To celebrate 50 years of Living in the Material World, the album received a sound update, providing a brighter and fuller sound
The acclaimed album Living in the Material Worldthe second of his solo career George Harrisonrecently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The album featured songs that constantly explored spiritual themes and topped the charts just five weeks after its release in May 1973.
When launched, the Rolling Stone described it as a “pop classic”, a work that “stands like an article of faith, miraculous in its radiance.”
Carefully supervised by Dhani and olivia harrisonthe material was completely remixed for a series of celebratory releases.
I hope you revisit Living in the Material World or discover it for the first time and, as you listen, share George’s wish for himself and humanity… ‘Give me love, give me peace on Earth,'” Olivia said of the release.
The new work elevates the album with a sonic upgrade, delivering a brighter, richer and more dynamic sound than ever before. The first taste of the collection comes in the form of an acoustic version of “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (Take 18)” which is already on audio platforms.
Available from November 15th via Dark Horse Records/BMG, Living in the Material World 50th Anniversary Edition will be offered in a variety of physical and digital formats.
Special editions
Limited to 5,000 units globally, the box set Super Deluxe Edition presents the album on 2 LPs (180g) and 2 CDs, which include the newly remixed original album and a bonus disc containing 12 previously unreleased versions of each track from the main album.
Additionally, the set includes a Blu-ray featuring all of the album’s tracks and previously unreleased tracks in Dolby Atmos, and an exclusive 7″ single of the previously unreleased recording of “Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond)”with Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Rick Dankofrom the The Bandnext to Ringo Starr.
The box, encased in a hard case, contains a 60-page hardcover book, curated by Olivia Harrison and Rachel Cooperwith unreleased images from the time, handwritten lyrics, studio notes and images of the original tapes. Also includes a 12-page booklet of recording notes, taken from the original production notes of Living in the Material Worldphotographs and tapes of recording sessions stored in the George Harrison Archive.
For the first time, Harrison’s archive team offers a detailed chronological account of the album’s creation, revealing insights never before shared with the public.
In addition to the super deluxe format, the album will also be available in 2-LP and 2-CD deluxe editions, both pairing new mixes of the original album with session recordings.
The 2-LP deluxe edition will be presented in a gatefold sleeve with a 12-page booklet, while the 2-CD deluxe edition comes in a clamshell box with two printed wallets, a 20-page booklet and a poster.
The main album will also be offered individually on 1 CD, 1 LP and limited editions on colored vinyl available exclusively from George Harrison’s official online store (Purple Vinyl).
Living in the Material World
The creation of the album began in the studios Apple at the end of 1972, where, almost four years earlier, the Beatles had carried out conclusive work on the project that became known as Let It Be.
You can feel the prevailing atmosphere of these sessions in the music, manifested in fluid, sensitive playing, beautiful attention to detail, and the album’s overarching set of themes.
George not only sang, but contributed almost all of the guitar parts. He was supported by a tight-knit group of virtuosos, including drummer Jim Keltnerthe keyboardists Nicky Hopkins and Gary Wrightthe bassist Klaus Voormann and the saxophonist/flutist Jim Horn.
To really understand Living in the Material Worldit is necessary to return to George’s experience in 1971 — a remarkable year, full of events that would be explored in his compositions.
That summer, he was deeply involved in his response to the growing humanitarian tragedy in Bangladesh. After repeated trips between Los Angeles and New York and countless calls and meetings, he performed two concerts at the Madison Square Gardenin New York.
They combined performances from Ravi Shankar and three supporting musicians with sets led by George, which also featured Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell and Bob Dylanbetween others.
“It was a very emotional time for me,” George said later, “because so many people helped with his success, which made me very optimistic about certain things.”
The remix of the original LP gives new definition to these already intimate and accomplished recordings, while the extra material further highlights just how fertile this creative period was for George.
Thanks in part to the music’s newfound clarity, Living in the Material World resonates more than ever in 2024. In an era where meditation, yoga and so-called mindfulness have probably never been more popular, the fundamental points raised by the songs align with the daily search for what is truly worth it.
We all face the challenges of the material world throughout our lives, and, in its questioning and restless way, this album offers the prospect of finding a way to overcome them.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
