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Post by queenofthehours on Aug 7, 2016 12:20:13 GMT
Living in the Material World - George Harrison (1973)
Tracks - Side One 1."Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" 2."Sue Me, Sue You Blues" 3."The Light That Has Lighted the World" 4."Don't Let Me Wait Too Long" 5."Who Can See It" 6."Living in the Material World"
Side Two 7."The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord)" 8."Be Here Now" 9."Try Some, Buy Some" 10."The Day the World Gets 'Round" 11."That Is All"
Bonus tracks - 12."Deep Blue" 13."Miss O'Dell"
Living in the Material World is the fourth studio album by George Harrison and reached #2 in the UK and #1 in the US. George intended to co-produce the album with Phil Spector but because of problems Harrison became the record's sole producer although Spector received a credit for "Try Some, Buy Some". Sessions took place partly at Apple Studio in London, but mostly at Harrison's FPSHOT studio. All the lead and rhythm guitar parts were performed by George alone The songs reflect George's spiritual devotion. According to writer Gary Tillery "The album expresses his impressions of the mundane and the spiritual worlds and the importance of ignoring the lures of the everyday world and remaining focused on the eternal verities." While Simon Leng notes that "while George Harrison was bursting with musical confidence, Living in the Material World found him in roughly the same place that John Lennon was when he wrote 'Help!' – shocked by the rush of overwhelming success and desperately wondering where it left him." Stephen Holden calls it a "profoundly seductive record" and believes that of all the four Beatles, Harrison had inherited "the most precious" legacy – namely, "the spiritual aura that the group accumulated, beginning with the White Album".
Harrison donated his copyright for nine of the eleven songs on the LP, together with "Miss O'Dell", to his Material World Charitable Foundation which was set up in reaction to the tax issues that had hindered his relief effort for the Bangladeshi refugees, and ensured a perpetual stream of income, through publishing royalties, for the charities of his choice. The artwork of the album features a painting from the Bhagavad Gita featuring Krishna with Arjuna, A parody of da Vinci's The Last Supper and a fictitious Jim Keltner Fan Club with information available by sending a "stamped undressed elephant" to a Los Angeles postal address. This detail was an affectionate thank-you to Jim as well as a light-hearted dig – in its use of "wing" symbols, like those in Wings' logo.
I chose this album because it is quite possibly my most favourite album of all time (which I say cautiously on an ELO forum!). If not my all-time favourite than it is the one album I cannot live without. I have never not felt so much better after listening to this, this is music as therapy at it's best. Listening to the songs is like feeling cool rain or drinking a cold, fresh glass of water. It can get into the corners of your soul and give them a good clean out. Most albums create emotions that tires us out - ELO? No band could make us happier! But being happy is tiring, who wasn't left breathless in this year-of-Jeff'? On this LP George has created something so serene and lovely that your emotions get to rest awhile - no angry rock to get the blood pulsing, no soppy love songs to tolerate, no fancy dated production to stumble over. Just simple songs with great production and truly beautiful music. The words - "zen", "meditative" and "chill" come to mind but for me it's more than that. The album maybe more pared down and retrained than All Things Must Pass but it is not without emotional intensity which comes primarily from George's performance; the truthfulness and the intensity of the way he sings and the way he plays. Without the music none of the lyrics whould be half as affecting and George knows this which is why the main attraction of this LP is what he does best - create music which speaks louder than words. The album is awash with gorgeous slide guitar and according to critic Graham Reid: "oftentimes the music is a more truthful guide to the sense of the lyrics than the words themselves. Harrison is not a great wordsmith but he is a superb musician. Everything flows, everything interweaves. His melodies are so superb they take care of everything".
They feel threatened when you talk about something that isn't just "be-bop-a-lula". And if you say the words "God" or "Lord", it makes some people's hair curl. – Harrison to Melody Maker in September 1971
Musicians -
George Harrison – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, dobro, sitar, backing vocals Nicky Hopkins – piano, electric piano Gary Wright – organ, harmonium, electric piano, harpsichord Klaus Voormann – bass, standup bass, tenor saxophone Jim Keltner – drums, percussion Ringo Starr – drums, percussion Jim Horn – saxophones, flute, horn arrangement Zakir Hussain – tabla John Barham – orchestral and choral arrangements
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Post by queenofthehours on Aug 7, 2016 15:55:34 GMT
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) – A sincere, simple song which blends music and prayer. A devotional song resembling ‘My Sweet Lord’ with a plea not unlike ‘All You Need Is Love’ or ‘Imagine’. This track is a refreshing change to the full-on sound of All Things Must Pass. I love the intimacy about it and the serene, compelling melody and vocal. I especially love the way George incorporates “Om” into the “Oh…my Lord” phrase. The guitar is one of the most sublime things I’ve ever heard. It’s impossibly gorgeous and is the most expressive slide guitar I’ve heard George play. If there were no lyrics you would still feel the beauty and the message of this song. The piano at the back more than adds to the loveliness and the bass is just right, even McCartney couldn’t improve on it. Very few songs can have such a bouncy melody and also be as soothing; leaving you with a very peaceful feeling. You may remember Jeff performing this at the Concert for George. Harrison described the song as "a prayer and personal statement between me, the Lord, and whoever likes it".
Sue Me, Sue You Blues – This track is almost Lennon-ish. This isn’t not my favourite song on the LP, I’m not sure I’d listen to is separately, but within the context of the album I’d never skip it. I’ve always loved dobros but I think George’s playing here is extra special. I enjoy the way George deals with problems and issues and things he feels strongly about, the way he adds humour rather than getting angry as can Lennon do. George may have been the “quiet one” but he certainly knows how to make a statement in his wit – such as in ‘This Song’. Here is another song with a courtroom theme. About the many courtroom battles he and the Beatles were involved in in the 70s. The song's form is taken from the square dance which mirrors the changing of sides and the cycles of to and fro in the endless legal battles. This track has some excellent drumming from Jim Keltner and is a rare worldly song on an album of mostly spiritual tracks.
The Light That Has Lighted the World – A truly lovely song about people and their expectations that is both soaring and restrained. With beautiful piano and a melody that sounds rather sad in a sweet way. George was originally going to give this song to Cilla Black. As usual with George in his best work this has a very sincere vocal and set of lyrics and as ever with his best work the lyrics are very worth noting (“So hateful of anyone that is happy or free”. “It's funny how people just won't accept change, as if nature itself they'd prefer re-arranged”). “Grateful” is a word I don’t even think I’ve ever heard in a song before. There’s more gorgeous slide guitar in the solo which is like a voice in fact better than any vocal or words could say, George could play the whole album in slide and you’d still hear every lyric and emotion clearly. When that slide guitar comes in for the solo it really makes you want to weep (‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ indeed!). It’s as if what needs to be said can only be said through the medium of melody. The piano here is as important a voice as the guitar. It’s just so elegant and graceful, rolling and lilting. Sounding not unlike ‘Imagine’. I think this song is just one of the most beautiful I have ever heard. The clarity of the guitar is like a bell, the acoustic guitar is perfect and there’s also some very attractive bass. And nothing could be more lovely and perfect than those last slide guitar notes.
Don't Let Me Wait Too Long – I’ve always loved the refreshing change in tone here between the last track and this. It starts with a positive guitar tune and a galloping melody a melody that is no less beautiful than the track before. The most perfect pop song on the album perhaps and sung perfectly with conviction you can believe in by George. It’s a happy pop song that’s still spiritual in a gospel way. The bass and drums are very Orbison and the piano gives it a kick, there’s also some solid drums from Keltner and Starr with some fun castanets courtesy of Mr K. George’s exquisite slide guitar, of course, is a particular highlight.
Who Can See It – Another change in tone from pop back to the sad, achingly beautiful style of melody George used in track three. Another reason I love this LP is that it never gets boring. This song seems to be about desire to live in the present. The lyrics appear to reflect George’s disenchantment with his previous Beatle identity. I love high notes in this melody, it’s an exquisitely big track and George could have easily ended the album with a statement piece like this. It’s dramatic ballad in an Orbison way I’d say, a big statement on identity with a very fine vocal from George with some beautiful piano and gorgeous strings at the back. The strings, choral and brass might seem too much but George gets them all to work together superbly. No track ever ended so beautifully and it reflects really well on George as a producer. Very beautiful.
Living In the Material World – This is a song about the contrast between the world of material things and spiritual goals. I love how the musical arrangement has the juxtaposing sections or rock and Indian music representing perhaps the difference between George’s Beatle’s experiences of the material world (all the Beatles are mentioned in the lyrics) and his new spiritual ideas. You can just enjoy the tune for its own sake or listen to the message. Even though this is a very earnest and personal track it’s still an accessible rock song that’s beautifully arranged which adapts very well to being singled out successfully. You may remember this track as being played during the interval or before the start of the recent ELO concerts. There are some driving drums from Starr and Keltner and a particularly interesting duet between Jim Horn’s sax and George’s guitar. I think this track represents George the best, there’s humour, expert guitar playing and an enjoyable galloping rhythm. It sounds so meticulously produced and the ending is a real statement of musicianship. The 2006 reissue of the album includes a film clip of the album’s manufacturing process.
The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord) – I love the gentle start to this song and the way it builds up into a rhythmic, almost folky tune. You can’t help but be taken along with the feeling in the same way as ‘My Sweet Lord’. Even the most anti-spiritual can listen to this and not help but be taken in by the melody. With George it’s refreshing to listen to the only singer I know who is 100% truthful and sincere and not afraid to sing about what he feels and about his own world view. What George loses in clashing viewpoints with his listeners he gains in their trust. I like the use of dynamics here and the slide is one of George’s best performances, it sings almost like a backing vocalist. This is another track to listen carefully to the lyrics. There’s more Jim Horn which is always good and some beyond-perfect drumming from Keltner. It seems George knew him enough to ask for his best work.
Be Here Now – One of my very favourite tracks and the main reason I was drawn to album. I heard it in this podcast and was taken by its unearthly beauty. The long phrases just sound so peaceful with the subtle drums and piano. It’s like laying in a rainforest by a cool pool. The dreamlike sound and the quality of George’s acoustic playing create a hypnotic, meltingly lovely, meditation-like peacefulness that clears your head. I could happily listen to this forever; it’s full of sublime tranquillity. That acoustic guitar just pulls at your heartstrings doesn’t it? It’s not what George sings but how he sings it. I doubt Paul could attempt this with sincerity, Lennon would add too much weight to it and Ringo would never even attempt it. Yes, Oasis pinched this title as well as “Wonderwall”.
Try Some Buy Some – Originally written for Ronnie Spector, this has a very Phil Spector-ish sound. David Bowie has covered this and John Lennon used the descending melody played by the strings as inspiration for “#9 Dream’. He also based his musical backing for “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” on this this track too. All the instruments just work together so well. It’s fantastically produced and put together like a work of art. I love the rhythm and the way the strings float around it like air. It’s very suitable for George’s voice and the track gives him an emotional and musical spotlight that he never had in the Beatles. It’s as if the split brought out the best in him, he grew up in the Beatles and outgrew the band quicker than the others. George was the only Beatle to exceed expectation. Paul continued to do what he’d always done – write perfect pop songs, John continued to tell the truth and used his personality to create strong music and Ringo remained the rock he always was. Only George began anew.
The Day the World Gets 'Round – A track similar to something Dylan might create. Part protest song, part prayer and not unlike “Imagine”. The lyrics are said to reflect George’s disappointment that the Bangladesh project was necessary and his belief that if all individuals were more spiritually aware, there would be no suffering in the world. Adding to George’s frustration while writing the song, the aid project became embroiled in financial problems which delayed the release of the Concert for Bangladesh album and problems with tax that failed to embrace the goodwill inherent in the venture. This has beautiful strings and another set of lyrics to pay attention to, a lot of sincerity that you never hear in songs today or by another person. The piano is excellent and the brass is so beautiful. The use of dynamics is also notable while the melody is uplifting despite the seriousness of the song.
That Is All – A track which was covered by Harry Nilsson. Like ‘Be Here Now’ I heard this on the podcast and fell in love with it. One writer called it a “sort of Hindu In Paradisium”. This is another track in which to take notice of the lyrics (“Silence often says much more, Than trying to say what's been said before”). It’s just a really beautiful piece. Lovely and sparse and feels like gentle like cool rain to listen to, it really soothes the soul. It’s restrained yet graceful and given the right moment it could actually make you cry as the slide guitar is heavenly, like the most gorgeous voice in the world. George’s vocals, no less gorgeous, are both truthful and believable. The restrained bass and drums you don’t even notice at all but the harpsichord is one of the most important instruments here. The choral and string parts are pitched just right, the perfect ending to a wonderful album - peaceful, calm, like falling asleep to a lullaby.
Deep Blue – The B-side to “Bangla Desh”. George’s inspiration for writing this was the fatal illness of his mother and his feeling of helplessness as he visited her in hospital. His father was also in hospital at the same time and George divided his time between the two of them. ["Deep Blue" is] filled with frustration and gloom of going to these hospitals and the feeling of disease that permeated the atmosphere. Not being able to do anything for suffering family or loved ones is an awful experience. - George Harrison, November 1987
Miss O' Dell – B-side to “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” and written about Chris O’Dell, Apple employee and assistant to the Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Stones. My favourite thing about this track is it's informality and George's laugh!
What I love most about this album is the positive vibes. You are left with only calmness and tranquillity. At least I am! If rock is a beer and classical is wine then this album is a glass of clear cool water. George’s production is incredible in my opinion. He allows the instruments to sparkle and gives the album breathing space. Everything is subtle, elegant and beautiful. Nothing outstays its welcome, not even that magnificent slide guitar of which I wouldn’t mind more of. If you do not feel happier and more relaxed after hearing this album you can claim your money back at the door .
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Post by unomusette on Aug 7, 2016 21:01:20 GMT
Difficult to resist with a write-up like that, I'm familiar with Give me Love.. as the 7 inch was one of the first I ever bought, and Miss O'Dell which was the b-side. If the rest are in a similar vein I know I won't be disappointed
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Post by jrmugz on Aug 8, 2016 0:17:36 GMT
Very cool with, have been meaning to check this one out for years! Can't wait to delve into it. Look for review later this week! Jim
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Post by Helmut83 on Aug 9, 2016 23:13:50 GMT
I'm familiar with a few George Harrison albums, but not with this one (although I know 2 or 3 songs). I didn't know Jim Keltner had worked on this one; so the relationship comes from way before the Wilburys.
- Give me love: a great classic with a lovely, peaceful atmosphere.
- Sue me, sue you blues: weird kind of blues this one, groovy. Echoey voice, great slide guitar work. I like it.
- The light that has lighted the world: great piano work, stylish, classy, carrying the weight of the song. The guitar is realy expressive. A very good ballad.
- Don't let me wait too long: this kind of happy mid-tempo pop song has the George Harrison trademark all over it (it's the same style of others he would write later on like "Blow away" and "That's the way it goes"). I love this kind of stuff.
- Who can see it: I see where this one tries to go, but it doesn't get me. Good bass work though.
- Living in the material world: another familar one, quite an original song with a changing rhythm, hard to qualify. Nice counterpoint between the guitar and the sax at the end. Some soul influences on it?
- The world loves the one (that loves the Lord): nice groovy song which uses some chord sequences that George used a lot. Too much reverb on the voice for my taste.
- Be here now: a slow ballad with plenty of long notes. Not my thing definitely, I get bored by these.
- Try some buy some: same as "Be here now", too slow and depressing for me, even if this one has a bit more strength.
- The day the world gets round: reminds me a lot of some of the ELO ballads of that same year (like "Bluebird is dead" or "Oh no, not Susan") in style and the fact that it uses strings. The final hook is effective enough IMO.
- That is all: bores me as much as the previous ones.
- Deep blue: out of the ballads, finally! Nice glad, comedious, country influenced song. Good, catchy verse.
- Miss O'Dell: look at George writing some serious country! Some interesting percussion effects, and the way George laughs while singing as if he were lying on the couch in his living room. It's interesting how a lot of it flows over one chord, and the change of chord is delayed a lot. I liked it.
Until "The world loves the one" I found it really good and enjoyable. It's a pity how in it's final part there are too many slow ballads that drag down the general level of the album. In any case, the it is still good in my opinion and several songs on side A make the thing very worthy, plus the two bonus tracks are quite good as well.
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Post by queenofthehours on Aug 10, 2016 16:03:09 GMT
I'm glad you had a listen, Helmut83 !
I'm also glad you noticed the guitar. You aren't a ballad-man are you?
Too many ballads is one of the reasons McCartney rejected George's songs for Abbey Road, I read.
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Post by Helmut83 on Aug 11, 2016 4:25:47 GMT
You aren't a ballad-man are you? No, not at all, but then very occasionally I come across a ballad I like, like for example "Midnight blue", "One summer dream" or "Need her love". Yeah, Paul knew what he was doing. The result of him being bossy at the time of "Abbey Road" was the best album ever made in my opinion.
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Post by queenofthehours on Aug 11, 2016 15:21:41 GMT
You aren't a ballad-man are you? No, not at all, but then very occasionally I come across a ballad I like, like for example "Midnight blue", "One summer dream" or "Need her love". Yeah, Paul knew what he was doing. The result of him being bossy at the time of "Abbey Road" was the best album ever made in my opinion. Can't argue with that, Abbey Road is an album I cannot live without. I might have got Macca and his ballads-limit mixed up with Let It Be, either way I read that he'd rejected George's tunes because of it.
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Post by Chippa on Aug 12, 2016 19:35:21 GMT
Give Me Love – One of George’s best songs. Very sweet, laid back country feel, similar to some of the country flavored songs Eric Clapton did during the 70’s. These are some great lyrics, too, even though I’m not a huge fan of George’s spiritual side.
Sue Me, Sue You, Blues – Obviously an answer to the inner turmoil around the former Beatles and their legal battles. For some reason, the chorus reminds me of Steely Dan.
The Light That Has Lighted the World – Bad grammar aside, I like this song. This is one of those melancholic feeling songs that George does so well. Great slide guitar, obviously. Like I said, I’m not a huge fan of George’s spiritual songs, but at least he seemed genuine about his feelings and wasn’t doing it as some sort of trendy thing.
Don't Let Me Wait Too Long – Not bad. You have to love the Spector-ish percussion elements. The song really doesn’t go anywhere with the melody, though.
Who Can See It – The lyrics would echo themselves years later in The Traveling Wilburys’ “Handle With Care”. The song itself is nice, but drags on a bit because the pace is so slow. Really good melody.
Living in the Material World – This is so obviously George, you don’t even need to hear him sing to realize it’s one of his songs. It reminds me of “I Dig Love”, from “All Things Must Pass”. Nice shout out to his former Beatle brothers, too.
The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord) – I kept thinking he was gonna song “Because you’re sweet and lovely, girl, I love you”. Fun song, musically. I love the saxes.
Be Here Now – This song moves at a snail’s pace. I like the chords and melody, but damn….pick it up a bit, George!
Try Some, Buy Some – I’ve always liked this song. It has a similar feel to Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”, and Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Mr. Bojangles”. It moves along nicely, with cool little “bits” in the background.
The Day the World Gets 'Round – The rhythm almost reminds me of “Across the Universe”. I like some of the musical elements of the song, but the melody is somewhat dull.
That Is All – I always love the Fender Rhodes electric piano, no matter what, and it works well in this song. I could actually hear Jeff Lynne covering this, and doing it convincingly.
Deep Blue – A fun little acoustic blues ditty. Stuff like this seems to be George’s first love.
Miss O'Dell – Light hearted and breezy, obviously, with George breaking up laughing during the song.
Overall, I’m giving this an 8/10. George was overlooked in a lot of his solo work, but albums like this prove he was just as good as John and Paul.
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Post by unomusette on Aug 13, 2016 21:21:12 GMT
If I had to choose a favourite Beatle it would be George Harrison. He always seemed the least affected by his fame and generally sought out the good things in life, plus despite all the hoo-ha about Lennon and McCartney he was pretty nifty in the songwriting department. So it's a treat to give this album a whirl, here goes: Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) - Lovely bit of nostalgia for me, I've always loved this song and it was one of the first singles I bought when we acquired a record player in the late '70's. It has a great laid back feel and all the layers of instruments just twinkling away make it irresistible. The melody's not half bad either, I'm not surprised Jeff made such a good job of it at the tribute gig, it's right up his street. Sue Me, Sue You Blues - Was there some subtext to this in real life? The lyrics are nicely out of the ordinary and again I really like the way lots of instruments are doing something interesting rather than just straightforward accompanyment. Still very smooth and laid back, this is shaping up to be a properly cool album. The Light That Has Lighted the World - Bit more ploddy for me but still a nice melody and a good background listen. Don't Let Me Wait Too Long - Back uptempo, I like the way it bowls along, the atmospheric drumbeats and the galloping castanets. And some trademark slide guitar, good one. Who Can See It - Smoochy song where George can excercise his voice a bit. Great strings and choral effect which expand it nicely Living in the Material World - Another foot-tapper where reincarnation is the theme (I think). I like the way he explores lots of different themes in his lyrics. Got to love the saxophone too, always a points winner for me. The more it goes on the more I'm enjoying it, definitely one of my favourites on the album. The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord) - More religious lyrics, there is a limit to the amount of this I can put up with but it's such a feel-good track I forgive him. Plus it's a pretty positive message. Be Here Now - Acoustic track where the chords combine to make a really interesting atmosphere. Reminds me of some early Strawbs stuff, I suppose a lot of bands were experimenting with this sort of eastern sound at the time. You couldn't help but relax, listening to this, but you can't help but listen to it properly either. A definite grower, I think. Try Some, Buy Some - I like the twiddling mandolins in the background. The most Beatle-y sounding song so far but still different enough to earn a place on a solo album. Nice orchestral crescendo near the end. The Day the World Gets 'Round - Can't fault the sentiment here and the vocal is lovely, but for me it doesn't stand out much from the rest of the album. That Is All - Sounds like it should be a sort of last movement from The Day The World Gets 'Round to my ears in terms ofthe music so it's good that it's positioned straight after it. Sort of lullabye-like. Deep Blue - Nice stereo effect here as it kicks off and it continues right through. Sounds like the sort of acoustic jam a couple of talented musicians might come up with after dinner and a few drinks....there's an idea... Miss O'Dell - Another old fave of mine, the B-side from Give me Love... I played it so many times and never grew tired of it. Who can resist a song where the artist is plainly having such fun? Probably another easy jam but miles better than Deep Blue. One of things that stands out here is the creative way chords are combined in the majority of the songs - just when you think they're going one way they take a different turn which puts them a cut above the ordinary. I also really enjoyed the way all the instruments had clear parts and often were doing quite complicated things rather than straight up backing tracks, it made the songs much fuller and more interesting as a result. Throw in a couple of tracks which take me back to my teens and I'm a happy bunny listening to this - it's not entirely my thing but I'd give it a strong 7 and a half out of 10. Thanks for sharing @queenofhehours
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Post by jrmugz on Aug 15, 2016 1:33:37 GMT
01."Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" - Always LOVED this one. My mom was by no means into my albums, but she really liked side 2 of my "Best of George Harrison" album, that had this song on that side. Very effective slide guitar work. Great stress relief song everyone can relate to. 02."Sue Me, Sue You Blues" - Awesome roadhouse blues song lamenting how we eat each other like cats and dogs. A touch of Steely Dan in the chorus. Love it! 03."The Light That Has Lighted the World" - Reminds me of Bob Dylan's song "I Believe in You" from "Slow Train Coming". Strong song, reminds me of "Beware of Darkness" a little bit, only this song's theme is light. What a cool guitar solo! 04."Don't Let Me Wait Too Long" - Sounds like a Wilbury's tune! Really like it a lot! 05."Who Can See It" - Beautiful melancholy song, performance, and arrangement! 06."Living in the Material World" - Why wasn't this song on the radio; it's great! 07."The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord)" - The close cousin of "For You Blue"! Nice one! 08."Be Here Now" - Really like it. Maybe a little too cluttered with the persistent background organ chords, maybe didn't need that element in the arrangement; but still great song. 09."Try Some, Buy Some" - Perhaps an anthem of drugs to religion? Nice mystical arrangement, he probably should have had a female vocalist sing it for maximum effect, it seems. 10."The Day the World Gets 'Round"- A touch of "Across the Universe". A little bit cheesey and bland, but maybe on third play, I'll like it a little better. 11."That Is All" - Nice anthematic closer with a lot of feel. Bonus tracks - 12."Deep Blue" - George doing one of the things he does best, playing laid back stuff on his guitar, with a clever somewhat humorous lyric. 13."Miss O'Dell" - OK, a little bit in need of a some better lyrics and hooks, kind of a throwaway with the laughing, but like it anyways. star rating: 4.8 out of 5 prime cuts: "Give Me Love...", "The Light That Has Lighted the World", "Who Can See It", "Be Here Now" bottom line: Love it, will definitely by it with my next check in a couple weeks. Can't wait to indulge into it more and read all the liner notes, etc.! Thanks, qoth, awesome pick. A CD I've been meaning to try out for a long time, so thanks for getting my feet wet on it. First play sounded good, second play most of them sounded GREAT!!! Will mark you down for next open spot! Thanks again! Jim
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Post by queenofthehours on Aug 15, 2016 17:20:14 GMT
Give Me Love – One of George’s best songs. Very sweet, laid back country feel, similar to some of the country flavored songs Eric Clapton did during the 70’s. These are some great lyrics, too, even though I’m not a huge fan of George’s spiritual side. ... The Light That Has Lighted the World – Bad grammar aside, I like this song. This is one of those melancholic feeling songs that George does so well. Great slide guitar, obviously. Like I said, I’m not a huge fan of George’s spiritual songs, but at least he seemed genuine about his feelings and wasn’t doing it as some sort of trendy thing. ... Try Some, Buy Some – I’ve always liked this song. It has a similar feel to Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”, and Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Mr. Bojangles”. It moves along nicely, with cool little “bits” in the background. ... That Is All – I always love the Fender Rhodes electric piano, no matter what, and it works well in this song. I could actually hear Jeff Lynne covering this, and doing it convincingly. Give Me Love - Thank you for bringing to my attention the country-ness of this track. I never heard that in it before!
The Light That Has lighted The World - What you said I wish could be written on George's CD packaging. It would sell him, in a nutshell, to even the most reluctant listener who is feeling unsure about George's spirituality and music and whether they should give him a try .
Try Some - I was never 100% on this track but now you've said it's similar to those tracks, I like it even more.
That Is All - Please, Jeff, do it!
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Post by queenofthehours on Aug 15, 2016 17:45:35 GMT
If I had to choose a favourite Beatle it would be George Harrison. He always seemed the least affected by his fame and generally sought out the good things in life, plus despite all the hoo-ha about Lennon and McCartney he was pretty nifty in the songwriting department. ... Sue Me, Sue You Blues - Was there some subtext to this in real life? The lyrics are nicely out of the ordinary and again I really like the way lots of instruments are doing something interesting rather than just straightforward accompanyment. Still very smooth and laid back, this is shaping up to be a properly cool album. ... The Lord Loves the One (That Loves the Lord) - More religious lyrics, there is a limit to the amount of this I can put up with but it's such a feel-good track I forgive him. Plus it's a pretty positive message. .... Try Some, Buy Some - I like the twiddling mandolins in the background. The most Beatle-y sounding song so far but still different enough to earn a place on a solo album. Nice orchestral crescendo near the end. ... That Is All - Sounds like it should be a sort of last movement from The Day The World Gets 'Round to my ears in terms ofthe music so it's good that it's positioned straight after it. Sort of lullabye-like. What you said there at the start is basically in a nutshell the same way I love George too .
Sue Me - Definitely some subtext, with all that Beatles legal stuff happening at the time George had plenty of subtext and we all know that George is the most subtext-heavy Beatle because he's just too sweet to be overt and heavy-handed like John.
The Lord Loves The One - See, there ya go! If you don't like the lyrics you can still enjoy the music. What I like about George is that he knows religion isn't everyone's cup of tea so makes his most spiritual tracks extra good in the tune-department. He won't give higher value to melody over message like Paul can, he'll just make his melody even better!
Try Some - I never gave a thought to any of these tracks being Beatles sounding until now, and it really does seem fitting for a Fab Four album.
That Is All - Lullabye, yes! Exactly.
I'm gland you enjoyed it .
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Post by queenofthehours on Aug 15, 2016 17:57:41 GMT
01."Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" - Always LOVED this one. My mom was by no means into my albums, but she really liked side 2 of my "Best of George Harrison" album, that had this song on that side. Very effective slide guitar work. Great stress relief song everyone can relate to. ... 03."The Light That Has Lighted the World" - Reminds me of Bob Dylan's song "I Believe in You" from "Slow Train Coming". Strong song, reminds me of "Beware of Darkness" a little bit, only this song's theme is light. What a cool guitar solo! 04."Don't Let Me Wait Too Long" - Sounds like a Wilbury's tune! Really like it a lot! ... 09."Try Some, Buy Some" - Perhaps an anthem of drugs to religion? Nice mystical arrangement, he probably should have had a female vocalist sing it for maximum effect, it seems. I'm glad you enjoyed the album! If you do end up getting a copy let me recommend the deluxe CD/DVD edition from 2006.
Give me Love - Stress relief - exactly why I listen to this album .
The Light That Has - Ah, making connections between "darkness" and "light", never thought of that!
Don't Let Me Wait Too Long - Never thought of that one either, I heard some Roy but only thought of 'You Got It'.
Try Some - George Had originally written it for and recorded it with Ronnie Spector -
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