Ok, so November 27th is the *actual* birthday of All Things Must Pass, but the 50th anniversary reissue just came out this past week, so like most Beatlefans, I'm celebrating now. It's taken me til the weekend to truly listen to most of the album + extras and man, it's a lot to unpack. (Can we also address the Uber Deluxe Edition, which includesâin addition to 8 LPs, 5 CDs, 4 gnomes, 3 books, Rudraksha beads, and a Klaus Voormann illustrationâa wooden bookmark made from a felled oak tree in George's Friar Park garden?? It's almost enough to distract me from the $1,000 price tag.)
I have yet to listen to the whole thing in one sitting, but some initial favorites:
"Behind That Locked Door" - This has always been one of my top songs on the album. I'm a sucker for pedal steel guitar, and combined with Billy Preston on the Hammond and Klaus Voorman on bass? *chef's kiss* A real treat. I usually feel like I don't have the ear to comment on production, but the 2020 mix really gives those vocals life, wow!
"Om Hare Om (Gopala Krishna)" - This feels like one of those songs Phil Spector told George couldn't be on the album because it's a little too devotionalâor maybe because it doesn't lend itself as much to the ol' Wall of Sound. I love it, though. George's vocal line in the verse would make a lovely lehra (the melodic line accompanying a tabla solo), which could very well have been his intention. Can't get this one out of my head.
"Run of the Mill - Day 2 Demo, Take 1" - The album version is nice, but I think this acoustic demo version evokes a lot more feels, especially knowing that this song was a reflection of the Beatles' pre-breakup rift.
"Art of Dying - Day 2 Demo, Take 1" - Similarly, I love this stripped down version, sans Clapton's in-your-face wailing. I just recently read this song dates back to 1966 (when Geo was a mere 23-year-old bebe). Can you imagine if this was on Revolver? It's too good for the Beatles, honestly. đŹ The version on Disc 5 is a jam too.
âWedding Bells (Are Breaking Up That Old Gang of Mine)â - DELIGHTFUL. More pedal steel please!!
"Get Back" - It's George singing Get Back accompanied by horns, what's not to like!
I'll leave you with the luscious "Isn't It A Pity" (Take 27) and its equally luscious video. Coincidentally (and unfathomably), George was 27 years old when ATMP was released. I always forget this fact, because he definitely gives off Wise Old Philosopher vibes throughout the album and in all the pictures from that era. But nope, he is the same age in those pictures as Justin Bieber is now. What is life?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFxYsWCT6_k