AARON BADGLEY – DARK HORSE RECORDS: THE STORY OF GEORGE HARRISON’S POST-BEATLES RECORD LABEL
SONICBOND PUBLISHING
BOOK REVIEW BY GERROD HARRIS
The post-Beatles life of George Harrison is often sensationalised for his stellar solo career; however, Harrison as a figure remains fairly enigmatic. For his first ever book, radio host, and music journalist Aaron Badgley has sought to provide a detailed account of a different side of Harrison, one we often forget about when remembering the singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Dark Horse Records: The Story Of George Harrison’s Post-Beatles Record Label sees Badgley set his sights on Harrison the producer and label executive in a compelling way.
Immediately, Dark Horse Records: The Story Of George Harrison’s Post-Beatles Record Label is an incredibly well researched deep dive into Harrison’s life in the ‘70s and beyond. Badgley separates himself from most authors through a unique tone that is both well sourced and with the enthusiasm of a superfan. It is such a voice that makes Dark Horse Records such a passionate read. Badgley’s narrative follows Harrison from his time at Apple Records as he transitioned out of both The Beatles and the ‘60s into the following decade as he started his own label while also expanding his experience as a producer. Through the formation of Dark Horse Records, Badgley extensively traces the releases that would come from the label, along with Harrison’s involvement. Additionally, he focuses on the successes and challenges that running a label posed to Harrison as Dark Horse transitioned out of the early ‘70s.
By following Harrison at a time when he was trying out numerous hats, Badgley effectively shines a light on the legacy of Harrison that broadens his artistry beyond that of his songwriting and records. Throughout the book, much insight is provided not only for Harrison’s own studio albums, but his time collaborating with artists he has signed as a songwriter, performer, and producer. Through this, Badgley paints the picture of Harrison as The Beatle who was invigorated by unknown artists and sought to share that excitement with the world. By doing so, a piece of the mystery and mysticism that surrounds Harrison is revealed that further reaffirms why he remains my favourite Beatle.
Through highly extensive research, Dark Horse Records: The Story Of George Harrison’s Post-Beatles Record Label provides an in-depth look at Harrison’s ventures beyond The Beatles. Badgley has done an excellent job at breathing a sense of life into such a niche element of history through his critical insight and genuine excitement for the subject. Ultimately, Dark Horse Records: The Story Of George Harrison’s Post-Beatles Record Label is a Beatles book unlike any other out there and will prove to be a must read for fans of the band, Harrison, and ‘70s popular music alike.
ISBN-10: 1789522870
ISBN-13: 978-1789522877
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