LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD

LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD : Frankly, who could top two successive triple albums that also managed to grab the convented Grammy for Album of The Year two year in a row. Nobody could and George couldn't either but he did came pretty close with this toned down offering as opposed to the grandeur and Phil Spector's Wall of Sound treatment of his last studio album. Thought lacking much of the killer tracks that dominate much of "All Things Must Past," the songs here are much softer and shows the direction that he was to followed in his later works. Where his last album were made up of rejected Beatles songs, this album were all newly composed songs which shows that George was clearly in a class of his own. I got the original CD as part of my collection but sold it off later to an ever faithful pal of mine in order to get this reissued with two bonus songs.

Give Me Love ( Harrison ) : The big hit from this album. This single replaced 'My Love,' the big ballad hit from Paul McCartney & Wings at No.1 when the single loses momentum. the early 70's was a great year for Beatles fans like me and it's always a kick for me to see each Beatles racing up the chart one after another.

Sue Me, Sue You Blues ( Harrison ) : George singing about the draggy court affairs on The Beatles business dealing. Not a favourite and David Bowie did a version of this song.

The Light That Has Lighten The World ( Harrison ) : Doesn't hit you in the face on first listening but constant listening will do just that.

Don't Let Me Wait Too Long ( Harrison ) : There are three great tracks here and this was the first one and it should have been released as a single. Lyrically simple but a heartfelt love song with a melody that will stays with you long after the song have ended.

Who Can See It ( Harrison ) :  Another slow burner that will  grow on you eventually.

Living In The Material World ( Harrison ) : Being the titled track, expectation naturally was high but this track was my least favourite here. Rather loud and you'll find more Beatles reference here. His take on 'Richie' was good 'cos it played on them getting richer and also getting Ringo Starr on board.

The Lord Loves The One [ The Loves The Lord ] ( Harrison ) : One of the loud one that impresses. I've always love this track. Slightly preachy but still a good tune and good fun.

Be Here Now ( Harrison ) : The second great track here. Made in the vein as his Beatles song, 'Long, Long, Long' from the white album, the lead acoustic guitar is so absorbing. Incredibly, I find this track slow and boring on first hearing but now it's essential listening here.

Try Some, Buy Some ( Harrison ) : This sounds like a drug reference song and does bear slight similarities with 'Who Can See It.'

The Day The World Gets Round ( Harrison ) : Another nice track as George sings in the same note as it's harmony. A social commentary track that shows  how George felt at that time.

That Is All ( Harrison ) : The last appropriately titled last track and the final great track from a great album. A great ballad as George sings of his great belief in love. I remember hearing Andy Williams singing a version of this but it was nowhere near as good as this.

BONUS TRACKS :

Deep Blue ( Harrison ) : Surprisingly good, this B side to his 'Bangladesh' single. B-sides for most artists were not supposed to be good but The Beatles were always the exception and George seems to be continuing this trend. Can't believe that George throw this song away.

Miss O'Dell ( Harrison ) : Yet another fine B side. This time from the flip side of 'Give Me Love.' I can't believe I've been missing this great song until now. A light hearted song seemingly about one of their employee, Chris O'Dell, The singing is light hearted and George is heard breaking into laughter towards the end of the song.

DOP : 27th January 2012