Recording giant EMI released last month "Let It Roll" — a career-spanning collection offering the music of the quiet and highly underestimated former Beatle George Harrison.
Under the supervision of EMI (Electrical and Musical Industries), Giles Martin (son of Beatles' producer George Martin), and the atmosphere of the legendary Abbey Road Studios, a 19-track digital remastering of the late Beatle's outstanding musical contributions finally exists.
Reaching back to Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Something" and "Here Comes the Sun," from the Beatles' "White" and "Abbey Road" albums, up through his 2002 solo album, "Brainwashed," "Let It Roll" features an outstanding sampling of compositions that properly honor Harrison's musical and compositional ability.
On the whole, Harrison's compositions for the Beatles were beautiful, eclectic and sometimes overlooked in favor of the more popular and toe-tapping Lennon/McCartney collaborations. Upon the Beatles' split and the release of Harrison's 1969 solo effort, "All Things Must Pass" (the first former-Beatle solo album to surface), it became quite clear that his compositions were more than able to hold their fair share of water; songs such as "My Sweet Lord" and "All Things Must Pass" provided memorable melodies over an identifiable Harrison/Phil Spector backdrop of sound.
In addition to these Harrison selections, listeners are treated to samples from "Living In the Material World," "George Harrison," "Somewhere In England" and "Cloud Nine." As an added bonus, Martin treats listeners to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Something" and "Here Comes the Sun" — all three are taken from a live Madison Square Garden concert; while the three live tracks are far from Harrion's finest live work, they are strongly representative of his live-show experience.
In a time like the present, when the public mindset is a bit crestfallen and the modern music industry is driving itself into the ground, it is positively uplifting to hear Harrion's music — his enduring messages of peace, love, and good-time rock 'n' roll is just what the doctor ordered. For those who seek a tall glass of positive music, a dose of reality, and a healthy helping of George, take in an extremely careful listening to the lyrics of "Isn't It A Pity"; the musical message written in 1969 is more than relevant today.
While Harrison's musical legacy has been set in stone by his best-known titles, it is just as important that the listening public (including the younger generation) take in his well, but lesser-known titles, many of which are found on this compilation. In terms of a proper George Harrison education, "Let It Roll" will teach listeners all they need to know.
Matt Jaworski is a staff writer with Muzikreviews.com, which provide iBerkshires with weekly picks. Find more reviews at MuzikReviews.com.
Tracks
01.
Got My Mind Set On You
11.
What Is Life
02.
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
12.
Rising Sun
03.
Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)
13.
When We Was Fab
04.
My Sweet Lord
14.
Something
05.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
15.
Blow Away
06.
All Things Must Pass
16.
Cheer Down
07.
Any Road
17.
Here Comes the Sun
08.
This Is Love
18.
I Don't Want to Do It
09.
All Those Years Ago
19.
Isn't It A Pity
10.
Marwa Blues
Genre: Pop/rock Label: EMI Release Date: June 16 Amazon Link WebsiteSourceLink
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The collection looks pleasant, but it is missing one of Harrison's best compositions and, perhaps, the Beatles' best folk-rock song: "If I Needed Someone."
Dig out your "Rubber Soul" album and give it a listen.
