A year ago I was involved in a National Public Radio special on the Beatles Revolver album (a post about it exists in the archives on this site). Well, now I'm involved in a 40th anniversary Sgt. Pepper special that is airing across America this summer. It will also be available on the web.

It is a really good production that has an open view as to the long term "worth" of the album. It also covers the making of the album.

There are a number of noted music historians, critics, as well as fans who are involved in the program. The greatest rock music critic ever, in my opinion (Richie Unterberger), is also involved in the project. Richie is one of the main contributers to the Allmusic Guide (which I am sure most have you have used at some point). He has also written several amazing books on rock music (see amazon.com). He always gives a fair appraisal of the material he is covering without arrogance or prejudice. He provides information that a critic should be supplying (an overview and a very insightful view of the material that gets the listener interested). I have never met the guy, but he really has been an inspiration to me as a rock music critic.

Anyway, here is a link to the information on this really well produced Sgt. Pepper radio program:

http://www.paulingles.com/pepper.html

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Funny you mention this album...All of my 10 year old sister's friends, strangely spoiled Jehovah's Witness kids, have iPods. Naturally my sister wanted one, despite the fact that she listens to virtually no music. I told her this and we argued about it, seeing as how she'd be buying something she had no need for. I tried to let her listen to some music she'd be able to get into, but she'd never pay attention.

My grandma bought her a CD player on Friday, and was going to get her a Destiny's Child cd. I immediately put it back, and brought her Sgt. Peppers. So now she finally gets some music, and I chose this album for her to start with.

So there's my recent little event with this album.

10 year olds love iPods even though they don't listen to any music
my niece had been nagging my sister for one for a long time now so they finally broke down and bought her one for her 10th birthday
all she has on it is the high school musical soundtrack
I don't understand trends

back on topic
I love sgt pepper

Cool man! Sounds like something pretty cool to be involved in, what exactly are you doing for it?

I do wish I listened to the NPR more, they have some good programing.

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I've been involved with several music documentaries on NPR... I also am producing one on John Coltrane... I have about 80% of it done but have run into a time crunch (new job, new woman, etc.)... I'll get it done eventually... The NPR stuff is a fun hobby, but a very time consuming one...

For the Sgt. Pepper documentary I am in the role of "music critic / music historian"

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Interesting concept, but isn't there enough written about this record? Aren't there enough baby boomers barbecuing in their backyards to muzak versions of "When I'm 64?"

No disrespect to you Psych Sid. Obviously you're passionate about the music you enjoy, and that's very admirable. I just would rather hear someone dissect MOBY GRAPE's debut or ART's "Supernatural Fairytales" instead of always going back to these same albums again and again, regardless of the social climate and units sold.

/rant

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Moby Grape RULZ!!! Yeah, I do wish there was radio or TV analysis of a bunch of other artists from that time period. But there just isn't a big enough audience for that. Everyone knows Pepper and most have an opinion. That's what makes good radio out of a documentary like this. Plus, I think this one is well done. Not as indepth as I would prefer, but informative and entertaining.


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