George Harrison: All Things Must Pass 50th- Audio DeLuxe Edition – What’s New?
By Mike Carrera. Dedicated to the memory of my father, who thanks to his “My Sweet Lord” single brought me closer to The Beatles for the first time in my life.
As in previous reviews, again we will focus only on the discs with alternate material (in this case with the Deluxe Box CD 3, 4 and 5), comparing against what was already in circulation officially and among collectors of underground recordings; to discover what is new and what is not.
Disc 3 (Day 1 Demos – Tuesday 26 May 1970)
The demos recorded on this day features George on guitar, Ringo Starr on drums and Klaus Voormann on bass, but three of them are only George.
All Things Must Pass (Demo Take 1)
Already officially available in ‘Early Takes Vol. 1’ with an additional two seconds at the end (guitar riffs).
Early Takes: 4:36 vs 2021 Mix: 4:34
Awaiting On You All (Demo Take 1)
Already officially available in ‘Early Takes Vol. 1′ with a longer duration at the beginning (nine seconds), including studio talk and the announcement of the take, as well as the end (four additional seconds) where it is possible to hear Ringo and George talking and laughing.
Early Takes 2:39 vs 2021 Mix 2:26
My Sweet Lord (Demo Take 1) PARTIALLY NEW
This demo had been officially released on ‘Early Takes Vol. 1’ at a slightly different speed; and although it includes additional dialogue at the beginning that has been eliminated in the 2021 mix, it is not possible to hear the end as there is a fade out, contrary to the new mix that does include it. To have the complete demo it is necessary to use both sources.
Early Takes: 3:31 vs 2021 Mix: 3:18
Going Down To Golders Green (Demo Take 1)
At the correct speed, however George’s count-in has been removed and has fading much earlier compared to the version on unofficial discs, so there is nothing new here. A song composed by George parodying Elvis.
Dehra Dun (Demo Take 2) PARTIALLY NEW
At the correct speed and with an additional 12 seconds to the version in Bootlegs, it is now possible to hear the ending. Song written during the Beatles’ stay in India, 1968.
Om Hare Om (Gopala Krishna) (Demo Take 1) NEW
Surprisingly, it is a completely different take than the one circulated on Bootleg (which is a more elaborate version with different overdubs recorded a month after the demo although it was not selected to appear on the album).
I Live For You (Demo Take 1) NEW
Another song that was left off the album. A practically finished version (with vocal and backing vocals overdubs) appeared as a bonus track in the official 30th Anniversary edition; while two alternate versions without overdubs circulate on unofficial discs.
Behind That Locked Door (Demo Take 2) NEW
A completely different “demo” (and without Ringo or Klaus) was included in ‘Early Takes Vol. 1’, although it’s possible that is one of the first takes.
The following versions appear for the first time:
What Is Life (Demo Take 3) NEW
Isn’t It A Pity (Demo Take 2) NEW
I Dig Love (Demo Take 1) NEW
Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) (Demo Take 2) NEW
Apple Scruffs (Demo Take 1) (George solo) NEW
I’d Have You Anytime (Demo Take 1) (George solo)NEW
Sour Milk Sea (Demo Take 1) (George solo) NEW
Disc 4 (Day 2 Demos – Wednesday 27 May 1970)
There is nothing new in this disk although the sound quality is impeccable. The complete unedited session circulates in underground recordings (Bootlegs), including studio talks, false starts, announcement of each track, tuning, etc, which have been removed in the official version in 2021. With the exception of one track, all demos feature only George on acoustic or electric guitar.
Run Of The Mill (Demo Take 1)
Already officially available in ‘Early Takes Vol. 1’ with a longer duration at the beginning (three seconds), including talk in the studio and the announcement of the take.
Bootleg 2:02 vs Early Takes 1:54 vs 2021 Mix 1:51
Beware Of Darkness (Demo Take 1)
Already officially available in ‘Early Takes Vol. 1’ with a longer duration at the beginning (two seconds), that includes George’s voice announcing the song.
Bootleg 4:29 vs 30th Anniversary 3:18 vs 2021 Mix 3:16
Let It Down (Demo Take 1)
Bootleg 4:06 vs 2021 Mix 3:53
This same demo was released as a bonus track in the 30th Anniversary edition but with few overdubs (organ and guitar) made by George in 2000.
Art Of Dying (Demo Take 1)
Bootleg 3:21 vs 2021 Mix 3:00
Everybody/Nobody (Demo Take 1)
Bootleg 3:55 vs 2021 Mix 2:16
Wah-Wah (Demo Take 1)
Bootleg 4:32 vs 2021 Mix 4:20
A more elaborate demo with the accompaniment of Klaus Voormann on bass.
Window Window (Demo Take 1)
Bootleg 2:07 vs 2021 Mix 1:50
Beautiful Girl (Demo Take 1)
Bootleg 3:50 vs 2021 Mix 2:35
Tell Me What Has Happened To You (Demo Take 1)
Bootleg 3:11 vs 2021 Mix 2:54
Hear Me Lord (Demo Take 1)
Bootleg 5:11 vs 2021 Mix 4:54
Nowhere To Go (Demo Take 1)
Bootleg 2:58 vs 2021 Mix 2:41
Cosmic Empire (Demo Take 1) (actually Take 2)
Bootleg 3:04 vs 2021 Mix 2:09
In the unofficial tape we can hear that George tries it with electric guitar for the first 30 seconds, which is actually Take 1, before switching to acoustic. The tape suffers a slight cut and Harrison is now on the acoustic guitar for the next take that by strange reason it has been named “Take 1” on the official release.
Mother Divine (Take 1)
Bootleg 2:54 vs 2021 Mix 2:41
I Don’t Want To Do It (Take 1)
Bootleg 2:11 vs 2021 Mix 2:01
If Not For You (Take 1)
Bootleg 1:59 vs 2021 Mix 1:44
Disc 5 (Session Outtakes and Jams)
In chronological order. To the satisfaction of the fans, the vast majority of tracks are brand new. It is known that it was difficult to register the names of all the musicians who participated in each song, however we have the information regarding this sessions disk that for some reason was not officially published, perhaps because there is not 100% certainty that the credits are correct so you have to take them with some reservations on some tracks.
Wah-Wah (Take 1) NEW
Recorded on May 28, 1970. It only took three takes, for George to be satisfied and proceed with the overdubs.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitars: Eric Clapton, Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock, Gary Brooker/ Drums: Ringo Starr/ Percussion: Jim Gordon, Alan White, Mike Gibbons/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle.
I’d Have You Anytime (Take 5) NEW
Take 1 also from the May 28, 1970 session was officially included in ‘Early Takes Vol. 1’. Additional sessions were held on May 29 and June 4, 1970. The take selected for overdubs was number 9.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitars: Eric Clapton, Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock, Gary Brooker/ Drums: Ringo Starr/ Percussion: Jim Gordon, Alan White, Mike Gibbons/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle.
Art Of Dying (Take 1) NEW
Recorded on May 29, 1970 with additional sessions on June 2 and 23, and July 1, 1970. The take selected for overdubs was number 26 which became number 27.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitars: Eric Clapton, Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock, Gary Brooker/ Drums: Ringo Starr/ Percussion: Jim Gordon, Alan White, Mike Gibbons/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle.
Isn’t It A Pity (VERSION 1, Take 14) NEW
Recorded on June 2, 1970. A previous session took place on May 29. The take selected for overdubs was number 19.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitars: Eric Clapton, Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock, Gary Wright/ Drums: Ringo Starr/ Percussion: Jim Gordon, Alan White, Mike Gibbons/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle
Isn’t It A Pity (VERSION 2, Take 27) NEW
Recorded on June 3, 1970. The selected take was number 30.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitars: Eric Clapton, Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock, Gary Brooker/ Drums: Ringo Starr/ Percussion: Jim Gordon, Alan White, Mike Gibbons/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle.
If Not For You (Take 2) NEW
Recorded on June 4, 1970 with an additional session on the 5th. The take selected was number 18.
Vocals & Guitar : George Harrison/ Guitars: Eric Clapton, Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland, Peter Frampton/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock, Gary Wright/ Drums: Ringo Starr/ Percussion: Jim Gordon/ Alan White, Mike Gibbons/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle.
Wedding Bells (Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine) (Jam) NEW
Recorded on June 9, 1970. Jam to the song from 1929 (most popular with Gene Vincent in 1956). One of the highlights of this new anniversary collection, very well executed.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitars: Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock/ Drums: Jim Gordon, Alan White/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle/ Pedal Steel: Pete Drake.
What Is Life (Take 1) NEW
Recorded on June 22, 1970 with additional sessions on June 23 and July 3. A Rough mix with the basic instrumental track was also released as a bonus track on the 30th Anniversary edition. The take selected for overdubs was number 42 which became number 44.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitar: Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock/ Drums: Jim Gordon, Alan White/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle.
Beware Of Darkness (Take 8) NEW
Recorded on June 23, 1970, with an additional session held the day before, June 22. Although it may appear similar to the alternate takes available, this one has never circulated until now. In the end the take selected was number 6.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitar: Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock/ Drums: Jim Gordon, Alan White/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle.
Hear Me Lord (Take 5) NEW
Recorded on June 24, 1970 with additional sessions on June 23 and July 1. Of the most outstanding alternate takes that this anniversary set gave us. Almost ten minutes long with an extended jam towards the end.
The take selected was number 8.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitar: Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock/ Drums: Jim Gordon, Alan White/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle.
Let It Down (Take 1) NEW
Recorded on June 24, 1970. The take selected for overdubs was number 8 which became number 9.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitar: Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock/ Drums: Jim Gordon, Alan White/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle.
Run Of The Mill (Take 36) NEW
Recorded on June 30, 1970 with additional sessions on May 29 and July 1. The take selected for overdubs was number 61.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitar: Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock/ Drums: Jim Gordon, Alan White/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle/ Saxophone: Bobby Keys/ Trumpet: Jim Price.
Down To the River (Rocking Chair Jam) (Rough Mix) NEW
Recorded on June 30, 1970 with an additional overdub in an unknown date. Although it was widely in circulation on unofficial discs and it might seem the same version (it has the same length and in both versions the tape starts trimmed), the truth is that now we have the ‘Rough Mix’ version that George considered for inclusion in the Jams LP and contains a overdub: an insert replacing Harrison’s original vocal between seconds 0:36 and 0:42; the rest of the vocal track is the same as we had on Bootlegs. In this new version it is audible at 0:35 on the left channel, slightly buried in the mix (using headphones) the original vocal of George (singing in the yodel style) that was replaced and that we can hear in full on Bootlegs, which is the original take as recorded. Now we have another mix with a vocal overdub and a completely balanced sound.
This song did not appear on the album ‘All Things Must Pass’ in 1970 and had to wait to be released posthumously until 2002 in a version re-elaborated by George years later under the title “Rocking Chair in Hawaii”, in the album ‘Brainwashed‘.
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitars: Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock/ Drums: Jim Gordon, Alan White/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann & Carl Radle/ Saxophone: Bobby Keys/ Trumpet: Jim Price.
Get Back (Jam)
Recorded on July 1, 1970. It has been drastically shortened to 2:02, when in Bootleg we have it complete with a duration of 2:48 (in both sources the tape starts trimmed but in the 2021 mix there is an additional second at the beginning with the sound of the tape spinning).
Vocals & Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitar: Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, Dave Mason/ Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock/ Drums: Jim Gordon/ Bass Guitar: Carl Radle/ Saxophone: Bobby Keys/ Trumpet: Jim Price.
Almost 12 Bar Honky Tonk (Jam) NEW
Recorded on July 3, 1970. Instrumental improvisation.
Guitar: George Harrison/ Guitar: Eric Clapton / Keyboards: Billy Preston, Bobby Whitlock/ Drums: Ginger Baker/ Bass Guitar: Klaus Voormann/ Saxophone: Bobby Keys.
It’s Johnny’s Birthday (Take 1) NEW
Recorded on October 7, 1970. Although only one take was necessary, additional overdubs were made. Here we have it with a guitar overdub but still without the organ and distorted vocals.
Vocals & Guitars: George Harrison/ Background Vocals: Eddie Klein & Mal Evans.
Woman Don’t You Cry For Me (Take 5??) (Take 6 w/Overdubs) NEW
Recorded on October 7, 1970. Strangely, on the tape box E99487-8T of this session it is shown that Take 5 (along with 2 and 4) were false starts, and the only full take with the same length we now have was Take 6, marked “BEST” to which the guitar overdubs were added (also marked on the tape box) as we can hear.
Vocals & Guitars: George Harrison.
A completely different version was officially included in ‘Early Takes Vol. 1’ and may not belong in the ‘All Things Must Pass’ sessions as was erroneously thought. This song, in a new arrangement, was released on the 1976 album Thirty Three & 1/3.
Great work! (1 thing: I live For You: the 2000 version only retained vocals and slide guitar from the original recording: guitar, drums and bass weree all later overdubs, I believe)
Gracias, Mike. Great review, as usual.
Excellent info as always! Any chance you can provide the take numbers for the album tracks without counterparts on the jams disc — My Sweet Lord, Locked Door, I Dig Love, All Things, Frankie Crisp, Awaiting, Apple Scruffs?
Where to the musician credits for disc 5 come from? Are they included in the new album notes?
Thanks again for your great work, Mike. This is very much appreciated. Just three minor comments:
1. On Isn’t It A Pity (Take 27) it is, according to Dhani Harrison, Nicky Hopkins on piano (this is quite surprising as Nicky Hopkins may have been in the US recording with Quicksilver at the time).
2. In the archival notes of the Uber box, it is suggested Eric Clapton and Dave Mason play the guitars on Take 36 of Run Of The Mill.
3. Your suggested line-up for Almost 12 Bar… is that for I Remember Jeep, which, however, was recorded as early as March 29th, 1969. The whole story about that track is very well covered in Vol. 2 of A Is For Apple by Axel Korinther and Ed Dieckmann.
Best wishes, Andreas
Mike, thanks very much for your work. This is very much appreciated. I have three minor comments:
1. On Isn’t It A Pity, Dhani Harrison surprisingly claims it is Nicky Hopkins on piano. Hopkins, however, may have been in the US at the time, recording with his band Quicksilver Messenger Service.
2. In the archival notes of the Uber box it is suggested that Eric Clapton and Dave Mason share the guitar work on Take 36 of Run Of The Mill.
3. The line-up you list for Almost 12 Bar Honky Tonk is that for I Remember Jeep, which, however, was recorded as early as March 29, 1969 after a Billy Preston-session. I don’t think Ginger Baker played on anything during the ATMP sessions from May to October 1970. Axel Korinth and Ed Dieckmann have the fully story of I Remember Jeep in their excellent A Is For Apple Vol. 2.
Best wishes, Andreas
Re Disc 5: The booklet in the 5CD box indicates Wah-Wah, IHYA, IIAP (both versions) and INFY were all recorded, with master takes identified, by 5 June. You have indicated the official record indicates Carl Radle and Jim Gordon contributed to those songs. I believe they only attended the sessions from 22 June. Does that mean they must have done overdubs at later dates? I have struggled to read parts of the Archival Notes on the video on the Steve Hoffman thread. Was Art of Dying completely re-recorded on 2 June and then again on 23 June? I really would appreciate sight of the Archival Notes. It seems to be small enough to have fitted in the CD box.
Thanks Mike. Great work. I’m a new follower of BB and I’ve been searchin for info about 50th ATMP. You provided the answers!
I am still trying to decipher the contents of the Archival Notes by freezing the pictures from the video on the Steve Hoffman forum (page 313). Recording box E097547-8T is shown on what I think is page 16. It includes the first proper recording session of I’d Have You Anytime – the first 6 takes, of which takes 2, 5 and 6 were the only complete takes. The notes above indicate Take 1 was previously released on Early Takes vol. 1. The box says take 1 was a false start. There is also definitely a mistake in the scrapbook – page 39 of the version in the CD de luxe box set. It says Art Of Dying was recorded first on 26 May. It was definitely included on the second of the studio demo sessions, on 27 May. The 15 songs on CD 4 of the box set are in the same order on the old bootleg “Beware of ABKCO!”. It also seems from the Archival Notes that one take of that song was done on 10 June (probably), but the scrapbook says the recording sessions were only on 2, 23 June and 1 July. All very confusing. At least, having finally been able to read (just about) some of the contents of the recording boxes, I think I know now the master takes of each song, if not the number of takes actually attempted.