Remembering George Harrison: The Music
by Stephanie Kuenn

So it's almost reflective of his career that most news channels have chosen "My Sweet Lord" from All Things Must Pass as The George Harrison Remembrance Song, bypassing some of his better work in favor of his biggest hit.

Admittedly, "My Sweet Lord," with its acoustic guitars, swooping vocals and tender religious yearning, is a lovely song. And its subject matter is appropriate to Harrison's passing. But to call it his definitive work is unfair because "My Sweet Lord" is not entirely his song. Harrison lost a 1976 lawsuit because of the song's striking resemblance to "He's So Fine," a 1962 hit for The Chiffons.

Additionally, Harrison produced such a volume of great work that it's impossible to encapsulate his life and career with just one tune.

So in the spirit of honoring the very things that made George who he was, here are a few other songs to remember him by, all of which deserve to find an audience.

"If I Needed Someone" The song off of Rubber Soul isn't as mature as Harrison's later work, but offers a glimpse of what's to come. One of his earliest compositions, the song shows the influence of The Byrds with its jangly sound. Harrison and The Byrds formed a mutual admiration society in the early '60s, with Harrison calling the group an American version of The Beatles and Roger McGuinn saying he switched to the 12-string Rickenbacker after seeing Harrison play one in A Hard Day's Night. Memorable covers: The Hollies have a nice version. Coincidentally, The Hollies were an early stopping ground of Graham Nash, the future partner of ex-Byrd David Crosby.

"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" This gem from The Beatles' White Album is yet another meditation on love. But "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is not a joyful tribute to romance. Rather, as its title implies, it's of the melancholy variety, admonishing listeners to take notice of the world around them. Memorable covers: Experimental jazz guitarist Marc Ribot interpreted it on Rootless Cosmopolitans in 1990.

"Something" Harrison wrote "Something" for his future wife Patti Boyd, who would later be immortalized by another future husband in "Layla." Harrison's voice never sounded sweeter, describing his affection and her reciprocation amid woozy guitars. It's one of The Beatles' best ballads. Memorable covers: "Something" is one of the most covered songs in the world. In his later years, Frank Sinatra would often perform "Something," attributing it correctly as one of the great love songs of the 20th century and incorrectly as being written by Lennon and McCartney.

"What Is Life?" A fast-paced love song just as tender as "Something," this track off All Things Must Pass boasts one of the best opening guitar lines in rock. "What Is Life" is supremely danceable, featuring brassy horns and a dynamic rhythm section. Plus, producer Phil Spector's Wall of Sound has rarely sounded better than it does here. The sleigh bells are a nice touch. Memorable covers: Built to Spill does a kick-ass live version.

"If Not For You" Bob Dylan wrote the track, but Harrison made it his own, with his trademark swooping guitars and romantic longing. It's odd that Harrison's best songs, including this one, are love songs, while Paul McCartney's similarly themed solo work fails to impress. It's also notable that this tune was recorded as Harrison's marriage to Boyd began to fall apart. Memorable covers: With George's version being a cover itself, it's probably worth recommending the original Dylan version from New Morning. Also, Olivia Newton-John performed it.

One of the great things about music is that it lasts forever, whether it's an original performance or an interesting reinterpretation. It's always a sad day when a great musician dies. With these songs, music fans across the world have a little piece of him that's still living.

E-mail Stephanie Kuenn at smkuenn at gmail dot com.