DOUBLE FANTASY / STRIPPED DOWN

DOUBLE FANTASY / STRIPPED DOWN : I've already have this album. They should have issued a separate CD for this stripped down version for die hard fans like me instead of a double CD, so that we don't have to buy another CD with the same songs that we've already have. They should have been more considerate to their fans. Still, I found a way around this problem. I got a friend to buy this album for me in return for me giving him heaps of old music magazines that have a treasure doves of Beatles and Beatles related articles with pictures to boot. He was please as punch and so was I. We both got what we wanted..

The original Double Fantasy album

DISC 1 : STRIPPED DOWN 

[ Just Like } Starting Over ( Lennon ) : Stripped to the bone, even the tolling of the bells is edited out, the female backing as well.  This one have John's great vocal out prominently and it's arguably sounded better than the original.

Kiss, Kiss, Kiss ( Ono ) : I've quite like this Yoko's number. The original version that is. Fresh and exciting when I first heard it. This new editing cuts out the excitement and intensity and the organisms vocal of Yoko which was always a great kick for me. Replaced by Yoko's signature singing which others may call screaming. The original was way better and more shocking.

Clean Up Time ( Lennon ) : This was the real surprise here. Heard only as a minor or even a filler track on the original album, and one that I usually skipped, the editing here turns this into a major track. One of the highlights here.

Give Me Something ( Ono ) : Not much different from the original.

I'm Losing You ( Lennon ) : Most musicians would lose an arm to be able to come up with something like this but for John's standard, this is just a throwaway. Probably the posh production saved it. Don't really know how to make of this track, I certainly don't hate it but I won't put it in my hand phone either.

I'm Moving On ( Ono ) : The original have this song auger into 'I'm Losing You' which somehow have some appeal on me but this new version have this as a stand alone song. Other than this, nothing really major here.

Beautiful Boy [ Darling Boy ] ( Lennon ) : Still the same beautiful song. Edition or no edition. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful song..

Watching The Wheels ( Lennon ) : Nothing much different on this great piece.

Yes, I'm Your Angel ( Ono ) : Nothing much different here either. I think Yoko needn't do any edition to her songs 'cos I seriously doubt there's anybody who would be interested. There's just not that many people like me out there.

Woman ( Lennon ) : The last big ballad from John. Stripped away the female backing and bring his vocal to the forth, you just can't not love this song. As John himself have stated, this was the most Beatles sounding song on the album.

Beautiful Boys ( Ono ) : The weakest track on the whole album. Made tolerable with the gorgeous Spanish instrumental bridge. Same as the original or at least to my ear.

Dear Yoko ( Lennon ) : John's ode to his Lady Love sounds less playful than the original and not much different from the anthology version too.

Every Man Has A Woman Who Loves Him ( Ono ) : Just as John's 'Clean Up Time' was the surprise gem found here, this was the disappointment here. On the original version, this track was one of the highlights for me. The guitar riff was just awesome but here the tempo was slowed down and the guitar riff edited off. So there's nothing else left out of this song. Skip.

Hard Times Are Over ( Ono ) : Not really a bad track but I usually skipped this track 'cos I just can't listen to two Yoko's songs in a row. Apart from John's chattering now and then, this one is not much different from the original either.

DISC 2 : ORIGINAL ALBUM : Refers to "Double Fantasy" album.

DOP : 6th November 2010. An exchange from my Beatles fanatic, Mr. Tai.

PEACE, LOVE & TRUTH

PEACE, LOVE & TRUTH : Yet another John Lennon compilation. Saved for the two remixed version of 'Give Peace A Chance' and Yoko's 'Listen The Snow Is Falling', all the others are available on the other CD. I have a confession to make. I bought this CD purely for Yoko's 'Listen The Snow Is Falling", the flip side to their mammoth Christmas hit 'Happy X"mas ( War Is Over )', 'cos this song stirred something inside of me..

Give Peace A Chance  Remix 2005 [ featuring the voices of Asia ] ( Lennon ) : Remixed with some of the biggest stars from Asia, there are snippets of Chinese, Indians and various other languages on this song, making this a truly universal affairs. Sorry, but after a while, it does get to be a drag. Give me the original anytime.

Gimmie Some Truth ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Imagine" album.

Love ( Lennon ) : Refers to "John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band" album.

Hold On ( Lennon ) : Refers to "John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band" album.

Give Peace A Chance Y2K + ( Lennon ) : Narrated by Yoko Ono, this one relies on the powerful chorus of this song to deliver the message due to the 911 incident.

Imagine ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Imagine" album.

Bring On The Lucie [ Freeda Peeple ] ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Mind Game" album.

Mind Game ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Mind Game" album.

I Don't Want To Be A Soldier ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Imagine" album.

Instant Karma [ We All Shine On ] ( Lennon ) : Refers to "The John Lennon Collection" album.

Power To The People ( Lennon ) : Refers to "The John Lennon Collection " album.

Real Love ( Lennon ) : This is the version that The surviving Beatles remixed  into a new Beatles record. Seems they should have left it as it is. This is by far the better version. Pure and simple and heartfelt.

Help Me To Help Myself ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Double Fantasy" album.

I Don't Wanna Face It ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Milk And Honey " album.

Bless You ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Walls And Bridges" album.

Happy X'mas [ War Is Over ] ( Lennon / Ono ) : Refers to "The John Lennon Collection " album.

Listen The Snow Is Falling ( Ono ) : This is the reason that I bought this CD. It have a certain nostalgia feel that appears to me. I have the single and have been looking for this song ever since.

Give Peace A Chance ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Refers to "The John Lennon Collection " album.

DOP : 5th October 2005.

ACOUSTIC

ACOUSTIC : I am all for any new re released of any John Lennon's CD just to keep his name in the news. There are also numerous greatest hits issued but somehow this release seemed a little bit lack in sincerity. Seems to be made more for monetary gains rather than for his memory. Most of this were already issued on "The 4 CD set  John Lennon Anthology" so actually what's the point with this release. I suspect there are still heaps of these outtakes and demos lying around that will take years to see it all released. Yoko did great with the anthology release but not this. There are Cd's that you never get tired of listening to and makes you want to play it again but not this one. The Cd comes with lyrics and guitar chords but still....

Working Class Hero ( Lennon ) : After countless versions, demos and outtakes of this song, I really can't tell one version from the other. Anyway as mentioned before, this was not one of my favourite John Lennon's song and this doesn't change anything.

Love ( Lennon ) :  The acoustic version of this song is as sweet as the original version on piano. John on one of his most tender moment. Just for the record, I've had the lyrics of this song imprinted on my wedding picture book.

Well, Well, Well ( Lennon ) : One of the highs on his ground breaking debut "John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band, this is too short. Just enough to wet the mouth but not salivating.

Look At Me ( Lennon ) : When John Lennon go soft, there's not many who can resist. In the original, this song was sung with plucking guitar but here it is done with strumming. Nevertheless, still as sweet.

God ( Lennon ) : A home recording of this ground breaking song from his debut album. Frankly, to my ear, it's just John running through this number and it was passed off as the acoustic version. John would never approve if he was alive. Still, listenable.

My Mummy's Dead ( Lennon ) : The same version on the original album or was it just me

Cold Turkey ( Lennon ) :  John and his guitar strumming on this classic. John's vocal sounded raw and shaky at time but nothing beats the original.

The Luck Of The Irish ( Lennon / Ono ) : One of my favourite from "Sometimes In New York City". This version is passable but I much prefer the original.

John Sinclair ( Lennon ) : This was the same version as the anthology version. Speech and all.

Woman Is The Nigger Of The World ( Lennon / Ono ) : I can't believe Yoko see it fits to include this track here. It is so short and meaningless.

What You Got ( Lennon ) : This rocker from "Walls And Bridges" sounds different here. I almost can't recognise the song. Probably just a run through of the song from John.

Watching The Wheels ( Lennon ) : Never get tired of listening to this great song, however many versions, demos or outtakes. Great.

Dear Yoko ( Lennon ) : John's ode to his lady love here sounds less playful than on the original. Still a nice song is a nice song.

Real Love ( Lennon ) :  This is a farm more intimate version of this song rather than the one by the surviving Beatles. More heartfelt. This is rather similar to the version found on the "Imagine" soundtrack.

Imagine ( Lennon ) : John couldn't go wrong with this track. He could have a sore throat and he would still sound great and this is no exception. This is a guitar version by the way and it's sung live but with the clapping edited out.

It's Real ( Lennon ) : The same track as on the anthology set.

DOP : 18th February 2005.

THE JOHN LENNON ANTHOLOGY

JOHN LENNON ANTHOLOGY : This four disc set CD plus a booklet is a heaven sent for any serious Beatles or John Lennon fan.  Divided generously into four CD titled "Ascot", " New York City", "The Lost Weekend" and "Dakota", it chronicled his entire solo careers from his first album "John Lennon / Plaster Ono Band" right up to his final "Double Fantasy" and even covered "Milk And Honey" and then some. In between you'll find some gems which ironically would never have seen the light of day had John lived. His demos for the songs which he wrote for his former Beatle colleague Ringo Starr  are real delights that can't be found on anywhere else. There is an edited version of this Anthology with the best tracks all packed into a single CD called "Wonsaponatime" but I'm a completist. I've waited for almost a year to get this 'cos of the steep price and I got it through a friend who worked in the music industries. Incredibly, I enjoyed this even more than The Beatles Anthology but I would not recommend it to casual fans though.

ASCOT CD 1 : 

Working Class Hero ( Lennon ) : Never really like this song although it showed John in another aspect of his song writing. Apart from the slight dialogue at the beginning there's really not much different from the original. It ended with a snippet of 'Well, Well, Well'.

God ( Lennon ) : The centrepiece from "John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band", this track shows the song's arrangement is still a work in progress and the better version is of course the original. Nevertheless, still a stunning experience.

I Found Out ( Lennon ) : This version is more raw than the original. Just John and his guitar. John sounded indignant as he sang about finding out about those who let him down.

Hold On ( Lennon ) : A rather loose and lively version compared to the finished product. I preferred the original slower version.

Isolation ( Lennon ) : Another standout cut from his ground breaking debut album. This one could have been the master had it not being for the chattering between John and Yoko after a false start.

Love ( Lennon ) : One of John most touching and heartfelt ballad. Demo or no demo, this one still send a shiver down my spine. The finished product had the piano as the main instrument but this one have the guitar for substitute. Still a winner all the way. Even my brother couldn't believe that the rock and rolling devil may care John Lennon can comes up with something so soft and gentle.

Mother ( Lennon ) :  One of my favourite John Lennon's song. Thought it lack the intensity and power of the original, this is still great stuff that only a truly great artist is capable of.

Remember ( Lennon ) :  Not one of my favourite but still nice to hear another version of this song. It's much slower than the original. This was never intended to be the master 'cos John was goofing around and chattering in the studio.

Imagine [ Take 1 ] ( Lennon ) :  Yet another version of this anthem of anthems. Never tired of this song and never will. Not a bad version by the way. Funny how it seems only John can sing this song perfectly. No other artists have ever done justice to it as far as I am concern and I've always regarded myself as open minded.

"Fortunately" : A short conversation between our man and his wife.

Baby, Please Don't Go ( Walter Ward ) : The first gem from this set. This fine cover was first heard live from  the "Sometime In New York City" album. The studio version is ever better.

Oh, My Love ( Lennon / Ono ) : Another beautiful song from John to convince the non believer that he can sing sweet 'Silly Love Song" as well if not better than Paul McCartney.

Jealous Guy ( Lennon ) : Another fine version of another already perfected song. Apart from the missing whistling, this sounds almost as good if not better than the original. I was going through the CD but i just can't bring myself to press the skip button.

Maggie Mae ( Traditionally arranged by Lennon / McCartney / Harrison / Starr ) : This is a just slightly longer version of this song that that was found on The Beatles's final album "Let It Be". A home recording.  Probably John was testing his guitar and vocal before recording.

How Do You Sleep ( Lennon ) : One of the most notoriously known song from "Imagine". Other than the rather vicious lyric aimed at his former colleague, this is great stuff. The music accomplishment here is not as full as those found on the original album.

God Save Oz ( Lennon / Ono ) : One of the great song that John gave away to Bill Elliott and The Elastic Oz Band. John never sounded happier here and this could well be a hit for him had he released it as a single. A damn bloody shame.

Do The Oz ( Lennon / Ono ) : The flip side for 'God Save Oz'. This one is a filler but the musicianship is first rate though. Not enough to save the song.

I Don't Want To Be A Soldier ( Lennon ) : This overlong song is another track that I always skipped playing on the original album. Almost like a chant, it just go on and on and on but here I can appreciate it more due to the false starts and maybe due to the fact that I haven't listened to this for years. Seems like meeting an old friend.

Give Peace A Chance ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This magnum opus anthem was the rehearsal just before the famous bed in recording with John and his group of famous friends. Comparatively shorter than the released version.

Look At Me ( Lennon ) : Another beautiful ballad with just John and his  plucking guitar that he learnt from his days in Indian from Donovan.

Long Lost John ( trad. arranged by Lennon ) : This delightful little ditty was a cover version of a Lonnie Donegan's song that he probably have performed with The Quarrymen during their days in Liverpool. Charming all the way.

NEW YORK CITY CD 2 :

 New York City ( Lennon ) : The only song that is universally liked by fans and critics alike on the universally panned "Sometime In New Yoke City", this home recording is painfully short.

Attica State ( Lennon / Ono ) : Recorded live at The Apollo in 1971, this rousing rocker sounded better here than in the album version.

Imagine [ Live ] ( Lennon ) : The second song from The Apollo, this is yet another fine version of this fine song.

Bring On The Lucie ( Lennon ) : I was sleeping as I was listening to this CD and this was the version of this song that brought me out of slumber land. John sounded like he was having fun and it's highly infectious. Not much different from the original but no less enjoyable. One of the better track from "Mind Game"

Woman Is The Nigger Of The World ( Lennon / Ono ) : Not one of my favorite, this home recording is thankfully short.

Geraldo Rivera : Introduction on their One On One Concert at Madison Square Garden in 1972.

Woman Is The Nigger Of The World [ live ] ( Lennon / Ono ) : We have a taste of this on the "Live In New York City" album. Like I've said before, this song sounded nicer live than the studio recording.

It's So Hard [ live ] ( Lennon ) : Taken from the same concert, this one sounded better than the one on "Live In New York City." Maybe later technology have something to do with it, but to my ear, it's definitely better.

Come Together [ live [ ( Lennon / McCartney ) : John's favorite Beatles' song and mine too. A stellar performance although he don't quite remember the lyrics so well.

Happy X'mas ( Lennon / Ono ) : A rough mix of one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written by one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century. John never sounded so good. Great stuff.

Luck Of The Irish [ live ] ( Lennon / Ono ) : One of my favourite from "Sometime In New York City", this is a stellar performance from John and ahhh Yoko in Ann Arbor. My sister loves this song too, I may add.

John Sinclair [ live ] ( Lennon ) : Another favorite and another great performance from John from their concert at Ann Arbor. The lyrics here differ slightly from the album version. The word 'bastard' have been substituted for 'Judge Columbus.' Probably John have being advised about using this word in national TV but he managed to slip in the word at the final verse.

The David Frost Show : David Frost thanking the pair for appearing at his show and John discussion his idea with him.

Mind Game [ I Promise ] ( Lennon ) : A first hand look at the creation of a great song.

Mind Game [ Make Love, Not War ] ( Lennon ) : The classic's beginning to take shape. Had being said that had this song take the title it was originally intended, this could well have being another monster hit.

One Day At A Time ( Lennon ) : This sounds much better here as John sang in his original voice rather than in falsetto which he was ill equipped to in the original album. Only now I know why Elton John covered this song.

I Know ( Lennon ) : One of the lesser known gems from "Mind Game". A great song that's being criminally placed on a not so great album. Maybe one day, an artist will come along and cover this and make it the classic it deserved to be.

I'm The Greatest ( Lennon ) : One of my favorite Ringo Starr's song. This "Ringo" track sounds wonderful with John guided vocal for Ringo. Doesn't sounds like a demo at all.

Goodnight Vienna ( Lennon ) : Another wonderful track that John wrote for his pal, Ringo, which only goes to show that John is not short of generosity when it came to his old pal. Only wish that his other track for Ringo, 'Cookin' ( In The Kitchen Of Love ) from " Ringo's Rotogravure" is here as well.

Jerry Lewis Telethon. The audiences and Jerry Lewis show their love for John and Yoko.

" A Kiss Is Just A Kiss" . An short intimate moment between John and Yoko.

Real Love ( Lennon ) : This was the version that was given to the surviving Beatles by Yoko to be made into a legitimate Beatles song. I much prefer the version on the "Imagine" soundtrack which have slightly different lyrics.

You Are Here ( Lennon ) :  I don't quite like this track on "Mind Game" but somehow I find it quite pleasing on the ear here. Maybe due to the sentimental streak in me. The instrumental here are more stark and laid back. Maybe it's time to give the original album another listen.

THE LOST WEEKEND CD 3 :

What You Got ( Lennon ) : A rather short home recording of this find rocker from "Wall And Bridges." Would have been swell if it have been a tab bit longer.

Nobody Loves You When You're Down And Out ( Lennon ) : Another version of this can be found on the "Menlove Avenue" album. Nevertheless, a fine song and another fine version.

Whatever Gets You Through The Night [ home ] ( Lennon ) : A home recording of this No.1 which was to get back John back on the stage the last time with Elton John. Nice to see how he work out the arrangement for his song.

Whatever Gets You Through The Night [ studio ] ( Lennon ) : John's version here is more laid back and surprisingly  more enjoyable than the original. But then this was never my favorite to be begin with. What's missing here is Elton John's backing.

Yesterday [ parody ] ( Lennon / McCartney ) : A parody of Paul McCartney's most famous song. Nice to see John monkeying around.

Be Bop A Lula ( Davis / Vincent ) : This doesn't sound much different from the studio version. At least not to me.

Rip It Up / Reddy Teddy ( Blackwell / Marascalco ) : Have always loves this medley from the "Rock 'n' Roll" album. The only complain being it was far too short. Here John made things right by adding an extra verses and man it rocked. This should have being the version on the album proper.

Scared ( Lennon ) : A throw away to me. Another version of this was on the "Menlove Ave" album. But both that version and this are more tolerable than the original which is just too heartbreaking to listen to. Maybe the unavailability of John made a different to me.

Steel And Glass ( Lennon ) : Likewise with the above, there was another version of this too. Never like this one either but this lesser produced version does seems like a breath of air. The phase "Less is more" certainly apply here.

Surprise, Surprise [ Sweet Bird Of Paradise ] ( Lennon ) : Nothing to really tell this apart from the original version. A much needed release after the last two extremely depressing song.

Bless You ( Lennon ) : A highlight from "Wall And Bridges", another version was yet available on Menlove Ave." This could well be the same version on the latter album but I truly can't tell except that it's still the same old damn fine overlooked song.

Going Down On Love ( Lennon ) : The opener for "Wall And Bridges" and one of my favourite but too darn short.

Move Over Ms. L ( Lennon ) : Never really care much for this B side from 'Stand By Me' which was only available on "The John Lennon Collection" album but this version rock. Forced me to reassessed this song but this version remained the better one. Sounds like John's having fun.

Slipping' And Slidin' ( Penniman / Bocage / Collins / Smith ) : Always loved this rocking number from the "Rock 'n' Roll" album but this version, incredibly sounds even better than the original album version.

Peggy Sue ( Holly / Allison / Petty ) : John in fine form throughout but a tab bit too short and it ended right in the middle of thing. Too abrupt.

Bring It On Home To Me ( Cooke )  / Send Me Some Lovin' ( Price / Marascalco ) : Another highlight track which brings back renewed fond memories that this song invoked.

Ain't She Sweet ( Ager / Yellen ) : John's goofing around with a few verses of this old standard from the pre Beatles days.

Phil And John 1 : Conversations between John and Phil Spector which strangely people may find fascinating.

Phil And John 2 : More of the above. This one at least have a spit seconds of 'Just Because ', one of the highlights from "Rock 'n' Roll."

Phil And John 3 : Last of the above mercifully. Some people like me may find just the voice of John Lennon fascinating but to hear their conversion three tracks in a row is stretching it.

"When In Doubt, Fuck It" : No doubt included to demonstrate John's strange sense of humour at the time.

Be My Baby ( Spector / Greenwich / Barry ) : A fine version of this old classic by The Ronettes. It should have been included on the "Rock 'n' Roll" album.

Stranger's Room ( Lennon ) : The song that would eventually evolved into 'I'm Losing You' which would eventually be included in his final album "Double Fantasy." Somewhat slow but we can see the song and the beauty of the melody taking shape.

Old Dirt Road ( Lennon / Nilsson ) : Yet another version of this song was on "Menlove Ave." album. Finding the differences between the different versions escaped me.

DAKOTA CD 4 :

I'm Losing You ( Lennon ) : From 'Stranger's Room' to this final finished product. Admittedly I don't really like this track on first hearing. But I've grew to love it after watching the accompanying video which was inspiring to say the least.

Sean's "Little Help" : Conversation between John and his son and his difficulties in recalling the song 'With A Little Help From My Friend'. A rather amusing but touching conversation between father and son due to the circumstances that was soon to pass.

Serve Yourself ( Lennon ) : John's send up to Bob Dylan during his religions phase and he even sings like the man himself.

My Life ( Lennon ) : This rather humble start that was to evolve into '[ Just Like ] Starting Over', his come back single. Who would have thought this slow little ditty would soon be turned into one of his big hit.

Nobody Told Me ( Lennon ) : The song supposedly written for Ringo turned out to be John's final hit. The version on "Milk And Honey" was a demo too as well so that don't make this version any much different. If it's good the first time round, it couldn't be any less here.

Life Begins At 40 ( Lennon ) : Another Ringo's supposed performance.. The subject matter is so heartbreaking due to what's gonna happen soon. Sounds incomplete but still this is a great song and you can't find it anywhere else but here. Had John be granted more time to polished up the song......

I Don't Wanna Face It ( Lennon ) : Another outtakes from "Milk And Honey". Not much different from the first time I heard it. I still like it.

Woman ( Lennon ) : John's last great ballad given a home recording feel here. Just John and the guitar is sufficient. The beauty of the song is evident throughout. You can almost picture John singing this in front of the love of his life, Yoko.

Dear Yoko ( Lennon ) :  John's ode to his wife. Almost the same version as the original except for the absence of the fiddle which is the prominence instrument on the original. A fun and playful song.

Watching The Wheel ( Lennon ) : A simple home recording on one of John's finest moment from "Double Fantasy."

I'm Stepping Out ( Lennon ) : Again not much different from the original. Probably all the materials on "Milk And Honey" were demos to begin with.

Borrowed Time ( Lennon ) : Apart from some chattering from the start, this version with minimum instrumental backing actually sounds better..

The Rishi Kesh Song ( Lennon ) : After taking the Mickey out of Bob Dylan, this time it's George Harrison's turn. Cheeky but quite a nice tune.

Sean's "Loud " : Conversation with his son.

Beautiful Boy ( Lennon ) : Beautiful, beautiful,  beautiful. beautiful song. This song could never go out of style as long as there are daddies and sons..

Mr. Hyde's Gone [ Don't Be Afraid ] ( Lennon ) : Another song in the working stage. With just piano accompaniment, who know what could have evolve had John been given more time.

The Booklet

Only You ( Rand/ Ram ) : John's demo for Ringo Starr on his "Goodnight Vienna" album. A stellar performance.

Grow Old With Me ( Lennon ) : John's unfinished masterpiece. This is not much different from the album proper.

Dear John ( Lennon ) : Only almost nearing the end, we finally found a filler, song that borders on boredom. Given some polishing, and due to John's track record, it could turn out to be something great. Pity, but we will never know.

SOMETHING MORE :

The Great Wok [ home recording 1979] : John chattering.

Mucho Mungo [ home recording, circa 1976 ] ( Lennon ) : A home recording of this quite lengthy song which was first recorded by Harry Nilsson. Another classic in the work.

Satire 1 [ home recording 1979 ] : John messing around with his guitar.

Satire 2 [ home recording 1979 ] : John fooling around with his guitar.

Satire 3 [ home recording 1979 ] : John messing and fooling around with his guitar.

Sean's "In The Sky"  [ vignette, home recording, 1979 ] : A short conversation between father and son. Time is running short for Mr. Lennon.

It's Real [ home recording, circa 1979 ] : John whistling and playing acoustic guitar on this short little ditty.

DOP : 15th January 1999.

                                                                           

MANLOVE AVE.

MANLOVE AVE : Got this only just recently. Was waiting for the exorbitant price to go down but it never did. Ironically after having waited years to get this and when I finally did, I found a much cheaper one at the flea market a few weeks later. Sign. The title referred to John's childhood home which was 251, Manlove Avenue in Liverpool. Still, since John is gone, this is a welcome addition to my addition. If only for the CD cover alone which was designed by Andy  Warhol, just months before John's tragic death. The materials here are culled mostly from outtakes from his "Wall And Bridges" and "Rock 'n' Roll" album, with most of the materials from "Wall And Bridges" arguably better than the finished product. A word of caution though, this is not one for the casual fans.

Here We Go Again ( J. Lennon / P. Spector ) : This first track was supposed to be on the "Mind Game" album and that's a reason why it didn't make the cut. It's awful and it's awful too that they chooses to start the album with this track. There are surely better songs to be found here. Incidentally this is also the only song ever to bear the composing credits of John Lennon and Phil Spector.

Rock And Roll People (  J. Lennon ) : This uptempo track fared much better. It was given to Johnny Winters eventually. Quite enjoyable.

Angel Baby ( R. Hamlin ) :  Another fairly listenable number as John tried to outdo Phil Spector as the master of the consul. John's vocal is as impressive as ever.

Since My Baby Left Me ( Pending ) : This one should be the one that starts the album. Fairly fast with great vocal. Should have been on the "Rock 'n' Roll" as originally intented.

To Know Her Is To Love Her ( P. Spector ) : The musical backing is good but the singing is way too slow  and draggy for my liking. John did a much better version with The Beatles on their "Live At The BBC" years before. Only thing that kept me from pressing the skip button was John's voice which was as great as ever. As mentioned before, the vocal was great but not the material.

Steel And Glass ( J. Lennon ) : This stripped down outtake from "Wall And Bridges"ironically sounds ever better than the over produced official version. Starting out quietly with a gently, strumming guitar, without the Paul McCartney character assassination track 'How Do You Sleep' musical backing, this could almost have been a reflective ballad rather than one of his notorious put-downs, the 'victim' this time being his and The Beatles one time manager Alan Klein. Interestingly, in the final verse, John let loose with some infantile sneering insults " There you stand with your toilet sand / And your Micky Duck and your Donald Fuck". These verses of course was deleted from the official release with John substituting the verses with the much safer " You leave your smell like an alley cat".

Scared ( J. Lennon ) : Never was a great fan of this song to begin with, this stripped down outtake somehow make it slightly more bearable. This track, however wouldn't be out of place with his first album "John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band".

Old Dirt Road ( J. Lennon / H. Nilsson ) : The strong country influence on this track is even more prevalent here. Less quieter than on the official version. A good track though not great.

Nobody Loves You [ When You're Down And Out ] ( J. Lennon ) :  The highlight from "Wall And Bridges", John in self pitying mood and with this stripped down rehearsal, it really sounds that he can't make it without Yoko, with whom he was having problem with during the recording of this. I think I like the official version more.

Bless You ( J. Lennon ) : This was another highlight from "Walls And Bridges" and one of my favorite too but this outtake just doesn't cut it. Extremely self pitying, John have trouble keeping in tune and his voice cracks up rather too much for comfortable listening. Give me the official version anytime.

DOP : 22nd February 2013.

LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY / MADE IN ENGLAND

LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY : Recorded at the Madison Square Garden in 30th August, 1972 to help improve the living conditions of the mentally handicapped children, John always have his heart in the right place. The concert, however is not as stellar as someone of his status should have been but still, as his only full fledged concert,  this is an essential addition to the John Lennon cannon. The recording is somewhat marred by his backing band, The Elephant Memory Band who is the same band who backed him on his disastrous "Sometime In New York City" album. Mercifully, Yoko's songs are excluded from this set although it was shown in its entirety in the video.

New York City ( Lennon ) : Started with the crowd chanting one of his previous hit 'Power To The People', the concert open with the better tune from "Sometime In New York City" A great song though not a great performance. The vocals are mixed rather low in some places, which rob the song of some of its power.

It's So Hard ( Lennon ) : This next track came his most well known album "Imagine". John sounded laid back and not terribly exciting. John slows the pace so that his singing sounds virtually like a spoken recitation. "Welcome to the rehearsal," he even chirped at the end of the number.

Woman Is The Nigger Of The World ( Lennon / Ono ) : I've never liked this song from "Sometime In New York City" but strangely, this live version is more tolerable. A better performance than the previous two.

Well, Well, Well ( Lennon ) : John sounded like he's back on track with this next offering. Somebody in the audience shouted for Ringo just before the song starts. John retorted "That was yesterday or four years ago.".

Instant Karma [ We All Shine On ] ( Lennon ) : One of John's better solo output, this is another decent performance. However, without the magic of Phil Spector,  the song sounded somewhat hollow and don't quite capture the sound to equal the power of the original.

Mother ( Lennon ) : One of my all time John Lennon's solo song, this was criminally under performed. Sounded like John was just drifting through the song, it's so frustrated to see John butchering his own song.

Come Together ( Lennon / McCartney ) : One of only three Beatles that John performed during his lifetime. This one sounded like John is having fun although he got his lyrics muddled up.

Imagine ( Lennon ) : Mercifully, he managed to delivered a stellar reading of this, his signature song. Though he is playing the organ and not the piano as on the record, this is the undoubtedly the best performance on the set. He relates the song to the audience, amending the lyrics a little to say "Imagine no possessions, I wondered if we can" and expressing his feminist learning by adding " a brotherhood and sisterhood of man"

Cold Turkey ( Lennon ) : His first classic after The Beatles broke up. Somehow, this song never sounded as good live as in was in the studio. The original distorting guitar lead was by Eric Clapton but since they couldn't enlist the service of Mr. Clapton here, the solo here was noticeably different. I wouldn't have recognised the song had I heard the solo here.

Hound Dog (  ) : The only non original song here, John let rip with this excellent version of this one time idol, Elvis Presley standard. It was played in exactly the same tempo as the original and it served as an excellent finale to an otherwise not too great performance.

Give Peace A Chance ( Lennon / McCartney ) : What other song to close the concert than this famous song that once helped closed the Vietnam War. As Yoko recalled "The concert was filled with love of brotherhood and sisterhood. We passed out tambourines to the audience, true to our slogan, 'You are the Plastic Ono Band". Everybody joined in on the stage at the end when we sang "Give Peace A Chance" People could not contain themselves and marched down Fifth Avenue singing 'Give Peace A Chance'

DOP : 7th November 1999.

ELTON JOHN : MADE IN ENGLAND : Nope, you didn't see wrong. This is Elton John and not John Lennon on the cover of this mini CD. I found this gem of a CD by chance while browsing through the CD rack. I don't think it's in the market now.

Made In England ( Elton John / Bernie Taupin ) : Now this is pleasant surprise. I have given up on Elton John since the starts of the 80's saved for 1989's 'Sacrifice' and the Princess Diana Tribute ' Candles In The Wind 1979'. This is good old fashioned pop as we know it. Surprised that it wasn't a hit.

Whatever Gets You Through The Night ( John Lennon ) : Now this is more like it. With Elton John's more than adequate's backing band, this is the John Lennon that we've known and loved. Making good on a bet with Elton John that if this song reached No.1, he'll showed up and play live with him, and this is what John did when 'Whatever Gets You Through The Night' did reached No.1. The crowd was esteemed. This was history not to be repeated again.

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : The second song to be played here was a Beatles' classic with guitar by John Lennon and vocal by Elton John. Great combination.

I Saw Her Standing There ( John Lennon / Paul McCartney ) : The final number by the duo, John introduced this song as 'from an old estranged  fiance of mine call Paul'  and then let it rip. Does made your mouth salivating for more but alas, this was not to be. This performance turned out to be the last performance ever by the late great John Lennon due to circumstances too painful to recollect.

DOP : Unknown.

MILK AND HONEY

MILK AND HONEY : Released shortly after the third anniversary of Lennon's death, this album was under the impression by most as outtakes and demos for a future album. Most of the songs here actually were recorded during the "Double Fantasy" sessions and subsequently discarded. Some of the songs here were so impressive that it was hard to imagine that John wouldn't have gone back and revamped it at a later date. And some were demos that sounded quite hollow as unfinished work in progress. This was John at his most content. It's the songs of love from a man to his woman and at time it's sounded almost corny. The kind of songs that Paul McCartney was so adapted in and John once loathed not so long ago. Still, for what it's worth this one still qualified as a bona file John Lennon's album albeit half an album, the other half being Yoko. Understandably not as good as "Double Fantasy" given that the songs were still works in progress. I've had this record since it came out and it took me quite a while to get this 'cos the CD took such a long time coming.

I'm Stepping Out ( John Lennon ) : An optimist opener from an optimised John. This song sets the mood for an  otherwise rather hard to listen album due to the circumstances surrounding it. Part of the lyrics goes '....Put on my space suit I got to look my best'., he should have put on an armour.

Sleepless Night ( Yoko Ono ) : A rather pleasant number from Yoko.

I Don't Wanna Face It ( John Lennon ) : A rocker from John. This one could have been better.

Don't Be Scared (Yoko Ono ) : I like this rather soft song. Shows that Yoko can reasonable sing if she only stops screaming. The ending seems quite abrupt though.

Nobody Told Me ( John Lennon ) : This was the highlight here. Supposed to be given to Ringo for his upcoming album. Ringo Starr couldn't do it since John's murder. Astonishing how good this track was when it was done as a demo for Ringo.

O' Sanity ( Yoko Ono ) : Another short but rather sweet number for Yoko. I must be getting soft. I seems to like most of Yoko's songs here.

Borrowed Time ( John Lennon ) : Another rocker that could have been a single. Ghastly he sang prophetic " living on borrowed time, without a time for tomorrow....." Again this one ends abruptly. If only John was allowed the time to complete it, we could have had another classic on our hand.

Your Hands ( Yoko Ono ) : Half Japanese and half English, this Yoko's number is one of the lesser  song for me.

[ Forget Me ] My Little Flower Princess ( John Lennon ) : Another number that could have been. Apparently another work in progress and it sounded like it. Nevertheless, I like it.

Let Me Count The Ways ( Yoko Ono ) : This child like rendition track not totally unlike her 'Yes, I'm Your Angel' from "Double Fantasy" is heartfelt in the way a women sings to her husband. I like this for it's nostalgia feel rather than the melody.

Grow Old With Me ( John Lennon ) : This was the supposed masterpiece from this album. Various recorded tapes of this song disappeared when John was murdered and only this version was found. A stripped down version with only John and guitar singing. Given time, this could have been another 'Imagine' kind of monster but...ah well. We can only wish. However, on the 1995 "Working Class Hero' , Mary Chaplin Carpenter gave a truly soul stirring version of this track. I am confidence that in time, this song will be given the treatment that it deserved,

You're The One ( Yoko Ono ) : This was the weakest song from the album. Only the excellent music backing salvaged it.

BONUS TRACKS

Every Man Has A Woman Who Loves Him ( Yoko Ono ) : This Yoko's song from "Double Fantasy" have Yoko's vocal stripped away leaving only John in the background. If John's vocal have been more prominent, this would have been a great song. Since it's not, well I prefer the original Yoko's version.

Stepping Out [ Home Version ] ( John Lennon ) : A slower version demo of the first song from the album.

I'm Moving On ( Yoko Ono ) : Another demo of Yoko from "Double Fantasy". I think I was quite kind to Yoko on both album but still I wouldn't go so far as to listen to her demos and outtakes. Mrs. Lennon she may be but John Lennon she is not.

Interview with J & Y December 8th 1980 : An almost 10 minutes interview in which John talks about the inspiration for "Double Fantasy", his meeting with Paul McCartney, The Beatles and his plans for the future which tragically he only have a few hours more.

DOP : 24th December 2005.