For those of us who expierienced the Wonderment of the '60’s,
Noel Harrison, was one of the few singer/songwriters that managed to fit into the psychedelic times of The Iron Butterfly,
Love,The Byrds and The Buffalo Springfield. Although the music
of the AM and FM airwaves resonated with the heavier sound,
our collective ears yearned for a lighter sound during lighter
times. Biff Rose, Richard Harris,Gordon Lightfoot,Judy Collins
and Noel Harrison,from a Pop/folk/soft-rock foundation,granted
us their minor-masterpieces.
In 1967, I heard a song. In 2002, I remembered hearing the
song but not the Title. A search ensued and from Noel’s 1966
self-titled album,“A Young Girl” was finally spinning on my
trusty Crosley Record Player.
Noels 5 Record {LP’s} Catalog,up till now, has not been
available on CD. Rhino Handmade, has issued a compilation
from Noel’s 3, Reprise Albums along with 3 unissued Bonus
Tracks. It is Titled, “Life is a Dream” and it is limited to 2500
copies. If you have never heard Noel Harrison, I believe he
would be best compared to Justin Heyward of the Moody Blues.
Unfortunately,“A Young Girl”, is not on the Compilation,and
that sucks! However,“Windmills of Your Mind” from the sound-
track of the Movie, The Thomas Crown Affair,is included.
Wow that is really tough to find. When Napster was in full swing I couldn’t find it and it is NOT on the compilation CD? Wow that stinks.
Is this the same Noel Harrison, son of actor Rex Harrison, who played the sidekick in Girl from U.N.C.L.E.?
The very same.
This does recall another time, doesn’t it? I was a junior in high school when Noel Harrison had a hit with Suzanne. At the time, I didn’t know who Leonard Cohen was. I probably would have found out soon enough, but it was Noel Harrison who made me aware of Leonard Cohen. For that, he’ll always have my gratitude.
My first real major “oh my god I want to marry him” crush was on Noel Harrison, and had no idea he sang.
I was 10, maybe?
Sigh.
I was about 10, too. There was some TV program that he’d be on.
I seem to remember him sitting there with his guitar, surrounded by young women, singing a sad song about Baby Blue. It was all very sensitive and romantic.
Very nice, funny fellow, too. I interviewed him for my book about his stepmother, Kay Kendall. My sister, who loved him in The Girl from U.N.C.L.E., was sooo impressed.
The Last Album and Last time I heard anything on Noel is 1979.
Noel recorded an Album titled,“Mount Hanley Song” and at
that time he and his family were residing in Nova Scotia.
I’m anxious to get the new CD and read the Linear notes which
are contributed by Noel.
Wolf-Meister… “A Young Girl”, is a Charles Aznevour/ Oscar
Brown Jr. collaboration. the song was a little
controversial for it’s ending and some in the
Harrison camp,did not want Noel to record it.
Here in Southern California, it received airplay
and became Noels first Hit. The Song has a
hooky piano riff, risque Lyrics and the Bizarre
ending. I’ve been told Cher covered the song.
labdad… “Suzanne” is awesome and will be on the comp-
ilation. Another Leonard Cohen song that Noel
sings, “So Long,Marrianne” from the Santa Monica
Pier Album,will be included.
caprese… wish I had the video… “Baby Blue” a Bob Dylan
song was covered by everyone it seems. I like
the Byrds version.
eve… He seems like a nice fellow…thanks for the insight!
I hope that he got some of Sexy Rexy’s money (whatever Mercia and UK taxes didn’t get). From all I’ve ever read his dad was a complete prick who belittled him every chance he got and continually reminded him that he was a “son of a celebrity” more than a celebrity in his own right.
Ahh! Noel Harrison
I had a crush on him bad!!!
Unfortunately, I had already promised my virginity to Vic Morrow and Ilya Kuriyakin first.
I just received my new Noel Harrison CD.
This is a limited run of 2500 copies. My Cd is #2463.
if they are selling the CD’s in sequential order,there are only 37
left…not sure???
If you are a Noel Harrison fan, don’t wait.
They are available at Rhino Handmade.