In November 1968, the Beatles released a follow-up to its psychedelic, extravagantly produced “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The double LP, presented in a plain white sleeve, became known as “The White Album.” Officially, perhaps tellingly, it was simply called “The Beatles.”The new album was chaotic where “Sgt. Pepper” was kaleidoscopic. Acoustic ballads (“Blackbird,” “Julia”) alternated with scorching rock (“Helter Skelter,” “Yer Blues”). The playfulness of “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” “Honey Pie” and “Piggies” contrasted...

Source: Wall Street Journal October 30, 2018 14:48 UTC