The panel takes a look at George Harrison's 1973 album Living In The Material World. Our reason is that a re-release came out last year (2024) and we've been meaning to examine it. But also we are sometimes big dummies who haven't given things a proper listen and it was just long overdue for us to give this a proper listen.
Hey, guess what? It's good.
It's listed on Wikipedia as his 4th solo album but that's because they are counting his experimental albums Wonderwall Music and Electronic Sound (done while the Beatles were still together). Most fans would consider this to be his second solo album, following the massively successul 1970's All Things Must Pass.
Compared to the epic feel of All Things Must Pass, Living in the Material World is more contained. This feels more like a small rock combo delivering simple but effective arrangements. We've got a lot of the usual suspects for Beatles solo albums: Nicky Hopkins on keys, Jim Keltner on drums, Klaus Voorman on bass. We also have lots of George solo and rhythm guitar. A little bit of sitar. A little bit of string arrangements. It sounds modern to our ears. His voice is really front and center, especially in this new 2024 mix. It feels vulnerable and bold.
The two most famous tracks are likely "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" and "Be Here Now" but every track is thoughtful and interesting. The Beatles seemed incapable of going through the motions. Every song has SOMETHING unique and unexpected.
It's a great listen!