Thirty Three & 1/3 (Bonus Track Version) [Remastered]

iTunes Review

George Harrison’s greatest musical contributions have been mostly his tasteful guitar work and ability to accentuate his surroundings without ever taking over the stage. While he has written several all-time classics (“Something,” “Here Comes the Sun”), songwriting has never been his strongest suit. Cole Porter’s “True Love” (originally crooned by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly in the film High Society) is arguably the finest song here. Harrison gives it a spirited run and it leads him away from the philosophical glumness that often makes him sound more dour than the music he provides. “Crackerbox Palace” is a piece of pure Beatles pop, while “This Song,” which became a radio hit, addresses the ludicrous lawsuit he lost over his hit “My Sweet Lord” sounding too much like the Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine.” “It’s What You Value” and “Dear One” follow Harrison’s serious side, however, “True Love” and even the spiritually questioning “Learning How to Love You” mine the romantic side he brings forth with his usual fluid guitar playing and the use of his impeccable backing band.