All Things Must Pass: 50th Anniversary
As a gift to myself for making it through the first 3 days of school, I recently went album shopping. Ever since hearing that this album, released as a triple album was going to be re-released, I've had my eye on it. George Harrison is hands down my favorite Beatle. I wanted to add to my growing collection of albums with the, in my opinion, definitive George Harrison album. I decided to go with, All Things Must Pass: 50th Anniversary edition. Buying this edition is an investment so be prepared to spend some money. That said, it is my opinion that it is worth every penny! In this special edition re-release I got...
1. All 3 albums
2. A really cool poster of George Harrison
3. Color coded album sleeves to put each of the albums in...each sleeve has the track titles and lyrics
4. A really nice booklet with a beautiful quote from George included, pictures from the album cover shoot and session recordings, and an interview with Paul Hicks and George's son Dhani
I knew a bit about the album before getting it. I could identify tracks from the album set but had never listened to "it" all the way through. Recently, after hearing of its upcoming re-release, I decided to "vet" it, giving it a close listen with my Apple Music subscription; a workflow I just started using this summer.
I'm so glad I got this triple album set. I've already listened to the entire set of albums without headphones on. Until I get to listen to it with headphones, here are a few observations; by album side...
Side one..."My Sweet Lord" has always been a favorite for its meditative nature. "Wah-Wah" is an amazing thought experiment with regards to dealing with those in your life that cause you pain and frustration.
Side two..."What Is Life" is a sonic experience that just makes me so happy every time I hear it. Maybe that's because it gets me thinking of my relationship with my wife of 31 years! I especially love the slide guitar parts later in the song; so iconic! "If Not For You" is another song that gets me thinking of my amazing wife and I am so happy that covered it here; harmonica and all!
Side three..."Awaiting on You All"...this is another song that opens up my heart upon each listen. I should listen to it each day before going to work...it is spiritual in a way that gives me "goosebumps" each time I hear it! "Awaiting on You All" is hands down my favorite track on the entire set of albums. "All Things Must Pass" is the last track on side three. In my opinion, this is an amazing show of bravado; placing the title track of the triple album on side three. I think it shows that George knew he had collected a selection of songs that stood above anything that anyone else had done at the time with regards to his former band mates. I also feel that its placement right after "Awaiting on You All" is thematically brilliant!
Side four..." Isn't It a Pity (Version 2)"...there subtle changes in this version that for some reason...I just prefer more than (Version One).
Side five...(Apple Jam)..."Out of the Blue"...all I can say is, I wish I could've been there when this went down; it's a must listen!
Side six...(Apple Jam)..."Thanks for the Pepperoni"...well worth the wait...the guitars are amazing!
