Music of the Moment: George Harrison - Brainwashed
It’s Monday and I’m behind for the week already. How the hell- nevermind.
So, this weekend I spent a lot of time listening to the Beatles. We had a great discussion about the Beatles’ solo careers back in May, and I guess I’m picking up with that theme. I still haven’t bought all the solo records from John, Paul, George, and Ringo. In fact, I haven’t bought most of them. I did pick up a McCartney compilation. I also picked up a copy of George Harrison’s self-titled, Cloud 9, and Brainwashed.
I think I started with George because I knew less of his solo catalog than Lennon or McCartney. I have compilations from both of them and I have a sense of their solo careers, even if I haven’t heard every song and every record.
I bought these Harrison records a few months ago and listened through them. They didn’t make much of an impression early on. I liked a few songs from each, but found them spotty. I’m rethinking that, especially the posthumous Brainwashed. I started listening to it this weekend and can’t get enough of it.
It’s a simple, pleasant, record. There is a peace that flows through this record, a peace that comes when an artist is making music to please himself with no regard for commercial or critical response. Brainwashed isn’t particularly adventurous nor is it calculatingly retro. It’s 12 George Harrison songs (well, one is a cover, but this is still George’s record) and all the good things that come with that.
Filed under: Tags: George Harrison, Music of the Moment
This is actually my favorite Harrison album. It just sums up everything he accomplished in his career in one beautiful little package. Such a sweet album with a lot of heart.
Tom, it’s probably tied with All Things Must Pass for me. All Things is the grander artistic statement and sonically more interesting and diverse. Brainwashed is the sweet little album with a lot of heart, and it charms me every time I listen to it.
“Any Road” will always be one of my favorites.