What I Listened To This Week

George Harrison - My Sweet Lord

I went to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2 on Monday night and that’s put me in a bit of a late 60’s/early 70’s mood for much of the week. The series is known for it’s great soundtrack (I’d kill for that job!) and I’ve had a hard time turning this off:

The biggest hit from his first solo album All Things Must Pass, often considered the solo album by a former Beatle, to me this song gets to the essence of George Harrison. A sweet melody, references to Indian mysticism, and expressive slide playing are all integral parts of the song. They come together to create swirling ‘wall of sound’ (Phil Spector produced alongside Harrison) that is more Blind Faith than The Beatles.

Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac - Need Your Love So Bad

Maintaining the theme of restrained by expressive guitar playing, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac have been getting a lot of airplay. One of the most underrated blues guitarists of all time – though everyone says that now – Peter Green’s version of Fleetwood Mac were a real blues band:

I think I first saw this track on a set list for a blues jam and it is beautiful. Green’s opening solo is graceful, heartfelt, and cries the blues. But while there is no doubting his blues pedigree his playing is unique – listen to his phrasing right at the end of the intro (0:25 onwards).

Cream - Badge 

Finally, because all things comes in threes, another great blues guitarist, though slightly better known:

I couldn’t tell you the first time I heard this, it’s been on albums my dad played my whole life. What I can tell you is that it’s an amazing song. I love the opening bass line, and Jack Bruce’s playing drives the whole song. Right up until the bridge where all of sudden Eric Clapton takes over, plays a monster of a solo and the song never quite recovers. It’s amazing.