George Harrison - All Things Must Pass [BOXED EDITION]
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Free Music Notes for All Things Must Pass [BOXED EDITION]
Free Music Review: George Harrison's Wall of Sound
Hit: 5 Stars
The late George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, originally released in 1970 shortly after the break-up of the Beatles, is an outstanding album and is probably the best "solo" album released by any of the former Beatles. The album was originally a three-LP box set (with opulent and beautifully colored interior packaging) with two LPs of "songs" and a third "bonus" LP titled "Apple Jam," containing extended jams performed by the all-star lineup of musicians that appear on the album. All of the music, and more, is included in this reissued set. The original album also contained a large poster of George, which is not included here.
When he recorded All Things Must Pass, George Harrison was on a creative roll, having contributed "Something" and "Here Comes The Sun" the previous year to The Beatles' Abbey Road. All Things Must Pass (and his headlining of the star-studded benefit Concert For Bangla Desh the following year) marked George Harrison's high water mark as a solo artist, and contains some of his finest songs, including the hit singles "My Sweet Lord" (according to the judicial system, a reworked cover of The Chiffons' early 60's hit "He's So Fine") and "What Is Life" (without your love), the chilling "Beware of Darkness," "Isn't It A Pity," "Apple Scuffs," "Wah-Wah," "Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)," "Awaiting On You All," "If Not For You" (a Dylan cover), "I'd Have You Any Time" (co-written by Harrison and Dylan) and the title track. The three original LPs fit nicely onto two CDs with room for some extra songs. The first CD contains the first LP from the original album plus five additional tracks: "I Live For You," an excellent outtake featuring stellar pedal steel playing by the late Pete Drake, an acoustic demo of "Beware of Darkness," alternative versions of "Let It Down" and "What Is Life" and a new (circa 2000) version of "My Sweet Lord." The second CD contains the second LP and the bonus "Apple Jam" LP from the original album.
The playing on the album is first-rate. The album contains a virtual who's who of backing musicians, including: Derek and the Dominos (Eric Clapton, Jim Gordon, Carl Radle and Bobby Whitlock); Ringo Starr, Billy Preston and Klaus Voormann (the Beatles contingent); Gary Brooker (of Procul Harem); Alan White (later to join Yes); Phil Collins (later to join Genesis); Pete Drake; Dave Mason (on leave from Traffic); Badfinger (including Pete Ham); Bobby Keys (Rolling Stones sideman); and others.
This Phil Spector produced album features Spector's famous "wall of sound" which permeates the album. As George notes (apologetically) in the liner notes, the sound is a bit dated, but at the time it suited the songs well. The CD remastering is excellent; this is one case where the CDs may actually sound better than the original LPs.
The packaging of the original version of this CD reissue was really nice. Originally this set (the version I have) was offered in a mini-box replica of the original album, with a colorized version of the original black and white album cover. The mini-box contained individual sleeves for each of the two CDs with alterative versions of the colorized cover, and a nice booklet with an essay by George, some cool photos, the lyrics and information on the artists appearing on the album. The set is now offered as a digipak; I am not familiar with the newer packaging. (Apparently, Amazon offers both the mini-box and digipak versions of this release. If you purchase this set, I'd recommend picking up the boxed edition if it is available).
In short, this is a must purchase if you are into the Beatles and/or George Harrison.
Free Music Review: Timeless Inspiration
Hit: 5 Stars
Simply put - my favorite album ever. From George's gentle voiced opening of "All I have is yours...", he takes a chance and lays open his beliefs for the world. A good 80% of the songs involve spiritual or inspirational themes. As a Western follower of Buddhist philosophy, I consider this my album of "gospel music." While George wrote the songs from a different perspective, the themes are universal, and this is my musical reminder. I've played it so much in the car, it's become part of our family jargin "Sshhh, you're giving Mommy a Wah-wah." It's also my favorite to sing along with in the shower - try starting your day chanting along with George to "My Sweet Lord" for a happy outlook.
For the stories behind the songs and a listing of the beautiful lyrics, I recommend George's book "I, Me, Mine"
For those of you unfamiliar with the album, a short review:
1 - "I'd Have You Anytime" - Good mellow opener - cowritten with Bob Dylan
2 - "My Sweet Lord" - One of George's more famous songs - known for the Hare Krishna mantra chant toward the end - that is George overdubbed many times chanting.
3 - "Wah-Wah" - one of two rockers on the album written after a tough day with Paul McCartney at Apple.
4 - "Isn't it a Pity" - Long version of the hit song (long instrumental ending)- shorter version follows on disc 2.
5 - "What is Life" - Happy upbeat tune that was my first introduction to this fine album.
6 - "If Not For You" - another Dylan tune with Dylan-esque styling
7 - "Behind That Locked Door" - country style tune with pedal steel guitar.
8 - "Let it Down" - big Phil Specter style song - see below for further comment
9 - "Run of the Mill" - nice inspirational song - mentioned by George's wife Olivia Harrison as one of her favorites
New tracks for 2001 reissue
10 - "I Live For You" - another country style pedal steel guitar song
11 - "Beware of Darkness" - nice accoustic demo version - George's voice is in fine shape with some improvised lyrics
12 - "Let it Down" - acoustic stripped down version of the song -played on a nice sound system, gives the feel that George is in the room playing and singing in person
13 - "What is Life" - instrumental version featuring horn section
14 - "My Sweet Lord 2000" - George's re-recording of the song a year before his death. Good to hear him still talking the talk(and walking the walk) 30 years later.
Disc 2
1 - "Beware of Darkness" - Inspirational tune - beware of negativity and delusions
2 - "Apple Scruffs" - cute ode to the Apple Scruffs - the girls that would hang outside the Apple offices 24/7
3 - "Balad of Sir Frankie Crisp" - very pleasant tribute to the designer of George's estate home and garden at Friar Park
4 - "Awaiting on You All" - about Japa Yoga meditation (chanting on beads)
5 - "All Things Must Pass" - my favorite song and my personal mantra. Beautiful flow about impermanence
6 - "I Dig Love" - Simple 60's style tune
7 - "Art of Dying" - another rocker - living a right life and rebirth covered here
8 - "Isn't it a Pity" - shorter, more radio friendly version
9 - "Hear Me Lord" - beautiful heartfelt prayer by George seeking to rise above life's desires. What a man.
Disc 3 -
1 - It's Johnny's Birthday" -catchy happy birthday number supposedly written for Lennon, but I can't recall where I read this
- Remaining songs - Instrumental jams featuring George, Eric Clapton and friends. Probably most intersting to fellow guitarists.
Free Music Review: The Definitive Beatle Solo Album
Hit: 5 Stars
First released on vinyl as a triple album in 1970, this is not only the summit of all Beatle solo albums but also one of the great albums of the early 1970s. ALL THINGS MUST PASS was the culmination of the greatest songwriting streak in Harrison's career. He composed these songs around the same time he wrote "Here Comes the Sun" and "Something." Many were contenders for placement on ABBEY ROAD and LET IT BE. In fact, a demo of this album's title track is included on the Beatles ANTHOLOGY 3. Finally, early in 2001, this album was given the digitally remastered/deluxe box treatment.Many people only remember the hit singles "My Sweet Lord" and "What Is Life," but those two barely scratch the surface of this album's greatness. First-time listeners might be surprised at how hard-rocking some of the tunes are, notably "Let It Down" and "Art of Dying." But interestingly, it's the more acoustic-based songs such as "Behind That Locked Door," "Apple Scruffs," "Run of the Mill," and Dylan's "If Not for You" that may have gained the most from the remastering, with many nuances exposed that were previously missed.
Phil Spector co-produced the album with George, a fact that generates controversy to this day. If there is one song on which Spector ran amok, then it would be "Wah-Wah." It's obvious that George conceived the song (which was inspired by an argument he had with McCartney during the Let It Be sessions) as straight-up rock & roll; the embellishments of female choruses and a horn section really are overkill. This is one song that probably should have been remixed as well as remastered. Nonetheless, the "wall of sound" works magnificently on songs such as "Isn't It a Pity" and especially "Awaiting on You All."
The much-maligned Apple Jam instrumentals (renamed Original Jam for reasons unexplained) are presented in remastered glory as well. Over the years the more doctrinaire Beatle fans, accustomed to catchy tunes in two- or three-minute spurts, have been quick to dismiss them. But a reappraisal is in order. You have to marvel at the sheer musicianship of it all. These tracks feature George with Billy Preston along with Eric Clapton, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlock and Jim Gordon. That's right -- Derek & the Dominos! Indeed, this album has at least as much in common with D & the D's LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS as it has with any Beatle album. The two complement each other perfectly. (Curiously, Ginger Baker has a co-writing credit for "I Remember Jeep," but he's not listed among the musicians.)
There are five bonus tracks appended to Disc 1. "I Live for You" is a previously unreleased song that fits in very well with the others. The instrumental "What Is Life" is great fun, featuring chord progressions previously obscured by the vocals. There are also acoustic demos of "Let It Down" and "Beware of Darkness." Say what you will about "My Sweet Lord (2000)" but it is historically significant for being one of George's last recordings. My only complaint about the bonus tracks is that there should have been more. There is a proliferation of bootlegs under such titles as BEWARE OF ABKCO! and THE MAKING OF ALL THINGS MUST PASS that contain a wealth of alternate recordings, demos and outtakes. George and/or Capitol Records could have dug much deeper into the vault than they did.
Anyone who likes melodic rock & roll with subtle hints of country and blues will eat this album up. Absolutely essential listening for Beatle fans. Note: The 5 star rating refers only to the 2001 remastered edition. The original CD release, featuring muffled sound quality and skimpy liner notes, was a travesty.
Free Music Review: Best post-Beatle album
Hit: 5 Stars
I remember Christmastime 1970. I was in my early teens. My favorite music group, The Beatles had split up more than six months earlier. Disappointed that I'd never hear anything new by the group, I naturally started following their solo careers. Paul McCartney was among the first with "McCartney" which provided hope that perhaps the post-Beatles stuff won't be half-bad. Now as 1970 was about to come to close, it was George Harrison's turn to shine in the solo spotlight. The "quiet" Beatle emerges with an ambitious 3 LP set entitled "All Things Must Pass". A track from that album, "My Sweet Lord" was released a month or so earlier as a single and was quite successful on the world's Top 40 charts. With a hit record leading the way, the release of George's first real solo album had to be a hit as well.
In the post-Christmas excitement, I realized that I didn't get the album as a present, although I told just about everyone who could hear how much I wanted it. Then I realized I had gotten some cash as a Christmas present so I would put it to good use. A trip to a nearby Musicland, the money practically burning a hole in my pocket, totally focused on going straight to the "All Things Must Pass" display, it was almost like tunnel vision in a way. Got my sweaty hands on the shrink-wrapped box set, paid for it and as quickly as I entered I zoomed out of Musicland with home and my awaiting stereo as my destination. I was a man on a mission. When I got home I zipped straight up to my room, ripped the shrink-wrap of the album as fast as I could, opened the box set, took LP #1out of its sleeve, put it on the turntable, dropped the stylus on the album and held my breath. Good thing, because as the opening measures of the Harrison/Dylan composition, "I'd Have You Any Time" played, I found myself actually breathless.
As it played, I'm thinking, wow, what an amazing sound. Everything just sounded perfect. The songwriting, the arrangements, the singing, the musicianship, the production, all of it was flawless. Almost immediately I knew that George Harrison's first solo LP not only would be successful, but also would stand the test of time and to become a true classic. I pretty much wore out that initial copy of "All Things Must Pass", playing it over and over and over, which practically drove my folks a little nutty.
In the years since I only occasionally listened to the LP. Until the other day I hadn't listened to it in over fifteen years. But something reminded me of the album, and I had to get the CD. I popped the CD into my car stereo and experienced the most eerie sense of deja vu upon hearing again those opening measures of "I'd Have You Anytime". The entire CD was magnificent; it was better than I originally remembered it. I was absolutely blown away by it.
After thirty-three years, this music holds its age very well and like a fine wine has gotten better with time. Far and away this is not only the finest post-Beatles debut, but probably the finest post-Beatle solo release of them all.
If you even slightly like the Beatles... buy this CD... take a good listen and you'll hear what I mean.
Free Music Review: Farewell George. Thank You For the Inspiration
Hit: 5 Stars
I write this review just moments after learning that George has departed this world. Through the immense sadness, I wish to say thank you George. Your inspiration as a spiritual being, innovative guitarist and brilliant songwriter has shed much light on this often dark world. You will always be loved and remembered by the millions who admire both you and your work. You were truly one of a kind.When originally released in 1970, "All Things Must Pass" stunned many with not only its sheer volume of music (a three record-set), but also with the incredible quality of the songwriting. Toiling in the immense shadow of John and Paul during the Beatle years, George had built up quite a backlog of unreleased songs, many of which appeared on this masterpiece. Mega-hits "My Sweet Lord" and "What is Life" attracted a worldwide following with undeniable hooks and inspirational lyrics which examined the deeper meaning of life. However, great as those songs were, they only scratched the surface of the themes George explored on "Isn't it a Pity", "Art of Dying" and the title tune. A practioner of Eastern philosophy, George brilliantly fused his music with his beliefs of love, life, death and reincarnation. That he was able to do so without clobbering his fans with heavy-handed lecturing is a credit to his astute songwriting skill. The soaring "Isn't a Pity", a seven-minute epic which builds to dramatic climax a la "Hey Jude", is quite possibly the strongest of the set. Other standouts are the beautiful "I'd Have You Anytime" and "Let it Down", a powerful ballad that would fit perfectly alongside Abbey Road's "Something". The spell of seriousness is broken with the uproarious "Apple Scruffs", a lighthearted poke at the throngs of obsessive fans who literally camped out at the Beatles' Apple Corps office in London.
As for the remastering -- it's terrific and provides a huge sonic improvement over the previous CD version which sounded lifeless and boxy. The acoustic guitars and percussion which drive so many of the songs really cut through the mix. Best of all is the clear presence of George's pleasantly raspy voice. While others have expressed disappointment with the bonus tracks, I find them to be quite good. The outstanding "I Live For You", an outtake, should have made the original album. The acoustic demos of "Let it Down" and "Beware of Darkness" stand out in their stark naked form. I even like the new version of "My Sweet Lord". Admittedly, it takes a few listens to get used to, but once it settles in your head, it's hard to forget!
"All Things Must Pass" will probably be remembered as George's finest solo accomplishment. Overall, it is a beautiful artistic statement which no doubt ranks among the upper echelon of solo Beatle albums. Thank you George for this fantastic gift to the world. Thanks for all your music: from "Don't Bother Me" to "Something" to "Bangla Desh" to the Traveling Wilbury's. You were a friend to all of us. May you rest in peace.