Brainwashed
Album reviews
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Bruce Beatlefan (June 17, 2006)
George Harrison, at the urging of his son Dhani and his friend/producer Jeff Lynne, issues his final CD while dying of cancer, and delivers a beautiful album, one of his finest ever. The first six tracks (I can\'t help thinking of it as Side A) are simply a collection of new songs, each of which are a distinct and superbly crafted addition to his legacy. \"Any Road\" recalls the freedom of \"Let it Roll\" (from All Things Must Pass), \"P2 Vatican Blues\" is humerous storytelling similar to \"Soft-Hearted Hana\", \"Looking For My Life\" is a marvelously insightful yet lighthearted update in his spiritual walk. \"Pisces Fish\", \"Rising Sun\", and the exquisite instrumental \"Marwa Blues\" are all gorgeous songs.
In Side B (i.e., tracks 6-12) George starts off with a couple of songs directly addressing his approaching death (and who else besides George Harrison would so boldly share such a topic pubicly?); in the first he speaks candidly of his suffering and increased disability, in the second he is more philosophical about death in general--both are fine songs. The next set of songs were somewhat shocking to me, as he devotes two tracks fondly addressing his first wife Pattie (including a wonderful cover of \"Devil and the Deep Blue Sea\") and then singing a song which actually sounds slightly critical of sweet and faithful Olivia (I\'m probably reading more into the lyrics than I ought, besides, \"Rocking Chair in Hawaii\" is yet another terrific song). George\'s last will and testament is not surprising, his most outspoken and direct devotional message, \"Brainwashed\". As a Christian, I\'m not especially fond of the lengthy Hare Krishna mantras at the song\'s conclusion, but that is compensated by the fact that as George Harrison approaches his death, I see that on the CD\'s cover he accompanies his trademark Hare Krishna symbol with a cross.
But whether you or I agree with George Harrison\'s spiritual values, he was a master musician and a beautiful man, and with Brainwashed (just like John Lennon\'s Double Fantasy) he went out at the top of his game.
In Side B (i.e., tracks 6-12) George starts off with a couple of songs directly addressing his approaching death (and who else besides George Harrison would so boldly share such a topic pubicly?); in the first he speaks candidly of his suffering and increased disability, in the second he is more philosophical about death in general--both are fine songs. The next set of songs were somewhat shocking to me, as he devotes two tracks fondly addressing his first wife Pattie (including a wonderful cover of \"Devil and the Deep Blue Sea\") and then singing a song which actually sounds slightly critical of sweet and faithful Olivia (I\'m probably reading more into the lyrics than I ought, besides, \"Rocking Chair in Hawaii\" is yet another terrific song). George\'s last will and testament is not surprising, his most outspoken and direct devotional message, \"Brainwashed\". As a Christian, I\'m not especially fond of the lengthy Hare Krishna mantras at the song\'s conclusion, but that is compensated by the fact that as George Harrison approaches his death, I see that on the CD\'s cover he accompanies his trademark Hare Krishna symbol with a cross.
But whether you or I agree with George Harrison\'s spiritual values, he was a master musician and a beautiful man, and with Brainwashed (just like John Lennon\'s Double Fantasy) he went out at the top of his game.
PZink (December 2, 2005)
Always a spiritual inspiration....
This recording confirms the passion of music and an artist's viable cause can help every individual in their lives now and then. Good for the mind and spirit.
This recording confirms the passion of music and an artist's viable cause can help every individual in their lives now and then. Good for the mind and spirit.
Graeme (November 20, 2005)
Brainwashed is a solidly constructed album, owing some of that praise to George's son Dhani and longtime friend, producer Jeff Lynne. The songs are for the most part up beat, life afirming, and often humourous.
The album certainly doesn't seem to be the product of a man battling cancer.
It is outstanding.
The album certainly doesn't seem to be the product of a man battling cancer.
It is outstanding.
Piet Buijs (May 2, 2005)
This album is one of the finest, if not the best, by any of the beatles solo careers!
It seems to me however that the album did not get the attention it deserved which is a pity for I believe there are plenty of people out there who are not aware that this masterpiece excists.
It seems to me however that the album did not get the attention it deserved which is a pity for I believe there are plenty of people out there who are not aware that this masterpiece excists.
BeatleBeatle (April 2, 2005)
His best since All Things Must Pass and a fitting farewell tribute to a legend.
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