The Beatles - Revolver

The Beatles released their seventh studio album, 'Revolver', on August 5, 1966. The album was produced by their long-time collaborator, George Martin, and recorded at Abbey Road Studios. It arrived just as the band was transitioning from a touring band to a purely studio-based act.

'Revolver' is famous for its groundbreaking use of studio technology, including artificial double tracking (ADT) to thicken vocals. The album also heavily features tape loops, backwards recording, and the use of compressors as sonic effects on the drums. These techniques, pioneered by engineer Geoff Emerick, completely changed the sound of pop music.

The song 'Love You To', written by George Harrison, heavily features traditional Indian classical instruments. Harrison played the sitar, while an Indian session musician played the tabla. This was one of the first times a Western pop album incorporated Indian classical music so thoroughly into a track.

The opening track, 'Taxman', was written by George Harrison as a direct protest against the heavy progressive tax rates imposed by the British government. At the time, the Beatles were being taxed at a staggering 95% marginal rate on their top earnings. The song's lyrics explicitly name the British politicians of the time, Harold Wilson and Edward Heath.