In
depth look at The Quiet One's extra-curricular and post-Fabs
releases!
If, like me you're a
massive Beatles fan, no doubt your bookshelves already groan under
the weight of books on the world's most famous scousers. You probably
ask yourself how many more times can I read about those four
psychedelic horsemen, what they did, and from what perspective? The
answer is of course many many more times. It's a story that never
gets boring. And if it does there's always the solo careers.
George Harrison Soul
Man Vol. 1 is an 8 x 8 inch hardback book by Beatle expert John
Blaney that examines The Quiet One's solo recorded output starting
with Wonderwall in 1968 up to George Harrison in 1979.
Even the most informed among us will find new facts and insights in
Blaney's well-written text which gets right to the heart and soul of
George's musical journey. Equally as enticing are the 400-plus images
of album and single sleeves, US and UK label variations and
trade-ads. What struck me most reading the book was just how music George
made, or helped make, as the book also looks at his production work
for other artists during the early days of Apple Records.
Harrison's post Beatles
career is often unfairly overlooked or sidelined when compared to
those of McCartney and Lennon (plus ça change), All Things Must
Pass and Concert For Bangladesh notwithstanding, but with
his back catalogue recently appearing on all the streaming sites it
won't cost you a penny to listen and re-immerse yourself with his
lesser known gems. Save your money instead for this lavish book which
will compliment and enhance your listening. With a cast of characters
that includes Billy Preston, Doris Troy, Eric Clapton, Delaney &
Bonnie, as well as Hare Krishna devotees, Hell's Angels, Bob Dylan,
Phil Spector and the Monty Python Team, this book is proof that while
George may have described himself as an “economy class Beatle”,
the truth is he was anything but.
Soul Man (Vol 1) is
jointly published by Paper Jukebox & Mega Dodo Records.
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