Album: Magical Mystery Tour
Year: 1967
Written by: Lennon & McCartney
After the tremendous success of the Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band album in the Summer of 1967, The Beatles were at a creative peak and they became excited by the idea of making a movie featuring their music. Their manager and dear friend Brian Epstein died suddenly in August, however, leaving them wondering whether or not they should follow through with their idea. They decided that work would be good for them during such a difficult time and that Brian would want them to carry on, so the Magical Mystery Tour project began in earnest in September.
With a few newly written songs ready to record, John and Paul got together to develop the movie idea. They didn't want a script or any famous stars. They just wanted to make a film that was fun, a bit surreal, and very indicative of the spirit of the times. They got some of their friends and a few unknown actors together for a bus tour (or charabanc, as it was known in Britain) and headed to the southwest coast of England, filming the trip, and adding fun, circus-like sequences with their new songs. The movie was shown on British television on Boxing Day, but most people thought it was too weird and didn't enjoy it. Some people loved it, though... like the great director Steven Spielberg, who has cited is as one of his influences.
This song opens the film. Paul sings lead, with John and George singing along in harmony in some parts. Last Monday, when Ms. Valdez and I saw Paul McCartney at his free concert on Hollywood Boulevard, he opened up the show with this song.
2 comments:
Most definitely a funky psychedelic album and movie. Didn't care for the movie myself but the music is cool and a great sign of the trippy sixties. John's a nice guy giving free concerts like that. I'm sure you both had lots of fun!
We had a blast! Personally, I loved the movie (I know, I know...no surprise there!). Even as a kid, I thought it was hilarious. I am the Walrus is the best part.
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