ROCK 'N' ROLL

ROCK 'N' ROLL : This was the last album from John Lennon in the 70's before his self imposed exiled from the music scene. There was much problems during the recording of this album. Made partly for copyright infringement for one Morris Levy due to John's allegedly using one line of his song for his own 'Come Together' and also John's love for his idol's songs, he have to include three Morris Levy owned songs as part of the agreement. Phil Spector ran off with the few tracks recorded earlier
and with John himself being involved in an accident, completing this album seems like a small miracle indeed. Still, John did complete it. Not his greatest album though some of the versions he did were killer tracks.

Be-Bop-A-Lula ( Davis / Vincent ) : John stays faithful to this Gene Vincent's original. A good start to the album.

Stand By Me ( King / Leiber / Stoller ) : This was the track that convinced me that I should buy this album. The best track on the album. Period. I haven't heard this song before and John's brillant version remained one of this best song he've ever recorded. John was to record with Ringo Starr's "Only You" with the same chord arrangement a year later.

Medley : Rip It Up / Ready Teddy ( Blackwell / Marascalco ) : This fast pace number have John in playful mode. Played in at any party and you won't see anyone sitting down. Only complain was it's far too short.

The Illegal Album

You Can't Catch Me ( Berry ) : This was one of the song that got John in trouble. At time it sounds like 'Come Together' debelitely no doubt. I find this a bit too long.

Ain't That A Shame ( Domino / Bartholomew ) : Another good one. After the rather dreary one before it. Rocking and a rollling never sounds so good.

Do You Want To Dance ( Freeman ) : This one is a drag. It just go on and on and on. I much prefer the Cliff Richard's version.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( Berry ) : Another messed up version. John did a better, more faithful to the original version on The Beatles' "Live Art The BBC" album. Go listen to that one.

Slippin' And Slidin' ( Penniman / Bocage / Collins / Smith ) : Now we are back in business again. This one is good. It's loud and infectious. It'll get you off your feet and grooving.

Peggy Sue ( Holly / Allison / Petty ) : John's heartfelt tribute to his idol Buddy Holly. This one sticks pretty much close to the original.

Medley : Bring It On Home To Me ( Cooke ) / Send Me Some Lovin' ( Price / Marascalco ) : The slow one that impresses. This one grows on you.

Bony Moronie ( Williams ) : The Beatles covered quite a few of Larry Williams' songs in their career. This was John's tribute to the man and it's quite a good cover. I liked it.

Ya Ya ( Robinson / Dorsey / Lewis ) : John jokingly covered this with son, Julian on the "Walls And Bridges" album. Here he did the whole version. Another good track.

Just Because ( Price ) : A beautiful piece to close the album. If not for the speeches nearing the end of the song, I always thought this could make a good single.

DOP : 16th November 1997.