Back Down in the Lower World

Review Score: (10/10)
"Somewhere In England" has long been one of my favorite George Harrison sets. The LP version would consistently find its way onto my turntable. This new CD release is equally stunning. I love the new cover and the photos of George, particularly the one holding his son Dhani in the studio. The photo of George with drummer Ray Cooper in front of the painting that served as the cover of the original release is a hoot.

Musically, some of George's finest moments are here. The most readily engaging is his ode to John Lennon, "All Those Years Ago," with its bubbly beat and gorgeous harmonies, "You were the one who imagined it all, all those years ago." George was my "favorite Beatle" because of his meditative soul qualities; and "Life Itself" is a simple melody but pulses sweetly with a lovely melody and some of the most exquisite lyrics of devotion penned, "You are the One no matter what, you are the real love that I've got, you are my friend and when life's through, you are the light in death itself, oh yes you are, you are the One." He encapsulates Jesus' gospel of friendship with God exquisitely! "That Which I Have Lost" with its shuffling rhythm and minimal melody jam-packed with wall to wall lyric is great fun. "Teardrops" boasts a distinctive melody with the piano reflecting the song's great emotional strength. One of my personal favorites is Harrison's reading on Hoagy Carmichael's "Hong Kong Blues." With Harrison's reading, the "story of a very unfortunate coloured man" pulses with energy; rarely has tragedy sounded so much fun. "Blood From A Clone" and "Save the World" with its delightful bullets and sound effects are also excellent tracks with full bold arrangements and great performance. For those of us still back down in the lower world, this re-release is a welcome reminder of the brilliance of one of our Master Musicians. Enjoy!

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