Last night on my drive home from work I heard another blast from my everpresentpast. One of the classic rock radio stations was playing a block from George Harrison's All Things Must Pass. That album is still the soundtrack to my youth.
I remember driving in my parents car with a copy of that double cassette and asking my Mami if she could put in the tape to hear while we went on one of our many day trips. She looked at the cover and as she heard the song she mentioned to me on how the song "My Sweet Lord" {mp3} was playing constantly on the radio when she was pregnant with me.
I was surprised to hear my Mami say this because I'd always had this connection to "My Sweet Lord" and George's debut album. It got me thinking that the music we hear in the womb is linked to us. Even from an early age, music was a big influence in my life.
A year later, my Mami surprised me by giving me an original vinyl copy of All Things Must Pass for Christmas. She knew and has always known how much music means to me in my life. I was so touched that she remembered our conversation about All Things Must Pass.
Last night when I turned up the radio, I sang louder and prouder than ever before as images of my youth came flashing in my mind on my drive home. It's amazing even after some thirty six years All Things Must Pass has that effect on me. I had such a smile as I knew all the words to every song they played. "What is Life" {mp3} and even the mysterious "...And while the Pope owns 51% of General Motors/ and the stock exchange is the only thing he's qualified to quote us..." lyrics from "Awaiting on you All." {mp3}
All Things Must Pass is one of my top three albums of all time. Along with The Beatles White Album and Bob Marley's Exodus. I'm not the only one who's felt the musical grace of All Things Must Pass. The Black Crowes, Tom Petty, Concrete Blonde, Elliott Smith and Chris Martin of Coldplay have all been influenced this classic album. Listen for the chord progression on "The Scientist." Martin claims to have been influenced by the Harrison's piano arrangement on "Isn't it a Pity." {mp3}
The song I loved singing last night was the always unheralded "Wah Wah." {mp3} With aggravations from Macca and distractions from Yoko Ono you can hear the beautiful angst come through in this song inspired by the tumultuous Get Back/Let It Be Sessions.
The memories rush back with the elegant melodies and sweet lyrics by George Harrison. Arguably the best solo album released by an former Beatle, do yrself a favor and add George Harrison's All Things Must Pass to yr music collection. This masterpiece is a must for all music fans vintage and young.
Thank you Ma for introducing me to George Harrison. Just like yr words, Harrison's lyrics are such a part of me and will always be a influencing spark in my ever growing life.
