John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band
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Music CD Cover
Artist: John LennonEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Extra tracks, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
Published: 2000
CD Release Date: 2000-10-10
Music Label: Capitol
Soundtracks:
- Mother
- Hold On
- I Found Out
- Working Class Hero
- Isolation
- Remember
- Love
- Well Well Well
- Look at Me
- God
- My Mummy's Dead
- Power to the People [*]
- Do the Oz [*]
Free Music Notes for Plastic Ono Band
Free Music Review: Lennon's ultimate triumph
Hit: 5 Stars
In just a little over half a decade, John Lennon went from being a teen-idol and performer of pop-songs to one of the most important public figures and spokesmen of his generation. Throughout the 60s, as a member of the Beatles, he penned some of the most ground-breaking and important work of the decade. At the dawn of the 1970s, after the shock of the demise of the Beatles had fully sunken in, the world wondered how the fab four would fare individually. While John Lennon had released a string of avant-garde solo albums with Yoko Ono in the late 60s, and a few singles, it was not until the fall of 1970 that John Lennon's first proper solo album was released, "The Plastic Ono Band."
"The Plastic Ono Band," named after the band that created it, was really just Lennon's solo vehicle. "The Plastic Ono Band" consisted of Lennon (guitar, piano, vocals), Ringo Starr (drums) and Klaus Voormann (bass). Without Paul McCartney's pop compositions and George Martin's intricate arraignments, "The Plastic Ono Band," compared to the Beatles, was a far more stripped down affair. The band sounds very sparse, very live, and very intense. Since punk rock was still a few years away, "The Plastic Ono Band" was probably the closest thing that came to that sound in 1970.
Working with Arthur Janov, Ono and Lennon had undertaken "primal scream therapy" which consists of one screaming out all of his/her emotional pain. The effect of this therapy is reflected on this album. After a decade of collaborations and compromises, "The Plastic Ono Band" was John Lennon's cathartic release. The album was not only Lennon's statement that he was free of the Beatles, but also that he was free of himself. "The Plastic Ono Band" is one of the most brutally honest, intense, and liberating albums ever created.
The harrowing opener "Mother," which Lennon would later say is not only about his parents, but about parents everywhere, is one of the most somber and despairing songs Lennon ever penned. But as Lennon says goodbye to his parents, he is not only letting go, he is also allowing himself to move on. The last thirty seconds, which Lennon screams in agony, is not just theatrical, but sounds as though he was really letting go. "Mother" stands as one of rocks most personal, moving testaments.
The serene "Hold On" gives the listener a reprieve, and serves as a buffer between "Mother" and the equally intense "I Found Out."
Those that point to "The Plastic Ono Band" as being a prelude to punk rock could point to "I Found Out" as a prime example of having a raw, punk sound. In it, Lennon tears down all the lies and false beliefs that have misguided him his whole life.
The acoustic "Working Class Hero" is one of those songs that says it all. It articulates perfectly the plight of the working class and their relationship with an uncaring capitalistic society.
The piano-led, soft-spoken "Isolation" shows Lennon's vulnerability and sensitivity perhaps like no other song he ever penned. As the song progresses, it becomes more and more urgent. Lennon's passionate delivery serves as the perfect contrast to the subtle piano which guides it. With this song Lennon forgives all that have ever hurt him, as he realizes everyone is just a human and is a victim in some way.
The piano verse in "Remember" is repetitive, yet never looses steam, as Lennon reflects on life and the ironies that surround it. A confessional, the song also seems to be directed towards everyone, with the message that they should move on and not be bogged down with guilt and regret.
In the soft-spoken "Love," Lennon says perfectly what love is. He explains the unexplainable. "Love" is so simple yet so effective.
While most of "Plastic Ono Band" is straightforward, "Well, Well, Well" is rather abstract. Musically possessing an Asian flair, the lyrics are almost nonsensical, yet fully intriguing.
The acoustic "Look at Me" sounds almost as though it were a home demo, yet still good enough for the finished album. A reflective ode, Lennon asks why is he here, what's his purpose?
The album's centerpiece "God" sees Lennon making his statement once and for all. He relinquishes all, his beliefs in everything, and comes to accept and know himself for who he really is. With "God," Lennon declares that the only thing that matters to him is his belief in himself and Yoko.
With the low-fi "My Mummy's Dead" Lennon seems to finally acknowledge the death of his mother so he can move on.
The hard-rocking "Power to the People" seems to be an answer to "Working Class Hero." In this song Lennon urges power in numbers, so that as a force, people can get what they deserve. If "Working Class Hero" offered a bleak commentary of the status quo, "Power to the People" offers hope. The saxophone solo sounds great and gives the song the perfect touch.
The bizarre, off-beat "Do the Ozz," co-written by Ono, is rather avant-garde with nonsensical lyrics, but it works and gives the album a refreshing twist of the absurd.
Although Phil Spector's work on the Beatles "Let it Be" (1970) was at times overdone, his co-production on "Plastic Ono Band" is perhaps his finest hour. He took the raw materials Lennon gave him to work with and channeled it to perfection. So while the album is raw and intense, it is also palatable.
Released in 1970, "Plastic Ono Band" sounds timeless. It sounds as powerful, moving, and as beautiful today as it did when it was first released. The album's themes, whether they are reflective or are social commentaries, are as relevant today as they have ever been.
As great as the Beatles were, I am of the opinion that "Plastic Ono Band" is Lennon's greatest triumph and is his masterpiece. It is my personal favorite album of-all-time and I doubt this album can ever be surpassed by anyone, ever. Fans of The Beatles, punk-rock, and rock in general, are urged to buy this album. No collection is complete without it.
Plastic Ono Band Poster
John Lennon Photos
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More from John Lennon
 Imagine |  Lennon Legend |  The U.S. vs. John Lennon |
 Mind Games |  Working Class Hero |  Walls and Bridges |
Decades later it's a little hard to appreciate just how shocking Plastic Ono Band was at the time of its release. Yes, John Lennon's first post-Beatles solo album is still a must-own for any rock fan, but decades of punk, metal, and grunge have desensitized our ears somewhat to the naked howls of despair that fill tracks like "Mother," "Isolation," and "I Found Out." In addition, "I don't believe in Beatles," the climactic line of "God," doesn't have nearly the resonance as it did around the time of the Fab Four's breakup, when such a sentiment practically bordered on heresy. And yet it's a testament to the high quality of Lennon's songs that Plastic Ono Band continues to be an incredibly moving listening experience. --Dan Epstein
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