Introduction
"12 Arnold Grove" is a 1997 album by the late George Harrison, a former member of The Beatles. It is named after the street address of his childhood house in Liverpool, England. This 11-track album was launched after a long hiatus of practically 7 years, considering that his last album, "Cloud Nine". Although the album isn't as extensively known as some of his other works, it showcases Harrison's musicianship and songwriting skills.
Background and Recording
The album was tape-recorded between 1996 and 1997, at Harrison's house studio in Henley-on-Thames, England. It includes artists such as Jeff Lynne (from Electric Light Orchestra) and Dhani Harrison, George's kid. Harrison was understood to be a perfectionist in the studio, and this is evident in the thoroughly crafted songs on "12 Arnold Grove".
One considerable element of the recording process was using Harrison's collection of classic guitars. These instruments supply the album with its unique, warm noise. In addition, Harrison's signature slide guitar is included plainly throughout the record.
Track Listing and Themes
"12 Arnold Grove" features a varied collection of songs, both thematically and musically. The tracks are as follows:
1. My Sweet Lord (2000)
2. Run Of The Mill
3. Pisces Fish
4. Looking For My Life
5. Blue Moon Of Kentucky
6. Increasing Sun
7. Unknown Delight
8. Marwa Blues
9. Lay His Head
10. P2 Vatican Blues (Last Saturday Night).
11. Sat Singing.
Styles present throughout the album consist of spirituality, self-reflection, and the passage of time. Songs like "My Sweet Lord (2000)" and "Rising Sun" showcase Harrison's interest in Eastern spiritual approaches, while "Run Of The Mill" and "Pisces Fish" are reflective numbers that evaluate life from a wistful, thoughtful point of view. The only non-original tune on the album, "Blue Moon Of Kentucky", is a cover of the Bill Monroe timeless and showcases Harrison's love for American roots music.
Throughout the album, Harrison's guitar work and vocal performances are both skilled and emotive. Crucial tracks like "Marwa Blues" let the guitars do the talking, while others like "Sat Singing" and "Lay His Head" provide us a glance into Harrison's songwriting capabilities and vulnerable lyrics.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, "12 Arnold Grove" received mixed evaluations from music critics. Some praised the album for its reflective nature and songwriting, while others found it to be less interesting than Harrison's previous records. In spite of these combined reviews, "12 Arnold Grove" has maintained a faithful fanbase who appreciate its unique mix of impacts and reflective styles.
Tradition
Although "12 Arnold Grove" is not widely known in contrast to Harrison's other works, it stays a fundamental part of his discography. The album demonstrates his commitment to his craft, in addition to his ability to blend different musical categories and themes into a cohesive whole.
In the years because its release, several tracks from the album have been consisted of in numerous Harrison collections, such as 2009's "Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison". While "12 Arnold Grove" may not be discussed among Harrison's most well known works, it stands as an intimate and genuine picture of the artist's life and personal journey.
Artist: George Harrison
George Harrison, English musician, film producer, and member of The Beatles. Discover his journey from the band to solo success, and his impact on music and film.
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