George Harrison: Ding Dong Ding Dong (1974)

 |   |  <1 min read

George Harrison: Ding Dong Ding Dong (1974)

When George Harrison released this well produced but lightweight song in December '74 on his album Dark Horse, he held great hopes that it would become a New Year's Eve anthem.

He'd actually recorded it around the time of his previous album Living in the Material World and sent an early mix to David Geffen with a note which read, "It's one of them repetitious numbers which is gonna have 20 million people, with Phil Spector nymphomaniacs, all doing backing vocals by the end of the day, and it's gonna be wonderful.

"But I'd appreciate if you don't let anyone steal it 'cos I want the hit myself."

It was not to be.

When the song was released as the first single from Dark Horse (backed with the highly telling, non-album song I Don't Care Anymore which reflected his state of mind) it barely made the top 40 in Britain and the US.

Funny self-deprecating clip though. 

But here it is, relevant only for one night of the year.

Tonight.

For other one-off songs with a bit of history or an interesting back-story see From the Vaults

Share It

Your Comments

post a comment

More from this section   From the Vaults articles index

Brian Eno and David Byrne: The Jezebel Spirit (1981)

Brian Eno and David Byrne: The Jezebel Spirit (1981)

When the Brian Eno and David Byrne album My Life in the Bush of Ghosts appeared in 1981, the musical, social and cultural climate was very different. Hip-hop had yet to establish the widespread use... > Read more

Mel Brooks: To Be Or Not To Be; The Hitler Rap (1984)

Mel Brooks: To Be Or Not To Be; The Hitler Rap (1984)

Very few people -- and arguably only Jewish comedians? -- can get away with making fun of Hitler and the Nazis. Mel Brooks has been relentless in his ridicule which some find tasteless and others... > Read more

Elsewhere at Elsewhere

DAVE LISIK INTERVIEWED (2011): Ancient, contemporary and to the future

DAVE LISIK INTERVIEWED (2011): Ancient, contemporary and to the future

Even a cursory glance at the website for Canadian-born, American-educated and Wellington-resident composer/musician Dave Lisik is impressive for his work ethic. Aside from noting him being a... > Read more

THE FAMOUS ELSEWHERE HIGHLY PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE: Ruby Solly

THE FAMOUS ELSEWHERE HIGHLY PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE: Ruby Solly

When Ruby Solly released her debut album Poneke (Wellington, in te reo) some months ago it barely raised a ripple in most circles. There were no clubland bangers, no radio-friendly pop songs,... > Read more