Dark Horse

George Harrison
 
Dark Horse - Front cover Dark Horse - Rear Cover
Dark Horse - Front Cover Dark Horse - Rear Cover
Dark Horse - Inside Gatefold
Dark Horse - Inside Gatefold
Label Apple
Catalogue No. PAS 10008
Release date 20th December 1974
Total time 41:19
U.K. Album Chart Detail : Did NOT Chart.
Detail : George Harrison's sixth solo album release.

The album was recorded in George's home studio's at Friars Park, Henley (F.P.S.H.O.T.) and at A & M studios in L.A. during September and October 1974. The project was rushed as George wanted to complete it before starting his first solo tour of America at the end of '74. This was partially the cause of George`s laryngitis at that time, and this can be heard in some of the vocals.

The album cover was designed by Tom Wilkes, with photography by Terry Doran. The front cover shows a school photograph of George which has been amended with hand-colouring, while the other snaps were taken in the gardens of Friars Park. The picture inside the gatefold has George walking with Peter Sellers. The inner sleeve has the album credits, while the lyrics were included on a single sheet insert. The label photographs taken by Henry Grossman are of George and his future second wife, Olivia.

E.M.I in the U.K. must have used an American master disc, as the U.S. catalogue number (SMAS 1 3418) can be seen in the run-out groove.


Side 1

Track Composer Recording Information Time
Hari's On Tour (Express) Harrison Instrumental.
George - Guitar
Robben Ford - Guitar
Max Bennett - Bass
John Guerin - Drums
Roger Kellaway - Piano
Tom Scott - Horns.
4:43
Simply Shady Harrison Written in Bombay, about George's split with Patti.
George - Guitar
Robben Ford - Guitar
Max Bennett - Bass
John Guerin - Drums
Roger Kellaway - Piano
Tom Scott - Horns.
4:37
So Sad Harrison George - Guitars and the other things
Ringo - Drums
Willie Weeks - Bass
Nicky Hopkins - Piano.
5:00
Bye Bye Love F.Bryant-B.Bryant An old classic, with words amended by George which refer to Patti running off with Eric Clapton. Eric plays lead guitar on this track.
Patti on backing vocal
George - everything else.
4:07
Maya Love Harrison George - Guitars and the other things
Andy Newmark - Drums
Willie Weeks - Bass
Billy Preston - Electric piano
Tom Scott - Horns
4:22

Side 2

Track Composer Recording Information Time
Ding Dong Ding Dong Harrison See Ding Dong the single release.
This song was inspired by engravings at his Henley home.
3:39
Dark Horse Harrison See Dark Horse the single release. Written and recorded in America, in fact this was recorded live in one take with the backing band during rehearsals for the tour.
George then used this title when he needed a name for his own publishing and record companies.
3:53
Far East Man Harrison-Wood Written for Ronnie Wood's L.P. "I've Got My Own Album To Do", and inspired by a t-shirt that Ronnie wore after The Faces far east tour. This version has altered lyrics and arrangement for George making the tune his own. 5:50
It Is "He" Harrison Written by George about his experiences at Brindabin in India. 4:47


Released Versions

First pressings (1974)
    PAS 10008 - Gatefold sleeve with inner sleeve is worth about £10.
                          It is Deleted in 1978.

27th November 1980 "Dark Horse" is re-issued on E.M.I.'s budget label, Music For Pleasure, with catalogue number MFP 50510.

C.D.

27th January 1992, a first C.D. issue on Parlophone with catalogue number CD PAS 10008 with no bonus tracks.



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