alexdoc

By: Timothy D. SHELFER "TDS" (Arlington, Tx)
Some 10 years ago, I wandered into a junk store in San Antonio and picked up this CD for $5.
What a bargain! Often seemingly a sideman for Paul & John, George was in fact a respectable singer,
good songwriter, and remarkably versatile guitarist. This album bears witness to that.
Harrison toured Japan with Eric Clapton and his band, and "Live" aptly reflects the set he played.
Given the song selection, it could just as well be called "The Best of George Harrison, But Played Live".
The album opens with a rousing version of "I Want to Tell You" (from Revolver),
then moves energically through a list of songs carefully selected from his Beatle and solo eras.
Interspersed, of course, are featured guitar and keyboard solos from Clapton and band.
As you would expect, the backing band is high-powered and first-rate.
Additionally, there's lots of good acoustic guitar work, well played even if the sound from
those earlier guitar pickups is a bit brittle.
"If I Needed Someone" (Rubber Soul) is beautifully nailed, and is a prime example of the Beatles'
transition into 4-track recording and more complex music.
"Piggies" (white album) gets points for sheer audacity, and is actually quite well played.
"Taxman" (Revolver) gets a political facelift. "Something" (Abbey Road) is nice,
but Clapton should have mimicked the original guitar solo, instead of exploring.
"Got My Mind Set on You" is a clone of the radio hit -- that's a compliment, by the way,
although this always seemed a strange song coming from a guy who urged us to shun worldy possessions.
"Here Comes the Sun" (Abbey Road) and "My Sweet Lord" are, in my mind, the true highlights of the entire set,
and "All Those Years Ago" ranks highly. Although "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (white album) is the album climax,
I found the guitar licks somewhat unfulfilling. Clapton is in much better form on the new Tribute CD.
Finally, the album exits with an enthusiastic version of "Roll Over Beethoven" (Beatles' Second Album),
a staple from the Hamburg and Cavern Club days.
This is a wonderful album in terms of song selection, musicianship, and recording quality.
And purists won't have to worry about the songs having been significantly changed.
In my opinion, it's the best "best of..." George Harrison album out there.
Thank goodness it's being re-released. With all due respect to the current "Tribute" CD,
"Live in Japan" is an even better tribute.

Disc One
01 - I want to tell you
02 - old brown shoe
03 - taxman
04 - give me love
05 - if i needed someone
06 - something
07 - what is life
08 - while my guitar gently weeps
09 - roll over beethoven
Disc Two
01 - cloud 9
02 - here comes the sun
03 - my sweet lord
04 - all those years ago
05 - cheer down
06 - devil's radio
07 - isn't it a pity
08 - dark horse
09 - piggies
10 - got my mind set on you


One link Direct Download: George Harrison - Live in Japan