George Harrison

The Dark Horse Years 1976 - 1992 box set includes six digitally re-mastered albums, all originally issued on Harrison’s own Dark Horse Label, along with previously unreleased bonus tracks and an exclusive DVD. Perhaps the most informative portion of the box set, the DVD footage shows Harrison going into detail on the origins and inspiration behind creating the Dark Horse label, and the creative personal development that it promoted. The DVD also contains loads of live footage and video performances, including performances alongside Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, among others. For die-hard fans of the so called ‘quiet’ Beatle, the DVD gives an ever so important glimpse into the often overlooked charisma, as well as the seriousness and depth of the man who once sang about his guitar’s depression.

As one might expect, the digital re-mastering is to the benefit of only the keenest of ears. The real upside to having the CDs in this collection, however, is to put the ‘Dark Horse’ years into the context of George Harrison’s career. The all encompassing box set helps to individualize the former Beatle, not only as a man that created great work after the Beatles, but as a man who had a particular musical focus during his extensive solo career. The collection also brings to light many of the songs that never really got much airtime and recognition, but are classics nonetheless.

The extensive set contains Thirty Three &1/3, George Harrison, Somewhere in England, Gone Troppo, Cloud Nine, Live in Japan, and The Dark Horse Years Exclusive DVD. Each album contains previously unreleased bonus tracks, along with 12 page booklets, including lyrics and new photographs. The DVD, except for the four concert performances is in 5.1 Surround in both Dolby Digital and DTS formats.