George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
After the calamitous divorce of The Beatles, lead guitarist, George Harrison finally had an opportunity to release a compilation of songs he had been writing and presenting to the band for several years. A man who many thought, including other members of The Beatles, was an undervalued talent, Harrison recorded All Things Must Pass, his first solo album with producer, Phil Spector at Abbey Road Studios. Released in late November 1970, it ended up as a triple album. Consumers were gifted with 3 black vinyl records that slid swiftly in and out of the album jacket. Aside from the Woodstock Concert LP, it was considered the very first triple studio album ever released.
Much of this album was recorded live, with the original studio version also containing a “bonus” vinyl disc including Apple Jams, with songs such as It’s Johnny’s Birthday, Plug Me In and Out of the Blue. When introduced to this album, a close friend told me, “take The Beatles and Pink Floyd, put them in a blender, out comes All Things Must Pass. This is truly a “must – own” if you admire either group. If you do not, well take a listen and see what you think, it may just change the way you view The Beatles. While you’re listening to this album, it is important to understand the level of George Harrison’s angst and growing disappointment in his fellow bandmates, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. According to Harrison, Lennon and McCartney were less supportive of more of George’s songs to appear on each Beatles release. Harrison typically had one or two of his own songs on each Beatles record, but that did not satisfy him.
By 1970, George had enough. He spent six months compiling a list of musicians including Beatles drummer, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Peter Frampton, and bassist Klaus Voormann.
One of my favorite tracks on the album is Wah Wah among a few others. This song begins with a riff that you instantly pick up on. This is quite different from George’s Indian sitar sound he cultivated throughout many Beatles albums. This is a fast rock song. It is interesting to mention that for some reason, it seems as if producer Phil Spector turned the treble to the highest level on this track. The recording admittedly lacks a “bass-y” sound. The sound lacks body. But regardless of this choice, the song still “kicks ass”. Wah Wah’s rhythm and beat continue to come fill circle, stop and pick back up with this addictive guitar riff that puts you back into the body of the song.
Harrison’s lyrics bleed into your ear on each track. They are so heartfelt. In reading more about George Harrison, I learned he became a very spiritual man after the Beatles decided to stop touring. George valued life experiences. His family and his friends were especially important to him. So much so that he reacted unlike most any individual when his close friend, Eric Clapton told him he had fallen for George’s wife, Pattie, who later Clapton would write the song Layla about. Harrison’s reaction was to let love take them where it was meant to go. This meant George had told Clapton and his wife to follow their hearts if it was really meant to be. I am not sure I could fathom having this reaction. But I think this adds to George’s uniqueness. George sings about this in several songs including Isn’t it a Pity and What is Life, along with others. After learning more about George, I really can feel his sadness and spirituality in this album.
Other must hear classics on this album I feel include Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let it Roll), Run of the Mill, I Live for You and the title track, All Things Must Pass. They are truly exceptional. They are beautiful. After experiencing loss in my life, this album touches more than it ever did when I first heard it twenty years ago (A little late I may add. Where was I? Under a rock?).
Run of the Mill’s, lyrics are outstanding. “Everyone has choice, when to and not to raise their voices.” I remember this song each time I am in a situation where my patience wears thin. I am reminded of George’s words here which have guided and helped me become a better person.
I Live for You begins with Pete Drake’s ear caching pedal-steel guitar note that falls back into a sweet, smooth, full sounding verse rhythm. For some reason, Phil Spector’s production and mixing here is magnificent. Each instrument is equal including Harrison’s vocals, unlike Wah Wah that sounds like George is yelling over louder, overpowering sound (still love Wah Wah regardless). Interestingly enough, I Live for You was not a part of the original release. Harrison added it to the package during the 30th Anniversary re release of the album in 2001. Still, this song holds the album together as its sound, energy, love and swing ease your soul with Drake’s pedal steel sound, not on any other track.
The album’s title track, All Things Must Pass, brings me to tears virtually each time I hear it. To add insult to injury, this was also the name of Colin Hanks’ 2015 documentary about the birth, dominance and then depressing demise of the Tower Records music store chain. In the 70s, 80s and 90s, going to Tower Records was like going to an amusement park on your birthday. Pleasure overload for every music lover like me. Having recently suffered loss, the words in All Things Must Pass have deeper meaning to me now than ever. Harrison’s lyrics deal with the fleeting nature of human existence and the harsh reality that all good things come to an end. Listening to lyrics such as, “Sunrise doesn’t last all morning. A cloudburst doesn’t last all day” and “Sunset doesn’t last all evening. A mind can blow those clouds away”, I can’t help but think of the most important people in my life, some still with me, some unfortunately have moved on. This subject to me, is the most profound.
The album All Things Must Pass achieved significant commercial success, reaching #1 on the US Top 100 Billboard Charts. The song All Things Must Pass also reached #1 on the Top 100 Song charts. At one point in 1971, both the Album and Song were at the top of the charts, beating out Lennon and McCartney’s solo albums that were released about the same time. The Recording Industry Association of America certified the album six-times platinum. It appears at #79 on Rolling Stone’s list of 100 best albums of all time.
Whether you are a Beatles fan or not, I recommend adding this record/album to your collection. You cannot help but to feel all of George’s passion when you hear it, and wonder what The Beatles might have been if they had stayed together and continued sharing equally with songwriting. We will never know.
Pick up this classic album or one of George’s earlier workings (Sgt. Pepper).
Also, check out some George Harrison and Beatles merch if you already own these albums.