George Harrison’s 1973 solo album, Living in the Material World, is being reissued in expanded form on November 15. The album featured one of Harrison’s best-loved solo tunes, “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth).” The tune topped the Billboard Hot 100 in June of ’73.
Videos by American Songwriter
Lauded session drummer Jim Keltner played on the track, and he is extremely fond of the song. In a new video feature posted on Harrison’s social media pages, Keltner shares his recollections of the making of “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth).” He also explains why he loves the tune and why he considers Harrison a “brilliant” songwriter.
The video also features various archival photos of Harrison and Keltner. In addition, it includes glimpses of handwritten lyrics of and sheet music for “Give Me Love”
“‘Give Me Love’ has always been one of my favorite songs,” Keltner says at the beginning of the clip. “Anytime I listen to it, it just holds up. It’s just beautiful. It’s a little prayer.”
About the Recording of “Give Me Love”
The drummer then discusses some unique aspects of the song, and of how Harrison recorded the track.
“It’s extremely syncopated, and the phrasing was real typical of George,” Keltner notes. “He would cross bars vocally in a way that would be very complex. George played the guitar and sang live, which is unheard of today. Of course, you don’t do that.”
Keltner also recalls how easily song came together in the studio.
“He sang it for us, I think, once, and I believe we probably did two takes at the most, as I recall, because it came really, really quick,” Jim remembers. “And the idea was not to have a slamming backbeat on it. It was just to follow the vocal and follow the guitar, as subtly as I could. And that really came off.”
Keltner adds, “It’s one little song, one little example of how brilliant George was. If you listen to that, you’ll see.”
More About the Living in the Material World Reissue
Living in the Material World reissue, which can be pre-ordered now, will be available in multiple formats and configurations.
Among the versions 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 Living in the Material World reissue 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 vinyl single features the unheard recording of “Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond),” and an instrumental version of the track.
The Blu-ray features Dolby Atmos mixes of all of the Living in the Material Word album and bonus tracks.
An alternate take of “Give Me Love” has been made available as an advance track from the reissue. You also can check out a visualizer video for the track at the ex-Beatles guitarist’s official YouTube channel.
Some Background on Living in the Material World
Living in the Material World was the second studio album Harrison released after The Beatles’ breakup, and his fourth solo effort overall. Released in May 1973, Living in the Material World topped the Billboard 200, taking over the No. 1 spot for five weeks in June and July of that year.
Among the musicians who accompanied Harrison on the album were Keltner and Starr on drums, Nicky Hopkins and Gary Wright on keyboards, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Jim Horn on sax and flute.
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