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Unlike many other art forms, it’s difficult to listen to music objectively and separate it from life experience. That said, the first time I listened to Let It Roll, tears came to my eyes. This CD, which was just released in June, is the first collection of solo hits written and performed by the late George Harrison.
Let It Roll consists of nineteen songs, all of which are digitally re-mastered, encompassing his vast musical artistry—from “Any Road” with its rockabilly guitar and vocals to the spiritually themed “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth).”
Back to the nostalgia thing. I must admit that not only did The Beatles play such a major role in my childhood, but as a young teenager trying to find myself, Harrison’s first post-Beatles solo album, 1970’s All Things Must Pass, also inspired me to delve into spirituality and eastern religion. Five songs on this CD were originally from that album:”My Sweet Lord ” and “What is Life”—both favorites of mine—along with “The Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll),” “All Things Must Pass,” and “Isn’t It a Pity.”
Other favorites include two cuts from the 1987 Cloud Nine album, “Got My Mind Set On You” and “When We Was Fab,” as well as the 1981 tribute to John Lennon, “All Those Years Ago,” and the hit single, “Blow Away.”
Nicknamed the “quiet Beatle,” Harrison usually wrote a few songs per Beatles album. However, there are only three songs on this CD from his Beatles days. These are not the original studio productions; they are live recordings from the August 1971 Concert for Bangladesh, a benefit for East Pakistani refugees. These are “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Something,” and “Here Comes The Sun.”
George Harrison wrote unforgettable choruses that would just stick in your head. His style was melodic, precise, and understated as the lead guitarist of The Beatles and later in his solo work. He was rated #21 in Rolling Stone Magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” However, it was his emotion and sensitivity that came out of his music that I will remember most.
Though this album is by no means all-inclusive of his music, Let It Roll represents George Harrison’s major solo contributions. It’s a must for his fans, as well as for all hardcore Beatles fans.
