I think what happened between this album and the last album is that everything has been happening nice for me. My life is getting better all the time, and I’m happy, and I think that it’s reflected in the music – George Harrison, 1979
George Harrison is my favorite Beatle. I adored him even way before I really knew who he was. I’ve been listening to his solo stuff when I was a kid not realizing he is the lead guitarist of the iconic band called ‘The Beatles’ whose performances are regularly shown in MTV Classics. Who would’ve thought that the ‘quiet’ one and the ‘gardener’ on the cover of ‘All Things Must Pass’ is the same person? A five year old wouldn’t figure that one out right away!
I got more confused when I saw the music video of ‘Got My Eyes Set You’. This guy is sporting a different hairstyle. Who is this man?
I decided to finally embrace ‘Beatlemania’ or more of ‘GeorgeMania’ when I visited Liverpool in August last year with my best friend Maire. She is a big Paul McCartney fan while I knew I loved George, but I wasn’t ready to be a fangirl again (I had a serious John Deacon obsession after Bohemian Rhapsody) but since this is George Harrison and I’ll be in Liverpool, I might as well.
After our visit to The Beatles Story Museum and the British Music Experience, I was inspired to finally take a leap and just watch the George Harrison documentary that was available in Netflix that time. Months prior, I’ve been planning of watching the documentary which was directed by Martin Scorsese. Now, if only I can watch the documentary on HandMade Films called ‘An Accidental Studio’ (can’t purchase the film from where I am at the moment).
Geez. Isn’t George Harrison something? I know he wrote ‘Something’ but there was so much going on in his life and I admire how in a way, he pursued all his interests. I can relate to him in that aspect.
Among all his albums, my go-to record is the self-titled 1979 album ‘George Harrison’. Its cover may not be the outstanding (they could’ve chosen a different photo) but as they say, don’t judge a book by its book. Or rather, don’t judge an album by its cover! I listen to this album these days whenever I need a productivity booster. The first track makes me dance and set a happy tone. Oh yes, I will have a great day today!
If his previous solo works were full of angst, spirituality, regrets and mystery, the 1979 George Harrison album is relaxed, positive and full of contentment. If you’re new to George Harrison, I would like to give you a track-by-track preview:
1. Love Comes to Everyone
It’s so true it can
happen to you all there
Knock and it will open wide
And it only takes time
Till love comes to everyone
This is the song I am most familiar with from this album although I was surprised to learn that this is by George Harrison. I used to dance to this song with my parents. Having a radio DJ dad meant I have access to compilation albums and he has a record collection of his own.
‘Love Comes to Everyone’ is the perfect opening track for this album. It sets a tone. I automatically transport in a scenario where I am just dancing as if nobody is watching. When I listen to this song, a part of me wants to fall in love just for the sake of having a dance partner I can dance as this song plays in the background.
If I am not mistaken, George Harrison only performed this song once in the Live in Japan Tour. Too bad there’s no clear recording of his live performance (maybe there’s one, but I am hoping the GH Estates release it ASAP!). No wonder he played it in Japan. I assume that his Asian fans loved this track and I think it was officially released as a single here in the Philippines.
2. Not Guilty
