The first striking thing about George Harrison's posthumous release, Brainwashed, is how insanely infectious the melody is. Then comes Harrison's vocals, which sound as fresh as anything on his classic 1970 album, All Things Must Pass, which just might have been the best album ever produced by a former Beatle.

The opening "Any Road" is probably the catchiest and best song on the album. Harrison's singing blends as beautifully as ever with his hypnotic slide guitar.

The song also possesses a streak of spirituality, which becomes a theme on the album. Some of the best songs, such as the contemplative "Looking for My Life" and the album-closer, "Brainwashed," are predominantly laced with otherworldly themes.

Harrison's slide guitar also proves to be a highlight of the album on the fascinating instrumental "Marwa Blues." The sound of the guitar slithers and whinnies magnificently through the song.

The only drawback to the album is that at times it seems overproduced. Sometimes the little production tips seem to go a tad overboard, and it doesn't help that it was well known that Harrison wanted a stripped-down album. Clearly things were done after his death that he would not have agreed with. Although at times the album lacks the emotional, lyrical and musical depth that characterized Harrison's best work, Brainwashed is still another very good album from the quiet Beatle. It's deeply spiritual and beautiful and unfortunately makes you wonder what he would have come up with next. Grade: B+

-- Reviewed by Reid Coploff