The 50th anniversary editions of George Harrison’s Living in the Material World, the highly praised second solo album of original music following The Beatles’ 1970 dissolution, are out today via Dark Horse Records/BMG.
 
To celebrate the release, fans can enjoy the never-before-heard recording of “Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond),” featuring Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and Rick Danko from The Band, alongside Ringo Starr. The song is part of the Super Deluxe edition as an exclusive 7” single, with the b-side featuring an instrumental version of the track. It’s accompanied by an animated video that was designed and animated by Daniel Cordero and executive produced by Dhani Harrison and David Zonshine.
 
Thanks to songs such as “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)” and “Be Here Now,” Living in the Material World resonated deeply with audiences. Just five weeks after its May 1973 release, both the LP and “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)” held the top spots simultaneously on the U.S. albums and singles charts. At the time, Rolling Stone described it as a “pop classic”, a work that “stands alone as an article of faith, miraculous in its radiance.”

George Harrison – Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond) [Official Video]

The album’s success further solidified a winning streak that began with ‘All Things Must Pass’, the triple LP topped the US charts in early 1971. Later that same year, George organized two groundbreaking benefit rock concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York, aiming to raise both awareness and funds for the starving refugees of Bangladesh. ‘The Concert for Bangladesh’ live album, another triple LP, became a commercial triumph and global bestseller, ultimately earning the prestigious GRAMMY® Award for Album of the Year.

George Harrison: 20 Essential Songs

Lovingly overseen by Dhani and Olivia Harrison, Living in the Material World has been completely remixed from the original tapes for a stunning suite of 50th anniversary releases. Overseen by Paul Hicks (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon), the new mix elevates the album with a sonic upgrade, delivering a sound that’s brighter, richer, and more dynamic than ever before.

Previously released tracks include “Take 8” of “Be Here Now,” recorded on Oct. 12, 1972, as well as triple GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer Paul Hicks’ 2024 mix of the original album rendition. A new video directed by Mathew Newton & Leah Marie Newton, is also available for the latter, which features art from Ram Dass’ iconic book of the same name with the blessing of his foundation. You can also hear “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)(Take 18)”.