I recently reviewed George Harrison’sWonderwall Musicand wrote my mind had difficulty stretching that far. When it comes to hisElectronic Soundalbum there is little doubt that the music is outside my comprehension on a number of levels.
The origins of the album began with a Jackie Lomax recording session where George Harrison became fascinated with the Moog synthesizer. This instrument was in its infancy as Robert Moog had invented and continued to perfect it throughout the sixties. While such groups as The Doors, The Rolling Stones, and even The Monkees had used it early on in its history, it was Walter Carlos’Switched On Bach,released in 1968, that propelled the instrument into the public eye. It would quickly become an important part of rock music.
Electronic Soundis not music in the usual sense of the word. It is more an accumulation of sounds. There are only two long, jam like tracks. “Under The Mersey Wall,” with some racecar noises is meditative for want of a better word. “No Time Or Space” clocks in at 25 minutes and is a difficult listen as there is no flow. What it does contain is some belches and farts among other sounds.
It was a commercial failure for Harrison as it only reached number 191 on the American album charts. Also of note is the fact it was one of only two releases on the Zapple Label.
A controversy exists as to how much of the album was created by synthesizer expert Bernie Krause.
Electronic Soundremains a curiosity within the George Harrison catalogue. He quickly abandoned the concept and would create one of the most memorable albums in rock history. It is only for die hard fans.
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