Thanks again, John! I bought it on 3rd of June 1973 (I don’t need to check), when it first came out. I was 15. Since then it has been a wonderful friend and a big part of the soundtrack of my life. In those days however it was not always easy to be a George-Fan because of the bashing beginning in 1974. But it‘s a joy to see the ever growing estimation of this wonderful man today. I wished I had someone like you to share my taste and thoughts back then. One of the glories of the internet! Greetings from Berlin, Harry
Hello John. I watch many of your brilliant posts on your channel, and especially bow to your great knowledge and feel for all the former Beatles albums. I have recently started a RUclips channel and a couple of weeks ago did my top 10 by former Beatles. I meant to reference your work and influence but ( due to my nerves and technophobobia- I have to do it all in one take) I forgot. So this is just bro say how much I respect and enjoy your channel and opinions-Thank You.
Don't Let Me Wait Too Long - I absolutely love this song. My favourite on the whole record. Feels out of place with the tone of the other tracks. Just a beautiful, joyful song.
My personal favourite Harrison album. Love the words on a song like who can see it, similar to run of the mill and dark horse plus a passionate vocal (even though it's a bit high for George). Great video John
When I was a kid I had this and ATMP. A grown - up friend expressed an interest in George's music, and I didn't want to risk my expensive triple album, so I loaned him Material World. When he returned it unscathed, he declared it the best record he had ever heard. He was a huge Simon and Garfunkel fan, and introduced me to their early works. I am happy on all counts.
@@dimsylsodium1 I didn't know that, interesting! But I'm glad it's called Living In The Material World; as an album title I think it is better, and fits the album...
I agree with you 100%. I always thought that this was one of George's greatest albums and no one ever talks about it. It's totally underrated to say the least.
Living in The material world is classic Harrison, fantastic, The cult singer Ian Astbury did a great cover of be here now, David Bowie did try Some buy some, Harry Nilsson that’s all, cat Stevens The day The world gets round, a great album, always loved it and still do, in fact, a lot of his seventies albums are heavy underrated, because all things must pass is just a huge album, all his other albums must Grow in the shadow of that big tree.
I agree! I didn't "discover" this album until I was probably in my late 20's, even though I've been a Beatles and George fan my whole life. Superb songwriting, musicianship, AND wonderful artwork and packaging! Love this AS much as ATMP, but I'm on the fence as to whether it's better or it's equal. Maybe time for another listen! ;)
A vastly over-shadowed album. I remember getting mine in 1973 as a Christmas gift. A few years ago a picked up a copy of the CD/DVD issued in 2006. A very nice package, that one. Has bonus tracks on the CD with Deep Blue and Miss O'Dell. I sincerely hope Dhani and Paul Hicks get their hands off this one.
I whole heartedly agree! I first heard Living in the Material World years ago, and I really didn't like it. I thought the songs were far weaker than those on All Things Must Pass. But I recently went back to it, and it's fabulous! Loads of great songs, and, as you say, fabulous production.
At that I was very anti-religious, way too many people were preaching about Jesus and being born again, even some relatives and the artwork for this album really put me off, as well as some of the lyrics. The cover has a Hindu medallion, the insert is obviously of a religious nature, the inner gatefold looked like Jesus presiding over the Last Supper. It rubbed me the wrong way at the time, there's an arrogance about preaching to others that assumes you're right and the world is wrong and with so many doing it differently they can't all be right. Years later I went on my own quest for meaning (took the TM training), a more transient lifestyle that had me putting old albums onto more convenient cassettes and I had "Living in the Material World" and "Dark Horse" on a tape, listening to it on a car stereo across a couple of states and singing along to 'It is 'He' (Jai Sri Krishna)' I got a spiritual high. These days I still don't believe in any deity or fate or Karma but I think the human brain is capable of much more than we know. I see these albums as George trying to share what brought him some form of peace/happiness, not out to convert people but maybe help them better their lives.
Another great analysis, but what is the estate going to do for the anniversary reissue? Would a $1000 box set of "Living In the Material World" be ironic? I made a video on my channel on what this box set would feature... such things as a severed hand for the cover. I would link it, but this channel seems far too serious for such nonsense.
Although I continue to have mixed feelings on this album, you’ve made a very good case for the merits of “Material World”, particularly about its production values, and it’s clear, clean sound. Interesting and entertaining as always John..
I couldn’t agree with you more. This has always been my favorite for many of the reasons you went to say. I gravitate to more ballad/slower tempo songs and this album has some of the best. Great songs, great playing, great production, great George guitar parts, and amazing George vocals. Very glad you made this video. The light that has lighted the world is my favorite George song
Nice one John I enjoyed your. Miami airport when you bought the book for a dollar I enjoy listening to you you have great interesting knowledge as a fan of george and The Beatles I’m fascinated by them and their music thanks 🙏
George Harrison’s lead guitar on the title track is great. It’s kind of a duel between the sax and George. Both are killer but when George takes that last bit, it rips my head off!!!!!
Hi there John yes a man after my own heart i too think this is a brilliant album and yes better than All thing Must Pass which i have as do i have Living in A Matireal Worlf on cassette as in 72 i had no record player so thanks for this
I remember finding my first copy (a really beaten up US one) in the early 90s and despite its flaws, recognising it as a masterpiece!!! Now I have 4 or 5 of them (vinyl copies) , including my native Greek... Thanks John!!!
One of George's best! Great musicianship and production! I especially enjoy George's rocking lead on the title track - 'Living in the Material World', the lyrical synopsis of The Beatles story. Yousef Islam / Cat Stevens was also inspired by this album, as demonstrated by his cover of 'The Day the World Gets Round'.
I agree on your view on LITMW. Great music, fantastic guitars. Brave for the lyrics in the middle of the glam rock period. I can't agree on your praise on the Tyler/Carr book. To me horrible. I bought it as a teenager in Germany. They have nearly only bad words on Harrison, came up with calling Abbey Road a "clever satire". Ram was smashed too. They also released the same book for the Stones. Nearly every fart of Jagger is praised higher than Harrison's complete output. That's when Stones fans write a book about the Beatles.
Nicky Hopkins that fine session player who played on Beatles Stones and Who records his beautiful piano is all over this album particularly on give me love and the light that has lighted the world. He left us far too young
Very interesting John. I bought this the day it came out. I was 14. It was and still is one of my all time favourites. I rate it higher than ATMP. At the time the Melody Maker raved about it. My only gripe would be that the production could have been slicker. Maybe Richard Perry . Also Try Some Buy Some is out of place. George’s vocal isn’t the best on that one. That said it is still played regularly in this house.
"...tour of North America didn't go too well..." Well, I saw his concert in Long Beach in 1974 it was great. It was sold out and the crowd had had a great time even with his hoarse voice. It was the big music press critics (Rolling Stone) who slammed it but not the public. He sold out every show and grossed 4 Million so I don't know how you can say it didn't go too well. Please give specifics.
@@johnheaton5667 Well I recall being told not to bring in any electronic devices, but no body searches only ladies hand bags. I know I didn't smoke any pot at that show as I usually did but am not sure we had to get rid of it before the show. But that was Long Beach and other venues may have had other restrictions. So some other places may have been easier to record at. Only the Harrison Estate knows if any soundboard tapes exist, but one would think.
@@graniterhythm53 That may have something to do with hooking up with Olivia during the tour, being ill and dealing with bad press. But he did turn around and did Xtra Texture.
High level album yes you touched base on several points. I contributed this comment as i have enjoyed this album over the years. Good vocals from George, musicianship etc. Leaner production this time around which suited well. Yes lion share attention to All Things Must Pass; but Material World could easily each its own. Independently yes.
This album is such a grower. Give Me Love is right up there with the very best Beatles songs. Best ever solo song by any of them imo. Great slide guitar by Harrison. I don't think any guitarist could do a better job than Harrison here. A couple of songs I'm not so keen on, and I'd rather have those 3 bonus songs on there to give it a bit more variety and oomph. Be Here Now is a remarkable song. That Is All is so great. This is higher than ATMP for me too. The Apple Jam and production of ATMP makes it lower in my rankings. But a rearranged ATMP playlist using demos and serveral great leftovers puts it up the top. Could have been a remarkable double album. I'd have Brainwashed very slightly higher. But this album a close 2nd for me. Good to see you're a fan. I don't care about the preachy lyrics. The melodies are fantastic, the string arrangements as you say, the production in general is far more what I go for than ATMP. Love your reviews.
I'm so happy I can appreciate this album now I'm 5 years older, enough has happened in my life to help me respect and appreciate the messages since I first listened to this album at 20.
This is a great album I wish he had left the lord loves the one who loves the lord off. Other than that it's brilliant. The day the world gets round wow be here now sublime give me love killer 90% of the record is high high level
Hearing "Be Here Now" on the radio is what finally convinced me to get a copy of this album. George's singing is a bit strained on some tracks, but overall this is a very good album indeed.
There is this sound that was. In the later 70s early 80s that I've been chasing but can't quit find the Garden that the flowers came from. The type of sound can be found in Cartoons such as "Doctor Snuggles" and "Simon in the Land of Chalkdrawings" also in George Harrison's Albums, if anyone out there knows what I'm speaking of please point in the right direction I will be thankful
All things must pass gets praised to the heavens because it is an incredible batch of songs. Beatle quality, better than in some cases.......living in the material world is very good but isnt quite at the high standard set by all things must pass. Most George fans feel this it seems. Who can see it and the light that has lighted the world are my favourites.......I dont care for sue me sue you blues or the title track that much nor give me love, so theres a few weak spots here for me. Be here now i like very much.
One of the great things about music and art is how we all like different things..no right or wrong...personally I love the rhythms and guitar of 'Sue me'... and happen to love the Apple Jam on ATMP..... but there you go ☺️
Very underrated album, that has stood the test of time very well. I do prefer ATMP, but that's a pretty high bar. This stands as a great album on it's own. They should have released 'Don't Let Me Wait to Long' as a single, it would probably have been another number one hit record. Great review John.
Agreed that it's a great album. I remember reading a review at the time which suggested that this was George's "Imagine." In some ways I can see why. Some great guitar work throughout. Tracks covered by David Bowie (Try Some Buy Some) and Yusuf Islam (The Day The World Gets 'Round)... there may be others that I've missed..... are further evidence of how good the songs are.
I love this album more today than I did when it came out in 1973 was it? Pete Ham did sing and play on it. Badfinger was George Harrison's sideband. I only wish George and Badfinger had worked more together. Nice review, John.
John can you believe when I commented on a video that "for me all things must pass ends when hear me lord ends and the Apple Jam isn't really part of the album and shouldn't be there" another commenter said that the Apple Jam is the BEST part of all things must pass and without it is just a sad album
I would much rather have ATMP released as an ordinary gatefold double album - and have the "Apple Jam" disc released and sold separately for those who are interested with that. The idea of having a triple LP box set would only make sense to me if, let's say that the music of "Living In a Material World" also were included - so that it would have made a real triple album.
Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long should of been the follow up single. I’ve read that Apple had it slated to be the next 45 but canceled it. I agree with you that Material World is beautifully produced. I think about 5 or 6 songs are up there with All Things Must Pass but the others are kind of downers. Meaning I always thought the album would of been better balanced with a few more uptempo numbers. By the way, my George Harrison tribute band “My Sweet George” covers “Try Some Buy Some”. And yes, that is one heck of a tune to learn and get together with the band! But worth the challenge. Nice post John. And thanks for not being too harsh on the “Dark Horse” LP. I have a soft spot for that one. PS I know you’ve mentioned it, but I don’t think of All Things Must Pass as a triple set. I never include the bonus record when rating the album. Ok time to go work on the MG. Thanks!👍
I think it's an excellent album. John any chance you could up the volume on your mic. I always have to crank up the volume to hear the excellent content .
Totally agree with all you say about this fantastic album - perhaps apart from one thing : I don't think it has got a great cover. The gatefold sleeve inside is ok - but I never liked the blurred picture with the hand from the first time I saw it. (Just like I dislike the cover of his latest, "Brainwashed") But the music contained inside is another matter. From the first time I heard it in the early 70's - I've always thought of this album as it should have been included in the ATMP box instead of the "Apple Jam" disc - so it would have made a proper triple album. Most of the songs here blend perfectly well with the sound and feel of the ATMP release. For some reason I liked to turn off the lights and sit and listen to it over and over in the dark in the evenings. I find that many of the songs on "Extra Texture" also share the same qualities : "This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying)" - "The Answer's At the End" - "Grey Cloudy Lies" - "World of Stone" "You" - "Tired of Midnight Blue" - "Can't Stop Thinking About You." But after George changed much of his music style he only occasionally came up with a song that was in the same mold of his early 70's songs. His fine "Cloud Nine" LP I see as a return to the ATMP standard on some songs : "That's What It Takes" - "Just For Today" - "Someplace Else.
Excellent album and also prefer it to ATMP but I still have a very strong emotional attachment to 33 and a third which I bought in 1977 at age 10 on cassette. Only kid at school that owned the album in Grade 4.
To the best of my knowledge , this was the fastest Beatles or solo Beatles albums to reach number 1 in USA. First week 11 2nd week number 1. I purchased this at Wharehouse records in 1979.
Hi John, Interesting with Don't Let me wait too Long, I always often wondered why that song was not released as the 2nd single, by Apple which apparently it was meant to be and most probably would have been another nice little hit for George to add to his string, not as big as Give me love, but top 20, you would have thought at the time, with its up beat and commercial Qualities. I feel the reason it wasn't released was the similarities to McGuinness Flint's 1970 song When I'm Dead. And that either Apple or George himself did not want to go though the plagiarism embarrassment of legal action taken against him again , as with the situation with my sweet lord. And also that band and its management would have jump at a quick $cash grab as with the He's so fine song, and its management. whats your thoughts.
Lots of people criticise Gone Troppo. While it's not my favourite, it's massively grown on me. Greece, Unknown Delight, Mystical One...would be interested to hear a re-evaluation on this and all of George's records. Is your ranking still the same? Somewhere in England his weakest I'd say.
@@montyrose78 gone troppo is a particular favourite of mine too. I really can’t understand why it gets so much stick! Same with dark horse and extra texture.
I love Gone Troppo. It has so much humour and sunshine in it. Look out for the original Somewhere in England on RUclips. Someone's put the fantastic removed tracks back and put it all in its original running order - it would have been a superb album, had that jumped up Warner Bros record exec not interfered!!
Agree almost entirely John. This is a great album, and i appreciate the ‘spector-less’ production. One of the hidden gems i believe is “dont let me wait too long”. A really nice George upbeat number.
I might agree with you if the songs on LITMW included "Bangladesh", "Deep Blue" and "Miss O'Dell", too many ballads and not enough uppys...ATMP had much more diversity, country (pedal steel), rock, blues (I Dig Love) folk (Apple Scruffs) along with all those Gothic dreamy masterpieces...
I'm more in favour of concept albums where the feel of the music does not vary too much. The ATMP album works well that way. I see it as a concept album.
I bought it on first release as vinyl, and still have it. I liked the LP, but I'm not much for the arrogant certitude of "religious" preachers. There's always in it a sense of superiority, and therefore condescension in the assumption that others need to hear it.
Great to hear your perspective, John. I’ve really tried but I have a hard time really getting into this one. I love about half the tracks (Sue Me Sue You Blues is one of my all time favorite George tunes) but musically I think it gets a little too slow and sedate at points for my tastes. An uptempo rocker in the vein of Wah Wah or What Is Life would have gone a long way for me. But I’ll keep coming back to it, maybe someday it will click for me.
@@bertbecker7532 He says in one of his intervju videos that some of the songs on LITMW were leftovers from the ATMP sessions. But I think that only the "Try Some Buy Some" recording was used for LITMW. Correct me if I'm wrong, anyone.
Although the sound quality is better on LITMW and it is probably the most underrated/skipped over solo album, the writing is stronger on ATMP. John: ATMP is an overpriced but superb two record set with a few overproduced spector cuts -- that remain excellent songs anyway -- a bonus disk that only has one good "song", and a real nice poster and box. It is not reasonable to include cost as a factor in judging quality. I suspect that if ATMP had been gifted to you, you wouldn't be crying boo hoo hoo about the apple jam nearly so much, though it is hard to listen to the whole disk more than a couple times. The white album is the best beatles record because it has two almost flawless records (the only cheesy cut is paul's granny music honey pie). Likewise, ATMP is the best post-beatles album because it has two really great records. The last beatle solo album I could listen to all the way through more than once was 33 1/3, just as bowie albums tailed off after scary monsters. It's too much to ask of our icons that they always produce excellence. Highly talented musicians get tired and burnt out after being excellent for more than ten or fifteen years. All have had occasional dribs and drabs of creativity afterwards. P.S. I gave up on finding a consistently great record by Paul McCartney after BOTR. Couldn't listen to any ringo album all the way through more than once. Later career live performance is of course a different matter in the case of each.
well including my sons we have four vinyl copies and three cds (plus original jewel box which i gave to a friend)….was quire tempted by the splatter but they priced it as a triple so i’ll pass…think i have spent enough on this album! which should have been a double from the start imo!
George once turned to Ringo while their two families were together at the table, and suddenly said : "I'm in love with your wife" ! Even George's wife, Pattie Boyd, heard it. Ringo reacted by joining Lennon on his spree. The couple later got divorced - and Maureen died from cancer some time later. Pattie Boyd found her husband and Maureen in bed in Friars Park one day. Her revenge was to return to modelling - something George had strictly forbidden her. And she also starting seeing other men - beginning with Ron Wood. Eric Clapton started having an affair with Pattie - that ended up marrying him after George found out. After George had died his new wife, Olivia, mother of Dhani, also said very diplomatically that George continued having affairs with other woman. "He loved women - and women loved him." But the couple stayed together until his death in 2001.
I think Carr and Tyler’ were a couple of journos who loved their own words. I bought a copy in 85 and used it as a guide in my early Beatles collecting. As I collected the records I found their opinions to be garbage. I think you should put their book in the bin 😂
I agree with almost everything Carr and Tyler say, I got this album (c. 1983) at the record market, bout £1.50, hate the album, it's just George farting out the sorry remnants from what got leftover from ATMP. I'd put it on the same level as McCartney Kisses on the bottom (forgettable)...BTW the Ronnie Spector reject was only changed by replacing her vocal with George's, exactly the same arrangement (hey...gives us the Phil Spector production nod!! lol)
I know "Try Some Buy Some" was around and was a leftover from the ATMP sessions. But does anybody know if the songs on LITMW were songs that was laying around and that George had already written during the time of the Beatles ? And if so, why weren't any of these on any demoes for ATMP ?
Its really amazing to me with your disdain for the APPLE JAM on ATMP..it makes me giggle..being a guitar player and having listened to it for 50 years,i AND others come from a completely different place, MATERIAL along wth BRAINWASHED are HARRISONS best AFTER ATMP ,including the APPLE JAM.
This obsession with marking down ATMP because it had a disc of outtakes makes no sense. Just rate the main discs and in that case, ATMP wins by a good margin despite the production flaws. I love this album because Give Me Love and Be here now are brilliant. The preachy stuff is a turnoff
If I remember right the Apple jam was marketed as a free record, although the price was at least a dollar higher than the other double albums at the time.
George justified this by saying : "You paid with your money - but we paid with our nervous systems." Which I guess is true. Money has never been an issue with me when it comes to any of The Beatles as it's so good value for money.
Its a good album. Be Here Now is a favorite. Being that its a "spiritual" album Sue Me Sue You Blues is a odd ball on this album. Try Some Buy Some is stand out track. The Beatles bio book "The Love You Make" by Peter Brown and Nicholas Schaffer it said regarding this album, it was a "diatribe on God, khrishna and the hindu religion" and it describe the lyrics as "boring". But I think George may have intended it to be more laid back. Not every album has to but punchy. Just look at Red Rose Speedway, lyrically its the same way.
Thanks again, John! I bought it on 3rd of June 1973 (I don’t need to check), when it first came out. I was 15. Since then it has been a wonderful friend and a big part of the soundtrack of my life. In those days however it was not always easy to be a George-Fan because of the bashing beginning in 1974. But it‘s a joy to see the ever growing estimation of this wonderful man today. I wished I had someone like you to share my taste and thoughts back then. One of the glories of the internet! Greetings from Berlin, Harry
Hello John. I watch many of your brilliant posts on your channel, and especially bow to your great knowledge and feel for all the former Beatles albums. I have recently started a RUclips channel and a couple of weeks ago did my top 10 by former Beatles. I meant to reference your work and influence but ( due to my nerves and technophobobia- I have to do it all in one take) I forgot. So this is just bro say how much I respect and enjoy your channel and opinions-Thank You.
Don't Let Me Wait Too Long - I absolutely love this song. My favourite on the whole record. Feels out of place with the tone of the other tracks. Just a beautiful, joyful song.
This song has got more in common with songs that George would write for later albums.
Great song!!! 👍 A favorite of mine!!!
It is quite simply a magnificent album, in terms of songs, musiciabship and George's singing.
My personal favourite Harrison album. Love the words on a song like who can see it, similar to run of the mill and dark horse plus a passionate vocal (even though it's a bit high for George). Great video John
'Hello, it's John Heaton.........' and I listen, even though I don't always agree.
When I was a kid I had this and ATMP. A grown - up friend expressed an interest in George's music, and I didn't want to risk my expensive triple album, so I loaned him Material World. When he returned it unscathed, he declared it the best record he had ever heard. He was a huge Simon and Garfunkel fan, and introduced me to their early works. I am happy on all counts.
My 2nd favourite George Harrison album; and "The Light That Has Lighted The World" is my all time favourite George solo song...
What a spectacular song, one of my all time favorites too. A lyrical and musical masterpiece.
I think that at one point in time (prior to release), the album title was reported as being "The Light That Has Lighted The World".
@@dimsylsodium1 I didn't know that, interesting! But I'm glad it's called Living In The Material World; as an album title I think it is better, and fits the album...
I agree with you 100%. I always thought that this was one of George's greatest albums and no one ever talks about it. It's totally underrated to say the least.
Living in The material world is classic Harrison, fantastic, The cult singer Ian Astbury did a great cover of be here now, David Bowie did try Some buy some, Harry Nilsson that’s all, cat Stevens The day The world gets round, a great album, always loved it and still do, in fact, a lot of his seventies albums are heavy underrated, because all things must pass is just a huge album, all his other albums must Grow in the shadow of that big tree.
Thanks John
Thanks John!!!
I agree! I didn't "discover" this album until I was probably in my late 20's, even though I've been a Beatles and George fan my whole life. Superb songwriting, musicianship, AND wonderful artwork and packaging! Love this AS much as ATMP, but I'm on the fence as to whether it's better or it's equal. Maybe time for another listen! ;)
Great video John. Love this album to death too. Who Can See It is wonderful as well.
A vastly over-shadowed album. I remember getting mine in 1973 as a Christmas gift. A few years ago a picked up a copy of the CD/DVD issued in 2006. A very nice package, that one. Has bonus tracks on the CD with Deep Blue and Miss O'Dell. I sincerely hope Dhani and Paul Hicks get their hands off this one.
If a remix is issued, fantastic for those who want it. For those that do not want it, not a problem, don’t buy it. It’s quite simply really.
@@captaincopter2387 The point is that it doesn't need a remix.
@@fittobetiedyed5315 of course it doesn’t “need” a remix, but some people like options. Choice is good.
@@captaincopter2387 It depends on what the choice is.
@@fittobetiedyed5315 the choice is to listen to a remix or not listen to a remix.
I whole heartedly agree! I first heard Living in the Material World years ago, and I really didn't like it. I thought the songs were far weaker than those on All Things Must Pass. But I recently went back to it, and it's fabulous! Loads of great songs, and, as you say, fabulous production.
At that I was very anti-religious, way too many people were preaching about Jesus and being born again, even some relatives and the artwork for this album really put me off, as well as some of the lyrics. The cover has a Hindu medallion, the insert is obviously of a religious nature, the inner gatefold looked like Jesus presiding over the Last Supper. It rubbed me the wrong way at the time, there's an arrogance about preaching to others that assumes you're right and the world is wrong and with so many doing it differently they can't all be right.
Years later I went on my own quest for meaning (took the TM training), a more transient lifestyle that had me putting old albums onto more convenient cassettes and I had "Living in the Material World" and "Dark Horse" on a tape, listening to it on a car stereo across a couple of states and singing along to 'It is 'He' (Jai Sri Krishna)' I got a spiritual high. These days I still don't believe in any deity or fate or Karma but I think the human brain is capable of much more than we know. I see these albums as George trying to share what brought him some form of peace/happiness, not out to convert people but maybe help them better their lives.
It took maybe a dozen listens or more before I got it. Now one of my favorite albums. “Who Can See It” just masterful.
I always thought Sue me sue you was out of place as the rest of the album is mostly peace and love.
Another great analysis, but what is the estate going to do for the anniversary reissue? Would a $1000 box set of "Living In the Material World" be ironic? I made a video on my channel on what this box set would feature... such things as a severed hand for the cover. I would link it, but this channel seems far too serious for such nonsense.
Thanks for bringing up this album. You caused me to give it a play, which I haven't done in a long time. It indeed is a great album.
Although I continue to have mixed feelings on this album, you’ve made a very good case for the merits of “Material World”, particularly about its production values, and it’s clear, clean sound. Interesting and entertaining as always John..
I couldn’t agree with you more. This has always been my favorite for many of the reasons you went to say. I gravitate to more ballad/slower tempo songs and this album has some of the best. Great songs, great playing, great production, great George guitar parts, and amazing George vocals. Very glad you made this video. The light that has lighted the world is my favorite George song
Agree with you about this much-overshadowed treasure. And I love your Scott Joplin T-shirt, from Joshua Rifkin's Nonesuch album cover.
Nice one John I enjoyed your. Miami airport when you bought the book for a dollar I enjoy listening to you you have great interesting knowledge as a fan of george and The Beatles I’m fascinated by them and their music thanks 🙏
George Harrison’s lead guitar on the title track is great. It’s kind of a duel between the sax and George. Both are killer but when George takes that last bit, it rips my head off!!!!!
I love playing and singing "Give Me Love" on my Ukulele. Love listening to "Be Here now" also.
Hi there John yes a man after my own heart i too think this is a brilliant album and yes better than All thing Must Pass which i have as do i have Living in A Matireal Worlf on cassette as in 72 i had no record player so thanks for this
I remember finding my first copy (a really beaten up US one) in the early 90s and despite its flaws, recognising it as a masterpiece!!! Now I have 4 or 5 of them (vinyl copies) , including my native Greek... Thanks John!!!
One of George's best! Great musicianship and production! I especially enjoy George's rocking lead on the title track - 'Living in the Material World', the lyrical synopsis of The Beatles story.
Yousef Islam / Cat Stevens was also inspired by this album, as demonstrated by his cover of 'The Day the World Gets Round'.
Great review as always,John!
Thanks...
To quote from Wikipedia, one writer termed it 'the close of an age, the last offering of the Beatles' London period.'
Be Here Now is one of my favorite George song
LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD is his best AFTER ATMP.
I agree on your view on LITMW. Great music, fantastic guitars. Brave for the lyrics in the middle of the glam rock period. I can't agree on your praise on the Tyler/Carr book. To me horrible. I bought it as a teenager in Germany. They have nearly only bad words on Harrison, came up with calling Abbey Road a "clever satire". Ram was smashed too. They also released the same book for the Stones. Nearly every fart of Jagger is praised higher than Harrison's complete output. That's when Stones fans write a book about the Beatles.
Nicky Hopkins that fine session player who played on Beatles Stones and Who records his beautiful piano is all over this album particularly on give me love and the light that has lighted the world. He left us far too young
"That is All" is a beautiful song.
I think it was easy for many to dismiss this album (and GH for evermore) as "sanctimonious". It's a bit more complex than that.
Very interesting John. I bought this the day it came out. I was 14. It was and still is one of my all time favourites. I rate it higher than ATMP. At the time the Melody Maker raved about it. My only gripe would be that the production could have been slicker. Maybe Richard Perry . Also Try Some Buy Some is out of place. George’s vocal isn’t the best on that one. That said it is still played regularly in this house.
"...tour of North America didn't go too well..." Well, I saw his concert in Long Beach in 1974 it was great. It was sold out and the crowd had had a great time even with his hoarse voice. It was the big music press critics (Rolling Stone) who slammed it but not the public. He sold out every show and grossed 4 Million so I don't know how you can say it didn't go too well. Please give specifics.
well why hasn’t it ever been released on dvd or cd? i only have a very bad quality bootleg which probably does it no justice!
@@johnheaton5667 Well I recall being told not to bring in any electronic devices, but no body searches only ladies hand bags. I know I didn't smoke any pot at that show as I usually did but am not sure we had to get rid of it before the show. But that was Long Beach and other venues may have had other restrictions. So some other places may have been easier to record at. Only the Harrison Estate knows if any soundboard tapes exist, but one would think.
Well something didn't go too well as George himself is on record as saying he seemed to have a breakdown on his return from the tour to Friar Park!
@@graniterhythm53 That may have something to do with hooking up with Olivia during the tour, being ill and dealing with bad press. But he did turn around and did Xtra Texture.
High level album yes you touched base on several points. I contributed this comment as i have enjoyed this album over the years. Good vocals from George, musicianship etc. Leaner production this time around which suited well. Yes lion share attention to All Things Must Pass; but Material World could easily each its own. Independently yes.
This album is such a grower. Give Me Love is right up there with the very best Beatles songs. Best ever solo song by any of them imo. Great slide guitar by Harrison. I don't think any guitarist could do a better job than Harrison here. A couple of songs I'm not so keen on, and I'd rather have those 3 bonus songs on there to give it a bit more variety and oomph. Be Here Now is a remarkable song. That Is All is so great. This is higher than ATMP for me too. The Apple Jam and production of ATMP makes it lower in my rankings. But a rearranged ATMP playlist using demos and serveral great leftovers puts it up the top. Could have been a remarkable double album.
I'd have Brainwashed very slightly higher. But this album a close 2nd for me. Good to see you're a fan. I don't care about the preachy lyrics. The melodies are fantastic, the string arrangements as you say, the production in general is far more what I go for than ATMP.
Love your reviews.
I'm so happy I can appreciate this album now I'm 5 years older, enough has happened in my life to help me respect and appreciate the messages since I first listened to this album at 20.
When I see your You Tubes I'm amaze how often we think alike...I tend to agree with you always.
Thank you for thinking so much like me...lol!
Same here. John Heaton is spot on most of the time with me too.
This is a great album I wish he had left the lord loves the one who loves the lord off. Other than that it's brilliant. The day the world gets round wow be here now sublime give me love killer 90% of the record is high high level
Hearing "Be Here Now" on the radio is what finally convinced me to get a copy of this album. George's singing is a bit strained on some tracks, but overall this is a very good album indeed.
There is this sound that was. In the later 70s early 80s that I've been chasing but can't quit find the Garden that the flowers came from. The type of sound can be found in Cartoons such as "Doctor Snuggles" and "Simon in the Land of Chalkdrawings" also in George Harrison's Albums, if anyone out there knows what I'm speaking of please point in the right direction I will be thankful
All things must pass gets praised to the heavens because it is an incredible batch of songs. Beatle quality, better than in some cases.......living in the material world is very good but isnt quite at the high standard set by all things must pass. Most George fans feel this it seems. Who can see it and the light that has lighted the world are my favourites.......I dont care for sue me sue you blues or the title track that much nor give me love, so theres a few weak spots here for me. Be here now i like very much.
One of the great things about music and art is how we all like different things..no right or wrong...personally I love the rhythms and guitar of 'Sue me'... and happen to love the Apple Jam on ATMP..... but there you go ☺️
From me to you
Have much the same opinions as you express. Like the ones you like - and don't care so much for the title track
and "Sue Me.. Blues."
@@tomrogerlilleby2890 great minds think alike!
Great review
I’m sure the Harrison estate will be planning a 50th anniversary swag of editions for this along with Darkhorse as well.
Very underrated album, that has stood the test of time very well. I do prefer ATMP, but that's a pretty high bar. This stands as a great album on it's own. They should have released 'Don't Let Me Wait to Long' as a single, it would probably have been another number one hit record. Great review John.
Absolutely. I have had this idea since 1973.
Agreed that it's a great album. I remember reading a review at the time which suggested that this was George's "Imagine." In some ways I can see why. Some great guitar work throughout. Tracks covered by David Bowie (Try Some Buy Some) and Yusuf Islam (The Day The World Gets 'Round)... there may be others that I've missed..... are further evidence of how good the songs are.
I love this album more today than I did when it came out in 1973 was it? Pete Ham did sing and play on it. Badfinger was George Harrison's sideband. I only wish George and Badfinger had worked more together.
Nice review, John.
I prefer this album to ATMP.. More of a guitar album. To me this album sounds more like George.
I know you’ve ranked the McCartney albums. But how about doing a video of just rankings the Wings albums.
His best album
I just bought the vinyl 2014 version from Amazon, and they include the auto rip which is always a bonus. Great album.
John can you believe when I commented on a video that "for me all things must pass ends when hear me lord ends and the Apple Jam isn't really part of the album and shouldn't be there" another commenter said that the Apple Jam is the BEST part of all things must pass and without it is just a sad album
I happen to like the Apple Jam disc as well...vice la difference 😉.... maybe it's because I'm a musician... albeit a traditional Irish musician...
I would much rather have ATMP released as an ordinary gatefold double album -
and have the "Apple Jam" disc released and sold separately for those who are interested with that.
The idea of having a triple LP box set would only make sense to me if, let's say that the music of
"Living In a Material World" also were included - so that it would have made a real triple album.
Don’t Let Me Wait Too Long should of been the follow up single. I’ve read that Apple had it slated to be the next 45 but canceled it. I agree with you that Material World is beautifully produced. I think about 5 or 6 songs are up there with All Things Must Pass but the others are kind of downers. Meaning I always thought the album would of been better balanced with a few more uptempo numbers. By the way, my George Harrison tribute band “My Sweet George” covers “Try Some Buy Some”. And yes, that is one heck of a tune to learn and get together with the band! But worth the challenge. Nice post John. And thanks for not being too harsh on the “Dark Horse” LP. I have a soft spot for that one. PS I know you’ve mentioned it, but I don’t think of All Things Must Pass as a triple set. I never include the bonus record when rating the album. Ok time to go work on the MG. Thanks!👍
I think it's an excellent album. John any chance you could up the volume on your mic. I always have to crank up the volume to hear the excellent content .
I think I agree with two of your most controversial statements ever. LITMW is better than ATMP and... London Town is the best Wings album :)
NO AND NO
No and yes.
any more input? :D
I vote for Back To The Egg - absolutely outstanding!!
Para mim, é o melhor LP de GH !
Totally agree with all you say about this fantastic album - perhaps apart from one thing :
I don't think it has got a great cover. The gatefold sleeve inside is ok - but I never liked the blurred picture
with the hand from the first time I saw it. (Just like I dislike the cover of his latest, "Brainwashed")
But the music contained inside is another matter.
From the first time I heard it in the early 70's - I've always thought of this album as it should have been included
in the ATMP box instead of the "Apple Jam" disc - so it would have made a proper triple album.
Most of the songs here blend perfectly well with the sound and feel of the ATMP release.
For some reason I liked to turn off the lights and sit and listen to it over and over in the dark in the evenings.
I find that many of the songs on "Extra Texture" also share the same qualities :
"This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying)" - "The Answer's At the End" - "Grey Cloudy Lies" - "World of Stone"
"You" - "Tired of Midnight Blue" - "Can't Stop Thinking About You."
But after George changed much of his music style he only occasionally came up with a song that was
in the same mold of his early 70's songs.
His fine "Cloud Nine" LP I see as a return to the ATMP standard on some songs :
"That's What It Takes" - "Just For Today" - "Someplace Else.
Excellent album and also prefer it to ATMP but I still have a very strong emotional attachment to 33 and a third which I bought in 1977 at age 10 on cassette. Only kid at school that owned the album in Grade 4.
To the best of my knowledge , this was the fastest Beatles or solo Beatles albums to reach number 1 in USA. First week 11 2nd week number 1. I purchased this at Wharehouse records in 1979.
Great info thanks James
Would love to hear a "naked" version of George's "Brainwashed" album. Any chance of this happening?
prefect follow up to all things highlight try some buy some
John, do you think LITMW will get the same anniversary treatment ATMP received?
Hi John, Interesting with Don't Let me wait too Long, I always often wondered why that song was not released as the 2nd single, by Apple which apparently it was meant to be and most probably would have been another nice little hit for George to add to his string, not as big as Give me love, but top 20, you would have thought at the time, with its up beat and commercial Qualities. I feel the reason it wasn't released was the similarities to McGuinness Flint's 1970 song When I'm Dead. And that either Apple or George himself did not want to go though the plagiarism embarrassment of legal action taken against him again , as with the situation with my sweet lord. And also that band and its management would have jump at a quick $cash grab as with the He's so fine song, and its management. whats your thoughts.
ATMP is big but....I have always liked LITMW a bit more. Compact better overall sound. I t could just be me....
Lots of people criticise Gone Troppo. While it's not my favourite, it's massively grown on me. Greece, Unknown Delight, Mystical One...would be interested to hear a re-evaluation on this and all of George's records. Is your ranking still the same? Somewhere in England his weakest I'd say.
That's the way it goes, gone troppo, mystical one and unknown delight are criminally underrated
Glad to see someone else likes GT underrated album for sure just like dark horse
@@montyrose78 gone troppo is a particular favourite of mine too. I really can’t understand why it gets so much stick! Same with dark horse and extra texture.
I love Gone Troppo. It has so much humour and sunshine in it. Look out for the original Somewhere in England on RUclips. Someone's put the fantastic removed tracks back and put it all in its original running order - it would have been a superb album, had that jumped up Warner Bros record exec not interfered!!
Harrods Sale 😂😂😂 I STOLE my first copy
A true lay great but criminally overlooked album. Keep reviews coming.
Is that Joshua Rifkin on your T Shirt John?
I was thinking Scott Joplin…
@@cameronlewis1218 Think your right. The album cover is Joshua Rifkin plays Scott Joplin.
it’s the cover of joshua rifkin’s cover of SJ!….painting of Joplin by Saul Lambert
George is the best album “except for a couple of other solo Beatle albums” makes me wonder what you think, the best Paul album, is ?
Agree almost entirely John. This is a great album, and i appreciate the ‘spector-less’ production. One of the hidden gems i believe is “dont let me wait too long”. A really nice George upbeat number.
I might agree with you if the songs on LITMW included "Bangladesh", "Deep Blue" and "Miss O'Dell", too many ballads and not enough uppys...ATMP had much more diversity, country (pedal steel), rock, blues (I Dig Love) folk (Apple Scruffs) along with all those Gothic dreamy masterpieces...
I'm more in favour of concept albums where the feel of the music does not vary too much.
The ATMP album works well that way. I see it as a concept album.
I bought it on first release as vinyl, and still have it. I liked the LP, but I'm not much for the arrogant certitude of "religious" preachers. There's always in it a sense of superiority, and therefore condescension in the assumption that others need to hear it.
I agree this is a better album than ATMP, but it's close
Calling Give me love sublime seems to me highly exaggerated.
Great to hear your perspective, John. I’ve really tried but I have a hard time really getting into this one. I love about half the tracks (Sue Me Sue You Blues is one of my all time favorite George tunes) but musically I think it gets a little too slow and sedate at points for my tastes. An uptempo rocker in the vein of Wah Wah or What Is Life would have gone a long way for me. But I’ll keep coming back to it, maybe someday it will click for me.
The "Sue Me.." should not have been on this album. It really stands out like a sore toe.
One of George's worst songs.
Bobby Whitlock also played on some cuts.
Source?
@@bertbecker7532 He says in one of his intervju videos that some of the songs on LITMW were leftovers
from the ATMP sessions. But I think that only the "Try Some Buy Some" recording was used for LITMW.
Correct me if I'm wrong, anyone.
Double meaning? "Got Richie on a tour?" When Ringo joined?
Yes.
You need to be closer to the microphone.
You need a hearing test🤣
I agree. And my ears are fine.
Is Bobby Whitlock on this album 😂😂
No. He's not in the musician credits
@@beatleman69 Yes, I know lol
Oh it was sarcasm then?
@@beatleman69 YES!
Yes, he put the band together and co-produced every track 😆
Although the sound quality is better on LITMW and it is probably the most underrated/skipped over solo album, the writing is stronger on ATMP. John: ATMP is an overpriced but superb two record set with a few overproduced spector cuts -- that remain excellent songs anyway -- a bonus disk that only has one good "song", and a real nice poster and box. It is not reasonable to include cost as a factor in judging quality. I suspect that if ATMP had been gifted to you, you wouldn't be crying boo hoo hoo about the apple jam nearly so much, though it is hard to listen to the whole disk more than a couple times. The white album is the best beatles record because it has two almost flawless records (the only cheesy cut is paul's granny music honey pie). Likewise, ATMP is the best post-beatles album because it has two really great records. The last beatle solo album I could listen to all the way through more than once was 33 1/3, just as bowie albums tailed off after scary monsters. It's too much to ask of our icons that they always produce excellence. Highly talented musicians get tired and burnt out after being excellent for more than ten or fifteen years. All have had occasional dribs and drabs of creativity afterwards. P.S. I gave up on finding a consistently great record by Paul McCartney after BOTR. Couldn't listen to any ringo album all the way through more than once. Later career live performance is of course a different matter in the case of each.
well including my sons we have four vinyl copies and three cds (plus original jewel box which i gave to a friend)….was quire tempted by the splatter but they priced it as a triple so i’ll pass…think i have spent enough on this album! which should have been a double from the start imo!
George had an Affair with Ringo's Wife WTF!! I didn't know that
George once turned to Ringo while their two families were together at the table, and suddenly said :
"I'm in love with your wife" !
Even George's wife, Pattie Boyd, heard it. Ringo reacted by joining Lennon on his spree.
The couple later got divorced - and Maureen died from cancer some time later.
Pattie Boyd found her husband and Maureen in bed in Friars Park one day.
Her revenge was to return to modelling - something George had strictly forbidden her.
And she also starting seeing other men - beginning with Ron Wood.
Eric Clapton started having an affair with Pattie - that ended up marrying him after George found out.
After George had died his new wife, Olivia, mother of Dhani, also said very diplomatically that George
continued having affairs with other woman. "He loved women - and women loved him."
But the couple stayed together until his death in 2001.
He’s not the messiah he’s s very naughty boy
I think Carr and Tyler’ were a couple of journos who loved their own words. I bought a copy in 85 and used it as a guide in my early Beatles collecting. As I collected the records I found their opinions to be garbage. I think you should put their book in the bin 😂
never mate it’s part of history…and funnily enough i enjoy their sometimes outrageous opinions because they write so well and with humour :- )
I agree with almost everything Carr and Tyler say, I got this album (c. 1983) at the record market, bout £1.50, hate the album, it's just George farting out the sorry remnants from what got leftover from ATMP. I'd put it on the same level as McCartney Kisses on the bottom (forgettable)...BTW the Ronnie Spector reject was only changed by replacing her vocal with George's, exactly the same arrangement (hey...gives us the Phil Spector production nod!! lol)
I know "Try Some Buy Some" was around and was a leftover from the ATMP sessions.
But does anybody know if the songs on LITMW were songs that was laying around and that George had already written during the time of the Beatles ?
And if so, why weren't any of these on any demoes for ATMP ?
Its really amazing to me with your disdain for the APPLE JAM on ATMP..it makes me giggle..being a guitar player and having listened to it for 50 years,i AND others come from a completely different place, MATERIAL along wth BRAINWASHED are HARRISONS best AFTER ATMP ,including the APPLE JAM.
This obsession with marking down ATMP because it had a disc of outtakes makes no sense. Just rate the main discs and in that case, ATMP wins by a good margin despite the production flaws. I love this album because Give Me Love and Be here now are brilliant. The preachy stuff is a turnoff
It makes sense to when the album is priced as if it's a triple album, and not a double with a bonus disc
If I remember right the Apple jam was marketed as a free record, although the price was at least a dollar higher than the other double albums at the time.
George justified this by saying : "You paid with your money - but we paid with our nervous systems."
Which I guess is true. Money has never been an issue with me when it comes to any of The Beatles
as it's so good value for money.
Not much substance. Many repeats.
Its a good album. Be Here Now is a favorite. Being that its a "spiritual" album Sue Me Sue You Blues is a odd ball on this album. Try Some Buy Some is stand out track. The Beatles bio book "The Love You Make" by Peter Brown and Nicholas Schaffer it said regarding this album, it was a "diatribe on God, khrishna and the hindu religion" and it describe the lyrics as "boring". But I think George may have intended it to be more laid back. Not every album has to but punchy. Just look at Red Rose Speedway, lyrically its the same way.
It's not called Living in the Material World for nothing.