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.
Article comments
1 - stephen rossi
john lennon was the best.i personally put together all the 1980 acoustic demos on one disc and its like a 1980 john lennon acoustic album id like to see yoko package it that way it would sell and be a nice addition to the lennon cataloge i know she released the john lennon acuostic album but all those songs from 1980 are so powerful and great.