John Lennon 70th birthday releases reviewed.

Last month there was a batch of new John Lennon releases to celebrate what would have been his 70th birthday. (If only) They are a hits collection “Power To The People: The Hits”; a 4 cd themed collection “Gimme Some Truth” ; a 11 cd box set “Signature Box”; and a ‘new’ version of Double Fantasy called “Double Fantasy Stripped Down”. It would be easy to bash these products for not being what I PERSONALLY wanted them to be, but obviously they are exactly what Yoko Ono wanted them to be. As I review these first three releases – please note I am commenting on the packaging, etc and NOT the music contained therein as John’s music is top notch!


The hits collection maybe the oddest one of these. For one, it includes the track “Gimme Some Truth” which was not a hit anywhere. The only explanation that this track was included could be is that the birthday issues campaign was called “Gimme Some Truth”, so they included it on this hits disc so the track is included on all of the 3 new compilation releases. While it does contain the major hits, previous releases did a much better job. “Lennon Legend” and “Working Class Hero” are both collections which far surpass this one. There is a 2 disc set also available with a DVD containing previously available videos of the tracks. Packaging seems pretty cheaply put together with little time or effort. Grade C-


The 4 cd themed collection “Gimme Some Truth” while interesting to look at the song selections, contained nothing unreleased or new at all. They are divided up over 4 different themed disc called ‘Roots’ – John’s rock ‘n’ roll roots and influences; ‘Working Class Hero’ – John’s socio-political songs; ‘Woman’ – John’s love songs and ‘Borrowed Time’ – John’s songs about life. While not essential by any means it DOES give a good value for the money. At only $30, you get 72 remastered tracks packed onto the four discs. The compilers have been generous, “Plastic Ono Band” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll” are included in their entirety, while “Imagine”, “Walls and Bridges”, “Double Fantasy” and “Milk & Honey” are missing just a track or two each. But the set just doesn't make sense or seem necessary. This set really will have a hard time finding a home for most fans. There are no rarities, so collectors will be less than enthusiastic. Casual fans can get a 1 or 2 disc retrospective, and completists will have the full catalog. This falls squarely in the middle. Packaging has that same “little time or effort” feel to it and the book included is useless. Grade C+


It's hard to please everyone, but I was VERY under-whelmed with the content of the “Signature Box” of 11 cd’s with such a hefty price tag. On one hand it's nice to have John's original mixes in the best sound quality possible, but on the other the remixed series from 2000-2004 sound SO much better (and with bonus tracks) so it's sad to hear that those are now out of print and will fade away once supplies are gone.
The inclusion of the 'missing' records from the John catalog (Two Virgins, Life With The Lions, Wedding Album, Live Peace In Toronto, Live In New York City, and Menlove Ave - and even Shaved Fish for the singles) and the inclusion of the bonus tracks from the remasters (perhaps as a 'disc 2' for each album also including the 'Anthology' and 'Acoustic' tracks for each corresponding album to fill out the disc) would have gone along way to make this the DEFINITIVE collection and made this a MUST have for everyone, unfortunately this is not.
The box is HUGE. Definitely overkill for the CD’s housed inside. The ‘art print’ while neat is useless, and the booklet in the box has a lot to be desired as well. A nice book detailing the recording sessions and at least information about what is on the actual discs would have been welcomed. John gave many interviews about each record when they were released so even a track by track commentary from Lennon taken from interviews would have been something great to add. A real missed opportunity here. Grade D


The best of the releases is “Double Fantasy – Stripped Down”. Just a fantastic release. To be honest, they could have just issued this for the 70th birthday and been done with it!! First off let me say "re-imagining" an artist's original vision especially when that artist had no say in it can be considered sacrilegious. I get that. The ‘Stripped Down” refers to the backing vocals and instrumental overdubs that are removed, but to me it's less about what's missing here, or what's been changed a litte bit there, but that the whole overall feel of the album, and specifically the presence of Lennon's voice, is more direct and impactful, and that the record was not at all what I expected from the reports leading up to the release. Mostly, the effects that John loved and commonly added that muddy the sound (compression, reverb and other processing) are removed, and what's left? Well - a heavier, rocking sound with most (usually all) of the instruments left intact. This album just rocks now. The vocals are more prominent in the mix, and the clarity is unbelievable. I'm amazed at the amount of emotion that was hidden by dropping the vocals in the mix and hiding them with over-processing. I’m not that thrilled with Sean Lennon’s line drawing cover, and the booklet (AGAIN) has a lot to be desired, but the music in the disc makes this a musty have. Grade A-