Very Much Of It's Time, But Also Very Much Ahead Of It...
This was a great starting point to George Harrison's solo career, and also a reflection of the times that spawned it (as well as the film); a colorful slice-of-time piece of classic psychedelia, very much of it's time, but also very much ahead of it. Harrison arguably is the sole purveyor of the use of Indian music and Middle-Eastern influences in his (and that of The Beatles) music. Other artists and bands of the time incorporated the same influences into their own repertoires, but while they and their music remain squarely locked in that time period, Harrison transcended it by leaps and bounds, and this soundtrack to "Wonderwall" is a firm testament to that fact; it still sounds fresh and innovative 30-plus years later, without sounding the least bit dated. As others have pointed out, this is not the complete soundtrack to the film, only about half of it, really; but the part that is included here is nothing short of incredible!With the exception of the track "Singing Om", there are no vocals or lyrics to be found on this album, but that's the magic of it; it doesn't need vocals or lyrics to be effective in grabbing (and keeping) your attention. Not all of the selections are Indian music, with my favorite being the track "Ski-ing" (which features some great guitar work by Eric Clapton, who is uncredited as a musician on the album, but is mentioned in the liner notes); also "Party Seacombe", and the delightful "Cowboy Music", all three of which are a radical departure from the rest of the Indian tracks, but yet do not sound out of place; it all flows together nicely.
It's sad that this CD is now out of print, but hopefully it will become available again in the future--a director's cut of the film has been released by Rhino on DVD for the first time with the soundtrack intact (and also in Dolby 5.1 Surround!) If and when this CD does become available again, don't hesitate to buy it, because you'll be missing out on a true gem!
George's earliest solo effort points the way
Much has been said about this out-of-print film soundtrack being the best of the Beatles' experimental solo albums -- sure, it is, and George's follow-up project, Electronic Sounds, is arguably the worst. Anyway, this early solo project, apparently recorded in that between time in the Beatles' career where the Mystery Tour is ending and the White Album not yet begun. Yellow Sub soundtrack, the Maharishi, John & Yoko's and George's experimental works were all happening in this time period.Wonderwall Music stands by itself as an interesting indy film soundtrack, worthy in its own right of re-release -- but as a complete 2 CD set, rather than this reissue of the appx. 40 minute record originally released. I recommend you hunt this one down; it's not just for GH completists or raga fans, but especially for its groundbreaking fusion of Indian and Western musical styles. GH spearheaded this fusion back in '65, long before "Paint It Black" and other efforts to use sitar, tamboura, and tabla in pop.
shagedelic baby
I bought the original vinyl Wonderwall when it was first released on Apple and still have it. A few years later I archived it and bought a German re-release on vinyl, and still have that, too. I confess I haven't got the CD version yet, as I worry that it will be an inferior transfer.
But based on maybe 200 listenings of this album in two of its vinyl versions, I toss out five lovely stars.
The first guitar riff I ever learned on electric guitar was the main Clapton riff on 'Ski-ing'. Thanks Eric, for helping me learn to play ...
and after all..............
................you're my wonderwall.
Enough said!
Harrison's great talent
The recordings of Wonderwall Music are a demonstration of George Harrison outstanding talent, both as composer and musician. This rather unusual record contains from Indian music to (amazing!) Charleston. Another remarkable aspect is the sound engineering work: the separation of the instruments and sound is unique and magic. A great, great buy that you will never regret.
The first Beatle solo album as well as the first Apple album. Remastered offbeat score to the film 'Wonderwall' originally released in 1968. 19 tracks. Apple/EMI. 1992.
