If one truly embraces Harrison's own philosophical foundations, Brainwashed isn't really a posthumous release at all. Completed by longtime collaborator/producer Jeff Lynne (Traveling Wilburys, Cloud Nine) and son Dhani Harrison after the ex-Beatle succumbed to a long illness in November of 2001, it's a bittersweet reminder of the myriad contradictions that made Harrison such a compelling figure. Arguably one of the most warm, melodically rich albums of a career pockmarked by personal frankness and professional indifference in its latter years, Harrison finds rewarding ways here to reconcile bitter assessments of the material world (the title track) with more fleshly concerns, the expectations of pop legend with a muse that's familiar (the Wilburyesque "Any Road"), if sometimes as trendy as high-button shoes, as his jaunty take on the Arlen/Koehler chestnut, "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea", with George on ukulele and Jools Holland on roadhouse piano ably demonstrates. With the singer's distinctive voice dry and pushed to the forefront and his trademark slide guitar riffs as sinewy as ever, Lynne's showcase production is mostly spot-on and refreshingly restrained, while Dhani Harrison brings his own fresh, touchingly personal insights to the record. He's double-tracked his own voice onto an old recording of his father chanting the traditional "Namah Parvati" and appended it as the album's spiritual benediction, a touching reminder that while musicians come and go, music can truly embody their spirit forever. --Jerry McCulley

CD Description

Posthumous final solo album from the erstwhile Beatle, featuring songs demoed just before his death in November 2001. Completed by Harrison's son Dhani and his longtime collaborator, ELO's Jeff Lynne, this collection showcases his languid lead guitar work and his long-running spiritual and political themes. Includes a Hoagy Carmichael cover, 'Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea'. This special edition includes a bonus DVD with a feature on the making of the album.

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5.0 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)

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30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fitting Farewell, 20 Nov 2002

By	L. J. GUEST "philguest" (UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This album will not dissappoint George Harrison fans around the world. With peaceful melodies, beautiful slide guitar and deeply spiritual lyrics, this music reflects the inner soul of a man who has found his happiness. Centred around Harrison, his son, Dhani, and Jeff Lynne, all the songs are guitar based, and are free from any of the pressures to create songs to please the public. This is George at his most relaxed and reflective. "Stuck Inside a Cloud" has a haunting melody that will stuck inside your brain and pleasingly linger. "Mawra Blues" is a rare instrumental, and one of the best tracks on the album: with beautiful Pink Floydish slide guitar, a peaceful tune, Indian thumb cymbals, and wisps of Eastern sitar riffs. The title track "Brainwashed" is upbeat, lively, with George castigating all the trappings of modern life. The ending will surprise many, with George chanting a peaceful Indian mantra, as if singing his way to heaven. This album is a joy. Pleasing too that George was happy to the end. Te DVD also is a traet, giving a rare insight into how George makes his music.

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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Glories to George Harrison, 22 Nov 2002

By	Dudley Serious - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

It was rumoured that George considered calling this album “Portrait of a Leg End”! “Brainwashed” sadly must stand as his epitaph following the untimely death of one of rock music’s good guys. If George was suffering while he recorded this it is not apparent in the music, which has a vitality making it all the more poignant in the circumstances. His trademark slide guitar is deployed to good effect, not least on the jaunty opening number “Any Road”, which also displays his sardonic wit and wisdom in lines like “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”

George’s love of ukulele is also apparent and in his hands it is no George Formby-style novelty but an instrument adding a bright, carefree tone to a number of tracks. The album sounds like the work of a man at peace with himself and as such could hardly be a better memorial to his later years. The closing (and title) track, “Brainwashed” is an upbeat, devotional rock anthem with the verve and passion of the best moments from the saffron-hued and incense-infused “Living in the Material World”. It dissolves into a gentle, life affirming mantra, a reminder of George’s own spiritual beliefs. And with that his spirit floats away. Until you go back to play it all again, that is.

If there is any criticism it is that the production is a little too “warm” at times, but it is only a minor criticism and there is still a deftness of touch which Spector’s handling of the classic “All Things Must Pass” sometimes lacked (incidentally the late nineties reissue of “All Things Must Pass” was subtly and very effectively remixed to clear the waters and let the music shine fully – it also has some decent bonus tracks).

The DVD in the limited CD/DVD package of "Brainwashed" contains some interesting interviews with the people involved, including Mr H of course, and footage of them recording the album. It’s worth the extra money and is beautifully packaged too. Portrait of a legend, or a leg end even, indeed! Let’s remember the late, great George Harrison this way.

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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of his best albums in years, but sadly his last, 22 Nov 2002

By A Customer

This album is George's swan song and he goes out in style. The songs are strong and joyful. Jeff Lynne's post production may not be to everyone's taste, but I think it gives George's singing and guitar playing good exposure. Dhani is also a contributor. The DVD supplied in one version of the release is only about 8 or 9 minutes long, so unless you're an obsessive completist, you may consider just the CD.

In summary a top album, listen out for the ukelele, a strong bluesy number (Vatican Blues) and a Hoagy Carmichael: The Devil and the Dep Blue Sea, plus George's fabulous spiritual tinged songs.
To mje it's as good as Living in the Material World.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars One of George's Best Albums
This is a seriously good album by any standards.

Brainwashed displays many of the elements of George's life and beliefs, from his love of 30s music - a charming... Read more

Published 14 months ago by Geoffrey Millar

5.0 out of 5 stars All things must pass, all things must pass away.
It makes you think doesn't it? I mean since the Dark Horse passed on last year you have got to wonder whether or not you think the album is good because of what it contains or... Read more

Published on 25 Jan 2003 by Gerry O'neill

5.0 out of 5 stars A Posthumous Great
Everything you might have expected from George in his final days.
A brilliant set of songs,full of wit,love and emotion. Read more

Published on 25 Nov 2002 by kev merridew

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for the memory George
There was always a danger that George's posthumous release would garner good reviews out of sympathy, but this is not the case. Read more

Published on 18 Nov 2002 by David T. Clancy

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