Recently, I've been having a hard time differentiating my nostalgic responses, from actual appreciation, as I listen to 'older' music. Pepper is a good example of the problem. On a rational level, I agree with you; it's not a great album. Except I'd probably want to add Lucy, Within U and A Little Help From My Friends as the other songs of exceptional merit on the record.

That said, Pepper does have this transcendence to it - something beyond just the music. Pepper encapsulates the essence of it's time. And that's where this nostalgia problem comes in. Is a nostalgic reaction to a song less valid, than say, the rush of hearing a novel use of an instrument, or sample? It's one of the most visceral of emotions, this nostalgia, isn't it? The Mooney Suzuki blow me away, but when the Fabs harmonize on She's Leaving Home, the schmaltz and nostalgia combine to produce an equally overwhelming sensation. It's all too much...;-)

For sure, I can totally see how hearing Sgt Pepper without the 'baggage' of personal nostalgia would be underwhelming. In fact, the biggest disappointment I had with Anthology was the lack of good alternate material from that period. Even though the album is 'important' - whatever that means - musically, I still wish there was something more going on. I wonder if there is anything left, in the vaults. Probably not, but I can't help wishing...deano