Revolver marked a pivotal moment in The Beatles’ career, blending experimental sounds with groundbreaking studio techniques. Tracks like “Tomorrow Never Knows” and “I’m Only Sleeping” showcased the first use of backward guitar recording and automatic double tracking (ADT), pushing the boundaries of music – popular and otherwsise. From psychedelic rock to children’s tunes like “Yellow Submarine,” there really is something for everyone.
First Use of Backward Guitar Recording: Revolver features the first use of reversed guitar recordings in popular music, particularly on the song “I’m Only Sleeping.” George Harrison’s guitar solo was recorded, reversed, and then layered onto the track, giving it a dreamy, otherworldly sound.
First Use of Automatic Double Tracking (ADT): Engineer Ken Townsend at Abbey Road Studios developed ADT specifically for The Beatles during the Revolver sessions. This technique automatically doubled a vocal or instrumental track, creating a fuller sound without the need for manually recording multiple takes.
Source: thatericalper.com