SOMETIME IN NEW YORK CITY

SOMETIMES IN NEW YORK CITY : I never really understood all the bad rap that this album generated since it was first released in 1972. It was universally panned by fans and critics alike. Granted, due to its then political inspired lyrics, it have dated much 'cos most of the subject matters have long since been forgotten and rendered irreverent. The music is something else if not solid. I have always loved this album since I first got my hand on it. Somehow I even ended up with two copies of it. I managed to see one copy to a friend of mine. Even my sisters like some of the songs on this album. I even like some of Yoko's songs here and this is saying a lot. This is a double album with the other being a live album which is totally a waste of time and money. The later CD thankfully omitted a large part of the mindless jamming and replaced them with other listenable singles of the era.

CD 1  

Woman Is The Nigger Of The World ( Lennon / Ono ) :  I am not too crazy about this first track. Suppose to be an anthem for woman's rights but it somehow backfired and John have to explain to the public how it really came to be. Except for the horn blaring away, this was not a terribly inspiring piece of song writing from John.

Yoko, John & George Harrison

Sister, O' Sister  ( Ono ): This rocking track from Yoko should have been the anthem for feminists. A commercial rocker with a very agreeable beat and melody, this remains the best Yoko's song on the album if not subsequent albums.

Attica State ( Lennon / Ono ) : John's rousing track from the prisoners at this notorious prison. Not a bad track. only there are better tracks abound. Ironically, John's future killer was imprisoned here.

Born In A Prison ( Ono ) : Not to be outdone by John, Yoko responded with a prison song as well. A somewhat softer track to John's but still listenable.

New Yoke City ( Lennon ) :: This is undoubtedly the best track on the album. A no frills rocker in the best tradition, it described in the lyric like a day in the life of John and Yoko. This was the John that the fans wants to hear.

Sunday, Bloody Sunday ( Lennon / Ono ) : Another rousing anthem - like track that I like. You could almost sees John in a crowd spurring the crowds on fighting for their rights. Yoko's screaming at least is in tune.

The Luck Of The Irish ( Lennon / Ono ) : Yet another stirring track. Even Yoko's turn at the mike couldn't places a damper on this track. I loved it. My sister loves it. The main problem I guess was the lyrics which seems so important then but seems so irreverent today. Paul during this time have a similar theme single out called 'Give Irish Back To The Irish'. Sure would have been a blast to have them putting their heads together to come out with a world masterpiece rather than doing it separately but mildly.

John Sinclair ( Lennon ) : Another solid track. Rock with slide guitar. If John have changed the lyric to something more universal, this would surely have been a classic.

Angela ( Lennon / Ono ): A John and Yoko collaboration that is a rather good but not a great song. Listenable. I wouldn't press the skip button.

We Are All Water ( Ono )  : The melody is not entirely bad. It's passable but I can't only managed a few verses of this Yoko's song. My ear drum just couldn't take the abuse. Yoko's screaming is enough to drive away all would intruders and spirits from your house. Unbelievably, Yoko actually sang this song on TV with John playing guitar by her side of course. The power or The Beatles. Nevertheless, B52's, the punk band, was inspired by this kind of music and it in turn inspired one of their greatest hit 'Rock Lobster'.

CD 2

LIVE JAM

Cold Turkey ( Lennon ) : A somewhere tamer version of this awesome drug inspired song. This live version lacks the power of the original. Still a worthwhile addition here.

Don't Worry Kyoko ( Ono ) : More Yoko's screaming that only the dead can endure.

Well [ Baby, Please Don't Go ] (Walter Ward ) This is the only other worthwhile track here after 'Cold Turkey'. A great addition to your John Lennon's collection of songs.

Jamrag ( Lennon / Ono ) : A mindless jam session.

Scumbag ( Lennon / Ono / Zappa ) : The Beatles never did this during their time. Selling the public short.

Au ( Lennon / Ono ) : What can I say except that I am thankful that this is the last track.

DOP : 26th June 2001.