Living in the Material World
Encyclopedia
Living in the Material World is a studio album by George Harrison
, released in 1973.
and his mammoth charity project, The Concert for Bangladesh
, Living in the Material World was among the most highly anticipated releases of 1973.
On inspiration for the album Harrison himself said: "Living in the Material World, as I wrote in I Me Mine
, was influenced by Srila Prabhupada. He's the one who explained to me how we're not these physical bodies. We just happen to be in them. Like I said in the song, this place is not really what's happening. We don't belong here, but in the spiritual sky: As l'm fated for the material world, Get frustrated in the material world, Senses never gratified, Only swelling like a tide, That could drown me in the material world."
The Bangla Desh experience left Harrison exhausted and frustrated; he was not able to record a new album until the latter part of 1972, which he undertook alone – without Phil Spector
– at The Beatles
' Apple Recording Studios in London. Once again, Harrison engaged the aid of his musician friends, including Ringo Starr
, Jim Keltner
, Nicky Hopkins
, Gary Wright
, and Klaus Voormann
. The backing track for "Try Some, Buy Some" had been recorded with Phil Spector
back in 1971 in Harrison's efforts to give Ronnie Spector
a hit single. Liking the track, he decided to use the same music track for his own rendition. Orchestral arrangements for this track and the new recordings on the album were by John Barham. David Bowie
recorded the song on his 2003 album Reality with arrangement relatively near to the original version.
The closing track, "That Is All" was covered by Andy Williams
on his Solitaire
album which was released shortly after Harrison's original version. Harry Nilsson
also recorded the song on 1976 album ...That's the Way It Is
.
" – Harrison's second US #1 hit, Living in the Material World appeared in June 1973 to brisk initial sales, reaching #2 in the UK and spending five weeks atop the US charts (having knocked off Paul McCartney
and Wings
' Red Rose Speedway
in the process). The critical reaction, however, was less euphoric than that which had greeted All Things Must Pass. More somber in tone, Living in the Material World was distinguished by Harrison's philosophical and religious ruminations - making it clear he was in distress with the state of the world and where it was headed. Subsequently, the feeling was that Harrison had gradually lost much of the enormous momentum he had going for him since The Beatles' 1970 break-up. In hindsight, most contemporary reviewers now consider Living in the Material World to be a very worthwhile Harrison album with many fine moments.
and EMI
. The remastered album features two additional tracks, the B-side "Deep Blue" from the 1971 single "Bangla Desh
" and "Miss O'Dell," the B-side for "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)".
The DVD rounds up rare performance footage of "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" from Harrison's 1991 Japanese tour with Eric Clapton
, behind-the-scenes film clips shot during the 1973 sessions for "Living in the Material World" and previously unreleased versions of "Miss O'Dell" and "Sue Me, Sue You Blues" set to archival film clips.
George Harrison
George Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
, released in 1973.
Background
As a follow-up to 1970's greatly received All Things Must PassAll Things Must Pass
All Things Must Pass is a triple album by George Harrison, recorded and released in 1970. The original vinyl release featured two LPs of rock songs as well as Apple Jam, a third LP of informal jams...
and his mammoth charity project, The Concert for Bangladesh
The Concert for Bangladesh
The Concert for Bangladesh was the name for two benefit concerts organised by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, held at noon and at 7 PM on August 1, 1971, playing to a total of 40,000 people at Madison Square Garden in New York City...
, Living in the Material World was among the most highly anticipated releases of 1973.
On inspiration for the album Harrison himself said: "Living in the Material World, as I wrote in I Me Mine
I Me Mine
"I Me Mine" is a song by The Beatles, written and sung by George Harrison. I Me Mine is also the title of Harrison's autobiography. The song traces its origins to the January 1969 Get Back/Let It Be sessions, when it was rehearsed by the band at Twickenham Film Studios.-Origin:The set of pronouns...
, was influenced by Srila Prabhupada. He's the one who explained to me how we're not these physical bodies. We just happen to be in them. Like I said in the song, this place is not really what's happening. We don't belong here, but in the spiritual sky: As l'm fated for the material world, Get frustrated in the material world, Senses never gratified, Only swelling like a tide, That could drown me in the material world."
The Bangla Desh experience left Harrison exhausted and frustrated; he was not able to record a new album until the latter part of 1972, which he undertook alone – without Phil Spector
Phil Spector
Phillip Harvey "Phil" Spector is an American record producer and songwriter, later known for his conviction in the murder of actress Lana Clarkson....
– at The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
' Apple Recording Studios in London. Once again, Harrison engaged the aid of his musician friends, including Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr
Richard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
, Jim Keltner
Jim Keltner
James Lee "Jim" Keltner is an American drummer known primarily for his session work. He has contributed to the work of many well-known artists...
, Nicky Hopkins
Nicky Hopkins
Nicholas Christian "Nicky" Hopkins was an English pianist and organist.He recorded and performed on noted British and American popular music recordings of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s as a session musician....
, Gary Wright
Gary Wright
Gary Malcolm Wright is an American musician, best known for his song, "Dream Weaver". He was the piano player on Harry Nilsson's version of "Without You".-Early life:...
, and Klaus Voormann
Klaus Voormann
Klaus Voormann is a German Grammy Award-winning artist, noted musician, and record producer. He designed artwork for many bands including The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Wet Wet Wet and Turbonegro. His most notable work as a producer was his work with the band Trio, including their worldwide hit "Da Da...
. The backing track for "Try Some, Buy Some" had been recorded with Phil Spector
Phil Spector
Phillip Harvey "Phil" Spector is an American record producer and songwriter, later known for his conviction in the murder of actress Lana Clarkson....
back in 1971 in Harrison's efforts to give Ronnie Spector
Ronnie Spector
Veronica Yvette "Ronnie" Spector is an American rock and roll and popular music vocalist, and was the lead singer of the 1960s hit-making girl group, The Ronettes, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. She is known as the "original bad girl of rock and roll."-Personal...
a hit single. Liking the track, he decided to use the same music track for his own rendition. Orchestral arrangements for this track and the new recordings on the album were by John Barham. David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
recorded the song on his 2003 album Reality with arrangement relatively near to the original version.
The closing track, "That Is All" was covered by Andy Williams
Andy Williams
Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams is an American singer who has recorded 18 Gold- and three Platinum-certified albums. He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a TV variety show, from 1962 to 1971, as well as numerous television specials, and owns his own theater, the Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri,...
on his Solitaire
Solitaire (Andy Williams album)
Solitaire is an album by American pop singer Andy Williams that was released in the fall of 1973 by Columbia Records. It made its first appearance on the Billboard 200 chart in the issue dated November 17, 1973, and remained on the album chart for 6 weeks, peaking at number 185...
album which was released shortly after Harrison's original version. Harry Nilsson
Harry Nilsson
Harry Edward Nilsson III was an American singer-songwriter who achieved the peak of his commercial success in the early 1970s. On all but his earliest recordings he is credited as Nilsson...
also recorded the song on 1976 album ...That's the Way It Is
...That's the Way It Is
...That's the Way It Is is the thirteenth album by Harry Nilsson.The album includes a couple of original songs, but mostly consists of cover tunes...
.
Reception
Preceded by the uplifting acoustic number "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)
"Give Me Love " is a song by George Harrison and is the lead track on his 1973 album Living in the Material World. The song was released as a single in May 1973, hitting number one in the US Billboard Hot 100 at the end of June and number eight on the UK Singles Chart...
" – Harrison's second US #1 hit, Living in the Material World appeared in June 1973 to brisk initial sales, reaching #2 in the UK and spending five weeks atop the US charts (having knocked off Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
and Wings
Wings (band)
Wings were a British-American rock group formed in 1971 by Paul McCartney, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney that remained active until 1981....
' Red Rose Speedway
Red Rose Speedway
-Additional tracks:-Original LP Recording:Originally planned as a double album, this is the tracklisting from the acetates of the early incarnation of the album dated 13 December 1972...
in the process). The critical reaction, however, was less euphoric than that which had greeted All Things Must Pass. More somber in tone, Living in the Material World was distinguished by Harrison's philosophical and religious ruminations - making it clear he was in distress with the state of the world and where it was headed. Subsequently, the feeling was that Harrison had gradually lost much of the enormous momentum he had going for him since The Beatles' 1970 break-up. In hindsight, most contemporary reviewers now consider Living in the Material World to be a very worthwhile Harrison album with many fine moments.
Reissue
On 26 September 2006, Living in the Material World was reissued on CD and in a deluxe CD/DVD package by Capitol RecordsCapitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
and EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
. The remastered album features two additional tracks, the B-side "Deep Blue" from the 1971 single "Bangla Desh
Bangla Desh (song)
"Bangla Desh" is a song by George Harrison released as a charity single after the disasters in East Pakistan in 1971.-Background:"Bangla Desh" starts with the lyrics "My friend came to me, with sadness in his eyes. He told me that he wanted help, before his country dies."...
" and "Miss O'Dell," the B-side for "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)".
The DVD rounds up rare performance footage of "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" from Harrison's 1991 Japanese tour with Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE, is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and...
, behind-the-scenes film clips shot during the 1973 sessions for "Living in the Material World" and previously unreleased versions of "Miss O'Dell" and "Sue Me, Sue You Blues" set to archival film clips.
Side one
- "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)"Give Me Love " is a song by George Harrison and is the lead track on his 1973 album Living in the Material World. The song was released as a single in May 1973, hitting number one in the US Billboard Hot 100 at the end of June and number eight on the UK Singles Chart...
" – 3:36 - "Sue Me, Sue You Blues" – 4:48
- "The Light That Has Lighted the WorldThe Light That Has Lighted The World"The Light That Has Lighted The World" is a song by George Harrison from his 1973 album Living in the Material World.Harrison had tried recording "When Every Song is Sung" with Cilla Black and later decided to write a B-side for her. Both Harrison and Black were from Liverpool and had become famous...
" – 3:31 - "Don't Let Me Wait Too Long" – 2:57
- "Who Can See It" – 3:52
- "Living in the Material World" – 5:31
Side two
- "The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord)" – 4:34
- "Be Here Now" – 4:09
- "Try Some, Buy SomeTry Some, Buy Some"Try Some, Buy Some" is a song written by George Harrison and released on his Living in the Material World in 1973. It was initially recorded by Ronnie Spector in 1971 and co-produced by Phil Spector. Harrison re-used the same backing track for his own version.The original Ronnie Spector version...
" – 4:08 - "The Day the World Gets 'Round" – 2:53
- "That Is All" – 3:43
Bonus DVD
- "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" (Recorded at Tokyo Dome 15 December 1991)
- Audio:
- PCM Stereo
- Dolby Digital 5.1
- DTS 5.1
- Audio:
- "Miss O'Dell" (alternative version)
- "Sue Me, Sue You Blues" (acoustic demo version)
- "Living in the Material World"
Personnel
- George HarrisonGeorge HarrisonGeorge Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
– vocals, guitar - Ringo StarrRingo StarrRichard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
– drums - Gary WrightGary WrightGary Malcolm Wright is an American musician, best known for his song, "Dream Weaver". He was the piano player on Harry Nilsson's version of "Without You".-Early life:...
– keyboards - Nicky HopkinsNicky HopkinsNicholas Christian "Nicky" Hopkins was an English pianist and organist.He recorded and performed on noted British and American popular music recordings of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s as a session musician....
– piano - Jim KeltnerJim KeltnerJames Lee "Jim" Keltner is an American drummer known primarily for his session work. He has contributed to the work of many well-known artists...
– drums - Jim GordonJim Gordon (musician)James Beck "Jim" Gordon is an American recording artist, musician and songwriter. The Grammy Award winner was one of the most requested session drummers in the late 1960s and 1970s, recording albums with many well-known musicians of the time, and was the drummer in the blues-rock supergroup Derek...
– drums - John BarhamJohn BarhamJohn Barham is an English pianist, composer, arranger, producer and educator.Born in London, and educated at London’s Royal College of Music and London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies , he has played and / or collaborated with a number of significant figures in the entertainment...
– strings - Zakir HussainZakir Hussain (musician)Zakir Hussain , , is an Indian tabla player, musical producer, film actor and composer.-Early life:Hussain was born in Mumbai, India to the legendary tabla player Alla Rakha. He attended St...
– tabla - Jim HornJim HornJim Horn is an American saxophonist and woodwind player. He was born in Los Angeles, and after replacing saxophonist Steve Douglas in 1959, he toured with member Duane Eddy for five years, playing sax and flute on the road, and in the recording studio...
– flute, saxophone - Klaus VoormannKlaus VoormannKlaus Voormann is a German Grammy Award-winning artist, noted musician, and record producer. He designed artwork for many bands including The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Wet Wet Wet and Turbonegro. His most notable work as a producer was his work with the band Trio, including their worldwide hit "Da Da...
– bass - Pete Ham – guitar
Chart positions
| Chart (1973) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart Kent Music Report The Kent Music Report was a weekly record chart of Australian music singles and albums which was compiled by music enthusiast David Kent from May 1974 through to 1998... |
2 |
| Dutch Mega Albums Chart MegaCharts MegaCharts is responsible for the composition and exploitation of a broad collection of official charts in the Netherlands, of which the Mega Top 50 and the Mega Album Top 100 are the most known ones. Mega Charts also provides information to the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, of which the Dutch Top... |
5 |
| German Media Control Albums Chart | 20 |
| Japanese Oricon LP Chart Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... |
9 |
| Norwegian VG-lista Albums Chart VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... |
4 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
2 |
| United States United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... Billboard Pop Albums Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
1 |
| Chart (2006) | Position |
| Japanese Oricon Albums Chart | 33 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1973) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart | 24 |
| U.S. Billboard Top Pop Albums | 43 |
Certifications
External links
- Living in the Material World microsite at GeorgeHarrison.com
- Living In The Material World at Graham Calkin's Beatles Pages.
- More information on John Barham