Extra Texture (Read All About It)
Encyclopedia
Extra Texture is an album by George Harrison
which was released in 1975. Following the Dark Horse debacle, Extra Texture (Read All About It) was Harrison's last album under his contract with Apple Records
(and also the last studio album on Apple) and EMI
, all set to embark on his own Dark Horse Records
imprint, initially distributed by A&M Records
.
Once Harrison allowed himself some needed time to rest following the events of 1974 and busied himself with other Dark Horse acts, he finally got around to recording his "contractual obligation" album - the bulk of which was cut at A&M Studios
in Los Angeles
in the summer of 1975. Among the musicians he used to record Extra Texture (Read All About It) were Jim Keltner
on drums, Leon Russell
on piano, and a young David Foster
- then contracted with Dark Horse Records with a band called Attitudes
- who provided three string arrangements and keyboards. Different bass guitar
ists appear on nearly every track, and include Klaus Voormann
, Carl Radle
, Paul Stallworth, Willie Weeks
, and Harrison himself, playing synthesized Arp bass.
Specially for the album, Harrison completed "You
", a song he had intended for Ronnie Spector
to record, and which went no further than its backing track back in 1971. It subsequently became a Top 20 hit in the United States, and reached #38 in the United Kingdom. The follow-up single in February 1976, "This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying)
" - a lyrical sequel to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps
" - was the last new release on Apple Records
until the label was revived in the 1990s, and also the first solo Beatles single to miss the charts. "Ooh Baby (You Know That I Love You)" was the first of two Smokey Robinson
tributes Harrison would release.
Extra Texture (Read All About It) was better received than Dark Horse by the critics, though it was still considered slightly below par by the general public. Harrison himself would later designate the album as his worst. The album reached #8 in the US - his last Top 10 album there for twelve years - and went gold, while reaching #16 in the UK.
Points of interest: Perhaps a joke referencing the impending demise of The Beatles' Apple Records label, the Apple logo is presented on Extra Texture (Read All About It) as an eaten away apple core. In addition, Harrison is pictured on the inside jacket with the caption "OHNOTHIMAGEN" ("Oh not him again"); a humorous take on Harrison's dwindling popularity at this time. The album's title is a pun on the slogan that street corner paperboy
s would yell out to sell "extra" late-breaking news editions of their newspapers: "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!"
Extra Texture (Read All About It) was remastered for CD release in 1992.
George Harrison
George Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
which was released in 1975. Following the Dark Horse debacle, Extra Texture (Read All About It) was Harrison's last album under his contract with Apple Records
Apple Records
Apple Records is a record label founded by The Beatles in 1968, as a division of Apple Corps Ltd. It was initially intended as a creative outlet for the Beatles, both as a group and individually, plus a selection of other artists including Mary Hopkin, James Taylor, Badfinger, and Billy Preston...
(and also the last studio album on Apple) and EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
, all set to embark on his own Dark Horse Records
Dark Horse Records
Dark Horse Records is a record label founded by George Harrison in 1974.-History:Harrison had recorded for EMI under a contract which expired in 1976. All his subsequent recordings were released through Dark Horse Records, starting with Thirty Three & 1/3 in 1976 and ending with Live in Japan in 1992...
imprint, initially distributed by A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
.
Once Harrison allowed himself some needed time to rest following the events of 1974 and busied himself with other Dark Horse acts, he finally got around to recording his "contractual obligation" album - the bulk of which was cut at A&M Studios
Henson Recording Studios
Henson Recording Studios was established in 2000 at the former A&M Studios. The remake of We Are the World was recorded at Henson Recording Studios in February 2010 to benefit the Haiti earthquake victims....
in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in the summer of 1975. Among the musicians he used to record Extra Texture (Read All About It) were Jim Keltner
Jim Keltner
James Lee "Jim" Keltner is an American drummer known primarily for his session work. He has contributed to the work of many well-known artists...
on drums, Leon Russell
Leon Russell
Claude Russell Bridges , known professionally as Leon Russell, is an American musician and songwriter, who has recorded as a session musician, sideman, and maintained a solo career in music....
on piano, and a young David Foster
David Foster
David Walter Foster, OC, OBC , is a Canadian musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger, noted for discovering singers such as Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Charice Pempengco; and for producing some of the most successful artists in the world, such as Céline Dion, Toni...
- then contracted with Dark Horse Records with a band called Attitudes
David Foster
David Walter Foster, OC, OBC , is a Canadian musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger, noted for discovering singers such as Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Charice Pempengco; and for producing some of the most successful artists in the world, such as Céline Dion, Toni...
- who provided three string arrangements and keyboards. Different bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
ists appear on nearly every track, and include Klaus Voormann
Klaus Voormann
Klaus Voormann is a German Grammy Award-winning artist, noted musician, and record producer. He designed artwork for many bands including The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Wet Wet Wet and Turbonegro. His most notable work as a producer was his work with the band Trio, including their worldwide hit "Da Da...
, Carl Radle
Carl Radle
Carl Dean Radle was a bass guitarist who toured and recorded with many of the most influential recording artists of the late 1960s and 1970s...
, Paul Stallworth, Willie Weeks
Willie Weeks
Willie Weeks is an American bass guitarist. He has gained fame performing with famous musicians in a wide variety of genres. He has been one of the most in-demand session musicians throughout his career. Weeks has also gained notoriety touring with many of rock's heavyweights throughout his career...
, and Harrison himself, playing synthesized Arp bass.
Specially for the album, Harrison completed "You
You (George Harrison song)
"You" is a single by George Harrison from his 1975 album Extra Texture . "You" charted as #38 in the United Kingdom and as #20 in USA.-Background:"You" was originally recorded for Ronnie Spector, who did not end up using the track...
", a song he had intended for Ronnie Spector
Ronnie Spector
Veronica Yvette "Ronnie" Spector is an American rock and roll and popular music vocalist, and was the lead singer of the 1960s hit-making girl group, The Ronettes, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. She is known as the "original bad girl of rock and roll."-Personal...
to record, and which went no further than its backing track back in 1971. It subsequently became a Top 20 hit in the United States, and reached #38 in the United Kingdom. The follow-up single in February 1976, "This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying)
This Guitar (Can't Keep from Crying)
"This Guitar " is a song by George Harrison and the third track on his 1975 studio album Extra Texture . In December 1975, the song was released as the second single from that album in the United States, failing to chart in any singles chart...
" - a lyrical sequel to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is a song by George Harrison, first recorded by The Beatles in 1968 for their eponymous double album...
" - was the last new release on Apple Records
Apple Records
Apple Records is a record label founded by The Beatles in 1968, as a division of Apple Corps Ltd. It was initially intended as a creative outlet for the Beatles, both as a group and individually, plus a selection of other artists including Mary Hopkin, James Taylor, Badfinger, and Billy Preston...
until the label was revived in the 1990s, and also the first solo Beatles single to miss the charts. "Ooh Baby (You Know That I Love You)" was the first of two Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy...
tributes Harrison would release.
Extra Texture (Read All About It) was better received than Dark Horse by the critics, though it was still considered slightly below par by the general public. Harrison himself would later designate the album as his worst. The album reached #8 in the US - his last Top 10 album there for twelve years - and went gold, while reaching #16 in the UK.
Points of interest: Perhaps a joke referencing the impending demise of The Beatles' Apple Records label, the Apple logo is presented on Extra Texture (Read All About It) as an eaten away apple core. In addition, Harrison is pictured on the inside jacket with the caption "OHNOTHIMAGEN" ("Oh not him again"); a humorous take on Harrison's dwindling popularity at this time. The album's title is a pun on the slogan that street corner paperboy
Paperboy
A paperboy is the general name for a person employed by a newspaper, They are often used around the office to run low end errands. They make copies and distribute them. Paperboys traditionally were and are still often portrayed on television and movies as preteen boys, often on a bicycle...
s would yell out to sell "extra" late-breaking news editions of their newspapers: "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!"
Extra Texture (Read All About It) was remastered for CD release in 1992.
Side One
All songs written and composed by George HarrisonGeorge Harrison
George Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
- "YouYou (George Harrison song)"You" is a single by George Harrison from his 1975 album Extra Texture . "You" charted as #38 in the United Kingdom and as #20 in USA.-Background:"You" was originally recorded for Ronnie Spector, who did not end up using the track...
" – 3:41- Backing track cut in February 1971 and intended for Ronnie SpectorRonnie SpectorVeronica Yvette "Ronnie" Spector is an American rock and roll and popular music vocalist, and was the lead singer of the 1960s hit-making girl group, The Ronettes, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. She is known as the "original bad girl of rock and roll."-Personal...
; finished in 1975 for this album - Covered by Lisa MycholsLisa MycholsLisa Mychols is a singer-songwriter currently living in or around Los Angeles, California. Her first solo album, Lost Winter's Dream, a seasonally-themed masterpiece of 60s-inspired pop, was recorded with the help of Darian Sahanaja and Nick Walusko in 1991 and had a limited release in Japan that...
for the tribute album
- Backing track cut in February 1971 and intended for Ronnie Spector
- "The Answer's at the End" – 5:32
- Inspired by a wall caption written by Sir Frankie CrispFrank CrispSir Frank Crisp, 1st Baronet was an English lawyer and microscopist.-Life:Crisp's mother died when he was three years old and as a result he was brought up by his grandfather, John Filby Childs. He resolved to take up the law and at 16 was articled to a firm of solicitors...
, the original proprietor of Friar ParkFriar ParkFriar Park is the 120-room Victorian neo-Gothic mansion previously owned by the eccentric Sir Frank Crisp in Henley-on-Thames and bought by the musician George Harrison in 1970, as he left his former home Kinfauns, in Esher.-History:...
, which Harrison purchased in 1970
- Inspired by a wall caption written by Sir Frankie Crisp
- "This Guitar (Can't Keep from Crying)This Guitar (Can't Keep from Crying)"This Guitar " is a song by George Harrison and the third track on his 1975 studio album Extra Texture . In December 1975, the song was released as the second single from that album in the United States, failing to chart in any singles chart...
" – 4:11- A lyrical successor to Harrison's 1968 composition "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
- A second, posthumous, release of the song was published over the Internet in 2006 as part of Dave StewartDavid A. StewartDavid Allan Stewart , often known as Dave Stewart, is an English musician, songwriter and record producer, best known for his work with Eurythmics. He is usually credited as David A. Stewart, to avoid confusion with other musicians named "Dave Stewart".-Early life:Stewart was born in Sunderland,...
's Platinum WeirdPlatinum WeirdPlatinum Weird is a musical collaboration formed in 2004 between Dave Stewart and Kara DioGuardi. It is also the subject of an elaborate hoax placing the band in 1974, including a half hour mockumentary produced for television network VH1 and a series of bogus World Wide Web fan sites and related...
project
- "Ooh Baby (You Know That I Love You)" – 3:59
- A musical tribute to Smokey RobinsonSmokey RobinsonWilliam "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy...
- A musical tribute to Smokey Robinson
- "World of Stone" – 4:40
Side Two
- "A Bit More of You" – 0:45
- A 45-second reprise of the backing track from "You"
- "Can't Stop Thinking About You" – 4:30
- "Tired of Midnight Blue" – 4:51
- Originally titled 'Midnight Blue', but changed to avoid confusion with Melissa ManchesterMelissa ManchesterMelissa Manchester is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Beginning in the 1970s, she has recorded generally in the adult contemporary genre. She has also appeared as an actress on television, in films, and on stage....
's recent hit. It was inspired by George's feelings of frustration during his mother's long illness and subsequent death
- Originally titled 'Midnight Blue', but changed to avoid confusion with Melissa Manchester
- "Grey Cloudy Lies" – 3:41
- "His Name Is Legs (Ladies and Gentlemen)" – 5:46
- Features the vocal antics of "Legs" Larry SmithLarry Smith (musician)"Legs" Larry Smith is the former drummer of the comedy satirical rock group the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.He was originally invited to join by Vivian Stanshall as a tuba player and tap dancer. As the drummer he was a core member of the band and played on their top 5 hit "I'm The Urban Spaceman" and...
, formerly a member of Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band
- Features the vocal antics of "Legs" Larry Smith
Personnel
- George Harrison – vocals, guitar, Moog synthesizer
- Jesse Ed DavisJesse Ed DavisJesse Edwin Davis was an American guitarist. He was well regarded as a session artist. His death in 1988 is attributed to a drug overdose.-Biography:...
– guitar (tracks 3–7, 9) - Chuck FindleyChuck FindleyChuck Findley is an American session musician. Most widely-known as a trumpet player, he also plays other brass instruments such as flugelhorn and trombone...
– horn (tracks 4, 10) - David FosterDavid FosterDavid Walter Foster, OC, OBC , is a Canadian musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger, noted for discovering singers such as Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Charice Pempengco; and for producing some of the most successful artists in the world, such as Céline Dion, Toni...
– organ, electric piano, arp (tracks 1–3, 5–7, 9, 10) - Jim GordonJim Gordon (musician)James Beck "Jim" Gordon is an American recording artist, musician and songwriter. The Grammy Award winner was one of the most requested session drummers in the late 1960s and 1970s, recording albums with many well-known musicians of the time, and was the drummer in the blues-rock supergroup Derek...
– drums (track 1) - Nicky HopkinsNicky HopkinsNicholas Christian "Nicky" Hopkins was an English pianist and organist.He recorded and performed on noted British and American popular music recordings of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s as a session musician....
– piano (tracks 6, 7) - Jim HornJim HornJim Horn is an American saxophonist and woodwind player. He was born in Los Angeles, and after replacing saxophonist Steve Douglas in 1959, he toured with member Duane Eddy for five years, playing sax and flute on the road, and in the recording studio...
– flute, saxophone (track 1) - Jim KeltnerJim KeltnerJames Lee "Jim" Keltner is an American drummer known primarily for his session work. He has contributed to the work of many well-known artists...
– drums, percussion (tracks 1–9) - Dennis Killeen – percussion
- Norm Kinney – percussion (track 2)
- Andy NewmarkAndy NewmarkAndrew "Andy" Newmark is an American musician, best known as a popular session drummer, and for playing with the funk band Sly & the Family Stone from 1972 to 1973....
– drums (track 10) - Billy PrestonBilly PrestonWilliam Everett "Billy" Preston was a musician who gained notoriety and fame, first as a session musician for the likes of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and The Beatles, and later finding fame as a solo artist with hits such as "Space Race", "Will It Go Round in Circles" and "Nothing from...
– electric piano (track 10) - Carl RadleCarl RadleCarl Dean Radle was a bass guitarist who toured and recorded with many of the most influential recording artists of the late 1960s and 1970s...
– bass (track 1) - Emil RichardsEmil RichardsEmil Richards, born Emilio Joseph Radocchia on September 2, 1932 in Hartford, Connecticut, is a percussionist who plays a variety of different percussion instruments.-Biography:...
– percussion - Leon RussellLeon RussellClaude Russell Bridges , known professionally as Leon Russell, is an American musician and songwriter, who has recorded as a session musician, sideman, and maintained a solo career in music....
– piano (tracks 1, 8) - Tom ScottTom Scott (musician)Tom Scott is an American saxophonist, composer, arranger, conductor and bandleader of the west coast jazz/jazz fusion ensemble The L.A. Express.-Biography:Scott was born in Los Angeles, California...
– horn, saxophone (tracks 4, 10) - Legs Larry Smith – vocals (track 10)
- Paul Stallworth – bass, background vocals (tracks 2, 7, 8)
- Klaus VoormannKlaus VoormannKlaus Voormann is a German Grammy Award-winning artist, noted musician, and record producer. He designed artwork for many bands including The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Wet Wet Wet and Turbonegro. His most notable work as a producer was his work with the band Trio, including their worldwide hit "Da Da...
– bass (tracks 4–7) - Willie WeeksWillie WeeksWillie Weeks is an American bass guitarist. He has gained fame performing with famous musicians in a wide variety of genres. He has been one of the most in-demand session musicians throughout his career. Weeks has also gained notoriety touring with many of rock's heavyweights throughout his career...
– bass (track 10) - Gary WrightGary WrightGary Malcolm Wright is an American musician, best known for his song, "Dream Weaver". He was the piano player on Harry Nilsson's version of "Without You".-Early life:...
– organ, electric piano, arp (tracks 1–7)
Chart positions
| Chart (1975) | Position | Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| United States United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
8 | 11 |
| Norwegian VG-lista Albums Chart VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... (top 20) |
8 | 10 |
| Japanese Oricon Weekly LP Chart Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... (top 100) |
9 | 12 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... (top 60) |
16 | 4 |