within Without You” as the first track on side two of the album knowing that most listeners would set the needle down on track two. This way they could easily skip it. I personally think it’s a great song, but I understand why he did that. We would love to hear a MLT cover of “Lovely Rita”.
What another awesome WOTT today, I’ve waited a long time to get your take on this greatest album of all time, and it is so awesome. Loved seeing the clips of With A Little From From my Friends you did with Mike Masse and on the Billy Butler Show.
Sargent Peppers album was one of the earliest albums I learned about, because at the time when I was in my early teens I was a huge Beach Boys fan and I remember the Rolling Stones Greatest Album of al time list, Sargent Peppers was #1, and right on it’s heels was Beach Boys Pet Sounds at #2, so Sargent Peppers stood out for me as a legendary holy grail album. I was so curious. When I first heard Sargent Peppers, I have to admit Paul and John took this to another level beyond Pet Sounds, it was so moving. With A Little Help From My Friends, Getting Better, She’s Leaving Home, Lovely Rita, When I’m 64 and the amazing A Day In The Life. Every song on the album, the melody and lyrics are irresistible that with out a doubt only the greatest music minds and genius in rock music could produce.
Another story that stands out for me, that seems to be a recurring thing among Beatles fans when they first heard Sargent Peppers for the first time, is how different it was. My good friend Peter always told me in 1967 when the album was released he invited all his friends and parent friends over for a first listen to this album, and he was completely disappointed because it was nothing he expected, there were “roosters crowing”! But it turned out to become his absolutely favourite album of all time. And i can see why, I can never tire of listening to Sargent Peppers, it is truly magic the way every song sounds fresh and new every time you hear it over the years. It is timeless. This echoes of how your albums Orange and now Why is, they are a work of art masterpieces.
I wish I was born in Austria around 1994 and lived near Vienna, so I could have been invited to your sleep over birthday parties, wow 30 kids! That must have been an amazing blast, and waking up to “Good Morning”.
As for songs from Sargent Peppers for a Duo Session, yeah definitely “Lovely Rita” as a top pick, and “With A Little Help From My Friends” would be awesome too. I can just imagine the magic you could with with “Fixing A Whole”. I would also add “A Day In The Life”, but that would be hard in a duo session I am sure, but would love to hear a cover of this one day. For me I always felt a connection to your awesome “Nothing Is In Vain” that ends your debut album When We’re Together. They both express such a stirring, mysterious and moving feeling I love. I should stop here as I could go on and on. Thank you so much for this, it was such a joy to see you both talk about this album and share your experiences with it. β¨ πΆ 𧑠π
I think “A Day In The Life” would have to be a full studio version with Papa Rudi on the keyboards. Too many good piano parts in that song. I can already hear the Twins amazing harmonies on the “Ahhh” bridge between the two melodies. So many good choices on Sgt Pepper. Have a good weekend Jung.
Hey Tim, for sure A Day In The Life would be a perfect candidate for Mona, Lisa, and Papa Rudi to weave their studio magic all over it. Many of the songs on WHY? have the same level of musical complexity, emotional depth and AWEsomeness, Jump Ship, and WHY? for example.
Yep I agree Jung, I’d like to see a full studio version similar to If You Raise Your Head. There are some great drum parts on that song too that I think Mona would have fun with.
OK, upon a closer listen, 13 or 14 kids at your birthday party sleep overs, not 30, but it still sounded like the grooviest legendary birthday parties. I recall Lisa a while back you mentioned “Getting Better” was one of your most memorable Beatles experiences, a song that could make you cry. That is what is so special about the Beatles, the emotional depth their music has that not many if any can do so consistently, so many goose bump moments. I loved the insight you highlighted between Paul and John and their contrast in this song. Paul’s more positive optimism and John’s sarcasm like two opposing energies working together. Their diversity and pushing the creative envelope, never repeating themselves, pioneering music really set them apart from the others. Sargent Peppers is certainly a great example of that.
Hi Jung,
Please do not get mad at me. As an unwritten rule we do not usually correct people when they make a spelling or grammatical error. I mentioned this a couple of weeks ago when a tried to tactfully mention that SGT is spelled out as Sergeant. To me, it seems easier to keep writing Sgt Pepper’s, haha.
Sorry, I am certainly not a “know-it-all”, but I just had to say it again.
Best Wishes,
Bobby S.
P.S. I am certain that I make my share of mistakes. lol
Bobby
Hi Robert, actually a long time ago the correct spelling was in fact Sargent. But French influence changed it to Sergeant. I prefer the original English spelling/pronunciation. LOL. I guess I’ve been spelling it incorrectly then all my life thanks to the Sargent Manufacturing lock company as all the door locks in our old place growing up had locks made by the Sargent lock company and labeled “Sargent”, the correct old English spelling.
Count me among those who were drawn into this club by the When I’m 64 cover. That one, and Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. Anyone who would cover those songs must be super groovy!
I was in diapers when this album came out. I first heard of it in 1978, and given the circumstances, for several years I thought it was by the Bee Gees! They used it as the organizing theme for a very forgettable movie.
I love the birthday party story! It reminded me of how an episode of the Monkees’ TV show opened with the guys being awakened by a contraption that lowered a stylus onto a record that began playing Good Morning, Good Morning.
You made me laugh out loud several times during the video. I didn’t realize how many songs from this album you covered. I always broke pop music down to before Sgt Pepper and after Sgt Pepper. It was a seismic change in music.
The MonaLisa Twins are the best! πΈ π€ β β π Love Lisa’s coffee mug!
This album brings back many MEMORIES! Our band played several songs on this record, when it came out. We had 6 members in our band(2 guitars, bass, drums and keyboard) and 3 were vocalists. One of our guitar players, not really one of the vocalists, sang “Yellow Submarine” and sounded just like Ringo. It was hard for us to play the title song because we didn’t have horns, but our keyboard player did a good job.
I love your taste in music because, like you, we played Beatles, Hollies, Rolling Stones, etc…I really miss those days! π’
Was ‘Yellow Submarine’ On Pepper in the US?
No it wasn’t on Sgt. Pepper. I guess I confused it with “Little Help From My Friends” because it was in our Beatle medley. Sorry for the confusion!
What I love about ‘What’s On The Table’ particularly the Beatles ones are the shared joy in listening to these works that comes across to us the MLT members. I remember being young and discovering their work. The joy has never left me. Although a masterpiece and arguably the most ground breaking album ever, Pepper I believe is not their finest hour.
This I believe belongs to the next one, The White Album. There is so much going on in this album. I have never heard anything like it. Although magnificent, Pepper sounds like a period piece now, but led to such a diverse array of music on the next one even more remarkable when considering they were falling apart
My opinion only – as Pepper, Rubber Soul, Abbey Road and Revolver usually get the greatest tag in most peoples view. Thank you for another super WOTT
Hi Steve, The White album and Abbey Road are probably my favorite Beatles albums. Once when I was in the local auto junkyard looking for parts to keep my ’65 Chevy on the road I found an 8 track in an old car. It just said The Beatles on the label. I stuck it in my coat and listened to it on the way home. Turned out it was only part one of the White album but it stayed in my player for a long time. I didn’t hear part two until I bought the album years later. I also still like their first album with Twist and Shout and Anna and Baby, It’s You. Have a good weekend.
Hi Tim,
My first car was a 1965 Chevy Impala, I bought from my dad for $1,000 in 1968.
Which model Chevy did you have?
Bobby S.
Hi Bobby
Mine was a stock 65 Biscayne 4 door with a 6 cylinder. My first car. I got it from a local farmer that I was working for at the time. He owed me $50.00 but gave me the car instead. I put some baby moons on it with some chrome rings, Lol. I was 16, coolest car ever. Must have been 1976 if I remember right.
Great choices Tim. The White album is not quite the same without the second bit π Maybe we should start a discussion on here about ‘The Best Beatles Album’. Bet that would be quite lively debate! Maybe it’s been done?
My first car wasn’t very trendy I’m afraid. Definitely not one for impressing the ladies. It was nearly 10 years old at the time – a white 1968 Volkswagen Beetle. It actually looked like ‘Herbie’ but without the 53. A veritable rustbucket! π
Steve,
Discussing the Beatles albums might be a lengthy debate. When I say those two are my favorites it doesn’t mean I don’t like the others. I love all of them. I was too young and poor to buy albums when the Beatles were active. My exposure to them was on TV and the 45’s of their big hits my sisters had that they played to death. When I was a teen my favorite bands were CCR and the Stones (and many others) and then I usually bought tapes to play in the car. My cars were no chick magnets either Steve. Just old “beaters” that I spent more time working on than actually driving, but as long as they had a decent stereo that’s all that mattered. Lol.
I love all the Beatles albums too Tim but The White Album – what a mix of styles! Incredible to say where the band was at the time. When I’d posted the last comment I realised I’d had that car when I met my wife so it must have had something going for it. Maybe she was just happy to not have to walk. Your cars sound like mine Lol. They don’t rust now like they used to…… I used to hate the annual test when the mechanic would go round the bodywork tapping it with an hammer and punch big holes in my bodywork that was going to cost me a fortune to put right! π
Hello Ladies,
What an Iconic Album. Light years ahead of its time. So much music 56 years later continues to be inspired one way or another from Sgt. Peppers. I remember hearing your cover of When I’m 64, and Mona’s lead vocals gave me chills like I was hearing it again for the first time. The “Oooo” at the end sent me over the edge.
How often does a group or Solo artist stumble on and create a generational album? Beach Boys Pet Sounds for one. Also a former WOTT Session. Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was another for me. Funeral For A Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding was Elton and Bernie Taupins Masterpiece. 11 minutes of genius in so many ways. The piano sounds like a Harpsichord at times.
As far as something I would like to see you cover from this album, for me it has to be A Day In The Life. A Masterpiece in itself. As you all said, one of the most widely known songs the world over. It transcends generations. You almost can’t talk about the Beatles and not mention this song somewhere in the conversation.
Thanks Ladies for a very special WOTT session today. This will be talked about alot.
Best Always
Rick Ross
I think Pepper was the first CD I ever bought with my own money. I wish I could go back and hear it again for the first time.
“A Day in the Life” is such an incredible final track, but also the source of one of the great Beatle mysteries. The “aah” section in the transition after “went into a dream”…is that Lennon or McCartney? The initial response is usually, “That’s obviously John,” but is it? Think about Paul’s “aahs” in “Rita.” Based on the demos and early takes, structurally, the “woke up” section through to the start of the second “I read the news” verse seem like they were ceded to Paul.
Paul himself has been asked this, and his answer was a fairly vague, “I seem to remember we all sang it. But I was definitely in there.” Even Giles Martin and Sam Okell (who did the 2017 remaster) seem to have differing opinions.
Personally, I hear Paul, but I’m not sure we will ever know definitively.
Hi Dan,
After reading your comments, it got me thinking a lot. I just listened to “A Day in the Life” for the umpteenth time. I am almost certain that it is John singing the “aahs”, after Paul says, “I went into a dream”. Perhaps Paul joined him with that, I can’t tell for sure.
Maybe we CAN find out. Paul is still alive. We can ask him. Maybe send him an email or something?
Bobby S.
My sister,who is 12 years older,and was a huge Beatles fan,gave me this album for my 7th Birthday.And just like my journey with your music,I was hooked!! Needless to say,it has been a constant in my life since that day in 1967 when I recieved it.I have probably gone thru 6 vinyls and 2 or 3 CD’s of it.When I saw and heard your covers of Getting Better,She’s Leaving Home,and of course When I’m 64,I was just blown away!!!
It just shows how far ahead of their time they were,it’s hard to believe that this was just 3 years after She Loves You,I Want to Hold Your Hand,etc,etc.And to think about what they achieved with the technology that was available at that time,just shows how truly amazing they,and George Martin truly were.Thank You once again for getting the weekend off to a Groovy start.Can’t wait for what you 2 Beautiful Ladies have in store for us in the coming months ahead.
As Always,sending Love and Hugs!!πππΈπΆπΉπ΅
Tom
cannot single out one, they are all great, beautiful album
My two favourite songs are Lucy in the Sky and A Day in the Life. I was 17 when this came out it was a weird time for me so the music suited my life.
Lovely Rita would be a good cover song, Thank you for sharing another classic album on WOTT , one of my favorite segments from the MLT club. Have a nice weekend.