Living In The Material World - George Harrison Album Review

Album Review

In 1967, at the age of 24, George Harrison said, "I think with us having all the material wealth that we need, then...you know, the average person feels that if they had a car and a telly and a house then that's where it's at. But if you get a car and a telly and a house... and even a lot of money...your life's still empty because it's still on a gross level. What we need isn't material, it's spiritual. We need some other form of peace and happiness." His then, recent investigation into Indian music led him to a spiritual path that he followed until his untimely death. To that end he consciously endeavoured to avoid a commercial trend. Produced by widow Olivia and son Dhani Harrison, this newly re-mastered Living In .... was Harrison's second release after the break-up of the Fab Four. It now comes with two extras - Deep Blue and Miss O'Dell. On its original release in 1973 it peaked at 2, spawning its only single Give Me Peace, no 8 on the UK singles chart. They faired better Stateside, both chart toppers. He was the first ex-Beatle to score a solo number one hit (twice over '70 & '02) with My Sweet Lord. On this he continued to explore spiritual themes with his then 'band', pianists Nicky Hopkins and Gary Wright, bassist Klaus Voormann and renowned drummer Jim Keltner at Apple Studio, 3 Savile Row London. Lyrically it's a very personal album, with a strong emphasis on reaching beyond secular issues of the time. It has a strong post -hippy, 'Summer Of Love' throwback. With the exception of Sue Me , Sue You Blues, written during the Beatles' demise, where he exhibits a rare bluesy side, it's an album targeting eternal hope, during a time of turmoil. Ballads The Light That Has Lighted..., Who Can See It, The Day Gets Around...are full of heartfelt lyrics underpinning his global viewpoint with great articulation and precision. Try Some Buy Some sounds more like a Beatles leftover from the late sixties. Jaunty full-filled (certainly Miss O'Dell where Harrison regular breaks into laughter) and Deep Blue, are album after-thoughts, and rather peculiar additions, nevertheless, they blend, even juxtapose, well with the main tracklisting.

Of course Give Me Peace (Give Me Love) is a timeless beauty, which was not only a soundtrack to the early 70's, but one that could also apply to the dangerous state of the world today.

Elly Roberts