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.

IMAGINE

IMAGINE : The first album I've ever bought just have to be by The Beatles or anyone of the guys. I first heard this album from the cassette in my brother's car. The song 'Imagine' was everywhere. One of my brother who have never ever had any piano lesson even learnt to play 'Imagine' on the piano. The initial album came with a postcard size photo of John holding a pig by the ears to Paul McCartney's earlier album "Ram" where he was holding the horn of a ram. John and Paul certainly weren't the best of friends during this time. Anyway, I loved this album to death. One of my brother's friends did too and borrowed the album from me. He returned it a few days later minus the postcard picture. What could a 12 years old kid do but to look up above at the sky with tears rolling down his cheek.......

Imagine ( Lennon ) : The mother of all peace anthem. John Lennon was a master at  writing anthems and this was one of his very best and one that he will forever be remembered by, which I sometimes think is a shame 'cos there are literally hundreds of equally good John Lennon's songs out there..In my honest opinion, no one can do a better version of this song. Like his Beatles song 'In My Life', this was note to note perfection.

Cripped Inside ( Lennon ) : An uptempo track that shows John at his most playful. Said to be a dig at Paul, it was nevertheless a great track.

Jealous Guy ( Lennon ) : The second most popular track here after 'Imagine'. This song started life as a Beatles song as 'Child Of Nature', a somewhat companion piece to Paul's 'Mother Nature's Son'. Somehow Paul's made the cut and John didn't which brings us to this version. When John was murdered, Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music gave a stirring heart wrenching tribute to John with this song.

It's So Hard ( Lennon ) : Initially I don't like this song but like most thing Beatles, it grew on me. Now one of my favourite on this album. A great bluesy number.

I Don't Want To Be A Soldier Mama ( Lennon ) : This one I don't like at all. If it have been trimmed down a bit, it would have been a lot more tolerable but at more than 7 minutes long chanting the same things over and over, even John Lennon I could not take.

The missing postcard

Gimmie Some Truth ( Lennon ) : Another song that I grew to like through the years. A delicious mud slinging, angry name calling ranting of a song that only the great John Lennon can come up with. The unlucky recipient of this song was Richard Nixon.

Oh My Love ( Lennon / Ono ) : A beautiful, beautiful love song that could stir the soul. Incredibly yet again I don't like this song initially. Partly it was due to my impatience in listening to the next song 'How Do You Sleep' that I tends to overlook this masterpiece. Much like 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' that was place right before 'Happiness Is A Warm Gun'. Still in the end, all wells that ends well. I loved both songs.

How Do You Sleep ( Lennon ) : The main tropic of discussion of this album. Other than the downright straight forward no hold character assassination on his one time good friend Paul McCartney, this is one solid track. The backing, the singing are all top notched and George Harrison playing guitar on it doesn't hurt either. As good as any Beatles songs.

How ( Lennon ) : John showing his self doubting and reflective side. Coming after the stirring 'How Do You Sleep' is quite a task but this is another good track. I've always like this song.

Oh Yoko ( Lennon )  : Funny how the critics keep raving about this song, even going as far as lamenting why it was not released as a single. Melody wise it's not too bad but the lyrics is nothing to shout about and a bit too long at that. Still a nice way to end a great album.

DOP : 24th October 2000.

PLASTIC ONO BAND

PLASTIC ONE BAND : I didn't really feel the real impact for this album 'cos I only got it a few years since it came out. During this time, I was still dependable on my elder brother for music. His favorite was Paul McCartney, and for some reasons, he skipped on this. I bought this first on record. Prior to this my brother bought home a copy of  'The Wedding Album" and well, what can I say, it was an extension version of 'Revolution 9' from "The White Album"  and I was then rather caution of any product by John. Needless to say, my fear was unfounded. This album reinforced John Lennon's reputation and reassured one and all that the once chief beatle still have it in him. Generally considered one of John's finest album by fans and critics alike, it was ranked fourth on The Rolling Stones 100 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Mother ( Lennon ) : Started out with morbid bells tolling, this was one of my all time favourite John Lennon solo track. I remember going to all the stores in town looking for this single. Each and everyday I would be asking the store keeper the same question and the answer would always be the same. Not yet arrived. In the end I didn't manage to get the single until I got this album. My version of this song and 'Don't Let Me Down' during my Hash House Harriet days earned me the nickname of John Lanun.

Hold On ( Lennon ) : A sweet but rather short love song to himself, his woman and finally to the world. This is the kind of short little ditty that I use to place at the end of the last song on those cassettes that I  records for my friends.

I Found Out  ( Lennon ): A rocking number that lashed out at those traitorous friends who brother, brother, brother , brother him when it suits them. Even Bob Dylan couldn't get away with lyrics like ' Some of you sitting there with your cock in your hand'  Totally mind blowing and enjoyable.

Working Class Hero ( Lennon ) : This song was loved by the critics and fans alike but somehow I am not too taken by this one. A little too low key for me. This song incidentally contained the first time anyone uses any swear word on any popular songs in the world and also the second one in the album.

Isolation ( Lennon ) : Didn't like this on first hearing. As with most work of art, and subsequent listening, it grew on me and now it's one of my favourite track.

Remember ( Lennon ) : Quite a lesser track compared to the Rolls Royce standards of the other songs here. Only memorable thing here was the constant piano throbbing.

Love ( Lennon ): First heard this from The Lettermen and I have to admit I like their version more, which is not to say that John's original was bad. On the contrary, it was one of John's best and most tender ballad. Right up there with his Beatles' work. Matter of preferences. My brother couldn't believe this soft piece could come from the devil-may-care rock 'n' roller John.

Well. Well. Well ( Lennon ) : Rock 'n' Roll as only John could. A solid track that even my little daughter loves. I use to make up words with her in the lyrics and she would do the same.

Look At Me ( Lennon ) : A softer guitar plucking track in the mould of 'Julia'. If this doesn't move you, you have no business listening to this album in the first place. Go back to The Beatles.

God ( Lennon ) : The centrepiece of one of the greatest album of all time. I could never get tired of this track. I enjoyed it much more than 'A Day In The Life' from 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band. The master stroke was the slight delay after he sang ' I don't believe in Beatles'. You could hear a pin drop. Still brings a chill to my spine.

My Mummy's Dead ( Lennon ) : A short few seconds is more than sufficient to close this brilliant album. Any longer would reduce the shock value. A grown man crying for his mother. Who else but John could have dare to sing it like this.

DOP : 11th December 1999.

LIVE PEACE IN TORONTO 1969

 

LIVE PEACE IN TORONTO 1969 : Well, what do you know. I found this on the fleas market. I've given up on ever finding this on CD and I have never ever heard this either from a record or a Cd. I only watch the video and it clearly show John Lennon was in his element. Due to short notice given for the concert, there was hardly any time for rehearsal so the materials played was more non originals than originals. On the original vinyl recording, the two sides were divided between John and Yoko. Understandably, most record with John on Side 1 was usually worn out while Yoko who was on Side 2 with only 2 songs was devoted to her wailing, pitch less, brainless. banshee vocalising that I doubt even her mother can tolerate were usually left unplayed. Although I got it from the fleas market, it doesn't really come cheap. When I asked for a discount, the seller just let off something like The Plastic Ono Band is a band that can't be sold cheap but when I asked him why on the vinyl, only one side of the record was played, he haven't a clue.

Blue Suede Shoes ( Perkins ) : John introduced this song saying that they are only playing the songs that they know and then let ripped with this Elvis Presley classic. John's version was slower as compared to Elvis' version but his voice is crystal clear.

Money ( Bradford / Gordy ) The Beatles recorded this on their second album" With The Beatles." This was a slower version as Beatle.
compared with the raw and youthful version he did as a


Dizzy Miss Lizzy ( Williams ) : Anther Beatles recorded song, this time on their "Help" album. Initially I've never liked the this song the first time I heard it but with the bass more prominent, this song rock.

Yer Blues ( Lennon / McCartney ) : The only bona file Beatles song and only one of three that John sings during his life time. Done almost the same as the studio version. 

Cold Turkey ( Lennon ) : Still relatively new while this was played here, but without the screeching guitar of Eric Clapton, the intensity of the original is pretty much lost. Here it sounded more like a pop song than a rock song.

Give Peace A Chance ( Lennon / McCartney ) : First time ever this song was sang in its entirety. Usually only the chorus were sang. If anything, hearing John singing this song live is worth the price of the whole Cd.

Don't Worry Kyoko [ Mummy's Only Looking For Her Hand In The Snow ] ( Ono ) : Like 'Revolution 9,' on the "The Beatles" aka "The White Album," this and the subsequent track will be played only once just so that I can say I have listened to it. The instrumental is not so bad but the singing....or rather wailing is seriously not for human consumption.

John, John [ Let's Hope For Peace ] ( Ono ) : While the earlier track have at least decent instrumentation, this one is the pit. Unless you have a serious listening problem or you have a neighbour you seriously hate, you should do well to leave this track alone. Remember you have being warned.

DOP : 16th June 2013.

JOHN LENNON - 1940 - 1980

JOHN LENNON - 1940 - 1980 : When I first became aware of The Beatles, John wasn't my favourite beatle. My favourite beatle like most people was Paul McCartney. Handsome and good looking, who wouldn't love Paul. But the bulk of the early Beatles songs were sung and written by John so I was quite mixed up then about my favourite beatle. My fascination for John Lennon was more about his personality then for his music of which his solo efforts I found admittedly rather too self indulgence for my liking. I much rather prefer Paul McCartney's more light-hearted and pleasing to the ears melody. As a person, John certain was no saint. He has his flaws and plenty too. He even beats women as he have admitted himself. What I find fascination about him was his honesty,  the loyalty he show to his friends, his women, and especially to his wife, the much hated Yoko Ono.When the whole world was against her, he stood by her through thick and thin. When the world demanded an album from him, he gave them an album on his term, they will have to take Yoko with him or none at all. He was also probably the first major star who practically turned his back on his fame. Never before or since have any major star at the prime of their career, could just walk away for five years, being a house husband and lay off music completely. For any stars, it would be career suicide but the public fascination with him never waned. When he was invited to participate at 'The Concert for Bangla Desh" by George Harrison, he agreed but only if Yoko was allow to perform too. George doesn't agree so the concert went on without them. He related to the common people and it was this mind set that got him killed in the end. A rebel till the end, he wouldn't have a bodyguard with him as  anybody of his magnitude should. When the world heard that he was finally having an album out, the whole world was in anticipating in joy which of course soon turn to sorrow as you and I know.....

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