All Things Must Pass - George Harrison

 

Once again, I am surprised that I have not talked about this record as it is certainly my fave Harrison album and possibly my fave post-Beatles record by any of the gents - although there is, of course, strong competition for that "honor".

The original 3-LP set was compiled from many sessions with innumerable friends'n'stars including Dylan, Clapton, Billy Preston, Badfinger and many others - according to Wikipedia there are many other recordings that resulting from the sessions that are still not released, although there have been extended versions of this record that I have not yet heard.

Opening with an extremely mellow collaboration with Dylan, "I'd Have You Anytime" is a ballad with George's sweet, melodic guitar stylings and pure vocals. This moves into his biggest solo hit, "My Sweet Lord", that everyone knows and everyone is familiar with the controversy and lawsuit stemming from it - all very silly, indeed, especially considering the blatant steals that "songwriters" have used before and since this tune. In any case, it is a damn catchy homage to his Hare Krishna beliefs with nice call'n'answer vocals and memorable guitar hooks.

An ode to an effects pedal, or so I'd like to think, "Wah Wah", is again supremely catchy, riff-wise and melodically - truly, George's playing and songwriting are at their peaks here, and "Isn't It a Pity" begins with a simple, sparse, piano-chord progression that builds in dynamics while remaining reserved, yet powerful - tricky to do while keeping interest over 7 minutes. One of George's greatest moments, though, is the upbeat love song, "What Is Life", amazing licks, songwriting and production (Phil Spector) here - at least as good as anything he did with the former band! His version of Dylan's "If Not For You" has long been my preferred take on this great tune, he gives a pedal-steel waltz in "Behind That Locked Door", while "Let It Down" is a big production number with lots of dynamics, moving from an almost ballad to a strong, loud, horn-laden rocker and side two of the vinyl closed with the mid-tempo "Run of the Mill", not one of the more famous numbers, but still enduring.

Of course, another one of his best and best-known numbers is "Beware of Darkness" - amazing songwriting and playing on this one! He dedicates the harmonica-led "Apple Scruffs" to the youngsters working for their label, "Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp" is simple'n'fun, "Awaiting on You All" ('chant in the name of the lord") is another well crafted, indelible number with a great riff and the title track is actually a bit of a lesser track - comparatively speaking - a slow, piano-led number with some atmospheric slide work.

"I Dig Love" kinda reminds me of something that Lennon might have done in his solo outings, while "Art of Dying" is a high energy, noisy, guitar pyrotechnic-fueled blast, "Version Two" of "Isn't It a Pity" is a more ambient mix of the song (I'm actually not sure if it's an altogether different take or not), and the closer for side four is "Hear Me Lord", a nice tune, but not nearly as memorable as much of the rest of the album.

The last LP of the set was dedicated to five different "Apple Jams", which are just what the title suggests - loose, somewhat meandering instrumental jams that don't really go anywhere or showcase anyone's talent. Of course, "It's Johnny's Birthday" is the ultra-goofy exception to the instrumental rule and "Plug Me In" does have a bit of spicy guitar work and strong drumming - but it still rambles a bit too much and even the Chuck Berry-themed -and silly-named - "Thanks For the Pepperoni" doesn't do much, although the mixes are pretty terrible for these jams - guess Spector didn't care for them, either. 

Overall, if you forget the jams, this is a terrific album and any George or Beatles fan probably already has it, but if not, you should!