(Photo courtesy of Nick Latona)As heavy hitters of the rock n’ roll roster grow older, retire or pass away, troves of budding authors and documentarians scramble to tell the long lost stories of music’s greatest.
Almost every biography shares a similar tune — reckless abandon, scandalous liaisons, frivolous spending and inevitable turmoil. Apparently none were immune to fame’s terrible side effects — except, maybe one.
Somewhat overshadowed by the Paul McCartney and John Lennon debate, soft-spoken and spiritual, seemingly egoless and ethereal, George Harrison was — and still is — one of rock music’s most subtle legends.
Harrison’s limited access to writing songs for The Beatles — despite creating some of the band's indisputable classics — couldn’t silence his naturally inclined mind.
After the Fab Four’s tumultuous breakup, Harrison cracked open his vast backlog of songs and collected them into the sprawling, 18-song double-album, “All Things Must Pass.”
These are my favorite tracks from Harrison’s musical exposé of his own mind, etched onto freshly cleaned, virgin black vinyl, of course.
(Photo courtesy of Nick Latona)1. “My Sweet Lord”
Whether you’re an atheist, agnostic or devout believer, “My Sweet Lord” will move you and vitalize your disposition. Harrison channels his well-documented spirituality into a multicultural prayer and shouts to the heavens for recognition.
A chorus hails to God with Hindu-styled chanting, creating the timeless and relentlessly catchy backdrop everyone has sang along to before. It’s no wonder why “My Sweet Lord” topped the charts back in 1970 — the universality of it is divine.
2. “Isn’t It a Pity”
One listen to the album’s centerpiece of emotion and you’ll soon realize what pity really is. Harrison’s poignant lyrics mirror his take on The Beatles’ longtime coming dissolution, but also examines humanity’s inherent selfishness.
The melody alone will move you like nothing else. It’s gorgeous, uplifting and harrowing all at once.
The quiet beginning gives room for the song to grow into a powerfully loud climax that ironically echoes “Hey Jude” and its famed “nah nah nah’s.”
Harrison’s muted character dubbed him “The Quiet One” during his Beatles years. “Isn’t It a Pity” will have you wishing his talents were applied more often.
3. “What is Life”
Harrison could not only coddle your conscious into the heavens, but also had an uncanny ability to write massive power-pop singles. “What is Life” has a vigorously compelling guitar riff that’s tonally reminiscent to his solo on “Taxman.”
Phil Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound” production adds density and weight to Harrison’s usually sensitive style.
The detail here is tremendous and subsequent listens will unveil layers of orchestras, percussion and a man surrendering to love and life’s questions.
4. “Beware of Darkness”
A cautionary poem put to music, Harrison pulls from an inner wisdom to warn of those who would seek to beckon us into darkness. As a composition, “Beware of Darkness” is stunning and an exemplary lesson in songwriting.
Harrison’s light guitar ornamentation highlights his delicate playing style. Floating tenderly underneath lovely melodies is what gives him his distinct sound and capacity to touch hearts with guitar strings.
5. “All Things Must Pass”
The word beautiful can’t be used enough to describe this album – the title track holds the descriptor well, too. While the wholly elegant arrangement is gripping, Harrison’s lyrics truly stagger.
Any with a penchant for depressive thoughts should heed his words. Harrison’s lines require little analysis — they’re remarkably simple. But, therein lies the artistry.
He wants his listeners to strive for better days, to let the past evaporate and settle with life’s transitory nature.
Pain lives within us all, Harrison knows this because he’s lived it. Sometimes you just need to be reminded that all things must truly pass away – the good and the bad.
Harrison’s accomplishments are world renowned and few would fail to recognize his work. For most, that would be enough. But Harrison had faith and saw light where others couldn’t — an ideal he strived tirelessly to portray to the masses.
“All Things Must Pass” is an album that commands its listeners to enliven themselves with fervor and zeal — a message all walks of life should adhere to and one that embodies Harrison’s existence.
Tell the reporter about your vinyl collection at nlatona@asu.edu or follow @Bigtonemeaty on Twitter.
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