Beatles: Magical Mystery Tour

During the making of Magical Mystery Tour the band’s long-time manager, Brian Epstein, passed away from a prescription drug overdose. With Epstein’s influence gone from the recording studio the Beatles took greater control over production and the direction of their music. As a result, the sessions that led to the creation of this record have been characterized by some as aimless and unfocused. Many critics have accused the band members of overly indulgent sound experimentation.

However, the musical evolution the Beatles were going through was not unique to Magical Mystery Tour. Their artistic exploration was first evidenced on the Revolver album. It was further developed on the critically acclaimed Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band record and taken to the next level on Magical Mystery Tour. It was also during this time that the Beatles were experimenting with Transcendental Meditation and the psychedelia.

TRACK LIST:
1. Magical Mystery Tour
2. The Fool on The Hill
3. Flying
4. Blue Jay Way
5. Your Mother Should Know
6. I Am the Walrus
7. Hello, Goodbye
8. Strawberry Fields Forever
9. Penny Lane
10. Baby You're a Rich Man
11. All You Need Is Love

Since Mobile Fidelity Sounds Labs chose to use the 1967 Capitol Records mono master tapes, Hello Goodbye is the only true stereo track on side two. Therefore, it is a mixed bag pressing. Some of the tracks on this record, such as those from Magical Mystery Tour through Strawberry Fields Forever, are some of the best sounding Beatles songs available on vinyl. However, because the Capital 1967 masters were used, the last three songs on Magical Mystery Tour do not meet expectations, especially from a MOFI pressing.

Due to the master tape quality and price to acquire this out of print pressing of Magical Mystery Tour, I would say that you may be better off choosing a recent Abbey Road repressing for the money. You’ll get good quality for 1/10 the price. 💵

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