REVIEW

Music DVD Review: Classic Albums Series - John Lennon, Plastic Ono Band

Written by Glen Boyd
Published April 20, 2008
page 1 | 2

One of the more interesting tidbits one learns here concerns the process of how John and Yoko recorded both of their solo albums at the same time. The result was the now famous identical covers of both records.

But it is also revealed here that at one point they wanted to title John's album "Primal," and Yoko's "Scream." The idea here was to demonstrate their togetherness — both musically and of course, as a couple — but also an acknowledgment of Arthur Janov's primal scream therapy, which was a heavy influence on the personal themes of John's record. As things ended up, they simply called both albums Plastic Ono Band.

But as for Yoko's album, the title "Scream" certainly would have served as truth in advertising. Ringo describes the sessions for Yoko's record as a situation where the small band just jammed, while Yoko would "do her crazy singing." Ringo then adds "Peace & Love, Yoko" with a humorous grin.

It is also revealed here that although Phil Spector was given a producer's credit on John's record, "I don't remember Phil producing anything," as Ringo reveals. The small band would record the simple, stripped down arrangements by day, while John remixed the tracks at night.

On this DVD, the whole story unfolds through some amazing footage, as well as interviews with Ringo, Yoko, Klaus Voorman, and the engineers who mastered the record. In the segments with the engineers, many of the original demos for the record are also played. In one such segment, Lennon's famous scream on "Mother" is separated out from the backing music tracks. "I don't know how the guy could even talk after that," the engineer remarks.

There are also some pretty great extras here, including original live performances of "Mother," "Well Well Well," and "Instant Karma." Eagle Rock, as always, has done a great job with this revealing and fascinating documentary, which is available in stores on April 29.

page 1 | 2

GlenSoprano

You'll find Blogcritics assistant music editor Glen Boyd sharing his Thoughtmares on his personal blogs The World Wide Glen, and The Rockologist, as well as at Cinema Blend Music. In a previous life, Glen was a music professional and journalist whose work has appeared in The Rocket, SPIN, Pulse!, and The Source. Glen is also seeking an active full-time writing gig. Will somebody please hire this man?
Keep reading for information and comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own!
Music DVD Review: Classic Albums Series - John Lennon, Plastic Ono Band
Published: April 20, 2008
Type: Review
Section: Music
Filed Under: Video: Music, Video: Documentary, Music: Video, Music: Classic Rock and Oldies
Writer: Glen Boyd
Glen Boyd's BC Writer page
Glen Boyd's personal site
Spread the Word
Like this article?
Email this
Submit to del.icio.us Save to del.icio.us
RSS Feeds
All RSS Feeds (240+)
Comments on this article
BC articles by Glen Boyd
Video: Music
Video: Documentary
Music: Video
Music: Classic Rock and Oldies
All Music Articles
All Review articles
All BC articles
All BC Comments

Comments

Want comments emailed to you? No spam, promise! Address:

Add your comment, speak your mind

(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/75994)

Personal attacks are not allowed. Please read our comment policy.





Remember Name/URL?

Please preview your comment!

Fresh
Articles
Fresh
Comments