My Sweet Lord, what a Black Friday

Looks like it’s the Angolan cover they are imitating this time

Although hinted about in “Rolling Stone”, the fiftieth anniversary edition of “All Things Must Pass”, like the “Plastic Ono Band” album failed to materialise. However, two songs from George Harrison’s triple album do get a release, come Black Friday, November 27. This is a “Record Store Day first” release, clear vinyl is rumoured but not confirmed. New mixes have not been announced.

Originally released in November 1970 as a single, Harrison’s first as a solo artist, and topped charts worldwide; it was the biggest-selling single of 1971 in the UK. In America and Britain, the song was the first number-one single by an ex-Beatle.

The b-side is an anthemic ballad and one of Harrison’s most celebrated compositions. “Isn’t It a Pity” has been described as the emotional and musical centerpiece of All Things Must Pass and “a poignant reflection on The Beatles’ coarse ending”. Co-produced by Phil Spector, the recording employs multiple keyboard players, rhythm guitarists and percussionists, as well as orchestration by arranger John Barham. In its extended fadeout, the song references the closing refrain of the Beatles’ 1968 hit “Hey Jude”. Other musicians on the recording include Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Gary Wright and the band Badfinger, while the reprise version features Eric Clapton on lead guitar.

Link: “My Sweet Lord”/”Isn’t It A Pity”