Search - John Lennon :: Collection

Robert R. (flicknife) from CHICAGO, IL
Reviewed on 2/6/2010...

Classic material; needs no further review.

1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Kathryn P. from APOPKA, FL
Reviewed on 12/6/2007...

This 15-song collection (expanded to 19 in 1989 for the CD), released just short of two years after Lennon's death, provided a very generous overview of his solo career on a single LP, drawing on most of the major singles and also on songs that were widely covered, and from all periods of his career, from his late-Beatles-era solo political explorations up to the release of Double Fantasy. The producers, obviously working in collaboration with his widow and seeking to put the very best face on his career, and showcase his strongest and most memorable songs, pass right over Sometime in New York and much of the partly successful works that followed, which is sort of a shame — "Woman Is the Nigger of the World" may not quite rate alongside the stuff that is here, but it was a song that he did care about and played live more than once (significant in a career that included barely any scheduled concerts), and "John Sinclair" showed him playing blues with a ferocious passion. One also misses "Cold Turkey," which is as powerful a song as he wrote in his early solo career, but at the time of its release this was the broadest overview of Lennon's career to be found, and even included (on its CD version) the otherwise unanthologized B-side "Move Over Ms. L."

4 of 5 member(s) found this review helpful.

KEITH G. from GARLAND, TX
Reviewed on 6/13/2007...

not the same UPC, but has same song listings & same order

0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Alison J. from OREFIELD, PA
Reviewed on 1/21/2007...

This is the BMG edition of the same recording.

0 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

"I'm Just Sitting Here Watching the Whales Go Round and Roun

! Metamorpho ;) | Castle in Scotland | 07/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While I was in Malibu, I got a call from Captain Ahab to come to Plymouth, Massachsetts. Since he was paying for the accomodations and travel cost, I was more or less indebted to go. He said that while I was in America, it would be good to take in the sights on the West and East Coasts. I suppose he was right, but my Seer instincts sensed an ulterior motive.



Anyway, he met me at Logan Airport and we drove south. I couldn't help marveling how much he looked like Gregory Peck. The again, it could have been ZZ Top. Must be the long beard. "I have a surprise for you my Seer friend", he said with glowing but vengeful eyes. "Oh, What would that be"? I asked. "Matey, we is going on a whale watch today! Shiver me timbers!" he gleamed. Needless to say people, I was in yet another sad situation. Yeah, you got it. Your beloved Seer was harpooned again.



I really can't complain (though I sometimes do) because it was a hot, beautiful summer's day. Just the right kind of day to take in the cooling ocean wind. When we were far enough out to sea, we saw the whales. Droves of them, flipping, jumping, having a jolly old time. I was amazed. Of course, I had to turn down my hearing aid because children were screaming with glee everytime one appeared. (I also found a lollipop stuck to my Seer's cape much later). Ahab? Well, they threw him in the brink for trying to board with weapons of mass destruction. ;)



You are probably wondering by now what all this has to do with The John Lennon Collection? Well, absolutely nothing. But, it is a good story. However, in all seeriousness (who? me?), I started to write this review on the way back. So, if it's hard to read, blame Ahab or the boat.



All in all, this is a pretty fine collection of his post Beatles work. Of course, John had many more songs that didn't make the cut. And those should be explored by picking up his individual c.d.s. In any event, many of these songs are essential to any considerable pop/rock archive and thus, it more than deserves the 5 star rating.



When I think of John Lennon, I think of his contribution to the Beatle's tunes. Essential, genius, and undeniably one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. This holds true into his solo work as well. You get the beautiful Utopia of "Imagine" and the classic holiday treat of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" (which, to my mind, is way more superior to McCarney's offering).



There are many aspects to his music to consider here. He continues his early rebel stance sound with "Instant Karma", "Cold Turkey" and "Power to the People". Still, in the roughness he still puts forth the wisdom that "We all shine on, like the moon, the stars, and the sun." Well, as my devoted fans know, most of my lectures include this belief.



The rocker John appears in such tunes as "Whatever Gets You Through the Night", "Stand By Me" and "(Just Like) Starting Over". And, let's not forget the more sleek, soulful John on "I'm Losing You". The amazing thing I found out while listening to this is that most people equate love ballads with McCartney instead of John. This is not exactly true if you listen to his heartfelt offerings of "Love", "Jealous Guy", "Woman" and the wonder of fantasy to his young son with "Beautiful Boy". I especially like the line "Life is what happens to you while your busy making other plans". How true John. How very true.



In closing, there are still more depths and levels and sounds of his music to explore here. His soul really began to evolve if you listen closely. He was an artist who knew the value of finding love, seeking truth, and knowing what a human life was worth. This is a fine little collection to get and, even though not the most complete, it is still considerable. I miss you John. I think we all do.



Now, I must go and bail Ahab out of jail. I had to use all the money set aside for my trip to meet his bail. So, if you see me hitch-hiking along the road please give me a ride. And, oh yes. Pay no attention to the harpoon. It's only Boston beer, after all. ;)



Mind games-forever , your beloved Metamorpho



"