OK Documentary, Try Not to Fall Asleep

I enjoy the Beatles as well as Harrison’s subsequent efforts, in music and film. But there is something tedious about this documentary. Harrison is, was, basically, a musician and I want more of his music and its inspirations. I really don’t give a hoot about his millionaire mysticism or with whom he swapped spit and other fluids. I don’t really care what other smarmy musicians (Clapton, McCartney) opine about Harrison as they slap themselves on their backs, any more than I care about a sports figure’s politics and likes/dislikes. In fact, other than a musician playing music, anything else is simply voyeuristic for the watcher and exhibitionistic for the performer – in a field that is not what the performer is famous for. So what, Miles!

I would be more interested in the music, the guitars, the amplification, the tech, the lyrics, the melodies and musical styles of writing and playing. How about just the playing, straight up, no chaser? How does a scandal sheet or soap opera approach pay tribute to a musician? It does not. And certainly not for over 3 hours. I do not care about Harrison’s home (castle) or a discussion of building another kitchen for convenience. Of course, some anecdotal tangents are inevitable: the Hell's Angels ripping apart a 24 pound turkey is a funny one. But hey, wow, Lennon poured a beer on a female pianist – living in the material world??? I guess. What’s next – the type of toilet paper Harrison preferred – one-ply or two? Who cares? I don’t.

Musicians make music and do not automatically become philosophical experts on life and living due to the fact that fame and fortune – and lots of luck – has followed them. If Harrison is not doing music, I’d often be as happy talking to you, the reader, as I would with Harrison. Now, "The Last Waltz" is another matter - more of a musical matter.




KIAI ... please.