Great review John. Double Fantasy is a bittersweet album. It was the prelude to what promised to be a great decade for Lennon. A senseless act of violence robbed all of us of future Lennon albums and a possible Beatles reunion. I wasn't even alive when John Lennon was around, but I feel the loss like any other Lennon fan.
Couple of minor corrections: Earl and Hugh share the brilliant guitar solo on 'I'm Losing You'. And John plays piano along with George Small on the final version of 'Watching The Wheels'.
Great review John. Full of information as always. It really comes through on this review that you are very much into telling the story of what this album meant to you. Great work. Your review is full of heart felt Feelings for Lennon and what he was to you. Thanks John.
+Wendy Adams Thanks Wendy. I watched a great interview with Earl Slick last night where he said that the Lennon sessions were the least he ever felt being a sideman.
Great review, John. Your emotion when talking about John's death is palpable and moving to see. The album is very good. The Lennon tracks to me are quite legendary( Cleanup Time not so much), and Yoko's songs are quite good too. I love Beautiful Boys in particular, and Every Man Has A Woman Who Loves Him. Songs like Beautiful Boy or Hard Times Are Over are really sad, considering...
Really strong review, John - one of your best. I relate to so much of what you expressed throughout the video. We cannot comprehend all that Lennon might have accomplished by now, had he lived. I also despised the crap that Andy Peebles recently spouted.... what an opportunist. The album is forever tainted by what happened to John, but in some odd way I think that makes at least the song "Beautiful Boy" sound more poignant and emotional.
+MeanMr Mayo Thanks a lot. I often think back to that summer and fall of 1980 when we were so excited, before it all went wrong. Obviously 'Beautiful Boy' is a heart breaker, given what happened. I also think it's a song which requires a few listens to appreciate. The middle eight 'out on the ocean' section is my favourite and Levin's bass is just perfect.
Enjoyable to hear people's recollections of this as I wasn't quite born yet. Find it unbelievably creepy that his initials, M.D.C. are next to John in the Magical Mystery Tour booklet. "THE BEST WAY TO GO IS BY M&D C". And the MMT e.p. was released 13 years to the day before it happened, 8th Dec 1967. And yes Watching The Wheels is a stellar piece of songwriting; iconic and indispensable as there's no other song like it in his body of work.
Remember feeling a little deflated on first listen of Starting Over. Wasn't quite expecting a 50s throwback tune. Grown to like it since then. Spoke extensively with Andy Newmark in 2006 about those August 80 sessions. Awesome stories.
eautiful Child It was nighttime. I was on my hands and knees. I heard waves as if I was at the beach. A bell rang three times. Music was coming from a distance. I was curious about the sound. It pulled me in and I bunny hopped to the lounge room. Someone was singing. The voice was magical, as if coming from a kingdom in a faraway land. I asked my dad, ‘What’s that sound?’ Dad said, ‘This is a song that John Lennon wrote for his son Sean.’ The sound of waves washed over the music and the lyrics. The house was comfortable and safe; and as the song ebbed and flowed, like a lullaby, I felt a strong connection with my father. Warmth washed over me. This is my first memory. As I got older I realised that my dad may have been speaking to me through the lyrics of Lennon’s song ‘Beautiful Boy’. The song encompassed the possible journey that we would take as father and son. But I was too young to understand the words. I loved the waves as well as the sound of children playing and laughing. There is a gentle whisper at the end of the song. The voice says, ‘Goodnight Sean. See you in the morning.’ And a child’s voice says, ‘Goodnight dada.’ I think Dad was saying goodnight to me through these words. The beat of the music and the joyful whistling at the end of the song made me feel like someone was walking away. My father, Arnaud, used to be a painter. With his artistic mind he may have thought that music would be a creative vehicle for communicating his message. Dad also played me the ‘Let it Be’ album by The Beatles. He pointed to John Lennon’s picture and said, ‘That man with the light brown hair is dead.’ He also told me he was killed outside his apartment. I was slightly frightened by this, but I felt safe because Dad was with me. I imagined Lennon dying and walking through dark streets with his wife Yoko. Dad also showed me a black-and-white picture of John and Yoko. I couldn’t tell who was who. I thought Yoko was John and John was Yoko. They looked so alike with their long dark hair and angular faces. You could draw an interesting parallel between my parents and John and Yoko. Like Yoko, who had previously lost babies due to miscarriages, my mother Gail had also lost a baby to stillbirth. Perhaps you could say that because of these circumstances both Lennon and my father were over-joyed when their wives finally brought beautiful boys into the world.
Love your review. I remember the day after Lennon was murdered, there wasn't a Double Fantasy album to be found anywhere in the record stores. Shame John's life was taken so soon.
Great review! Just found a copy of this today for a dollar at a consignment shop and it’s in NM shape. I have always loved the song “Woman”, but the whole album is great. I even enjoy the electronic Yoko tunes.
The Wheels of Life It is well documented that John Lennon wrote 'Watching the wheels' about his 5 year break from the music industry to look after their son, Sean, while Yoko Ono looked after the financial side of his empire. Speaking personally, I identify with the lyrics e.g.; “people say I'm lazy” “dreaming my life away” Some people often tell me I'm lazy and not maximising my potential. Because it appears to them I'm not active on the surface simply because my personality is quite solitary. I think there is a belief in fundamental psychology, that people who day dream are often more creative because they see things from a more lateral thinking. I also identify with some of the other lyrics “when I say that I'm ok watching shadows on the wall”, “Don't you miss the big time boy? You're no longer on the ball”. Here I feel Lennon is making a statement about people constantly feeling compelled to move in order to look busy and creative, as a posed to taking their time to analyse the patchwork of the shadows of life. This idea also relates to the power and artistry of shadow puppetry. This theme is further explored when Lennon refers to riding on the merry go round. I can also connect with his words “I tell them there's no problem only solution”. This is an idealism, I still struggle with. I tend to focus on the problem and self impose barriers, instead of trying to find a simple answer. Furthermore, I resonate with the concept of having to let things go which I think is part of everyone's life journey and is ultimately not an easy task. In regards to the mechanics of this song I think its quite clever that Lennon contrasts these sarcastic biting lyrics with uplifting piano music, So as not to drive the listener away from the song. It also gives this song the atmosphere of a carnival or circus in keeping with his metaphor of a merry go round. Hence the idea that society maybe moving too fast and losing spontaneity. I appreciate that “Watching the wheels” is not to everyone's taste and doesn't have any hippity hop techno wizardry that so many people love these days. For me it still remains relevant. It should be noted that whether you love him or hate him, John Lennon was one of the first mainstream pop artist to use the art of song writing for autobiographical purposes. He also seemed to use song writing to express his anger and hurt and disgust with societies rules, traditions and expectations. He did this on a very public stage, one could say it was his own form of self therapy. In this song we see that he has reached a point in his life where he is at peace with who he is and doesn't need to seek the approval and admiration of others. Thankyou Mr Lennon for your honesty, artistry and fresh look at life.
Your love for the guy is very evident here. Not a fan of this album and was disappointed at the time but feel the same way as you about him. My 17 y-o world shook that awful Tuesday morning. We were robbed of him but he still packed so much great music into his short life.
I identified so much with John. While Paul’s solo stuff was catchy, John’s was heartfelt and edgy. I so miss him and like you, John, I’m still angry about his death. I wanted to grow old with him. Thanks for the review. The memories stirred up were painful.
I can still remember the excitement of buying this album and the airplay of Starting over which brought a glimpse of the sun before being plunged back into darkness. I struggle to think about that period because it is the saddest period of my life
Another great review John. A bittersweet album to listen to still to this day knowing how excited Lennon was about getting back in the studio, recording great songs with the possibility of touring. "Woman"(as Lennon liked to refer to is as the Beatle track with it's similarities to "Girl") and "Watching the Wheels" both in my top 5 solo Lennon tracks. Nice account of your remembrances of that time. I was watching a football game on american TV when the sportscaster Howard Cosell gave the news of Lennon's murder. I was in complete shock and sat and listened to the radio in the dark while Lennon tributes playing endlessly throughout the night. Still remember hearing "Working Class Hero" for the first time that night and how the sound of his voice singing those lyrics really disturbed me sitting up in bed in complete darkness. By the way, love the New York City t-shirt but you need to rip off the sleeves. lol
Thanks for your comment. I guess we all have our story of where we were when it happened. We woke up to it whereas you heard it on a football game. I don't suppose one can be better than the other unfortunately.
I'm always surprised with fans who don't like any female backing harmonies on John songs. The Beatles were obsessed with the Spector-produced and Motown girl groups from the late 50s/early60s. They even covered some of those songs in their own way. So it made perfect sense when John occasionally used female vocalists for backup, and they add a lot to Just Like Starting Over, in my opinion. He always loved that throwback sound.
Thanks for the critique of Double Fantasy John. I think I'm a similar age to you, having left school in May 1980 and was into the Beatles from about late 1976. I too was so looking forward to seeing John on tv and getting back to making records. When the scumbag did the awfull deed I just could not believe it, we were robbed of so much and John was cut down at the happiest time of his life. I can honestly say I have thought about that day, nearly everday, since it happened. I went to New York to pay my respects on Dec 8 1990. Anyway best wishes to you and keep posting.Ps I think" I'm stepping out" is a great track
Great review John. Although John's solo work aren't my favourite Beatles Lps. Double Fantasy is one of my top 10. Any suggestions as to the meaning of the title? I always thought Starting over would have made a great alternate album titles seeing as it was the first single. Wen we had our chat about the album I was surprised at how few of the tracks were released as singles unlike Jackson 's Thriller where every track was a single release. I would also say all of Yoko's are her most listenable stuff, inspiring the likes of Lene Lovich, Hazel O'Conner etc.
+Andrew Brooks Thanks Andy. The title comes from a flower which John spotted in a botanical garden in Bermuda. He immediately thought it summed up his relationship with Yoko.
Lene Lovich and Hazel O'Connor had recorded their biggest songs before Double Fantasy was released. Lene's big hits were in 1979, and Hazel's were part of the Breaking Glass soundtrack of 1980.
Nice review as usual.. I saw Elton John kick off his World Tour in early September 1980 and he announced that John was back in the studio, (which I already new), and he performed "Imagine" in his honor - there was a lot of anticipation, which you noted. When "Double Fantasy" came out - not long afterwards, I was glad to have some new John Lennon music and Yoko's songs were more accessible than expected, but I guess that I've never grown to love the album in part because I associate it with the tragic events that followed perhaps. I mainly appreciate it for being among the last recordings of John's career. I wish that I were more fond of it.. What were your feelings on Yoko's follow-up, "Season Of Glass"?
+Thomas Calden Thanks Thomas...I think Season Of Glass is easily Yoko's strongest album....it is very moving, especially Goodbye Sadness, Nobody Sees You and Dogtown. Who knows what would have happened with Lennon?
A stunning album, Artistically and Musically a masterpiece IMO.... Yoko's sound was before it's time and was coming into fruition with bands like Talking heads and B52‘s.. A pity Walking On Thin Ice came late, would of been a great addition to Double Fantasy or a Lennon produced Milk & Honey.. Something that freaks me out is at the end of the drum fill on 'starting over' towards the end is the airport announcement that sounds like 'late at night you will be killed, Mark David you're naughty' I know that's not what it translates to, but very eerie that it sounds like that.. Great review...
+Father Damien Karras Thanks. Never heard that on the airport announcement, will take a listen but naughty is obviously not the right word and we really shouldn't be mentioning his name. By the way I am ashamed of Andy Peebles' recent outburst. Pathetic.
well said .. you hit all aspects .. i so agree with your comments .. said well & with respect .. paul in ohio .....exactly the same way I felt about the album when I bought it November 17, 1980.. some strong songs some basic songs and Yoko
He definitely had come back and his writing was in top form. I agree with your highlighting of "Watching the Wheels" and "Woman," particularly the former, which I never get tired of hearing. So much wit in the lyrics and even in his vocalisms like the world-weary "AHHH" that starts verse three and of course the Buddy Holly tribute at the end. What do you make of "Starting Over's" borrowing of a key melody line from The Beach Boys' "Don't Worry Baby"? I think the other parts of the song - especially that hearfelt opening - are strong enough on their own.
Great review John. I get your passion! I share Andrew Brooks' feelings (above) about John's solo works, much as each album had a couple of classics. Wholly agree with you that Woman and Watching the Wheels are the classics here. Disappointing to have just a side of a music after such a long gap. I think the late Ian Macdonald's comment in Revolution in the Head that 'I am the Walrus' was the last high tide mark of John's creative endeavours is so true, even if the occasional decent tide hit the beach thereafter. But for drugs, one wonders what John could have achieved.
+Henry Hemming Thanks Henry! And for your comments although I'm not sure drugs dictated the music either way. 1965-71 was a creative peak for John whether he was on acid, pot, H, straight or following (or denouncing!) the Maharishi (his White Album songs are among his best)...and by 1980 he was pretty clean. I think Double Fantasy is his most mature work, no longer with any axe to grind or newspaper taxis to write about. Just living life to the full and trying to make the most of it.
Woman wud have been top ten, then real love, then grom old with me, then Nobody told me. Four big hits in a row. Really hope Street of Dreams comes out in a year or 2........
Elton lost his cool during the performance. Being the first show of the tour, I'm sure that he was hoping to recapture his early/mid seventies glory. The concert started off well, but he started complaining about the piano, which in his words "sounded like shit". The show began to lose momentum and he continued to apologize about various problems that he felt that were going on. It was too bad, because it was the first time that he came to town(Madison, Wisconsin, USA), and he didn't return until 20 years later...but after the show, he gave an impromptu performance at the bar at the hotel in which he was staying, which by all accounts was wonderful, - apparently he had the folks singing along to "Roll Out The Barrel" and other tunes.... yes, I agree that "21 At 33" was his last decent album, most of it was pretty good - the last Elton song that I really liked was "Blue Eyes", although "Sacrifice" was OK.
It amuses me when they say it was a flop. He had a single in the top ten and Woman would have been a big hit anyway. The only reason it didn't sell brilliant, was because people were put off by Yoko. It halved the sales...
Marvellous review, and it is such a shame what happened to John. I would of loved to have seen him competing with Paul on top of the pops in the early 80's, one can dream.
John Heaton sorry for the late reply. Yes it would of made Paul become more prolific, no doubt about that. It would of been absolutely fantastic to see them both competing in the charts in the 80's. Do you mind if I ask how did you feel about John's death in the months and years after? Was it a shock for a long period of time?? I was born in 81, but I'm a huge Beatles fan (and from Liverpool, for my sins ha) but I would be interested to know if John's death, had a more prolong affect on you?PS Your reviews are fantastic!
Thanks David. I still haven't got over it really. It affected me very deeply as he was literally cut down in his prime by such a complete loser. I get very sad every December around the time of the anniversary.
Yes it's a classic. Pity he didn't live to finish it, arrangement wise. There is a great Beatlesque version on You Tube which is a good approximation of how the Beatles might have tackled it.
Why my uncle is wondering why you John would share your album with me yoko such loyalty( as long as pay his bills) no offence how far can i .... Perhaps some shouldn't use or take dope. Andrew hiii I am still alive ..-dianna Louis yoko£
