George Harrison’s estate to release 50th anniversary edition of ‘Living in the Material World’
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of George Harrison‘s seminal solo album, Living in the Material World, his estate have announced details of a new edition of the LP.
The record was released in 1973, and made Harrison step out of the shadow of the Fab Four by becoming a star in his own right. After Living in the Material World hit the shelves, both the album and the lead single, ‘Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)’, simultaneously topped the charts in the United States.
Although Living in the Material World celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 rather than 2024, the belated new editions promise to be worth the wait. They will be released on November 15th through Dark Horse Records and BMG.
The super deluxe edition of Living in the Material World contains 12 previously unheard recordings of tracks on the album as well as a Blu-Ray of all the songs and previously unreleased tracks in Dolby Atmos. Furthermore, it contains an exclusive 7” single of ‘Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond),’ featuring The Band’s Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and Rick Danko from The Band, alongside Ringo Starr.
There is also a 60-page booklet that accompanies the record, featuring sleeve notes as well as photography and artwork from the archives. However, the super deluxe editions are limited to 5,000 copies worldwide.
Both Harrison’s widow, Olivia Harrison, and son, Dhani Harrison, have played a role in the new edition of Living in the Material World, with both of his relatives overseeing the project as producers. It has also been re-mixed by Paul Hicks.
Olivia shared of the 50th anniversary release: “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….. Give me Love Give me Peace on Earth.”
Meanwhile, Dhani added: “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.”
In a classic review of the album, Far Out wrote: “Throughout the various headaches of his earthly constraints, Living in the Material World is a mature study of what makes Harrison tick and how he might be able to remain spiritually conscious in his vessel. He might have been The Beatle that changed the most, but Harrison was looking for something more than just writing pop music, and that earnest tone bleeds through every track.”
Ahead of the release of Living in the Material World on November 15th, the Harrison estate have shared a previously unheard acoustic version of ‘Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)’.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.