George Harrison Living In The Material World CD

On his first studio album since the artistic and commercial triumph of his 1970 solo debut, Harrison opted to produce himself rather than continue his association with producer Phil Spector. Boasting an intimate, organic sound that is far-removed from Spector's wall-of-sound production of ALL THINGS MUST PASS, LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD shows a more reflective, acoustic-oriented side of the ex-Beatle. The album opens on a high note with Harrison's number one hit "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)," a gorgeous, soaring pop song that is a perfect showcase of Harrison's earnest vocals and distinctive slide guitar playing. Though none of the other songs on the album are quite as spectacular as "Give Me Love," there are many excellent tracks, including the Beatlesque "Don't Let Me Wait Too Long" and "Sue Me, Sue You Blues," a biting commentary on the Beatles' business problems circa 1973, which features Ringo Starr on drums and some exceptionally potent slide guitar from Harrison.

How does an instant multimillion-selling album become an underrated minor masterpiece? George Harrison's follow-up to the triple-disc All Things Must Pass (which had been comprised of an immense backlog of great songs that he'd built up across the last years of his time with the Beatles), Living in the Material World was necessarily a letdown for fans and critics, appearing as it did two-and-a-half-years after its predecessor without that earlier album's outsized songbag from which to draw. And it does seem like Harrison narrowed his sights and his vision for this record, which has neither the bold musical expansiveness nor the overwhelming confidence of its predecessor. And while there are still some beautiful and delightfully lyrical, charming moments throughout, few of the melodies are as instantly memorable and compelling as those of most of the songs on the earlier record, and some of the most serious songs here, such as "The Light That Has Lighted the World," seem weighed down with their own sense of purpose, in ways that All Things Must Pass mostly (but not entirely) avoided. What Living in the Material World does show off far better than the earlier record, however, is Harrison's guitar work -- unlike the prior album, with its outsized contingent of musicians including Eric Clapton and Dave Mason on guitars, he's the only axeman on Material World, and it does represent his solo playing and songwriting at something of a peak. Most notable are his blues stylings and slide playing, glimpsed on some of the later Beatles sessions but often overlooked by fans.

"Don't Let Me Wait Too Long" is driven by a delectable acoustic rhythm guitar and has a great beat. The title track isn't great, but it does benefit from a tight, hard, band sound, and "The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord)," despite its title, is the high point of the record, a fast, rollicking, funky, bluesy jewel with a priceless guitar break (maybe the best of Harrison's solo career) that should have been at the heart of any of Harrison's concert set. Vocally, Harrison was always an acquired taste, and he isn't as self-consciously pretty or restrained here, but it is an honest performance, and his

All songs written by George Harrison.

Recorded at Apple Studio, London, England

Personnel: George Harrison (vocals, guitar); Klaus Voormann (bass guitar); Zakir Hussain (tabla); John Barham (strings); Jim Horn (flute, saxophone); Gary Wright, Nicky Hopkins (keyboards); Jim Gordon , Jim Keltner, Ringo Starr (drums).

Audio Remasterers: Sam O'Kell; Steve Rooke.

Liner Note Author: Kevin Howlett.

Recording information: Apple Studio, London, England.

Photographers: Ken Marcus; Barry Feinstein; Mal Evans.

Personnel: George Harrison (vocals, guitars); John Barnham (strings); Jim Horn (saxophone, flute); Nicky Hopkins, Gary Wright (keyboards); Klaus Voorman (bass); Jim Keltner, Ringo Starr (drums); Zakir Hussein (tabla).

Additional personnel: Jim Gordon (drums on "Try Some Buy Some").Rolling Stone (7/19/73, p.54) - "...the most concise, universally conceived work by a former Beatle since PLASTIC ONO BAND...Harrison's plaintive vocals and gently weeping guitar contribute immeasurably...the album stands alone as an article of faith, miraculous in its radiance..."
Q (p.156) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he introspective moods of 'The Light That Had Lighted The World' and 'Who Can See It', with their ornate instrumentation and weepy vocals are lovely things."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.124) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]his long overdue reissue is worth it alone for four wonderful songs....It's never less than musical and often light on its feet."