The Beatles [White Album] by Beatles (The) (CD, Aug-1988, 2 Discs, Capitol/EMI Records)

The year 1968 was one of the most convulsive of the 20th century. The Vietnam war ripped the USA asunder, a crazed southerner murdered Dr. Martin Luther King, the Mexico City Olympics will always be remembered for the Black Power Salute on the medal-presenting podium by US sprinters Tommie Smith (gold) and John Carlos (bronze), and the police riot at the 1968 Democratic convention - ordered by Chicago Mayor Richard Daly - was televised worldwide to a shocked audience. Amidst this grim background stands the enigmatic White Album by the Beatles. Avoiding the theatricality of Sgt.Pepper and the psychedelic launchpad of Revolver, fans of the Four Lads were left scratching their heads. For the most part, it seemed that each of them went to the studio alone with their musical ideas and just a few songs were performed together, not the least of which is the hard rockin'opener and parody of the Beach Boys, "Back in the USSR." What stands out are the emerging individual personalities of the group. "While my guitar gently weeps" could be considered one of George's masterpieces and it is one of the best songs, if not the best, on the album. "Yer blues" and a few others show they could rock out as well as anyone. Another is "Helter Skelter" which the Manson murderers wrote on the walls in blood during their LA killing spree; it was also the title of the book written by prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi who put them in jail for life.

On a personal note, shortly after the album's release, I met Sam Melville and a woman who was an old friend of the person who invited me over for the evening; they had recently blown up a town house on Washington Square in New York and were briefly on the lam - Melville was one of the leaders of the 1971 riot at Attica prison and was killed when Gov. Nelson Rockefeller ordered the police to open fire; Melville's son was subsequently awarded $25,000 by a Federal judge in August of 2000, part of the $8 million settlement won by survivors of the Attica bloodbath. The 1972 solo album "Some Time in New York City" shows more of John's political side. "Attica State" speaks for itself as does "Angela" (Davis), now teaching at UC Santa Cruz, and "John Sinclair," imprisoned for giving a narc two joints but later freed after a rally with John, Allen Ginsberg, Abbie Hoffman, Dave Dellinger, Black Panther Bobby Seale and Stevie Wonder, among others.

This era of violence no doubt had John thinking of what his stature has added
to his appeal to the political Left. With the laid-back "Revolution 1" on the second CD, he throws us a curve: "But when you talk about destruction, don't you know that you can count me out...." whew, what a relief! But a split-second later he changes the "out" to "in!" We wonder what he meant by that? The answer lies in the two LP set, "The Beatles/1967-1970" where there is no such double entendre. Not only does the tune start out with screaming guitars and an unambiguous appeal: "But if you talk about destruction, don't you that you can count me out?" and that's it. Maybe it was Attica that erased all doubts for John.

But the music stands on its own and the White Album displays a range of the Beatles' collective and individual genius. But let us not forget "Abbey Road," their last album in a long line of masterpieces, as well as 45 rpm singles of "Strawberry Fields and "Penny Lane," both included in the 1967-1970 anthology. But by all means, this is a must-own. Enjoy!

The White Album is the best-selling of all Beatle albums, and is one of the major accomplishments in popular music. The music is fresh, unique, and incredibly diverse, showcasing the varied talents of the four band members (even Ringo was allowed a song he composed himself, "Don't Pass Me By".), which would be highlighted in later years in their solo careers. The popularity of the songs is sometimes attributed to the fact that they are personal and self-referencing. Many songs were conceived during the group's visit to India in 1968. The songs on the album run the range of genres, from rock (Helter Skelter, While My Guitar Gently Weeps), ska (Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da), blues (Yer Blues), pop (Birthday, Back in the USSR), and acoustic ballads (Blackbird, Julia). The songs were also arranged with symmetry on the album, grouping together like songs and/or distributing them evenly throughout the album.
This is a must have for any popular music buff. The White Album is considered by many fans and musicians to be the pinnacle of the Beatles musical career, catering to a wide range of musical tastes. This is the first original double album issued by the Beatles and each song is a separate and distinct masterpiece. The recording was originally available in both stereo and mono, with subtle differences in the mono versions making it a rare find for avid collectors.

Pros - Unique, diverse musical menu; classic collectible packaging; long term enjoyment.

Cons - For those accustomed to Beatles previous material, a huge change.

Before the White Album, Beatle records clearly communicated a sense of a collective, cohesive group behind the music. With the White Album, it is obvious each Beatle went his own way, wrote great music, recorded it and then compiled it to deliver a two LP collective solo effort. The songs are brilliant ranging from the rockers (Helter Skelter, Back In The USSR, Everybody's Got Something to Hide), to blues (While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Yer Blues), to tongue in cheek (Why Don't We Do It In The Road) to the out right weird (Revolution 9). The White Album with its introspective tone represents everything that made the Beatles, either as a group or as individuals, the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. No rock music collection is complete with out this album. ** BnB Beatles Depot **

In the 60s, there are not a lot of bands releasing double albums. And I am even more sure there are less that had quality songs throughout the whole album. Moreover, the songs contained in The White Album are so musically diversified, showcasing the talents of each band member (well.. maybe except Ringo?)

Amongst the Beatles fan, there are many who will vote Revolver or Sgt Peppers as their favourite albums but, I think if someone is to select tracks off from the White Album and combine them into a single LP, it will certainly be the best album ever made.

My personal favourites off this album includes Helter Skelter (louder than The Who?), Mother Nature's Son, Sexy Sadie, While my guitar gently weeps, blackbird, and I Will. Ok. i'm more of a McCartney fan.

I personally think this album isn't the best starting point for someone listening to the Beatles but this is certainly the essential album to have for everyone who listens to music.

Talk about a collection of songs that are all over the map. The White Album doesn't know what it wants to be. But, there is no point in me explaining what this album is. People much more musically educated than me have turned picking it apart and explaining what the pieces mean into a science. I'll just tell you why I like it.

The Brilliant Tracks: The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Marth My Dear, Blackbird, Piggies, Julia, Long, Long, Long, Sexy Sadie

The Really Bad Song: Why Don't We Do It In The Road (at least it makes me laugh).

The good songs: Pretty much everything else.

4 Stars