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Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)
Review written by Anonymous, September 27th, 2006
Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) a good but certainly the strangest song you'll hear on the "All Things Must Pass".
Phil Spector's trademark, and sometimes controversial "Wall of Sound" production, gives the record it's echoey 60s R&B sound. The reverb sound surely dates this record but I think it's absolutely essential. I suspect without Spector, these songs would have the much starker, "Living in the Material World" production.
The cryptic lyrics are based off of phrases written around George's Friar Park home. The most striking thing about the song, is the odd atmosphere that pervades the track. It could easily be forgotten amongst the records many great track but the songs puzzling lyrics and somber atmosphere just draw you in. "Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp" is driven by a pleasing piano riff and light acoustic guitar but it's the haunting slide guitar that makes the track. Now, forget the naysayers, who think George can't sing. Can you hear the anguish and SOUL in George's voice exclaims "Let it roll!"? Just one example on this record where Harrison proves he CAN outdo McCartney or Lennon when it comes to soul.
The song deserves atleast a 3.5. It isn't a song you'll immediately go back to but after several listens, you'll be drawn in by it's cryptic nature. You just have to "Let it roll."