give george a chance...

[chris]

i realize that this is supposed to be about george...but i have to pile on the whole "wait till you hear the bass on this song" topic...

if someone asks me why i like paul...or if i think he is really a good bassist, this is one of the top two or three songs i will probably play for them to "show off".

that being said...not to mention a cool segue back into the proper topic at hand...something is probably george's finest songwriting moment with the band.

[MeanMrMustard]

if you ask a group of beatle fans what the best solo beatle album is...there would be a couple of repeat answers. i, personally, would volunteer band on the run and plastic ono band as my immediate answers. there might be a few more...some like imagine, some like ram, or tug of war. but does the answer have to be from the the two primary beatles? why...? because they are more worthy? if you answer yes to this (i am not arguing who are the best beatles...or who made the most quality solo music) then you are not appreciating my question. should an obvious quality george album (all things must pass) not be up for consideration, just because it wasn't done by paul or john?

for anyone who has ever had the pleasure of listening to it...george's 1970 release, all things must pass...is filled with three albums worth of songs that did not make previous beatle albums because...john and paul were leaders of the band...and they "allowed" george only two songs per album. which means he accumulated tons of music...all of which can stand comfortably side by side next to the best of paul's or john's finest solo moment.

does george get the credit he deserves? should he? is he recognised as the fantastic songwriter...and guitarist...that he was. does the best solo beatle album have to automatically go to paul or john?

boy, I really agree with this Chris. All the albums you mentioned by John and Paul are brilliant, but all too often ppl forget the awesome contributions to musicology of George and Ringo. All Things Must Pass is generally revered (as it should be), but lest we forget Hari's other masterpieces like Living In The Material World or yes, even Dark Horse (a greatly underated Lp)we would be remiss. Material World, for one, is filled w/ beautiful melodies, probing personal lyrics and fine musicianship--a worthy heir to ATMP, and as for Mr. Starkey, there's probably no solo album in the entire Beatle's solo catalog as fun  as 1975's Ringo...not to mention his Sentimental Journey record (recorded specifically for his mum)an album full of 30's and 40's standards that he did a bang-up job on. I also love Ringo's "country" record, Beaucoups of Blues from 1970--w/ it's showcase number, "Back Off Bugaloo" In later years his Vertical Man garnered many new fans (and pleased a lot of old ones), and his latest entry, Liverpool 8 is a top-notch winner in my book.

thx for starting the thread.

-MMM

[Roger SB]

as for Mr. Starkey, there's probably no solo album in the entire Beatle's solo catalog as fun  as 1975's Ringo...not to mention his Sentimental Journey record (recorded specifically for his mum)an album full of 30's and 40's standards that he did a bang-up job on. I also love Ringo's "country" record, Beaucoups of Blues from 1970--w/ it's showcase number, "Back Off Bugaloo" In later years his Vertical Man garnered many new fans (and pleased a lot of old ones), and his latest entry, Liverpool 8 is a top-notch winner in my book.

this is a very true quote!

[MeanMrMustard]

I guess since Strawberry Fields was John's composition, he had the ultimate editorial decision to ax Hari's slide guitar bit in the Anthology version of that classic tune. Personally, I love George's embellishment--in fact, I think it would've added an extra element of atmosphere to the final product. The "official" version is obviously still a masterpiece, but I'm so glad the alternate "takes" finally saw the light of day, showing further evidence of the eloquence of Mr. Harrison's special musical intuition.

[Paperback Writer]

MMM - Great point regarding Strawberry Fields Forever and George's slide!  Georgeous! 

[rockmusicnut]

Well I me mine is pretty darn good as a bunch of other songs as a Beatle.  As I will say I tend to like his songs.  My reason for liking his songs is that he tends to capture emotion with depth in his songs.  I find in the Beatles McCartney's were more fluffy most of the time.  Lennon's not sure what to make out of them.  I just like what is the weight of a Harrison song. I think he is underrated.  All Things Must Pass is a great album.  The Traveling Wilburys not bad either.

[Kylenz]

Yeah I think even George's first song on a Beatle album 'Don't Bother Me' is dark and emotional, lyrically speaking. The irony of it having a joyful samba beat didn't really do the song justice.. it would've been better if it was done say, Robert Plant/Alison Krauss 'Raising Sand' style, slowed down. You're right, his songs do have a 'weight' behind it, sometimes the song arrangements didn't really affect that. One of the few that did - 'Not Guilty' - was rejected for the White Album! No wonder George saved so many great songs for All Things Must Pass, they would be almost wasted as Beatle songs.

[Borris]

Good thread and although i have reservations about the production values of All thing Must Pass I'd probably say it is the greatest Beatles solo album. As it has more really excellent songs on it than any other Beatles solo album:

My Sweet Lord
All thing Must Pass
Hear Me Lord
What is Life
Isn't it a Pity
I'd have you anytime
If not for you

These are all really solid songs, very well written, and the rest are good with the exception of the filler jams.

I think George was actually the most wary of fame of the four Beatles and the most independent and thoughtful writer. His works are always underplayed and in the end I think he left behind a really solid solo collection that continues to grow on me over time. George crafts his lyrics, they are meaningful, thoughtful and strong, while allowing a certain openness and inventiveness.

John solo was limited by insisting to write only about himself, amazing voice and some strident songs. Given what he could do I really feel like John's solo work was a lost opportunity.

Paul's work is kind of defuse, he's an amazing melodic inventor and his songs are composed very much as a whole and i truly love his catalogue and love the fact that he has experimented with orchestra and his Fireman releases catering to his experimental side. He lives and breathes music his lyrics are often endearing but sometimes clumsy and unfocused.

Ringo we didn't expect too much from and i have only recently been exploring his works more and finding that it is actually really enjoyable. I love his album of standards Sentimental journey it just tickles me pink and Ringo and Goodnight Vienna are great and then from Time Takes Time his albums are again well worth listening too & I haven't even got Ringorama yet.

I look forward to writing more about George but that'll do for now

[chris]

Good thread and although i have reservations about the production values of All thing Must Pass I'd probably say it is the greatest Beatles solo album.

i used to think this as well. until, that is, i discovered the remastered version. the original cd was muddled, dull and nearly unlistenable. i blamed phil spector for that. turns out the cd i had was just awefully transfered from vinyl (or its masters). it wasn't spectors wall of sound at all. the remastered copy is crisp, fantastic and exactly what it should have been from the beginning. those who say the original cd's are the best copies (and the ones that will last forever) are the ones speaking directly from their sphincters.

[Borris]

i used to think this as well. until, that is, i discovered the remastered version.

You're right i haven't got the remaster, it's that much different huh?

[chris]

Borris, I don't like to keep buying the same cd over and over again. I can't afford it. But this one is worth it. Promise. In fact, this was one of last years great musical rediscoveries for me.

[Greg]

Thanks guys.  You've cost me almost $20.  After reading so much about ATMP.  I had to have the lp again.  For some reason I used to have it, and that changed.  Probably lent out never to see again.  Anyway, I'm gettin' the album again!  Ha!.  I need to watch which posts I read, or I'll end up buying it.  About $20 on ebay.  Thought it would be way more than that.
So thanks (for the pepperoni).

[Borris]

Borris, I don't like to keep buying the same cd over and over again. I can't afford it. But this one is worth it. Promise. In fact, this was one of last years great musical rediscoveries for me.

Thanks Chris, I tried unsuccessfully to find a copy today, I should be able to find one next week, it's such an excellent album if it reveals new riches to me then it'll be worth it.