EXTRA TEXTURE ( READ ALL ABOUT IT )

 

EXTRA TEXTURE ( READ ALL ABOUT IT ) : George bounces back so screamed the newspaper advertisement for this 1975 effort after his disastrous " Dark Horse" and his equally disastrous tour due to a throat infection. All these have somewhat affected George and his confidence was shaken and hence came this quite depression album, albeit a fine one musically. This was also the first time he have abandoned all references to his religion and focus on the subject of love, loneliness and depression. Most critics dismissed this album as lacking in quality but I beg to differ, The mood of the album overall is indeed depression but the melody is top notch. This was also the last George Harrison album that I listen to in its entirety. His subsequent albums have me lost and I was listening to selective songs only.

You ( Harrison ) :  The album got off to a rolling start with this riff driven single that is not unlike his earlier 'What Is Life.' This is easily the most commercial and uptempo track from here and it is easy to see why it was chosen as the single.

The Answer's At The End ( Harrison ) :  The lyrics from this track sounds slightly philosophical but it does have a good chorus. I like the lyric too which is positive and probably you should take note too if you have people you care about.

This Guitar [ Can't Keep From Crying ] ( Harrison ) : This a sort of sequence to his'While My Guitar Gently Weeps,' but it is nowhere like the melody is nowhere like the former. One of my favorite. I just loves the guitar playing here.
more celebrated

Ooh Baby [ You Know That I Love You ] ( Harrison ) : Truly George can ripped your heart out with his sad songs coming one after another. George vocal sails beautifully along the verse melody. This song was dedicated to his idol Smokey Robinson.

World Of Stone ( Harrison ) : This one I usually skip when I was playing the record. Now I am quite tolerable of it. Guess death seems to have a way of changing the way you see or hears things.

A Bit More Of You ( Harrison ) : Just what the title said, a bit more of 'You.'.

Can't Stop Thinking Of You ( Harrison ) : One of my favourite on the album. Starts out quietly but it sure grows on you.

Tired Of Midnight Blue ( Harrison ) : Trust George to throw us this little upbeat ditty after so many fine but depressing tracks. This is one infectious track with fine piano provided by Leon Russell.

Grey Cloudy Lies ( Harrison ) : Yet another of his depression song. If the melody have not been top notched, I would have been left in tears. This one would fits right in with the almighty "All Things Must Pass."

His Name Is Legs [ Ladies And Gentlemen ] ( Harrison ) : This wacky and upbeat jam would not be out of place on the jam section of "All Things Must Pass," but thankfully, it was kept to a minimum which made this quite tolerable and offer a change of pace.

DOP : 30th November 1998.

DARK HORSE

 

DARK HORSE : This 4th solo release by George Harrison could have been big had it not been due to circumstances that George was ill equipped to overcome. After a  trio of fine albums, this was greatly anticipated by his fans and the public nostalgia for his old band was at an all time high. However, as fate would have it, George contracted laryngitis which was an infection that causes inflammation of the larynx which in turn affects the cavity in the throat holding the vocal cords. He went on his first solo tour against better advices and judgement which was also the first time any Beatles have tour in the US since 1966. Because of his insistence in promoting Ravi Shankar so heavily in his concerts, coupled with his hoarse vocal, the tour gathered bad reviewers from influential people and caused a major set back for him..The album itself showed George in his not so fine vocal but however all is not lost here. I have a soft spot for this album because it was released during the Chinese New Year when everyone of our family members were home for the celebration. Listening to it conjured visions of my mother preparing her mouth watering menus for us all and my brother sleeping on the sofa while this album was being played. Yeah, a not so perfect album that somehow evolved a time that was quite close to perfection.

Hari's On Tour [ Express ] ( Harrison ) : George, unlike Paul McCartney didn't do much instrumentals other than this instrumental soundtrack that he did for the movie "Wonderwall," This was a good starter for this album or any other albums for that matter.

Simple Shady ( Harrison ) : A fine song to follow the instrumental. During this time, it was always a thrill for me to hear the ex Beatles singing with reference to themselves or the characters that they've created in their songs. And George's inclusion of 'Sexy Sadie' as part of the lyric did the trick for me.

So Sad ( Harrison ) : I used to skip this track and the following 2 that followed when I first got the record. However time, or maybe the death of George have made me more tolerance of this track. I listen to it now.

Bye, Bye Love ( Bryant / Bryant ) : This was an old Everly Brothers standard venomous rewritten novelty song in respond of his wife, Pattie Boyce leaving him for his good friend Eric Clapton. Like Paul McCartney before him who once did the old Mickey & Sylvia's hit 'Love Is Strange,' the melody was almost unrecognisable. If they have put it under any other name, nobody would have been the wiser but I guess he must have been apprehensive after the problem he had with 'My Sweet Lord.'

Maya Love ( Harrison ) : This one I totally detested. It was horrible and I just can't bear listening to it. However, as always as times passed.....

Ding Dong, Ding Dong ( Harrison ) : A nice cheerful track to open up side two on the record. This was the second single from here and was intended as a perennial favourite for Christmas. One of my favourite on the album.

Dark Horse ( Harrison ) : George sounds somewhat restrained on this fine acoustic track. Still the charm cannot be denied.

Far East Man ( Harrison / Wood ) : Another good track which he co wrote with ex Faces Ronnie Wood. Ronnie did a version of this song on his "I Have My Own Album To Do,'"
which I found not much different from this version.

It Is 'He' [ Jai Sri Krishna ] ( Harrison ) : I know not many people like this chant like song but there are charms aplenty to be found here if you love George like me. I find it interesting and unlike anything I've heard before. The bridge is hauntingly nice.

DOP : 11th April 1998.

LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD

LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD : Frankly, who could top two successive triple albums that also managed to grab the convented Grammy for Album of The Year two year in a row. Nobody could and George couldn't either but he did came pretty close with this toned down offering as opposed to the grandeur and Phil Spector's Wall of Sound treatment of his last studio album. Thought lacking much of the killer tracks that dominate much of "All Things Must Past," the songs here are much softer and shows the direction that he was to followed in his later works. Where his last album were made up of rejected Beatles songs, this album were all newly composed songs which shows that George was clearly in a class of his own. I got the original CD as part of my collection but sold it off later to an ever faithful pal of mine in order to get this reissued with two bonus songs.

Give Me Love ( Harrison ) : The big hit from this album. This single replaced 'My Love,' the big ballad hit from Paul McCartney & Wings at No.1 when the single loses momentum. the early 70's was a great year for Beatles fans like me and it's always a kick for me to see each Beatles racing up the chart one after another.

Sue Me, Sue You Blues ( Harrison ) : George singing about the draggy court affairs on The Beatles business dealing. Not a favourite and David Bowie did a version of this song.

The Light That Has Lighten The World ( Harrison ) : Doesn't hit you in the face on first listening but constant listening will do just that.

Don't Let Me Wait Too Long ( Harrison ) : There are three great tracks here and this was the first one and it should have been released as a single. Lyrically simple but a heartfelt love song with a melody that will stays with you long after the song have ended.

Who Can See It ( Harrison ) :  Another slow burner that will  grow on you eventually.

Living In The Material World ( Harrison ) : Being the titled track, expectation naturally was high but this track was my least favourite here. Rather loud and you'll find more Beatles reference here. His take on 'Richie' was good 'cos it played on them getting richer and also getting Ringo Starr on board.

The Lord Loves The One [ The Loves The Lord ] ( Harrison ) : One of the loud one that impresses. I've always love this track. Slightly preachy but still a good tune and good fun.

Be Here Now ( Harrison ) : The second great track here. Made in the vein as his Beatles song, 'Long, Long, Long' from the white album, the lead acoustic guitar is so absorbing. Incredibly, I find this track slow and boring on first hearing but now it's essential listening here.

Try Some, Buy Some ( Harrison ) : This sounds like a drug reference song and does bear slight similarities with 'Who Can See It.'

The Day The World Gets Round ( Harrison ) : Another nice track as George sings in the same note as it's harmony. A social commentary track that shows  how George felt at that time.

That Is All ( Harrison ) : The last appropriately titled last track and the final great track from a great album. A great ballad as George sings of his great belief in love. I remember hearing Andy Williams singing a version of this but it was nowhere near as good as this.

BONUS TRACKS :

Deep Blue ( Harrison ) : Surprisingly good, this B side to his 'Bangladesh' single. B-sides for most artists were not supposed to be good but The Beatles were always the exception and George seems to be continuing this trend. Can't believe that George throw this song away.

Miss O'Dell ( Harrison ) : Yet another fine B side. This time from the flip side of 'Give Me Love.' I can't believe I've been missing this great song until now. A light hearted song seemingly about one of their employee, Chris O'Dell, The singing is light hearted and George is heard breaking into laughter towards the end of the song.

DOP : 27th January 2012

THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH

THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH : George Harrison's next project after his critically acclaimed 3 record mammoth set was yet another 3 record set and like its predecessor, it again scored the Album Of he Year Award. So much for being the quiet Beatle. I saw this movie when it first appeared at the local cinema and I was mesmerised as was anything Beatles at that time. I was a pesky 12 years old then and a 3 record set was way beyond my lunch money. I only managed to get this CD 40 odds years later and long it may have been, the passing years have not dimmed the images that I first have from the movies. It haven't left my memories at all. I remember watching in wonderment at Leon Russell's awesome interpretation of the medley 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' and 'Young Blood' which have been stored in my memories and it only emerged when I played this CD. George was majestic in his white suite and look every inch the rock star as John Lennon. This CD, due to copyright reason was not available in Malaysia so I have to get in in Singapore. I've already have the DVD so i was rather slow in getting this CD but got it I eventually did.

DISC 1

Introduction By George Harrison & Ravi Shankar : George and Ravi Shankar's 's introduction of the Indian musicians and their entourage.

Bangla Dhun ( Shankar ) :  I use to hate this part of the concert. I was just not ready to embrace Indian music but only endure it because of George Harrison but somehow the years must have soften me. Now I am able to enjoy it to a certain extend. It was a low profile kind of instrumental and not a full blown one 'cos this was after all the first major exposure of Indian music to the West. They may not be able to accept it if it's too extreme. I remember this one takes up the whole of side one.

Wah - Wah ( Harrison ) : Not one of my favourite from "All Things Must Pass" but it was a good
choice and very welcome after the long Indian music. Probably woke the audiences up and me too. Sounds better here than on the studio recording too.

My Sweet Lord ( Harrison ) : The first strain of this mega hit was enough to bring in the cheers from the audience. A fine version of this great song though more restrain than on the studio recording.

Awaiting On You All ( Harrison ) : Another stellar version of this track from "All Things Must Pass." This album was the first time I have heard any of George post Beatles songs and incredibly, he managed to do it exactly like it was in the studio.

That's The Way God Planned It ( Preston ) : This was probably the only song I remember from Billy Preston and it sure was a memorable track. Watching him on the video was even more awesome.

It Don't Come Easy ( Starkey ) : Ringo Starr's turn to shine on his most recent first post Beatles hit. Judging from the crowds' reaction, he is doing it right too.

Beware Of Darkness ( Harrison ) : Always love this track. Still send chills down my spine after all these years. Leon Russell joined him on a few verses 'cos he did a great version of this song on his own complete with Indian music backing. Beautiful.

Band Introduction : George introduction of his band and thanking them all.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps ( Harrison ) : This stellar song needs no introduction and George sure did a sure fire version with this.

DISC 2 :

Medley : Jumping Jack Flash ( Jagger / Richards ) / Young Blood ( Leiber / Stoller ) : This was the moment for me throughout the entire concert. Leon Russell was just awesome here and this was the first time I've heard of Leon Russell. His version of 'Young Blood'  here stayed in my mind for years. His rattling off just before 'Young Blood" could just be the prelude to all these rap music that came to be years later.

Here Comes The Sun ( Harrison ) : George reclaimed the show back from Leon Russell with this crowd pleaser that just cannot go wrong. Pete Ham from ill fated Badfinger played acoustic guitar alongside George.

A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall ( Dylan ) : Bob Dylan was recovering from a recent accident and have to be coaxed out of semi retirement by George to participate in this concert and he nearly steal the show too, performing almost as many songs as George. Bob sounded much better than I've heard him in his studio recordings. This is Bob Dylan in top form vocally.

It Takes A Lot To Laugh,' It Takes A Train To Cry ( Dylan ) : Now why can't Bob sings like this all the time. This was the first time I've truly heard Bob Dylan and this was how I like him to be.

Blowin' In The Wind ( Dylan ) : The mother of all protest song. There are many versions of this song but no one sings this song like Bob Dylan I so declare and this version rocks.

Mr. Tambourine Man ( Dylan ) : The fourth song and he is still rocking. This was the song that made me fell in love with Bob Dylan and he did it again here.

Just Like A Woman ( Dylan ) : I heard this song here the first time and boy, I had it in my head ever since. I've heard the studio version since then of course but it was this version that did it for me.

Something ( Harrison ) : George have to reclaim his show yet again with this beautiful Beatles song.

Bangla Desh ( Harrison ) : A heartfelt composition just for this concert. Wasn't really the hit it was supposed to me or was that just me. Still the performance couldn't be faulted.

Additional Track 

Love Minus Zero / No Limit ( Dylan ) : A pleasant on this lesser known Bob Dylan gem that wasn't on the original album. I first heard this song done by a local artist and this was my first time ever hearing the master sang it and it was greeeeat..........

ALL THINGS MUST PASS

ALL THINGS MUST PAST. DELUXE EDITION : George Harrison first album proper after a mainly instrumental soundtrack album and an experimental one. And what an album it was. Originally released as a mammoth 3 records it have scored a few firsts. It was the first ever triple album in the history of rock and the first ex beatle album to go No.1 as was the single 'My Sweet Lord.' It was also George Harrison's declaration of independence and finally out of the shadow of  his understandably more celebrated ex colleagues John Lennon and Paul McCartney to finally be recognised as an artist in his own right. I didn't get to hear this album till years later 'cos I couldn't find the album here. The store just wouldn't risk stocking a 3 record set here doubting George Harrison's marketability. George somehow was not as big as John or Paul here. I finally got the album from Singapore through a cousin of mine. Thirty odd years later I got the CD version and then a few months later came this deluxe version, with a few extra tracks to boot. Thankful I was saved from my agony when I managed to sell off this CD to one of my Beatles' friends and got this deluxe version.

Disc 1

Disc 1

I'd Have You Anytime ( Harrison / Dylan ) : This collaborating effort with one of his best buddy was a rather slow start to an outstanding album. This track doesn't gives any clues to the wonders that was to come.

My Sweet Lord ( Harrison ) : The biggie of the album. Incredibly I didn't like this song on first hearing. It was too long for me. But before too long, it grew on me and when it was rooted in me, it stayed there and to this day remained one of my all time ex Beatle favourite songs. I never truly believe about George's supposed plagiarism of this song from The Chiffon's 'He's So Fine.' A songwriter of George's calibre doesn't need to plagiarised from anyone.

Wah - Wah ( Harrison ) : This one is a rock and roll heavy. A bit too noisy for me so was not my favourite.

Isn't It A Pity ( Harrison ) : This was edited down as the B side of 'My Sweet Lord.' A self pitying song but at more than 7 minutes length, it was way too long. Almost 'Hey Jude' proportion. Tends to get boring as it goes on and on.

What Is Life ( Harrison ) : Now this is more like it. A solid riff driven rock and roll song that John and Paul would have been proud of. The guitar riff alone will stick to your head for days.

If Not For You ( Dylan ) : I absolutely loves this heavy version of this track. Olivia Newton-John may have the hit version but this was clearly the definite version here. I usually press the repeat button for this. Gems like this should be served twice of more.

The original cover

Behind That Locked Door ( Harrison ) : George showing he is more than just a flash in the pan with this beautiful country and western number. One of the highlights.

Let It Down ( Harrison ) : George gets heavy again. Not terribly memorable but it does gives us some varieties.

Run Of The Mill ( Harrison ) : A run of the mill track but really nice and listenable.

Additional Tracks :

I Live For You ( Harrison ) : This song was only ever available on bootlegs to those in the know but this is one great song. Don't know why it was put in storage in the first place. A fine country song. Our loss until now.

Beware Of Darkness ( Harrison ) : The stripped down version of this fine song. Nice to hear the clarity in his voice.

Let It Down ( Harrison ) : Never really like this track. The original was too loud for me. Still, I prefer this demo better than the original.

What Is Life ( Harrison ) : The same terrific track but minus the vocal leaving only the instrumental backing.

My Sweet Lord [ 2000 ] ( Harrison ) : Don't really like this remake. George's voice is not in the best of form. I take the the original anytime. I have this single too but I sold it when I got this set.

Disc 2

DISC 2

Beware Of Darkness ( Harrison ) : Love this. Definitely one of the highlights here. I first heard this from the "Concert For Bangladesh" movie and I fell in love with this song instantly. George played it live exactly like it was in the studio.

Apple Scruffs ( Harrison ) : George rewarded all those loyal and faithful fans waiting around the recording studio for sights of The Beatles with this sweet little ditty. A sweet acoustic number with harmonica and all. I can't believe anyone could not like this track.

Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp [ Let It Roll ] ( Harrison ) : I don't quite get this track. It sounded quite average to me but it was accorded legendary status when it became the title of George's 2009 Greatest Hits Collection.

Awaiting On You All ( Harrison ) : Another highlights. This one have George singing on his apparent love for religion and and the hypocrisy of man, and man, he sure did it in a rocking way.

All Things Must Pass ( Harrison ) : The one The Beatles passed over. Had they recorded it then, we would have had another Beatles classic. Plain l
ovely with that twangy country feel.

I Dig Love ( Harrison ) : This sounds experimental but it somehow fits in with the album.

Art Of Dying ( Harrison ) : This one have the large rock feel to it. The kind that you play loud with air guitar and all. The Beatles just think of everything, don't they.

Isn't It A Pity ( Harrison ) : This shorten version is a lot more bearable than the first version which ran close to 8 minutes. I tend to be more tolerable when the artist is no more with us as it was with John. I used to skip this track but now I listened to it till the end.

The booklet

Hear Me Lord ( Harrison ) : With this heartfelt plead to the Lord, we've come to the last song proper from the album. A nice track to close the album. The followings tracks are long endless jams that most don't listen to.

Original Jam :

It's Johnny's Birthday ( Martin / Coulter / Harrison ) : The only remotely recognisable song here. Sung to the tune of Cliff Richard's Erovision entry 'Congratulation,' I find this amusing and quite entertaining.

Plug Me In ( Harrison ) : I haven't really listen to this in a while but I have to confess I quite like this.

I Remember Jeep ( Harrison ) : Likewise with this. It's much better than John Lennon's live set in "Sometime In New York City." Maybe I too, like others have underestimated the quiet one. Still, clocking at close to 8 minutes, it's really is too long for my liking.

Thanks For The Pepperoni ( Harrison ) : This was the most rock and roll sounding jam from here. I can visualising the guys enjoying themselves here. A full blown endless jam nevertheless.

Out Of The Blue ( Harrison ) : The final track from the CD and frankly my ears are eshausted. Listenable they may be, still I wouldn't be playing them too soon.

DOP : 23rd September 2003.

WONDERWALL

WONDERWALL MUSIC : Arguably, the first ever solo album by any ex beatle, this was George Harrison's first foray into the world of movie soundtrack. Almost entirely instrumental, it was quite well received by fans and critics when it was released in digital form but to me however, it was neither here not there. It could have been great had more time been taken in expending or polishing the tracks. Some of the tracks are pleasant enough but some of them ended as abruptly as they begins which tends to leave the listeners frustrated. Still it's much better than the other Beatles' experimental albums like John Lennon's " Life With The Lion," "Two Virgins," and "The Wedding Album.' I got this at a discount so I am not complaining too much. Still, a good CD to sleep with.

Microbes ( Harrison ) : Indian music in its primitive form in that it was not a full blown instrumental track but the kind that one plays to entice a cobra from it's basket. Nice.

Red Lady Too ( Harrison ) : This is more the type of music that you expect from a white man. The kind that you listen to and unfortunately forgets.

Tabla And Pakavaj ( Harrison ) : The intro does reminds me of 'Within You, Without You,' but it's too short to leave any impact.

In The Park ( Harrison ) : More Indian music that sounds more like somebody tuning the sitar rather than playing it.

Drilling A Home ( Harrison ) : This is the first track that I truly like. A jovial rag time instrumental that shows that Paul McCartney is not the only beatle who can do this kind of music.. If only George have pursue this musical direction in his solo career, his solo career would have been much more interesting.

Guru Vandana ( Harrison ) : Sounds like more experimenting with various Indian instruments.

Greasy Legs ( Harrison ) : A pleasant ring tone kind of music. You can use this one as a ring tone for your cell phone.

Ski-ing ( Harrison ) : A rock sounding instrumental that is more in line with the work of the ex beatle.

Gat Kirwsni ( Harrison ) : The mastery of those who played the Indian instruments are apparent on this track.

Dream Scene ( Harrison ) : Like the title said, dreamy stuff and also the longest track here. This one have some Indian vocals as well. Nice one to put on to confuse the neighbors.

Party Seacombe ( Harrison ) : The second longest track from here. I like the acoustic strumming intro which got off to a glorious lead which in turn led this into one of the better track here.

Love Scene ( Harrison ) : A nice intro into the Indian music world I would say. This is quite a nice soft track and it feels completed probably due to the length.

Crying ( Harrison ) : This time the Indian music here sounds more like a police siren. If I were the snake, I wouldn't come out of my basket for this.

Cowboy Music ( Harrison ) : A fine cowboy track but unfortunately rather short so the listener, namely me was left frustrated wishing for more.

Fantasy Sequins ( Harrison ) Sounds like the first track 'Microbes.' More enticing for more cobras to come out of their baskets.

On The Bed ( Harrison ) : Another fine track mingling Indian instruments with Western. Fascinating.

Glass Box ( Harrison ) : Nice short Indian music.

Wonderwall To Be Here ( Harrison ) : George is back to his western root with this track. Not particularly great but listener anyway.

Singing Om ( Harrison ) : Indian humming to this final track. A prelude to his monster hit 'My Sweet Lord.'

DOP : 18th May 2008.

GEORGE HARRISON

GEORGE HARRISON : The silent Beatle. The mystical one. George Harrison wasn't really all that silent, he just let his guitar do the talking for him. Who could forget that first note strum from his guitar of 'A Hard Day's Night', one of the most instantly recognisable song in the world just by hearing that first chord and the sitar on 'Norwegian Wood,' the integral part that made an already good song greater. Unlike his more celebrated colleagues, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, song writing didn't come as easy to George. He have to work hard before he can comes up with the goods. Hence, in the early days, he only sang covers and his first original song, 'Don't Bother Me' was found on their second album "With The Beatles" and it wasn't until "Help" that he was given the obligatory two songs per album slot. Though in the back seat, it didn't stop George from contributing some of the most loved Beatles' songs in their canon, From the wonderful 'Taxman' ,the stellar 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps', to the beautiful 'Something' which was deservedly the second most recorded Beatles' songs in the world. When The Beatles broke up in 1970, George Harrison was the first Beatle who scored the first No.1 single with 'My Sweet Lord' and also the first No.1 album from any Beatles, the majestic 3 record set "All Things Must Pass" which still stands today as one of the greatest album from any ex Beatles. He followed this with his historical "Concert For Bangla Desh" which was the first mammort charity concert of it's kind that sets the blueprint for every other charity concerts in the world from then on. During the first few years when The Beatles broke up and John and Paul were busy proving to the world who was the best of the two. it was quiet George who turned up to be be the most successful Beatle. He followed "All Things Must Pass" with the equally successful "Living In The Material World" and a few other albums before he ventured into movies and then car racing which were quite successful and profitable..After lying low for a few years, he came out with the  multi alward winners "Cloud 9 " which produced the last ever ex Beatles No1, 'Got My Mind Set On You' and then slipped into oblivion again. Before that he was involved in a super group called The Traveling Wilburys that includes Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Obision and Jeff Lynn which produced two superb albums, 1988's "The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1" and 1990's "The Traveling Wiburys Vol. 3." There was actually no Vol.2, it was named Vol.3 as a joke. George was working on his final album, "Brainwashed" when he died from cancer on the 29th of November 2001. The album was released post humously in the year 2002, completed by his son Dhani Harrison and Jeff Lynn which of course added a few more awards to his name. Quite an impact on the music world from one who will forever be known as the quiet one.