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[Loco Mo]

Revolution is not a song, IMO.

So, what is it?  What is its purpose?

Why did John think this should be on a Beatles album?

How did it make the cut?

If it were replaced with a song, what song would you think it should have been?

[Hello Goodbye]

Revolution is not a song, IMO.

So, what is it?  What is its purpose?

It's an 8:22 clue.   

[nimrod]

Its a Yokoism.

Its one of the main reasons why the album shouldve been a single album

[Moogmodule]

Revolution 9 is Musique Concrete. A genre of its own in avant garde  circles. So no its not a song. It’s only music by some definition. I will say though that, as an example of musique concrete, its pretty good compared to others I’ve listened to. It does tell a story of sorts and has a compelling soundscape. Except maybe where Yoko talks about being naked.

[nimrod]

Revolution 9 is Musique Concrete. A genre of its own in avant garde  circles. So no its not a song. It’s only music by some definition. I will say though that, as an example of musique concrete, its pretty good compared to others I’ve listened to. It does tell a story of sorts and has a compelling soundscape. Except maybe where Yoko talks about being naked.

 

[Moogmodule]

If it were replaced with a song, what song would you think it should have been?

It’d need about three songs to replace it.

The only song I’m aware of ready to go was Not Guilty, which it seems Paul and John ditched when doing the final running order. Maybe for censorship reasons as, like Its Only a Northern Song, its George having a go at the Beatle machine. Although the recording hadn’t jelled to my ears and was done better on Georges solo album. I imagine Rv 9 getting on was Paul mollifying John fearing he’d blow up the whole thing if not getting his way.

I can see the argument for cutting down the White Album to one and getting rid of Revolution 9 when it was released. But now Im just glad all this stuff is out there on the album. Even things I dont rate too highly. As Paul says ‘it’s the bloody Beatles White Album”

[Normandie]

I've often wondered whether, if Revolution 9 had ever been premiered publicly, the reaction would have been similar to the audience's response to Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. Probably not, given the time differences (1913 vs. the 60s). Still. 

(https://www.bl.uk/20th-century-literature/articles/the-riot-at-the-rite-the-premiere-of-the-rite-of-spring)

[Normandie]

^^^^

I've also read online that some people were frightened by Revolution 9.

[Loco Mo]

I've also read online that some people were frightened by Revolution 9.

Normandie:  I was one of them and still am.  Hint:  Never listen to it with the lights off in a room all by yourself.

[Normandie]

Normandie:  I was one of them and still am. 

I understand that reaction. I find it rather disturbing, and I would imagine it is particularly so to those who are not familiar with that style of music music concrète.

[Moogmodule]

I think it’s disturbing as well. Which tells me it’s done effectively, even if it’s not the sort of tune you’d do a cover of at a wedding.

[nimrod]

I understand that reaction. I find it rather disturbing, and I would imagine it is particularly so to those who are not familiar with that style of music music concrète.

It shouldve gone on Johns "Wedding Album" 

Surely it mustve p*ssed off the others (like Yoko's presence did) ?

[Moogmodule]

It shouldve gone on Johns "Wedding Album" 

Surely it mustve p*ssed off the others (like Yoko's presence did) ?

Surprisingly George actually helped do it. Although I don’t know that meant he wanted it released on the album.

It would have been the best thing by far on the Wedding Album. Definitely lead off single.

[Moogmodule]

They could have done an ep with Rev 9, Carnival of Light and What’s the New Mary Jane

It could have dome for their recording careers what Magical Mystery Tour did for their film. 

[nimrod]

They could have done an ep with Rev 9, Carnival of Light and What’s the New Mary Jane

In French 

[Bulldog]

Didn't John want it released as a single?

Also heard the others & George Martin wanted it dropped from the album

[Bulldog]

Its a Yokoism.

Its one of the main reasons why the album shouldve been a single album

Now that is a debate which has been going for 50+ years.

Too much quality for only 14 songs. But not enough quality for 30 songs.

Twenty songs would have been ideal. However albums in the 60's had more songs.

[Bulldog]

Had a Youtube debate on 'The White Album' & cutting it down to 14 songs.

He amazingly would have dropped 'Sexy Sadie' & 'EGSTHEM&MM. Replacing with Honey Pie & Revolution 1.

Suppose that is part of the beauty of the 30 songs. What I don't like, others will love. And vice versa. 

[Normandie]

Didn't John want it released as a single?

I can't imagine that would have gone over too well.

Too much quality for only 14 songs. But not enough quality for 30 songs.

Suppose that is part of the beauty of the 30 songs. What I don't like, others will love. And vice versa.

Those two statements nicely sum up my own sentiments about the White Album.

[nimrod]

Now that is a debate which has been going for 50+ years.

Too much quality for only 14 songs. But not enough quality for 30 songs.

Twenty songs would have been ideal. However albums in the 60's had more songs.

I think it's a weak double album but it could've been a strong single album