George Harrison – “Brainwashed” (2002)
Written Nov. 21, 2002…
The Essence of Beauty
Even though I have been a fan of George Harrison’s music for many years, it took until the other evening to realize just how much he will be missed. His voice, his music & of course his beautiful guitar-playing. I also never fully realized (I mean, obviously I did but this album rammed home that point unequivocally) just how distinctive, not only his guitar playing was, but his voice as well. Not to mention, what a brilliant, over-looked songwriter he could be, when his muse was inspired. This album is a near-perfect example of all three of these points. Every song is a gem, filled with that distinctive twangy, weeping slide guitar sound of his, plus his (strangly moving) ethereal singing voice. He sounds very much alive on this album. It was strange to be listening to it & think that he has already been gone from this mortal coil for the past year now. He certainly doesn’t sound like a dying man in these songs. He sounds completely alive & well.
“Any Road” is an amazing song with terrific lyrics, concerning God & features the couplet, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” It’s a deceptively simple line, that takes awhile to reveal its profoundness & complexity of thought. It’s a song that many of us can relate to; that feeling of being lost & drifting. If you don’t have an anchor, something to believe in, you can easily fall between the cracks of life. George seems to say that he too almost fell but luckily found a purpose, a reason for living & breathing. He seems content. We should all be so lucky. The ironic part is that, just when he seemed most content, that is when cancer robbed him of life.
“Marwa Blues” is a hauntingly beautiful instrumental, featuring more of that distinctive slide guitar of his. It is a marvellous creation, as is the rest of this impressive album. The whole album flows perfectly & is easily one of his best. It is a tragedy that he died so young but we should be grateful for the 40 years of music he gave us & it is fitting that he went out on a high note like this. And we should also give thanks to Jeff Lynne & George’s son, Dhani – they are to be commended for the hard work & I’m sure, the pain & tears they must have suffered, in finishing this album after George’s death (& according to his instructions). They did a beautiful job & did justice to his songs. As for George, may he rest in peace & may God bless him for all eternity.
Jay Mucci
The Beat Patrol 
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