I find it bittersweet to admit that I remember well the summer of 1967 and the awesome influence on popular culture of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," which was released 40 years ago today.The Beatles' masterpiece, arguably the greatest album of all time, profoundly changed popular music.
"Sgt. Pepper" took rock well beyond the confines of the genre by employing a vast array of other musical influences, from classical to carnival to English music hall. And on each of the 13 tracks, the lyrics matched the music beautifully. The effort also involved by far the most sophisticated recording techniques to that time.
The overall effect was magical.
UPDATE: Rockford's own Cheap Trick will perform "Sgt. Pepper" in its entirety at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 10-11.
