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As I was walking around town the other day listening to Extra Texture, the album ended and the bonus track came on. This is a version of the third song on Side 1 — “This Guitar (Can’t Keep from Crying)” — recorded years later with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame. I found myself liking it a lot, and it even made me reconsider being so dismissive of the original song.
It’s hard to say exactly what year it dates from. Wikipedia sez,
Former Eurythmic Dave Stewart recalls recording a version of “This Guitar” with Harrison in London. The recording was made in 1992 and, over ten years later, Ringo Starr, Dhani Harrison and Kara DioGuardi overdubbed contributions on drums, acoustic guitar and backing vocals, respectively. The song was then published over the internet to promote Stewart’s Platinum Weird project, in March 2006 – over four years after Harrison’s death from cancer at the age of 58.
It’s interesting that the first lines are
Found myself out on a limb
But I’m happier than I’ve ever been
When, by all accounts, the song dates from a low point in George’s life. Maybe the general perception is wrong? Or maybe George was putting on a brave face?
Well, who can say? And this is where I hear that voice asking if speculating on the mindstate of a dead rock star 50 years ago is really the best use of my time. Hard to believe that it is, though I’m hard-pressed to think of a better one. Just wanted to share that song.
While I’ve got your attention, this Thursday at 3 PM Pacific, I’ll be guest-hosting the Beatles hour on humboldthotair.org. Tune in if you can.
At some point, Krishna was no longer doing it for George and he discovered cocaine, apparently. Did I ever tell you the story of my friend Rosie Vela (Vogue cover model and recording artist) when she was living next door to George and he invited her over to meet the Traveling Wilburys? Call for details.