Year 2001 Annual Review

2001 began as it ended - with George Harrison news - in this case, the reissue of his classic “All Things Must Pass” album. A collection that holds up surprisingly well after 30 years. His recording of “My Sweet Lord 2000" had a dual aspect: fans were grateful that he was able to make the effort after his 1999 knife attack; however, the obvious strain in his voice was a reminder that all was not well with George and served as an indication of his frail mortality. The media reports of various cancer treatments during the spring, summer and fall of 2001 further underscored this point. Harrison’s denials of ill health - including the recording of  “A Horse To The Water” on October 1st - demonstrated the same bravery that was evident in late 1999. When Harrison did pass on to the next life, he did so on his own terms with dignity, away from the constant glare of the media circus.

Paul McCartney spent the first part of 2001 with projects that in one way or another, paid tribute to his late wife, Linda. The “Wingspan” documentary was really the Paul and Linda McCartney story, was lovingly compiled by their daughter, Mary and her husband, using much of the family’s home movie footage. The other members of  “Wings” were presented as secondary figures. The companion CD went to #2 on the Billboard album chart and served as a concise overview of the “Wings” years. Other McCartney projects included a poetry book, “Blackbird Singing: Poems and Lyrics 1965-1999" which set off a round of poetry readings, talk show appearances and book signings.

In mid February, Paul began the recording of what was to become “Driving Rain.” Just prior to its November 13th release, came Paul McCartney’s  response to the events of September 11th: the spearheading of  “The Concert For New York City.” This event seemed to galvanize Paul’s spirit and redefine his public persona. With this concert and his “Freedom” single, the public saw an empowered Paul McCartney, a person of action, set apart from his image as “the cute Beatle.” In a sense, it was a similar transformation to the one US president George W. Bush had undergone in response to the same event. From late September onward, Liverpool’s favourite son became an honourary citizen of New York - and it did his image a world of good.

Unfortunately, no amount of public goodwill or initially favourable reviews could help “Driving Rain” ascend the charts. For its first week, “Driving Rain” debuted at number #47 in the UK and at #26 in the US and dropped very quickly thereafter. It deserved a much better fate. Of course, as we now know, a few weeks later, Paul would have a much more serious concern than his faltering album sales - he was about to lose one of the men who helped him start it all.

In terms of Paul’s current position as a recording artist, this year seemed to communicate a rather ironic message. In 2001, when he released retrospective material i.e. “Wingspan,” it did very well - it practically sold itself, in a manner similar to the Beatles “1” album. However, his new, unfamiliar material was treated very differently in the marketplace. It will be interesting to see how Paul addresses this challenge in the coming years - as I suspect he will attempt to do so.

All was relatively quiet in the Lennon camp this year - although his spirit was evoked in a variety of venues. Lennon's "Imagine" reenterd the charts in response to the attack on the US, as many people  flocked to Strawberry Fields to mourn the victims. Neil Young perfomed a moving cover version of "Imagine" during "The Tribute To Heroes" concert. TNT's "Come Together: A Night For John Lennon" was first postponed, then given an altered perspective after Septembr 11th.

October 23rd saw the rerelease of John and Yoko’s “Milk and Honey” album. The reissue was consistent with the others in terms of improved sound and artwork. For newer fans, this release is particularly welcome since this album has been officially unavailable for several years. Just prior to its release, Yoko released her latest CD, “Blueprint For A Sunrise” on what would have been John’s 61st birthday. Naturally, this caused many Beatles fans to (unkindly) speculate on how John may have regarded his latest “birthday gift.”

Ringo Starr had a relatively quiet year. After many delays, Ringo and the All Starr Band’s 3 CD live set, “The 'Anthology...So Far' “ was released on February 5th in the UK and in the US on July 24th. (A companion DVD was released by Image Entertainment in October.) Although there may be people who would alter the song selections, this “All Starr” retrospective is well balanced and entertaining. It captures the spirit of the live shows and bears up to repeat listenings. The US release date of the CD set coincided with the latest summer tour, which included Sheila E., Roger Hodgson, Ian Hunter, Greg Lake and Howard Jones. Sadly, around the time of George Harrison’s death, it was reported that Ringo’s daughter, Lee, was being treated for cancer in Boston.

Speaking of offspring, Julian Lennon released a “best of” CD in September and Sean Lennon signed a recording contact with Capitol Records in late October.

And what about the little band from Liverpool that broke up more than 30 years ago? Well, thanks to its 8 week placement on top of the Billboard charts (which began in late 2000) the Beatles “1" album was named the top selling CD of 2001. Ironically, this was the first time that the Beatles ever had the top selling album of the year! This feat placed them above best-selling contemporary acts like Shaggy, the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, Destiny's Child, and Alicia Keys - and landed them on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in February. That same month, the Beatles "1" album topped the charts in 34 different countries.

Now for 2002....

The known

On December 3rd, Capitol announced the rerelease of “My Sweet Lord” slated for January 15th, as a tribute to George Harrison. Backed by "Let It Down'' and “My Sweet Lord 2000," the proceeds from the single will go to The Material World Charitable Foundation, which supports other charities worldwide, with particular emphasis on children and the poor.

On December 10th, the “Billboard” web site ran an “Artist of the Day” interview with Paul McCartney, conducted before George Harrison's death. During this interview, McCartney revealed that some of the songs recorded during the "Driving Rain" sessions were being held over for the next release. Possible song titles are "Washington" and "You Are Still Here."

On November 10th, Paul McCartney’s latest classical work, "Ecce cor Meum" (Behold My Heart) a 45 minute oratorio for choir and chamber orchestra, premiered at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, performed by the Magdalen College Choir. A CD release can be expected for 2002.

The speculative

Capitol had intended to reissue “The Concert For Bangla Desh” in January 2002, but this is now postponed. A final Harrison album may emerge sometime in 2002. Other reissue plans are uncertain at this time. A hardcover book on George is being published this spring by Rolling Stone press. Just before New Year's, there was an Australia news wire report that claimed that George would be posthumously knighted in 2002.

In addition to the “Driving Rain” followup, the “Wingspan” box set and book may appear as early as this spring. Paul may also do some live appearances this spring.

Another Ringo studio album (recorded with Mark Hudson) was mentioned during his 60th birthday interview with Entertainment Weekly. No details have emerged since.

Hopefully, reissues of John Lennon’s “Mind Games” and “Walls and Bridges”are forthcoming.

A follow up to the successful Beatles “1" album was planned for 2002. No details yet as to track selection or concept. It would also be nice to see the long delayed rerelease of “A Hard Day’s Night” on DVD.