George Harrison

Today is the 65th anniversary of the birth of the late George Harrison who distinguished himself as a Beatle, solo artist, and member of the Traveling Wilburys.  I think George benefited the most by the breakup of the Fab Four since much of his works were eclipsed by those of Lennon and McCartney.  George initiated the idea of a  benefit concert in 1971 with the big Concert for Bangladesh with featured Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton among others.  Dylan and Harrison were two of the five members of the Traveling Wilburys.  Although George has passed away, he left us a large amount of recordings and concert footage.

 

Below are the lyrics of my favorite George Harrison solo

 

Sunrise doesnt last all morning
A cloudburst doesnt last all day
Seems my love is up and has left you with no warning
Its not always going to be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away

Sunset doesnt last all evening
A mind can blow those clouds away
After all this, my love is up and must be leaving
Its not always going to be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away
All things must pass
None of lifes strings can last
So, I must be on my way
And face another day

Now the darkness only stays the night-time
In the morning it will fade away
Daylight is good at arriving at the right time
Its not always going to be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away
All things must pass
All things must pass away

My Favorite Covers of Bob Dylan Songs

I thought I had posted my list of favorite Bob Dylan covers.  I searched this journal and could not find anything.  I did check my word processing files and discovered a list that I compiled in September 2009.  So here is my list of favorite covers of Dylan songs in no particular order:


Blowing in the Wind - Stevie Wonder
Don’t Think  Twice - Elvis Presley
The Times They are a Changin’ - Richie Havens
Walkin’ Down the Line - Rick Nelson
Farewell - Dion
Dusty Old Fairgrounds - Blue Ash
Lay Down Your Weary Tune - Byrds
All - I Really Want to Do - Cher
My Back Pages - Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, George Harrison. Roger McGuinn, Neil Young (From 30th Anniversary Concert)
It Ain’t Me Babe - Johnny Cash
Subterranean Home Sick Blues - Tim O’Brien
Mr Tambourine Man - Gene Clark
Love is Just a Four Letter Word - Joan Baez
Like a Rolling Stone - Sebastian Cabot
Tombstone Blues - Richie Havens
It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry - Al Kooper
Ballad of a Thin Man - Grass Roots
Queen Jane Approximately - Grateful Dead
Highway 61 Revisited - Johnny Winter
Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues - Judy Collins
Desolation Row - Grateful Dead
Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window - Jimi Hendrix
Pledging My Time - Duke Robillard
Just Like a Woman - Richie Havens
Absolutely Sweet Marie - George Harrison
All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
Dear Landlord - Joe Cocker
I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight - Kris Kristofferson
If Not For You - George Harrison
I’d Have You Anytime - George Harrison
Watching the River Flow - Leon Russell
When I Paint My Masterpiece - The Band
Million Dollar Bash - Fairport Convention
Going to Acapulco - Jim James and Calexico
Please Mrs. Henry - Manfred Mann
Tears of Rage - The Band
Too Much of Nothing - Peter Paul and Mary
You Ain’t Going Nowhere - Byrds
Nothing was Delivered - The Byrds
This Wheel is on Fire - The Band
Quinn the Eskimo- Manfred Mann
I Shall Be Released - The Band
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door - Eric Clapton
Catfish - Joe Cocker
Seven Days - Ronnie Wood
Golden Loom - Roger McGuinn
Senor (Tales of Yankee Power) - Willie Nelson and Calexico
Gotta Serve Somebody - Shirley Caeser
Sweetheart Like You - Judy Collins
Blind Willie McTell - The Band
Foot of Pride - Lou Reed
Dark Eyes - Judy Collins
Farewell Angelina - Joan Baez
Simple Twist of Fate - Joan Baez
Tangled Up in Blue - Mary Lee’s Corvette
Cold Iron Bounds - Tom Verlaine and the Million Dollar Bashers

My Fantasy - Programming a Radio Show

About a week ago Dave DuBrow asked Maria and Phyllis how they would program one hour on WABC. I then thought how would program a radio show. I would chose WFUV since it is the closest thing to a true free form radio station in New York excluding satellite and internet radio. As a not for profit station associated with Fordham University they are very dependent on listener donations. I give them about $100/year and wish I could donate more. I also support jazz and blues station WBGO. WFUV pays tribute to Bob Dylan on May 24th, his birthday. If I could program WFUV on that day I would play my favorite cover versions of Dylan songs. My list is below. I am sure that as soon as I post this entry I will post more.

Blowing in the Wind - Stevie Wonder
Don’t Think Twice - Elvis Presley
The Times They are a Changin’ - Richie Havens
Walkin’ Down the Line - Rick Nelson
Farewell - Dion
Dusty Old Fairgrounds - Blue Ash
Lay Down Your Weary Tune - Byrds
All - I Really Want to Do - Cher
My Back Pages - Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, George Harrison. Roger McGuinn, Neil Young (From 30th Anniversary Concert)
It Ain’t Me Babe - Johnny Cash
Subterranean Home Sick Blues - Tim O’Brien
Mr Tambourine Man - Gene Clark
Love is Just a Four Letter Word - Joan Baez
Like a Rolling Stone - Sebastian Cabot
Tombstone Blues - Richie Havens
It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry - Al Kooper
Ballad of a Thin Man - Grass Roots
Queen Jane Approximately - Grateful Dead
Highway 61 Revisited - Johnny Winter
Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues - Judy Collins
Desolation Row - Grateful Dead
Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window - Jimi Hendrix
Pledging My Time - Duke Robillard
Just Like a Woman - Richie Havens
Absolutely Sweet Marie - George Harrison
All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
Dear Landlord - Joe Cocker
I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight - Kris Kristofferson
If Not For You - George Harrison
I’d Have You Anytime - George Harrison
Watching the River Flow - Leon Russell
When I Paint My Masterpiece - The Band
Million Dollar Bash - Fairport Convention
Going to Acapulco - Jim James and Calexico
Please Mrs. Henry - Manfred Mann
Tears of Rage - The Band
Too Much of Nothing - Peter Paul and Mary
You Ain’t Going Nowhere - Byrds
Nothing was Delivered - The Byrds
This Wheel is on Fire - The Band
Quinn the Eskimo- Manfred Mann
I Shall Be Released - The Band
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door - Eric Clapton
Catfish - Joe Cocker
Seven Days - Ronnie Wood
Golden Loom - Roger McGuinn
Senor (Tales of Yankee Power) - Willie Nelson and Calexico
Gotta Serve Somebody - Shirley Caeser
Sweetheart Like You - Judy Collins
Blind Willie McTell - The Band
Foot of Pride - Lou Reed
Dark Eyes - Judy Collins
Farewell Angelina - Joan Baez
Simple Twist of Fate - Joan Baez
Tangled Up in Blue - Mary Lee’s Corvette
Cold Iron Bounds - Tom Verlaine and the Million Dollar Bashers

George Harrison - Living in the Material World Part 1

Part 1 of this documentary focused on the Beatles years in the career of George Harrison. It was obvious that George did not get the recognition he deserved playing behind Lennon and McCartney arguably the best song writing team in the history of popular music. During those years, very few Harrison compositions were on Beatles albums.

There were interviews with Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Patti Boyd, George Martin and other figures involved with the Fab Four. I believe much of the footage with George was taken from the Anthology which was released in the mid 1990s. This special is really aimed at people who grew up with the Beatles and have followed them from the 1960s till today. Certainly, the Beatles appeal spans the generations, but in my opinion the casual fan would not appreciate the details of this documentary. Don’t expect a concert from this documentary. Martin Scorcese certainly did an excellent job.

It Really Should Have Been a Top 10 Hit

Back in the 1960s and erly 1970s I used to follow top 40 radio station station surveys very closely.  I was always disappointed when a record I enjoyed didn't chart high.  Years later these records wer played as oldies on stations such as WCBS-FM.  Very often records became more popular as oldies than they were when they were first released.

Since 2008 countdown enthusiast Rich Appel compiles a list of records voted by listeners that should have been in the top 10 years ago.  I really thank him for all the hard work he puts in compiling these all these years.  A few years ago I won a 4 CD set of the top 104.  Right now they are played on Rewound Radio.  Here is the 34 songs that I sent to Rich:

1. Just Like A Woman - Bob Dylan
2. Knockin' on Heavens Door - Bob Dylan
3. I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better - Byrds
4. River Deep Mountain High - Ike and Tina Turner
5. Nothing but a Heartache - Flirtations
6. Tangled Up in Blue - Bob Dylan
7. All I Really Want to Do - Byrds
8. Eight Miles High - Byrds
9. There is a Mountain - Donovan
10. Catch The Wind - Donovan
11. I'm Gonna Be a Wheel Someday - Fats Domino
12. Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
13. From Me to You - Beatles
14. Matchbox - Beatles
15. Hey Joe - The Leaves
16. Mind Games - John Lennon
17. Crackerbox Palace - George Harrison
18. Blow Away - George Harrison
19. When We Was Fab- George Harrison
20. Here Comes the Sun - Richie Havens
21. Someday Never Comes - Creedance Clear Water Revival
22. Suite Judy Blue Eyes - Crosby Stills and Nash
23. Woodstock - Crosby Still Nash and Young
24. Ohio - Crosby Stills, Nash and Young
25. Uptown - Crystals
26. Bang Bang - Joe Cuba Sextet
27. Come and Get Thes Memories - Martha and the Vandellas
28. Reet Petite - Jackie Wilson
29. Happy Jack - Who
30. Abigail Beecher - Freddie Cannon
31. Say Man - Bo Didley
32. The Joker Went Wild - Brian Hyland
33. So Far Away - Carole King
34. Everyone's Gone to the Moon - Jonathan King

Remembering George Harrison on the 24th Anniversary of His Passing

 

George Harrison has appeared in Bruce's Journal several times over the years.  When I looked back at these entries, I observed that many of the videos that I posted were later deleted by YouTube.  If I ever find the time, I should see if I can replace them.  I am posting Blow Away which was released in February 1979 on the album George Harrison.

That Thing With Rich Appel Wow 100 List

That Thing with Rich Appel is a syndicated radio show that is now heard on over 100 internet and terrestrial radio stations on weekends.  I usually listen on Sunday evenings, but Rich provides a list of stations with the day and time it can be accessed.  This year Rich has asked his listeners to provide a list of up to 100 "Wow" songs which are those not usually heard on oldies or classic hits radio stations.  Sophisticated listeners don't want to be "burned out" by hearing records that have been played to death for years.  Rich asked his listeners to provide a list of songs that they enjoy that are not usually played on the radio.  He has compiled a list of those songs selected by his listeners that he will play over the next 3 weeks.  Below is the list of my 80 favorite "rarities" that I submitted.

1.      River Deep Mountain High - Ike and Tina Turner

2.      Just Like a Woman - Bob Dylan

3.      I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better - Byrds

4.      Nothing but a Heartache - Flirtations

5.      Tangled Up in Blue - Bob Dylan

6.      All I Really Want to Do - Byrds

7.      Eight Miles High - Byrds

8.      There is a Mountain - Donovan

9.      Catch The Wind - Donovan

10.  I'm Gonna Be a Wheel Someday - Fats Domino

11.  What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

12.  Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash

13.  From Me to You - Beatles

14.  Matchbox - Beatles

15.  Hey Joe - The Leaves

16.  In the Still of the Night – 5 Satins

17.  Mind Games - John Lennon

18.  Crackerbox Palace - George Harrison

19.  Blow Away - George Harrison

20.  When We Was Fab- George Harrison

21.  Here Comes the Sun - Richie Havens

22.  Someday Never Comes - Creedence Clear Water Revival

23.  Suite Judy Blue Eyes - Crosby Stills and Nash

24.  Woodstock - Crosby Still Nash and Young

25.  Ohio - Crosby Stills, Nash and Young

26.  Uptown - Crystals

27.  Bang Bang - Joe Cuba Sextet

28.  Come and Get Thes Memories - Martha and the Vandellas

29.  Reet Petite - Jackie Wilson

30.  Happy Jack - Who

31.  Abigail Beecher - Freddie Cannon

32.  Say Man - Bo Didley

33.  The Joker Went Wild - Brian Hyland

34.  So Far Away - Carole King

35.  Everyone's Gone to the Moon - Jonathan King

36.  Can’t Find the Time – Orpheus

37.  Handsome Johnny – Richie Havens

38.  Woodstock -Crosby Stills and Nash

39.  Heroes and Villains – Beach Boys

40.  Don’t Bring Me Down – Animals

41.  After Midnight – Eric Clapton

42.  The Weight – The Band

43.  Up on Cripple Creek – The Band

44.  Open the Door to Your Heart – Darrell Banks

45.  Dead End Street – Lou Rawls

46.  Wednesday – Royal Guardsman

47.  Me and Julio Down by the School Yard – Paul Simon

48.  For Emily Wherever I May Find Her – Simon and Garfunkel

49.  I Only Have Eyes For You – Art Garfunkel

50.  Needles and Pins – Searchers

51.  Too Much of Nothing – Peter, Paul and Mary

52.  Don’t Think Twice – Peter Paul and Mary

53.  Fame – David Bowie

54.  Space Oddity – David Bowie

55.  Hazy Shade of Winter – Simon and Garfunkel

56.  At the Zoo – Simon and Garfunkel

57.  Dead End Street – Kinks

58.  Still Crazy after all these years – Paul Simon

59.  Colours – Donovan

60.  Mr. Bassman – Johnny Cymbal

61.  Funky Street – Arthur Conley

62.  Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

63.  Love Potion #9 – Clovers

64.  Sweet Talkin’ Woman – ELO

65.  Buy for Me the Rain- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

66.  Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin

67.  Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – Rolling Stones

68.  Waiting on a Friend – Rolling Stones

69.  When the Lovelight Starts Shining – Supremes

70.  Forever Came Today – Supremes

71.  Carolina in My Mind – James Taylor

72.  Look Through My Window – Mamas and Papas

73.  Never Can Say Goodbye – Isaac Hayes

74.  Ain’t That a Shame – Four Seasons

75.  Little Boy in Grown Up Clothes – Four Seasons

76.  Loving you is Sweeter Than Ever – Four Tops

77.  If I Were a Carpenter – Four Tops

78.  Function at the Junction – Shorty Long

79.  Jimmy Loves Mary Anne – Looking Glass

80.  Anyway You Want it – Dave Clark Five

Martin Scorcese Documentary about George Harrison to be released this yea

George Harrison in my opinion was the most underrated Beatle.  He seemed to be stifled working behind Lennon and McCartney.  Artistically he benefitted the most by the breakup of the Beatles.  I just found out that there will be a documentary about him produced by Martin Scorcese that will be released later this year.  Its name will be George Harrison: Living in the Material World.

More information

George Harrison - Living in the Material World Part 2

George's career certainly skyrocketed after the breakup of the Beatles in 1970.  Part 2 of this documentary started at that time with George's recording of the 3 album box set of All Things Must Pass.  It continues to cover his solo career until his passing in 2001. It includes interviews with Phil Spector, Ravi Shankar, Olivia Harrison, Dhani Harrison, Jim Keltner, Jackie Stewart and others.  Some footage of the historic Concert for Bangla Desh was shown.  Of course, I was pleased to see the Traveling Wilburys which included Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan.  I understand that a documentary can't cover anything, but I wish Scorcese had included a little time on the Concert for George in 2002 exactly a year after his passing.

 All Things Must Pass is my favorite George Song.

Sunrise doesnt't't last all morning
A cloudburst doesnt't't last all day
Seems my love is up and has left you with no warning
Its not always going to be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away

Sunset doesnt't't last all evening
A mind can blow those clouds away
After all this, my love is up and must be leaving
Its not always going to be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away
All things must pass
None of lifes strings can last
So, I must be on my way
And face another day

Now the darkness only stays the night-time
In the morning it will fade away
Daylight is good at arriving at the right time
Its not always going to be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away
All things must pass
All things must pass away

Saluting George Harrison on National Guitar Day

 There are many great guitarists out there, but George Harrison is my favorite.  In this journal entry, I am featuring three songs with a guitar solo by George:

• Beware of Darkness (George as a solo artist)
• Old Brown Shoe (Beatles)
• While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Beatles)

Breakfast with the Beatles salutes George Harrison This Week

I have mentioned the syndicated radio show Dennis Mitchell's Breakfast with the Beatles several times in this journal.  Since it is not on a New York City radio station, I listen to the podcast every week.  In honor of George Harrison's birthday Dennis is featuring his music.  Here is the playlist:

FIRST SEATING

Appetizers 

It's All Too Much 

Don't Bother Me 

While My Guitar Gently Weeps 

THE CENTERPIECE: BRAINWASHED? 

Chains 

Taxman 

Sue Me, Sue You Blues 

Piggies 

Crackerbox Palace 

Special Order: Aloo Matar 

The Inner Light (hybrid extended) 

All Things Must Pass 

Prabhujee (with Ravi Shankar) 

You Like Me Too Much 

"THE ODD TRACK OUT" 

Let It Down (by Dhani Harrison) 

SECOND SEATING

Appetizers 

Within You Without You 

Heading For the Light 

If I Needed Someone (Japan 1991) 

Take Good Care of My Baby (Decca audition) 

THE BLUE PLATE SPECIAL: OLD BROWN SHOES 

You Know What To Do 

It Don't Come Easy 

I Me Mine 

I Need You 

My Sweet Lord (demo) 

Side Dish: Caviar de Harrisong 

Something 

Isn't It a Pity 

Savoy Truffle 

"THE ODD TRACK OUT" 

Give Me Love (Peace On Earth) (by Dave Davies)

Appropriate for April 15 Taxman by George Harrison and Eric Clapton

In most years federal and state taxes are due on April 15.  Since it is on a Saturday this year, everyone gets an extension till Monday.  Taxman, written by George Harrison,  appeared on the Revolver album in 1966.  It seems that all of the Beatles songs were taken off Youtube, but I found this concert version with George backed by Eric Clapton.

It Don't Come Easy - George Harrison Version

 

It was 23 years ago today that George Harrison passed away.  Ringo Starr had the hit version in 1971 as I discussed in this journal in October 2011. George produced Ringo's version also helped write the song, but Ringo received the writing credit on the record.  Bob Radil played both versions on his show tonight.

Remembering George Harrison

Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the passing of George Harrison who left us all too soon.  I found this video on Youtube of George and Bob Dylan singing If Not For You at a rehearsal before the famous Concert for Bangladesh in 1971. 

James Brown Covers George Harrison's Something

I very rarely read about singer-songwriters commenting about other artists covering their songs.  Right now I am reading:  Boyd, Pattie, and Penny Junor. 2008. Wonderful tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and me. New York: Three Rivers Press.  Pattie commented that there are over 150 covers of Something, but George thought that the James Brown version was the best.

This Would Have Been George Harrison's 80th Birthday

 

Sadly, we lost George Harrison in November 2001 at the age of 58.  His music will live on forever.  Today, I am featuring a deep track called Faster which shows George's interest in car racing.  He was a good friend of professional driver Jackie Stewart.

Another Tribute to George Harrison

George Harrison has appeared many times in Bruce's Journal, but since today is the 14th anniversary of his untimely passing, I'd like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to him again.  Below is a video of his playing Here Comes the Sun

Deep Blue - George Harrison

It is a Friday with writer's cramp for me so I scratched my head and thought of Deep Blue by George Harrison. Facebook friends can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8B3kiV5dH8

17th Anniversary of the Passing of George Harrison

All Things Must Pass is one of my favorite George Harrison songs as it has inspired me many times over the years.  He passed away on November 29, 2001, but his music will live on forever.

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison - 50th Anniversary Edition

 

George Harrison certainly benefited from the breakup of the Beatles in 1970.  I did buy the vinyl boxed set of All Things Must Pass 30 years ago.  I still have it, but it is in poor condition.  So, I couldn't resist the opportunity to buy the 50th-anniversary edition which was remastered.  I will start to listen to it this evening and am interested to see if Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" was removed or minimized.

Of course, Capitol Records offers several box sets of this recording including an 8-LP version.  I compromised and purchased the 3-CD version.  How many alternate versions must one have?