50 - 1 George Harrison

[Zuma]

The next artist in my 50-1 series is the Dark Horse, George Harrison.

Here I hope to highlight his solo career which had it's share of majestic high points and forgettable low points, a few brilliant albums, a few uneven albums, spiritual and soulful inspirations, trademark slide guitar, beautiful melodies and a frank yet often humorous take on his own mortality on his journey to enlightenment are but a few treasures in store as we delve into the Harrison solo catalogue.

50 - Life Itself - Somewhere in England - 1981

A beautiful meditation to Life Itself with meaningful lyrics and how good is the combination of slide guitar, vocal and melody? Truly the gem of the "Somewhere in England" album which was one of George's more uneven albums.

You are the one that I'd die for
And you're all that is real
You are the essence of that which
We taste, touch and feel

 

[JP Sauce]

Very cool choice for your next countdown. Can't wait!

 

[Zuma]

49 - That's What It Takes - Cloud Nine - 1987

An optimistic clean sounding pop ballad with just the right amount of Jeff Lynne's patented slick pop production featuring a brief slide guitar solo first from Harrison and later an unmistakable melodic guitar solo from his mate Eric Clapton. George had not sounded so good in years with spirited lead and harmony vocals and he was writing from a happy place too which permeates this song.

And now it begins to shine
And you found the eyes to see
Each little drop at dawn of ev'ry day

Your smile, it comes back to me
And whatever you may say
Don't let it stop, never fade away

 

[Zuma]

48 - Try Some, Buy Some - Living In The Material World - 1973

Not a particularly well known track outside avid Harrison fans but meaningful enough for the great David Bowie to cover later in his life. Known to write for and produce a multitude of musicans during his career George recorded this song early 1971 and offered the song to Ronnie Spector formerly of the Ronnettes who was the wife of Harrison's producer at the time, Phil Spector. Ronnie released the song in 1971 as a single. Harrison's version later surfaced on the spiritually beautiful album "Living In The Material World". Like many songs from the "All Things Must Pass" album Phil's wall of sound is prevalent on this track in a good way and Harrison was in great form vocally and lyrically.

Way back in time
Someone said try some
I tried some
Now buy some - I bought some . . .
Oh Oh Oh
After a while
when I had tried them
denied them
I opened my eyes and
I saw you . . .

 

[Zuma]

47 - Faster - George Harrison - 1979

George Harrison's ode to one of his biggest passions, formula one car racing. Released as a single in the UK it did not exactly blitz past the finishing line but with the addition of sound effects from the 1978 British Grand Prix and a semi-inspirational arrangement it certainly was a catchy and somewhat popular song among the Harrison fan base.

The people were intrigued
His wife held back her fears
The headlines gave acclaim
He'd realized their dreams.

Faster than a bullet from a gun
He is faster than everyone
Quicker than the blinking of an eye
Like a flash you could miss him going by
No one knows quite how he does it but it's true they say
He's the master of going faster

 

[Zuma]

46 - Just For Today - Cloud Nine - 1987

One of George's rare piano ballads, piano played by pal Elton John. Amidst of all life's problems George conveys the importance of living in the now, getting through the day. It has been said that George had taken the idea from an Alcoholic's Anonymous brochure.

Just for today
I could try to live through this day only
Not deal with all life's problems
Just for today

If just for one night
I could feel not sad and lonely
Not be my own life's problem
Just for one night

 

[TubbsFarquhar]

Not as much into The Beatles as I used to be but I still listen to George from time to time. Best songwriter from the group IMO so I'll be following this countdown .

 

[Zuma]

45 - Beautiful Girl - 33 & 1/3 - 1976

An guitar driven ballad with beautiful lyrics, inspired signing and gorgeous slide guitar work that just moves in and out and around the melody as only Harrison can. The basic melody was written on Steven Stills 12 string guitar around the time Harrison was doing sessions for Doris Troy. The lyrics initially were inspired by wife at the time Patti Boyd then when further developed over time the song took shape as describing his new love and second wife Olivia Arias whom was the secretary of A&R Records with whom Harrison grew close to as someone who nursed him through some troubled times in his personal life and health from a tumultuous period from late 1974 through to the time of this album 1976.

Never seen such a beautiful girl
Had me quickly untied
Calling to me she made me realize
Not the kind that is lost or is found
She has always been there
A lover needed for this soul to survive

 

[Zuma]

In tribute to Prince I thought I would leave you all with this:



Harrison 50-1 to resume shortly after a short time of reflection to absorb the shock of the passing of one of the most talented artists of our times.

 

[Zuma]

44 - Soft Touch - George Harrison - 1979

Harrison sings with radiant joy of his son Dhani being brought into the world and his feelings in becoming a father. The song has an attractive and bouncy Caribbean flavored melody and features some great harmony vocals on the chorus. I don't know how well this song is known but it is very difficult not to love.



You're a soft touch baby
Like a snowflake falling
My whole heart is melting.

As a warm son rises
Into joy I'm sailing
To your soft touch baby.

Eyes that shine from depths of your soul
Fixed by their charm, take my control
Love so sweet as the ocean is wide
Caught by your waves
Drawn to your side.

As a cool wind blows me
All the treetops whisper
To your soft touch baby.

As a new moon rises
Those ideas of heaven
Fall in your soft touch baby.

Eyes that shine from depths of your soul
Fixed by their charm, take my control
Love so sweet as the ocean is wide
Caught by your waves
Drawn to your side.

You're a soft touch baby
Like a snowflake falling
My whole heart is melting.

As a warm son rises
Into joy I'm sailing
To your soft touch baby.

 

[Zuma]

43 - Dream Away - Gone Troppo - 1982

A catchy tune from 1982's commercially ignored Gone Troppo album and was featured over the end credits the Handmade Films movie "Time Bandits"
The song was actually written specifically for the film but not used on the soundtrack to the film and is about time and space perhaps it makes more sense to those with a knowledge about the Time Bandits film. The jibberish words on the chorus were made up but will have you singing. Interestingly enough this song placed 8th in a top 10 Harrison song poll conducted by AOL online some years back.

Tumbling through a thousand centuries
You don't know where you'll land
It's so dark in mythology
Treasures of history to be found
Near the legends of time
All the handiworks remain there
Only a dream away

 

[Zuma]

42 - Here Me Lord - All Things Must Pass - 1970

An impassioned plea from Harrison well suited to the Phil Spector production this song features some of friend Klaus Voorman's finest bass playing and the late Billy Preston on piano. Harrison himself puts feeling into his vocals and plays some nice slide guitar on this often overlooked song from the great All Things Must Pass album. Harrison does a very good job to not make the song sound overtly preachy or in your face. I find it both soothing yet intense.

Forgive me lord
Please, those years when I ignored you, hmm
Forgive them lord
Those that feel they can't afford you, hmm

Help me lord, please
To rise above this dealing, hmm
Help me lord, please
To love you with more feeling, hmm

At both ends of the road
To the left and the right
Above and below us
Out and in, there's no place that you're not in
Oh, won't you hear me lord



And for those who like it without the Spector sound

 

[Zuma]

41 - The Light That Has Lighted The World - Living in the Material World - 1973

One of several songs that will feature in my 50-1 from George's "Living In The Material World" album, The Light That Has Lighted the World boasts a melody just as strong as his All Things Must Pass material but a more naked and no less revealing portrait of Harrison's perception of himself through the eyes of others. Beautiful slide guitar playing by George graces this song that features some fine piano playing by Nicky Hopkins and Klaus Voorman who just knew how to play bass on Harrison songs so well. Off course there were some detractors who considered George as tired and forlorn and overtly preachy. I consider the lyrics of this song and many others from this album to be as honest and meaningful today as they were in 1973.


I've heard how some people, have said
that I've changed
That I'm not what I was
How it really is a shame
The thoughts in their heads,
Manifest on their brow
Like bad scars from ill feelings
they themselves arouse
So hateful of anyone that is happy
or 'free'
They live all their lives,
without looking to see
The light that has lighted the world

It's funny how people, just won't
accept change
As if nature itself - they'd prefer
re-arranged
So hard to move on
When you're down in a hole
Where there's so little chance,
to experience soul

I'm greatful to anyone,
that is happy or 'free'
for giving me hope
while I'm looking to see

The light that has lighted the world



And the demo which is a personal favourite

 

[Zuma]

40 - All Those Years Ago - Somewhere In England - 1981

A well known hit song with an interesting history. Initially a song George had in mind for Ringo then in the wake of the tragic circumstances of December 8, 1980 "now were left cold and sad" George re-worked the song in tribute to John Lennon, sounding very much like a younger brother "I always looked up to you" with Paul and Linda McCartney with Denny Laine adding backing vocals whilst Ringo played the drums. This occasion was the first time since "I Me Mine" in 1970 that Paul, George and Ringo played on the one recording. Al Kooper provided the songs dominant and driving instrument the electric piano. The song was Harrison's biggest hit in years reaching high as #2 in the US and topping the Canadian and Adult Contemporary charts. The video was a slide show presentation of Lennon and Harrison through the years. Nostalgia aside this successful single was not enough to propel his "Somewhere in England" album from receiving more than a lukewarm reception from critics and some fans alike.

 

[Zuma]

39 - Marwa Blues - Brainwashed - 2002

An achingly soothing slide guitar instrumental by Harrison set to an Eastern flavoured arragement this song was deservedly awarded the Grammy for the best pop instrumental performance. Paul McCartney considers it one of his all time favourite songs and so do I. It provided some comfort in the wake of Harrison's passing from this earth and provided me with a calming inspiration as I was preparing for University exams shortly after the released of the posthumous Brainwashed album which imho is one of George's best albums.

If you haven't heard this song before you are in for a real treat:

 

[Zuma]

38 - You - Extra Texture - 1975

A moderately successful hit single from an otherwise uneven but by no means uninteresting album "You" revisits the bombast Wall of Sound that was prevalent on his All Things Must Pass album. After suffering well documented vocal woes as a result of overehearsing for his 1974 US Tour and the rush recording of previous album Dark Horse George is back sounding as good as ever, it really is a soulful and emotional performance, nothing thin or hoarse (pardon the pun) about it. Like most mid 70's recording the saxophone further enhances the sound that Harrison achieved with this one. A simple declaration of love.

 

[Zuma]

37 - Circles - Gonne Troppo - 1982

A song Written in Rishikesh, India in 1968 and demoed in the same year as a Beatle Circles was revisited during the sessions for his self titled album but once more held back then re-recorded and included as the last track on the unfairly maligned Gonne Troppo album. The song which is about reincarnation and Harrison's desire to seek a higher place beyond the material world may be gloomy for some but it is a real grower and very underrated imho. A reflective keyboard driven song that Harrison's neighbour Jon Lord also played on.

 

[Zuma]

36 - Not Guilty - George Harrison - 1979

Another aborted Beatles track this time from the White Album sessions Harrison revives the song by giving it a completely different sound best described as loungey jazzy acoustic. The song is the ultimate "each person has their own choice, don't blame me" song and features a simple yet hypnotic riff the song also features some tuneful, yes tuneful ab libbing by Harrison and a few sharp brighter sounding acoustic breaks that poke out like sunlight in and amongst what is a vibey and somewhat moody tune. Another Harrison song written around the same time eventually given to Jackie Lomax called "Sour Milk Sea" is also worth tracking down.

Not guilty
For looking like a freak
Making friends with every sikh
Not guilty
For leading you astray
On the road to mandalay.

I wont upset the apple cart
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry that youve been misled. ..
But like you heard me said. ..
Not guilty.

Beatles demo

Harrison's eventual studio release

 

[Zuma]

35 - Living In The Material World - Living In The Material World - 1973

The rocking title track from this album finds George singing about his own trappings of the material world then his solace to the spiritual sky. "Use my body as a car" clearly references what Harrison often spoke about the body being a vehicle for the soul. He references the Beatles quite amusingly "we started out quite poor, and got richie on a tour" (Ringo) (Money) George achieves great musical contrast with an all out rocking drums, organ, bass and electric guitar during the material world parts of the song then the beautiful meditative sitar and tabla drums during the spiritual sky parts of the song. The song would have been great live, perhaps he played in on the US 1974 tour.

 

[Zuma]

34 - Cloud 9 - Cloud Nine - 1987

From one album title track to another, this time 14 years later on Harrison's "comeback album" lead off track Cloud 9 is a guitar lover's delight, a sultry sung smoking blues featuring plenty of George's slide guitar which soars in harmony with Eric Clapton's counterpoint lead fills. THe song also features the saxophone and a heavier bass and drum sound than usual on Harrison material no doubt one of the many influences producer Jeff Lynne brought to the table.

Have my love
It fits you like a glove
Join my dream, tell me yes
Bail out should there be a mess
The pieces you don't need are mine

Take my time
I'll show you cloud nine
Take my smile and my heart
They were yours from the start
The pieces to omit are mine

Have my love
Use it while it does you good
Share my highs but the times
That it hurts pay no mind
The pieces you don't need are mine

I'll see you there on cloud nine

Take my hope
Maybe even share a joke
If there's good to be shown
You may make it all your own
And if you want to quit that's fine
While you're out looking for cloud nine

Live performance from 1991

 

[Zuma]

33 - P2 Vatican Blues - Brainwashed - 2002

A cheeky blues from Harrison very Dylanesque in its delivery and Claptonesque in its playing. I believe George was touching on the activities of corruption that occurs within the Vatican Bank as well as sending up Catholicism in general. More of George's wit and humour coming to the fore towards the end of his life.



Gazed at the ceiling from below
A splendid Michelangelo
Filled my heart with delight
Last Saturday night

Arrived believing from home
Climbed every step inside St. Peter's Dome
Claustrophobic and ex-Catholic
Last Saturday night

Now how come nobody really noticed
Puff of white smoke knocked me out
The truth is hiding, lurking, banking
Things they do at night

It's quite suspicious to say the least
Even mentioned it to my local priest
One Our Father, three Hail Marys
Each Saturday night

I wish somebody would tell me
That it's only a show
I'll confess, own up, let's face it
In my concrete tuxedo

It's quite suspicious to say the least
While mentioning it to my priest
One Our Father, three Hail Marys
Each Saturday night

(Hello Father, Father, stick a little right upon with us. It'll be alright.)

One Our Father, three Hail Marys
Each Saturday night
One Our Father, three Hail Marys
Each Saturday night

 

[Zuma]

32 - Brainwashed - Brainwashed - 2002

The title track gets down to business with Harrison providing us with one more social commentary telling us how he really felt spitting out lyrics like early 60's Bob Dylan on how we are being "brainwashed" by corrupt government authorities, fake commercialism, political and financial greed which all conspire to provide us with little opportunity and encouragement to really think for ourselves.

His tirade comes to a momentary halt with a soothing passage of Indian music and a citation from a spiritual text then a drum roll returns Harrison to sing out the song with more of his cutting lines.

Harrison's voice at the time had taken a battering with his illness but still manages to pack the emotional punch with perhaps one of his best sung lines of his career "must be something I forgot, down on Bullshit Avenue-uee, we can only stop the rot, wished they'd Brainwashed us, too"

Harrison's final song on a studio album concludes with a meditative chant recited by George and his son Dhani, it is literally like his soul was leaving his mortal body at that very point, no more suffering.



Brainwashed in our childhood
Brainwashed by the school
Brainwashed by our teachers
And brainwashed by all their rules
Brainwashed by our leaders
By our Kings and Queens
Brainwashed in the open
And brainwashed behind the scenes

God God God
A voice cries in the wilderness
God God God
It was on the longest night
God God God
An eternity of darkness
God God God
Someone turned out the spiritual light

Brainwashed by the Nikkei
Brainwashed by Dow Jones
Brainwashed by the FTSE
Nasdaq and secure loans
Brainwashed us from Brussels
Brainwashed us in Bonn
Brainwashed us in Washington
Westminster in London

God God God
You are the wisdom that we seek
God God God
The lover that we miss
God God God
Your nature is eternity
God God God
Your are Existence, Knowledge, Bliss

The soul does not love, it is love itself
It does not exist, it is existence itself
It does not know, it is knowledge itself
How to Know God, pag 130

They brainwashed my great uncle
Brainwashed my cousin Bob
They even got my grandma
When she was working for the mob
Brainwash you while you're sleeping
While in your traffic jam
Brainwash you while you're weeping
While still a baby in your pram
Brainwashed by the military
Brainwashed under duress
Brainwashed by the media
You're brainwashed by the press
Brainwashed by computer
Brainwashed by mobile phones
Brainwashed by the satellite
Brainwashed to the bone

God God God
Won't you lead us through this mess
God God God
From the places of concrete
God God God
Nothing's worse than ignorance
God God God
I just won't accept defeat

God God God
Must be something I forgot
God God God
Down on Bullshit Avenue
God God God
If we can only stop the rot
God God God
Wish that you'd brainwash us too

Namah Parvarti Pataye Hare Hare Mahadev
Namah Parvarti Pataye Hare Hare
Namah Parvarti Pataye Hare Hare

Shiva Shiva Shankara Mahadeva
Hare Hare Hare Hare Mahadeva
Shiva Shiva Shankara Mahadeva
Shiva Shiva Shankara Mahadeva

Namah Parvarti Pataye Hare Hare
Namah Parvarti Pataye Hare Hare
Shiva Shiva Shankara Mahadeva
Shiva Shiva Shankara Mahadeva

 

[Zuma]

31 - Wah Wah - All Things Must Pass - 1970

This song can be described as a musical thunderstorm and I am glad that Harrison performed it live at the Concert for Bangladesh in all its Wall of Sound glory. Harrison wrote the song during his late Beatles period reportedly after a row with Paul McCartney which resulted in a head ache for Harrison. It is immediately distinguished by its recurring riff and use of the wah wah pedal drives the song it really is something to listen to loudly and proudly.

ATMP Album track


Live at Concert for Bangladesh 1971 (couldn't find a live performance video)

 

[Zuma]

30 - Love Comes To Everyone - George Harrison - 1979

An optimistically romantic turn by Harrison during a period where his music was beginning to sound what could be described as Adult Contemporary rock/pop but with that trademark Harrison melodic guitar driven excellence that propels this song into a pleasurable listening experience above most AOR fare at the time. Love Comes To Everyone was the second single lifted from his eponymous album with Eric Clapton playing the guitar intro. Clappers also later covered the song.

 

[Zuma]

29 - Your Love Is Forever - George Harrison - 1979

George romantically serenades with lyrics, music and melody. Your Love Is Forever is simply a sublime song and vocally one of Harrison's best. There is a particularly beautiful moment - I feel it and my heart knows you're the one, The guiding light in all your love shines on, The only lover worth it all,
Your love is forever - where his rarely used clear falsetto voice soars so beautifully it is ethereal. If you are not familiar with this song you are in store for a real treat.