The late George Harrison’s 1973 solo album, Living in the Material, will be reissued on November 15 in multiple formats and configurations in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Videos by American Songwriter
Among the versions that will be available is a Super Deluxe Edition box set featuring two CDs, two LPs, a 7-inch vinyl single, and a Blu-ray audio disc. The package, which is limited to 5,000 copies globally, also will include a 60-page booklet offering sleeve notes, photography, and artwork from Harrison’s archives.
The reissues were produced by George’s widow and son, Olivia and Dhani Harrison. The tracks were mixed by respected studio engineer Paul Hicks.
The Living in the Material World box set features a newly mixed version of the original album, a selection of previously unreleased alternate takes from the sessions, and the B-side “Miss O’Dell.” It also includes a previously unheard recording of “Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond),” a Harrison-penned tune that appeared on Ringo Starr’s 1973 solo album, Ringo.
The version featured on the reissue includes contributions from Starr and four members of The Band—Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and Rick Danko.
The vinyl single features the unheard recording of “Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond),” backed by an instrumental version of the track.
The Blu-ray features Dolby Atmos mixes of all of the Living in the Material World album and bonus tracks.
An alternate take of Harrison’s chart-topping single, “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” has been made available as an advance track from the Living in the Material World reissue. You also can check out a visualizer video for the acoustic-driven track at the ex-Beatles guitarist’s official YouTube channel.
You can pre-order the box set and other versions of the reissue now.
About Living in the Material World
Living in the Material World was the second solo studio album Harrison released after The Beatles’ breakup, and his fourth overall. Released in May 1973, it was a follow-up to his classic 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass. The three-disc set spent seven consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 at the beginning of ’71.
Living in the Material World also topped the Billboard 200, taking over the No. 1 spot for five weeks in June and July of ’73.
“Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” was the only single released from Living in the Material World. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 on June 30 of ’73.
Among the musicians who accompanied Harrison on the album were Starr and Jim Keltner on drums, Nicky Hopkins and Gary Wright on keyboards, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Jim Horn on sax and flute.
Olivia and Dhani Harrison’s Comments on the Reissue
Both Olivia and Dhani Harrison issued statements about the Living in Material World album and its reissue.
“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 mankind,” Olivia said. “Give me Love … Give me Peace on Earth.”
Meanwhile, Dhani commented, “Finally, we are overjoyed to present to you the 50th anniversary package of George Harrison’s Living in the Material World. For those of you who are just discovering this album; This record was released in service and with deep love for all our Brothers and Sisters around the world who populate this dualistic system we live in called Earth. Peace be upon all sentient beings.”
Other Versions of the Living in the Material Reissue
As mentioned, various other versions of the reissue also are be available. They include two-LP and two-CD Deluxe Editions, standard single-LP and CD versions, and a limited-edition purple-vinyl LP sold exclusively at Harrison’s online store. The reissue also will be available via streaming services.
Living in the Material World Super Deluxe Edition LP and CD Track List:
LP 1/CD 1:
- “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” (2024 Mix)
- “Sue Me, Sue You Blues” (2024 Mix)
- “The Light That Has Lighted the World” (2024 Mix)
- “Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long” (2024 Mix)
- “Who Can See It” (2024 Mix)
- “Living in the Material World” (2024 Mix)
- “The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord)” (2024 Mix)
- “Be Here Now” (2024 Mix)
- “Try Some Buy Some” (2024 Mix)
- “The Day the World Gets ’Round” (2024 Mix)
- “That Is All” (2024 Mix)
LP 2/CD 2:
- “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” (Take 18; Acoustic Version)
- “Sue Me, Sue You Blues” (Take 5)
- “The Light That Has Lighted the World” (Take 13)
- “Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long” (Take 49; Acoustic Version)
- “Who Can See It” (Take 93)
- “Living in the Material World” (Take 31)
- “The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord)” (Take 3)
- “Be Here Now” (Take 8)
- “Try Some Buy Some” (Alternative Version)
- “The Day the World Gets ’Round” (Take 22; Acoustic Version)
- “That Is All” (Take 24)
- “Miss O’Dell” (2024 Mix)
- “Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond)” (CD Only)
7″ Single:
“Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond)”/“Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond)” (Instrumental)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.