Revolution [Deluxe Expanded Mono Version]

If not as consistently a knockout as , is nevertheless right on its heels, containing as it does an even greater degree of pop experimentation within the form. Suffice to say that this group managed to make the transition from the simple, tough, R&B-flavored rock they helped found to the more psychedelic popcraft and acidic majesty that soon unfolded behind the 1964-1965 ' lead. And if is ' , then is their less wacked-out . Beginning with one of their most supreme moments -- the rough and tumble, aggressive, yet amazingly catchy "Him or Me: What's It Gonna Be?" -- the LP takes the same twists and turns as its predecessor through a multitude of entertaining styles, from the sharp blues of "Reno" to the quintessential upbeat smack of "Mo'reen," and especially "Gone-Movin' On." Through it all, bandleader is a minor marvel. may not have been blessed with a classic pop voice croon, but his exciting lower-range grunt and snarl complement his prettier upper-range voice in a way that adds bushels of unfiltered attitude. His gutsy, versatile style totally blends with the rough edges of both the production and playing, which belie the more gilded pop moments. is the glue that holds what would have been a willy-nilly collection together. Truly, 1967 was the most magical year in pure pop history. But if many hip fans have already bathed in the unbelievable sonic pleasures of that year, far too few have given their rightful place in the pantheon, even though they certainly held such a place in their time. There can be no reason for this oversight to continue, for here is the evidence once again laid bare. [ 's 2015 reissue of 1967's album trumps the 1996 CD by presenting the album in its original mono mix, then replicating all of the bonus tracks from that edition -- the Mono 45 version of "Ups and Downs," a stereo mix of "Try Some of Mine," and the unedited "Legend of Paul Revere" -- and then stereo mixes of seven of the album's 11 tracks.] ~ Jack Rabid