For this, the fan gets even a really very attractively designed, bound booklet with interesting lyrics and many partly unseen images and a (quite short) bonus DVD with some cinematic documents.
The 6 albums, the Harrisons heralded solo career, meanwhile, could hardly be different. For those who still do not know what they are getting and want to explore the Harrisons solo album yet, here are a few details about the individual albums:
1. Wonderwall Music (1968)
This is the first solo album of Beatle at all and for that reason alone of historical interest. Harrison was commissioned to compose the music for a (then as now rather obscure) movie called "Wonderwall". We hear the results, divided into 19 short instrumentals on this album. However, this work is in its full length only for friends of Indian sounds of interest - Harrison standing in this year noticeably under the influence of Ravi Shankar, who has contributed to this work every single time. In addition, one finds here and there but also stylistic experiments in other directions, such as a trip to the Country genre ("Cowboy Music") or influenced by ragtime, highly interesting "Drilling A Home". Other pieces, however seem psychedelic, and bring forth a "Magical Mystery Tour" feeling with it, so above all, the very to "Flying" is reminiscent of the Beatles "Party Seacombe".
As an addition here are three bonus tracks added: That also psychedelic but pretty "In The First Place" (even with vocal, but not from Harrison but a Liverpool group that was probably involved in the album), a (once again) very indian instrumental with the significant title "Almost Shankara" and an early instrumental version of "The Inner Light".
The booklet provides interesting information and I previously unknown images of what the album stands out clearly from the previous release.
The remastered sound of the album is excellent and also a lot better than that of the 1992 edition.
So: A getting used to but not uninteresting soundtrack album for friends of Indian music and musical crazes. Play is worth it!
2. ELECTRONIC SOUND (1969)
This album (which appeared on the short-lived "Zapple" label) to evaluate is basically impossible.
You can hear nothing but noise that produced Harrison with his newly acquired Moog synthesizer, divided into 2 long pieces. Melody or concept? Not or barely discernible. Uff! This is even the toughest fan to the substance. Nevertheless, even in this unusual album, a lot of effort in the presentation was given. A booklet informs about the artistic value of this experimental sounds and you learn that Harrison's son has a special bond with the (self-made by the father) Cover image.
So if you can bear avant-garde sounds good and maybe has a special preference for Moog synthesizer, the likes might like this album. Otherwise, it is and remains (to put it mildly) hard edible.
But the cover is beautiful ...
3) All Things Must Pass (1970)
Musically, this double album the showpiece of the collection. Harrison gave up all his pent-up frustration over the years after the separation of the Beatles and haute an album full of brilliant songs out, majestic and mostly quite bombastic produced by Phil Spector. Almost every piece is a classic, worthy of mention are, of course, the hit "My Sweet Lord" and "What Is Life?", The epic "Is not It A Pity", the melancholy title track and also ... what am I, in basically every piece awesome (except perhaps for the jam sessions with Eric Clapton, which can be found at the end of CD 2).
The contents of the output does not differ much from the 2001 release: The same bonus tracks, the same Remaster, only the volume is reduced slightly here.
Enjoyable for fans of the original LP, however, that the package was just this very closely modeled on, so we have again the old black / white cover, and even the poster is included. A booklet is available here but not, however, for some information in the accompanying book.
If this album so still do not own, then the purchase of the box is worth for that reason alone! An undoubtedly unequaled masterpiece.
4) LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD (1973)
Harrison's second "proper" solo album is still one of his best. The atmosphere is a bit more contemplative and melancholy than its predecessor, as well as fleet pieces are joined to the supported sounds, making the album in the end quite varied and yet harmonious. It is worth mentioning, of course, the hit of the album "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)", as well as the lively "Do not Let Me Wait Too Long", the rocking title track and the catchy "The Lord Loves The One (That Loves The Lord) "are among my favorites in Harrison catalog, from the wistful but beautiful" All That Is "not to mention!
The bonus tracks are the same as in the 2006 release (the sunny "Deep Blue" and the somewhat silly "Miss O'Dell"), only the newly added date also unremasterte "Bangla Desh".
Sonically, I notice no major differences for 2006 edition, only the booklet is slightly changed and the CD will be released (like the other albums) in digipack.
5) DARK HORSE (1974)
Another highlight of this box is often scorned by critics album that now comes for the first time in the course of this box to enjoy a Remasters. Harrison altered here his style toward funk and jazz-rock, the production is much rougher and more down to earth than its predecessors. However, his voice is not in good shape here: Harrison suffered at that time on a vocal cord inflammation, which is quite clearly audible on most of the songs. It needs some getting used to, but this one creates, reveals the handset one of its most interesting albums.
Many of the songs are of rather sad nature and deal with the distinction of Harrison's then wife Pattie (like well known to Eric Clapton moved). These include the sad ballad "Simply Shady", "So Sad" (with brilliant guitar work) and quite explicitly the very strenuous "Bye, Bye Love". Gradually, however, the mood in beschwingtere sounds like the minor hit "Ding Dong, Ding Dong" or the great title track is changing recognizable.
The album benefits greatly from the tonal revision, a true listening experience compared to the old CD release!
In addition, managed the two bonus tracks: the first time on CD appears here the single B-side "I Do not Care Anymore" (one of Harrison's few country songs) as well as an extremely beautiful version of the theme song.
Here was kept precisely to the original LP on the label of the CD and digipack design, everything has been designed very carefully. A definite highlight!
6) EXTRA TEXTURE (Read All About It) (1975)
This album is often regarded as Harrison's trip to the Soul genre, but this only applies to a few of the compositions.
In addition to the very lively, pop hit "You" and the delightfully silly "His Name Is 'Legs' (Ladies and Gentlemen)" are all pieces rather slow and mostly sad ballads, the Harrisons at that time the rings with the critics (who neither his last album nor his American tour from the previous year particularly liked) and continues to be documented before the loss of his wife. Many of the compositions herein include m. E. to his best pieces: "The Answer's At The End" is a beautiful ballad in the style of "Is not It A Pity" (which is also quoted softly) with captivating text, "This Guitar (Can not Keep From Crying ) "a solid sequel to" While My Guitar Gently Wheeps "and" Tired Of Midnight Blue "has a comfortable lounge atmosphere. The latter, as well as "Ooh Baby (You Know That I Love You)" and the love song "Can not Stop Thinking About You", are particularly clear examples of Harrison's former tendency to Soul and function largely quite well. The bonus track, a "Weird Platinum Version" of "This Guitar" is also very worth listening to!
The Remaster is also very well done and no comparison to the old CD.
Especially when "Extra Texture" captivates the digipack by the splendid design: The envelope is, as the original LP, fluted (However, the lettering not punched). Like very good and rounds off the visual impression.
For album remains to be said: After a hard day's work lay in the evening and enjoy!
CONCLUSION
This box is a worthwhile purchase for Harrison fans and collectors, and especially for newcomers who do not own any of the albums. The digipack are designed with love, the sound of CDs is great and the box itself is very robust and stable, with a nice print. A feast for the eyes! Only two points I would have to complain about:
- The bonus tracks are all indeed beautiful, but not very lush with an average of 2 per album. As you would certainly have more
can draufpacken!
- The DVD is advised but rather meager with a half hour duration.
Otherwise, of course is anyone who "All Things" and "Material World" has been remastered, free, just the albums "Dark Horse" and "Extra Texture" buying individual. However, you then missed a really lovingly designed box and a very pretty book. But everyone must decide for themselves.
For those who do not own any of the albums is "The Apple Years" in any case, a definite buy recommendation!
