Button Sunday

Back in mid-July, I did some local shopping that I blogged about. Among the things I picked up that day were buttons from Cactus Music (the one of Tom Petty I posted the beginning of this month) and these two of George Harrison.

I knew at that point that the 50th anniversary reissue of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass was due to drop around August 5. As you may recall, the Harvey flood took my original copy of his 1971 debut album, which was a gift to me from my friend Riley when I was just a girl looking at a boy who filled my life with music and poetry every chance he could.

This is like a kick to the gut every time I think about it. I did replace it almost immediately with the CD set, because I need certain music and memories to sustain me, and this is at the top of that list.

That day in July, I also went to Soundwaves and talked to the owner. He said to definitely call him the first week of August, and he’d order and save me whatever I wanted (there are choices–vinyl with the original three albums plus vinyl with the original three plus two with outtakes and alternate versions from the ATMP sessions, and these same options on CD).

That was my plan before I knew that the end of July and throughout August, external things would trigger a wave of mental and emotional fatigue/anxiety/depression that actually feels worse than most of what I went through in the first year of this pandemic. I wasn’t calling anyone or going anywhere for a while.

Yesterday, after I worked in Aaron’s Garden, Tom agreed to go with me not only to buy plants, but to swing by Soundwaves and Cactus Music.

From Soundwaves, I got the three-vinyl set that replaces my original. I didn’t think it was there and I’d have to buy the five-album set, which I didn’t want because I don’t listen to records as often as I listen to music from CDs both at home and in the car. But Tom found it, so GOOD THING he was with me!

Then off we went to Cactus, where they had the CD set with the originals plus additional unreleased material, and I’m listening to the outtakes and extras right now, and not only is every bit of the music balm to my soul, but there are funny moments, too. George Harrison is bringing me so much joy.

The only thing that could make this better would be listening to it all with Riley again. If there’s a rock and roll heaven, he probably jams with George and John (his favorite Beatle), and they, too, now know how cool and talented and funny and good my beautiful friend was.

Dear Riley: Tom took this photo of me wearing my Beatles mask in front of the display at Cactus. I know it would have made you laugh. I love you, and I’ll always be grateful for every one of those years we had. Thank you for all the music, love, and laughter.