I think sometimes albums like Sgt. Pepper invite harsh criticism simply by virtue of the fact that they were so highly praised to begin with. Some people would rather tear down the top shelf than learn how to get up there. Plus, after Revolver started replacing Pepper in so many critics' 'best of all time' lists, I think that contributed to the notion that Pepper is overblown and not as good as something like Revolver. The whole psychedelia thing just doesn't seem to be all that hip in general right about now. But the pendulum always swings back eventually. Who ever thought the '80s would be 'cool' in pop culture again? Only those who remembered the pendulum would swing back. Pepper will probably regain some of its stature in time. But for now, 'the greatest rock album of all time' is ceding the spotlight and the title. Who knows, maybe soon people will feel compelled to trash revolver, and something from a different decade will become the general consensus 'best album of all time.' Wait and see...
