Let It Be - The Beatles CD

Probably the most famous band in the history of popular music, the Beatles were a cultural phenomenon, the likes of which had never been seen before, who are able to boast record sales that have surpassed the billion mark across their 6 decade career. However more than their truly astounding commercial success, they have remained an important influence in the development of music with artists as diverse as Oasis, Queen and the Electric Light Orchestra all drawing inspiration from the bands iconic musical works which introduced countless, now legendary songs to millions of people across the globe. Now thanks to the marvel of digital remastering their great albums can be heard with a clarity that was previously inconceivable.

An early pioneer of the rock concept album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was released in 1967 and has since come to be regarded by many as the band’s defining masterpiece. The initial premise that led to the albums recording was for the band (who had long since given up on actually touring) to make an album that would offer listeners a comparable experience to their live performances but later the idea became too restrictive and is only really reflected in the title track and it's reprise. The song which is best remembered from the album is the widely covered "With a Little Help from My Friends" but other landmark recordings include the often misinterpreted psychedelia of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", George Harrison's mystical introspections on "Within You, Without You" (which drew heavily on the bands time in the Indian subcontinent), and the brilliantly reflective and equally elusive Lennon/McCartney collaboration "A Day in the Life". Although true of many albums, "Sgt. Pepper's" is a recording that rewards the dedicated listener prepared to explore it's considerable depths. (Adam Bibby)