The Music of George Harrison: While My Guitar Gently Weeps

The review title refers to the monumental critical analysis by Ian MacDonald, Revolution in the Head: The Beatles' Records and the Sixties, which this book closely resembles both in structure and style. I think it is, in a word, AWESOME that a solid critical appreciation of George Harrison's entire body of work has been issued. Simon Leng has done a truly commendable job of treating Harrison's solo discography with the respect and attention is deserves. There is, in fact, much more to George's post-Beatles ouput than "All Things Must Pass" (though that is certainly the peak of his accomplishments) and Mr. Leng offers opinions of it all, song by song. As with the Ian MacDonald work, this book is written by someone who is obviously a major fan - but not a fanboy. A clear-eyed objectivity is (more or less) maintained as Leng analyzes Harrison's music. I didn't agree with every single opinion of every single song - but it did inspire me to relisten to George's music from a different perspective. Ultimately, I believe that's exactly what this type of book should do. The focus is squarely on the music (though some biographical information is included in between discussing the albums, which is welcome - especially since George's career isn't as well known or documented as Lennon and McCartney's). If you're a longtime fan of Harrison's work, you're likely to find something new to listen for. If you're a newcomer, you're likely to want to immediately acquire any of music you aren't familiar with.

Anytime a major rock star has several books written about him, they are all basically rehashing the same information under a different title. This book "Then Music Of George Harrison", by Simon Leng, is without question the ultimate reference work on the recorded works of George Harrison. Every album and every single song George ever recorded, is given encyclopedic treatment. No stone is left unturned, as chart rankings, session players, and historical significance of his music is discussed in detail like never before. George's monumental album "All Things Must Pass", is given a 34 page chapter alone, as the author tells of tales from the musicians who participated in the recording, as well as the making of the album, which still stands today as one of the greatest albums in rock history. I found this book to quite an enjoyable read, and a must have edition to any rock n roll library. Beatle fans take note that this is essential!

This is a book every Beatles' fan should have. Simple as that. I like the way Leng has documented in almost painstaking detail the music of George Harrison. The former Beatle did let his guitar do most of the talking; he was a phenomenal guitarist and a nonpareil lyricist. Leng does an extraordinary job of pulling together the persona of George Harrison together with his music; an almost yin-yang relationship at times based on this book. Leng has done a good job of researching his material; Harrison's concert dates, tours and song reviews are provided. The former Beatle's affinity for Eastern religion/philosophy is duly noted in this work and how it molded him and his music. Many credit George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, the man who taught him how to play the sitar for merging Eastern and Western musical styles to create something unique and wonderful. It is plain that Leng respects George Harrison, the man and the artist and those who played major roles in his life. This is truly an excellent work on the youngest Beatle that will leave readers thinking about him for a very long time.

This is a new edition redone and expanded from the first English edition published in 2003. In the interveining years Mr. Leng has several more interviews with Harrison's musical accomplices throughout his varied career. The result is a book that will appeal to fans of either George Harrison or the Beatles. With the additional material included in this book, it is likely to remain the most complete and thorough book on Harrison. While this book might be called a biography, it really concentrates more on the music and the insights to Harrison's personality that the music provides. Most of the book concentrates on the years after the Beatles when Harrison was developing a solo career. This was a time of ups and downs, ending of course far too soon with lung cancer that had moved to his brain. It is a fitting tribute.

It's true - 'No Beatles fan should be without this book.' Simon Leng has painstakingly documented the musical career of George Harrison. And his years with the Beatles were only the beginning. According to Leng, compared to the other Beatles, Harrison's personality was not flashy - 'he let his guitar do the talking.' Harrison's musicality is the central theme, wirh reflections both positive and negative. It's a fascinating account of his personal struggles, and creative processes. Eastern religion also played a major role. There are album cover pictures, reviews of all the songs, performer lists, and reviews of his tours (including the Dark Horse Tour.) The center section is black and white photos, including some rare ones. You've got Bob Purvis, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Carl Perkins, Bob Dylan, and more. Harrison's music was definitely influential.