>The Beatles' song "Back in the USSR" in the "Sgt. Pepper"
>album was a tribute to the Beach Boys.
Or was BITUSSR on the White Album, Jim? The one that came after SP (late in 1968 - when the band was already feuding). It's a great LP. I absolutely love the 'Revolution' track - a little slower than the magnificently brutal version we usually get to hear, but bluesier and more wistfully poignant for that.
Anyway, pull it out and listen to 'Happiness is a Warm Gun' - now THAT'S entertainment!
That song alone proves the Beatles had more grunt than the Beachboys, had a better sense of humour, were better at being daring whilst still listenable, and I even reckon John Lennon's lyrics and singing style sang very much suited the year (the year of shriekingly passionate ambivalence, I reckon - what with everything apparently falling apart, from whatever point of view, leaving no predominant take on the world unchallenged, no order untainted, and no pedictions at all compelling).
Anyway, the White Album gives you a shrieking Paul McCartney on 'Helter Skelter' (and Mr Cute hadn't had a good shriek since 'I'm Down'), and it gives you George Harrison's beautiful 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps', too. All in all, an album as passionately all-over-the-place as the year of its making. Mebbe I just like all-over-the-placeness, but I reckon the White Album, which suffered in the shadows of Sgt Peppers almost as much as 'Pet Sounds' did, is an absolute bloody giant among gems.
And if anyone's discovered the drugs necesary to lend form and substance to 'Revolution #9', I'd appreciate the tip.
Cheers, Rob.