Customer Reviews

Living in the Material World

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(44)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I pre-ordered this set, knowing that I was going to buy it regardless of the reviews that had not yet been posted. I got it locked in at $23.99, which was subsequently changed to $29.88 as of the day of this review. So there may be a lesson about the value of the pre-order, especially if you just know that you will indeed make the purchase.

Being a big George Harrison fan, and now knowing that all we can look forward to are the things that already exist, I was happy to see the expansion of his catalog in the modern age of sound engineering as well as the visual arena with this set.

The DVD made me go this route rather than the CD only, and at about nine or ten dollars for the less than 15 minute disc, I am not sure about the monetary value. I guess in the years to come, I will be happy that I spent up to the expanded set. This DVD does one thing for my expectations for the future. Both the previously issued "Dark Horse" DVD and this one have nicely rendered 5.1 videos from the 1991 Japan concerts, which must mean that there are videos from all of the songs on that double CD. I hope that we can see those songs on a concert DVD in the future. The DVD was a bit of a shock for me, because for years of listening to the CDs from that tour of Japan, I had assumed that the terrific slide work on "Give me love" was from George himself. It was surprising to watch both Harrison and Clapton strumming acoustics, while Andy Fairweather-Low replicated the slide sound in the Harrison style. Still, it was nice to see George playing in front of a crowd. The rest of the songs on the DVD were basically audio soundtracks with a montage of stills and non-related video that support the songs. The alternate take on "Sue me, sue you blues" was really stripped down and raw. It would have been nice to have that on the CD too.

The actual album is as nicely rendered as it has ever been. George's voice is strong and clear, while the band's musical playing comes through exactly where it needs to. The elements of the sounds are very nicely in balanced. The quality of the songs is a historical data point in George's post-Beatles career. He had a really strong album to be measured against with for this sophomore studio recording. My opinion is that he had such a deep catalog waiting to be put on "All things must pass", that he may have set the bar too high for any future endeavors. This is a very good album, but for me "All things must pass" was a better one, especially on first listen. I have played this new rendering of "Living in the material world" about 5 times now, and I am just beginning to get to the point of being able to "know" the songs. Still, this is a must have for anyone wishing to fill out their Harrison collection in a more modern media (my first LITMW was on 8 track!).

FWIW, my enjoyment of this album and indeed all of my George Harrison albums, including the Wilbury's, has been greatly enhanced by my purchase of the book, "While my guitar gently weeps, the music of George Harrison" (available on Amazon). It chronologically breaks down every era of George's music and offers nice details about the recording sessions for all of his work. For this album for example, there are 15 pages devoted to the band he used, who played on which songs and even a review of how the record was received by the fans and critics. For true fans of George's music, this book will make all of your albums more fun to listen to, and will open your eyes to parts of his thinking that you may not have known about.

First the important question does this remaster/reissue improve on the previous version released nearly a decade ago? Yes. The sound is fuller with slightly better detail. It is remastered a bit louder as well but the most important improvement is the inclusion of the B-sides "Deep Blue" and "Miss O'Dell" The former song was the B-side to "Bangela Desh" written about George's loss of his father and the latter is a lark with a Dylanesque quality to the music. The lyrics go from serious to humourous with George cracking up during the chorus.

As to the DVD well it's nice to have the two bonus tracks (with "Give Me Love" in 5.1) as well as the video footage. I suspect that many fans will not watch the videos more than once (although the live footage was nice). I'd like to see the full live show for "Live in Japan" get a DVD release separate from the re-releases/remasters of his back catalog. I don't feel that the CD/DVD set is essential but fans who pay for it will enjoy the second disc I was just hoping for more live footage/outtakes/demos or even the other mix of the album.


I'm a bit disappointed that George's rehearsal for "It Don't Come Easy" with George on lead vocals (he co-wrote the song with Ringo even though he wasn't credited as such until recently)isn't included as he provides a spirited version of the song (this has also been available on bootlegs for years. My suspicion is that if it is eventually released it will find its way onto "Dark Horse" although it really belongs here).Finally it's a pity that the single version of "Bangela Desh" wasn't included as well.

The booklet included has some nice rare photos from the inside cover shoot which feature George along with musicians that appeared on the album. We also get a brief essay discussing the recording of the album and the secular world's reaction to one that focuses so much on spiritual issues. Although it isn't George's finest album ("All Things Must Pass", "Cloud 9" and "Brain Washed" are my favorites ahead of this one)it has two songs that rank high up there in the Beatles/Harrison canon; "Give Me Love" and the bluesy "Sue Me, Sue You Blues" a witty take on The Beatles legal square dance.

All things being equal in the material world, I'd suggest going for the CD version vs. the 2 disc set unless you absolutely MUST have the two additional tracks on the second disc and the videos. Are they worth it for hardcore Harrison/Beatles fans? Sure but you could get by just as easily with the CD edition and I don't know that the price for the second set is justified given how thin the pickings are on the second disc.

Living in the Material World is the third album in a row that George Harrison released after the breakup of the Beatles that was very successful. All Things Must Pass (1970) was number one on the album charts for two months. The Concert For the Bangla Desh (1971) won the Grammy for album of the year. Living In the Material World followed suit by hitting number one when it was released in May of 1973. This album is currently out of print in the United States and that is a pity, because for the Exception of All Things Must Pass and Cloud Nine, this is the best George Harrison record to buy. This is also the last album that Harrison really seems to go all out on until Cloud Nine which didn't come out until 14 years after this one did. The songwriting on Living In the Material World is mostly good with only a couple of throwaway tracks. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) was the single the album's hit single and was number one for four weeks when it was released in 1973. But some other songs also deserve special mention. The song Living in the Material World is one of the very best that Harrison has written. The song also has a very good sitar section that fans of the Beatle days will enjoy. Sue Me, Sue You Blues is a bluesy acoustic rocker that finds Harrison in fine vocal and guitar form.

There have been many that have said that this record is too preachy in regards to Harrison's religious beliefs. There is something to this critism to be sure but Living in the Material world is not a first listen record. Living in the Material World is a record that grows on the listener after many listens. Living in the Material World is also at times a very dark and very personal record for those who are fans of the Beatles music only. There problably hasn't been a more personal statement released by any of the Beatles since their breakup for the exception of John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band. Whatever it's flaws, Living In the Material World remains a rewarding listen more than 25 years after it was first released.

Note: this album needs remastered in the worst way because it sounds flat on CD. It might have gotten five stars by this reviewer if someone cared enough about Mr. Harrison's music to remaster as well as reissue it in the United States.

This album is pleasant enough, and much better due to remastering. However, beware that not only is the "bonus" DVD woefully short at 15 minutes, but the version Amazon has been selling is CENSORED. Here's where: During the album's photo shoot chronicled in the "Miss O'Dell" montage, there are three stills of a NUDE LADY sitting in a window. On the version I bought through Amazon, all three shots have a BLACK BAR over the nipples. This was not a problem except that I have seen others' bonus DVD's, and the bars are simply NOT there. So, if you're going to spend the extra money on this title JUST for 15 minutes worth of footage and/or montages, DON'T buy it from here. It's silly for me to make a fuss over three seconds of nipple, but even siller for us not to be told by EMI *or* Amazon what we're paying for in comparison to someone else. I'm an ADULT, and I want my DVD's UN-CUT!

I was never able to find it in vinyl back in the days before CD, but then I lived in Puerto Rico at the time...however I found this American pressing of the CD, and fell in love with this album...it is not as long as All Things Must Pass...and it is much better than anything put out by McCartney at the time...sure there are preachy overtones to the songs, but the music is much better than many "inspirational" albums by mediocre Christian artists .."Give Me love" was a hit..."sue Me Sue You Blues" gives insight to the Beatle court complications...."Don't Let Me Wait Too Long" is catchy...the title track is mystical and the trademark sitar is in the background....."try Some , buy Some" is an overlooked gem......"Be Here Now"...is another beautiful song....the album is really exquisite, and does age well.....if George ever releases his own anthology it'll be interesting to hear outtakes and alternate versions of these wonderful songs....

George Harrison may sound a tad "preachy" on this, his second album, but the sneaky humor is still very much intact. For example, in the title track of 1973's Living in the Material World he delivers a brief history of his previous band:

Met them all here in the material world
John and Paul here in the material world
Though we started out quite poor
we got Richie on a tour...
[Ringo drum fill]

Ya gotta love it.

OK, so this record is no All Things Must Pass, but then again, nothing could be. It certainly has its moments of glory though (Give Me Love, (Give Me Peace on Earth), and Don't Let Me Wait Too Long). There would be much mediocrity in his future (Extra Texture or Gone Troppo anyone?), followed by triumphant mature comebacks (Cloud Nine! Traveling Wilburys! Brainwashed!). So, in retrospect, this is a strong and satisfying collection of songs.

When this album was first released, I was all of sixteen and working as a dishwasher on the New Jersey Turnpike. As I scrubbed egg off plates, this album (in particular the song Don't Let Me Wait Too Long), used to dance through my head, making my miserable first job infinitely more bearable.

Living in the Material World covers an interesting period of a young pop-star learning about his life and his precarious place in the mad mad world of show business. Eventually, he found his way.

Minor grumble: I'm thrilled to have B-sides Miss O'Dell and Deep Blue attached to this release, but where the heck is the studio version of Bangladesh, the latter's A-side?

Huh?
Dhani?
Olivia?

Anyone?

This album is the more compact, less grandiose baby brother to "All Things Must Pass." Being the baby brother means, while many of the same characteristics are readily recognizable, that this record often gets overshadowed. The new reissue gives us the chance to hear this album fresh again and what a great listen it is. The production is sumptuous, George's voice is sympathetic and unforced, and the songs are authenticly heartfelt. The two drawbacks of this record are that the melodies have a sameness to them at first listen (repeated hearings help the listener better distinguish the intricate songs on this one)and the religious tone of the lyrics can get a little tedious at times. This is a laidback and supremely confident work from one of the few rock musicians who had anything substantial to say about faith. The arrangements and musical backing to these tunes give them the perfect context. The music insinuates itself into the consciousness of the hearer, making repeated listening a must. This is rock music well worth taking the time to get to know. This is a gorgeous record that has the potential to enfold you if not necessarily excite you.

I must agree with the previous reviewer. As big a George fan as I am, it is hard to justify paying TWICE the price (regular version $15.99, deluxe version $29.99) While the packaging and booklet are nice, the dvd clocks in at about twelve minutes, and the only rewatchable part is the live in Japan "Give me love" The alternate versions of Miss Odell and Sue me sue you blues have already been widely bootlegged years ago, and will be no surprise to any hardcore fans. Having said that, I do feel they did a very good job on the remastering. Sound quality is much improved over the previous issue.

Nice box, nice package.

The booklet could be better. (Mine has the booklet cover stapled onto the booklet upside down, but no big deal; too much trouble to ship it back for that.) But it could have better pix in it, imho. The lyrics in the booklet are nice to have and especially the comments on some of the songs, by George.

The sound qulaity? Well, it did not "knock me out". I listened to the original - in mp3 no less - recently, and frankly I don't think they did anything astounding with the remastering. Maybe I'm wrong. I'll have to compare it side by side. It does sound good, anyway.

The bonus disc in the "limited edition": The 5.1 of the Japanese concert performance is excellent. This is the best part of the bonus disc. I only wish they'd have included several more like this.

The Miss O'Dell here is better and I wish they'd have put this one on the main disc and the other one on the bonus disc, instead.

The Sue Me, Sue You version here is great, and this plus the 5.1 concert version of Give Me Love makes it worth buying the dvd version, for the hard core George fan.

Overall, the bonus disc is nice, but it could have been better. I think they were a little stingy with the material on the bonus disc. $9 extra for one real 5.1 live performance, and 2 extra songs (Sue Me Sue You and Miss O'Dell) with animation? Not exactly a great value. The "Material World" "video" is not a different version of the song, but rather, a music video which goes back and forth between the studio version of the song to a poor recording of it as the record pressing factory guy listens to it. Interesting idea, but not great for listening. Okay for watching once or twice...

Overall, I ALMOST wish I hadn't gotten the cd+dvd package. I expected it to be better. But being a George fan, I will try to burn the bonus tracks and copy them onto a new copy of the main disc with the bonus tracks included.

What I do wish is that they had just put the bonus tracks on the regular cd and given us a good cd package for the money. The dvd itself doesn't offer much. The live performance is quite good but it does not make it worth it, alone. If they'd have included, say, THREE songs from the concert, in 5.1, it would have made it worth it.

As to the album itself, it's a good album, and having good clean versions of Miss O'Dell and Deep Blue are worth buying it for.

I'm probably just being picky. It's a good package, overall. I just think the limited edition could have been a little more worthy of the extra money.

BOTTOM LINE: Great album by a great singer/songwriter.

Lost amongst all the hubbub about the Beatles new, albeit spectacular "Love" release is the fact George Harrison's remastered, expanded "Living in the Material World" is in the stores.
Relatively few print reviews have appeared since the late September release, somewhat confusing and very disappointing. Some reviewers obviously will never give Harrison credit; in 'Q' magazine, the writer said this album was one without any classics. What about the worldwide smash hit "Give Me Love"? It sounds fresh, musical and poignant 33 years later!
But that's just the first of 13 songs that range from OK ("Try Some, Buy Some") to absolutely stunning (the bouncy single-that-never-was "Don't Let Me Wait Too Long," rollicking title track and the meditative "Be Here Now.")
Simply put, "Material World" is a long-neglected musical gem with brilliant Harrison guitar work throughout (bottleneck slide, acoustic, dobro, you name it) along with the solid underpinning of drummer Jim Keltner and bass player Klaus Voorman. Add to that punch horns from -- who else -- Jim Horn and tasty piano by Nicky Hopkins, especially on the magical "The Light That Has Lighted The World."
Harrison also never played better slide guitar than on the Side 2 opener (remember vinyl?) "The Lord Loves The One (That Loves The Lord." Yes, lyrics here and throughout can be viewed as overly preachy, even accusatory toward mortals in the material world. But George is painfully honest in his views, and only wanted to share his spiritual bounty with others. He probably went over the top a bit, but if you can not get caught up in that, you will soak in nothing but sublime pop-rock music at its early-1970s best.
Extras are here as well, such as the spare but excellent B-side "Deep Blue," and playful "Miss O'Dell," both never before officially issued. The accompanying DVD is too short, continuing a problem found with previous Harrison releases ("Brainwashed" special edition). But the video of "Give Me Love" from the Harrison-Clapton tour of Japan in December 1991 begs the question "when will the whole thing come out on DVD?" Other features on the DVD are fun (alternate version of "Miss O'Dell" set to a photo montage) and interesting (a short film showing the original albums being pressed).
There also is a great booklet with rare photos, lyrics big enough for Boomers like me to read and a two-page spread showing pics of various music trade charts (Billboard, etc.) reminding that both "Material World" and "Give Me Love" were chart toppers on both sides of the Atlantic.
When this album came out in June 1973, high school friends and I gathered around a turntable for a listening party. We loved it, but it was a bit of a letdown since NOTHING could ever equal or top "All Things Must Pass." Still, it was on our turntables and in our car 8-Track players all summer. Now, as 2007 beckons, hopefully old George fans will come back to this album by way of this reissue -- and a new generation of fans will sample the Quiet Beatle's most-intimate work and give it the thumbs up it richly deserves. Forget those lazy critics who think it's only a John and Paul world. Give George Harrison and his underappreciated work a new chance!