I remember hearing the stripped down version of 'Just Like Starting Over' when it came out ten years, and thinking this was a revelation. I much prefer the stripped down version of Double Fantasy and choose this version more often than not. Great review John, and agree with totally about wanting stripped down ATMP. Happy Holidays.
It would have been interesting if Cheap Trick was utilized more as John’s backing band. I like their take on “I’m Losing You” that was released not to long ago. That said, the studio musicians like Earl Slick and Andy Newmark were great on DF.
I prefer the rawer version recorded with Cheap Trick which was released on the Lennon Anthology box set. The official version is a bit too slick and overproduced IMHO. I've read somewhere that Lennon loved the version recorded with CT but that it was nixed by Yoko who wanted the album to sound more like The Eagles.
I was living in nyc when this version was released...much preferred it to the original I can’t handle 80s production and John’s song come over way better in this stripped version...
I like it, too. His vocal is much more prominent, in the stripped down version. Not compromised by over production. But, like the guy said, it's great to have both versions, no matter of one's preference. Cheers.
Great balanced review as always John, many thanks! I wonder if you would consider doing a video on what Johns thoughts of other artists from the sixties up until 1980. I remember him talking about groups like the Sex Pistols, Pretenders and Madness during the Andy Peebles interviews.
The best version would be to make it single fantasy get rid of yoko . Add the couple of good tracks from milk and honey. John's songs from 1980 are great.
I actually prefer the stripped down version. I think it's "punchier" and more direct (in the tradition of Plastic Ono Band). I agree with your take on "Clean Up Time." I didn't really like that song on the original album, but now this version acts as sort of an earworm. I think the main reason for the more direct feel is because John's voice isn't double-tracked. The only song that suffers is "Woman." I think the original version sounds like an updated Beatles track, which helps it I think.
Interesting point about the stripped down version of Starting Over being more rocking. Prehaps it would have sold more and charted higher if this had been the version as a single.If you remember John, until his death the single had not made the top ten in UK .The fifties style production in 1980 was out of fashion with the punk/new wave music popular at the time.
hi david...it had actually made no 8 in the uk but had dripped to no 10 just before he died as i remember...so relatively successful as a single though not overly so....i think you’re right about the single sounding s little dated at the time...i remember certain ‘hip’ friends at school telling me so...
Interesting review as always, John. For me, there is little that exceeds the original album with these stripped down versions. Maybe in part it is because i've grown accustomed to those originals over the years. Perhaps "Clean Up Time" is more appealing without the horns. like you say. It has a harder rock edge, which is preferrable to the more funky feel. John's voice sounds stronger, too. The song in general just has more edge. I didn't mind the original production sound on "Starting Over", and i still prefer it to the stripped down version, although i understand your point. "Woman" falls somewhat flat with the stripped down version, as the eloquence of John's multi tracked vocals are lost. Generally i do find the stripped down versions rather too clinical sounding.
@@johnheaton5667 i believe the John tracks on Double Fantasy are strong melodically, and he still very much possessed that unique tone and phrasing to his vocal delivery, that immediately caught my ear right from the early years of the Beatles. You can get singers with bigger, more technically accomplished voices, but rarely, if ever, possess John's unique tone. The chorus of "Watching The Wheels" perhaps demontrates that best on the album - it is sharp and cuts right through you - although most tracks have it. Where his songs fall down a little is in the rather slick conservatism within the songs arrangements and production, and a lack of a more gritty aspect to John's singing. The post punk/new wave sounds were still big in the UK, and John's material by contrast sounded rather unexciting. However, having said that, "Starting Over" didn't do badly to get to no 8 on the singles charts, because there wasn't a huge nostalgia for John at the time, or The Beatles. The song achieved that position on its own merits. It was Yoko's material on Double Fantasy that was perhaps more with it, and cutting, and many of her songs do fit in quite perfectly with the contemporary sounds of the day. "Kiss Kiss Kiss" had all the elements, especially, for success. Yes, i also agree with you about the cover. John went through his lost weekend in 1973-74, but that apart both he and Yoko did bang on about peace and love, and yet the relationship between themselves, and their surrounding families, including John's earlier family including Cynthia and Julian was hardly idylic. Paul McCartney didn't bang on about those things, but he by far set the better example, simply by his actions. I never quite swallowed the impression the cover was attempting to give, or by the contents of some of the lyrics.
Maybe I'm just being too sentimental but I think the original is fine as it is. I've heard some of the DF tracks from the newly released Ultimate Mix as well as this stripped down mix and I was kind of "Eeeh".Maybe I'm just getting tired of the rethinking of albums. If John had wanted it this way he could have released it that way. The cynical side of me feels it's out there to squeeze out more cash from the diehards. Yet, the other part of me agrees with Sean's intention, and that is to keep John's music out there, current and alive.
Got this at Christmas 2010. Listened to the John tracks once ans filed it away. Didn't listen again until lockdown. Its ok...but not essential. Paul McCartney used his cousin, Kate Robins, on backing vocals for some recordings in the 80s.
Not liking Yoko is a very generous thing to say. It’s much, much more than just not liking a person. Also not a fan of the cover. John Lennon is brilliant, no surprise. I wouldn’t spend a cent on the album/CD. Thank you for your truth. Good night John.
True. Having both the original release and stripped down are worth having for Double Fantasy Stripped and Let It Be Naked.
Love the ad-libs on Clean Up Time
Yes I have lingered on the picture of John & Yoko in August going to the the recording studio. The picture taken by Goren. As the album cover.
I agree, it's great to have both versions. I hope they continue doing that on other albums.
I remember hearing the stripped down version of 'Just Like Starting Over' when it came out ten years, and thinking this was a revelation. I much prefer the stripped down version of Double Fantasy and choose this version more often than not. Great review John, and agree with totally about wanting stripped down ATMP. Happy Holidays.
Superb content here, John - much enjoyed.
I’d love a stripped down version of All Things Must pass.
Yes. And, Mind Games, sounds interesting, too.
I think All Things Must Pass is going to be released in a de-Spectorised version in 2021
I've made my own stripped down All Things Must Pass from the demos etc available on TH-cam, but an official release would be good.
His demo with the Beatles, or at least some of them, could suffice. It’s on TH-cam.
Love the Stripped DF! I still am pleased with the original, but the Stripped version is my favorite! Thanks for highlighting it John. Cheers Matt
It would have been interesting if Cheap Trick was utilized more as John’s backing band. I like their take on “I’m Losing You” that was released not to long ago. That said, the studio musicians like Earl Slick and Andy Newmark were great on DF.
I prefer the rawer version recorded with Cheap Trick which was released on the Lennon Anthology box set. The official version is a bit too slick and overproduced IMHO. I've read somewhere that Lennon loved the version recorded with CT but that it was nixed by Yoko who wanted the album to sound more like The Eagles.
Re: ATMP: have you heard the 2020 mix of the Title track? It was released on Spotify a few days ago. Hopefully a sign of things to come in 2021.
I was living in nyc when this version was released...much preferred it to the original I can’t handle 80s production and John’s song come over way better in this stripped version...
I like it, too. His vocal is much more prominent, in the stripped down version. Not compromised by over production. But, like the guy said, it's great to have both versions, no matter of one's preference. Cheers.
You are right John it does have fabulous packaging...
One more Beatles song with major female backing vocals is Good Night on the white album! You forgot it!
All You Need is Love apparently had Pattie, Marianne Faithfull and other guests.
good discussion john enjoyed it
thanks John
Great balanced review as always John, many thanks!
I wonder if you would consider doing a video on what Johns thoughts of other artists from the sixties up until 1980. I remember him talking about groups like the Sex Pistols, Pretenders and Madness during the Andy Peebles interviews.
I prefer it to the over-produced original. That sounded like a mid-seventies album the day it came out, while this is fresher.
might you comment on xmas Flexi material by the boys ? happy xmas John...Kev....
The best version would be to make it single fantasy get rid of yoko . Add the couple of good tracks from milk and honey. John's songs from 1980 are great.
Great review,John.
It’s sad that we were robbed of so much more great albums.
Can’t believe it’s been 40 years.
I actually prefer the stripped down version. I think it's "punchier" and more direct (in the tradition of Plastic Ono Band). I agree with your take on "Clean Up Time." I didn't really like that song on the original album, but now this version acts as sort of an earworm. I think the main reason for the more direct feel is because John's voice isn't double-tracked. The only song that suffers is "Woman." I think the original version sounds like an updated Beatles track, which helps it I think.
Did the stripped version of double fantasy ever get released as a vinyl? Fingers crossed it gets a re-isse.
Interesting point about the stripped down version of Starting Over being more rocking. Prehaps it would have sold more and charted higher if this had been the version as a single.If you remember John, until his death the single had not made the top ten in UK .The fifties style production in 1980 was out of fashion with the punk/new wave music popular at the time.
hi david...it had actually made no 8 in the uk but had dripped to no 10 just before he died as i remember...so relatively successful as a single though not overly so....i think you’re right about the single sounding s little dated at the time...i remember certain ‘hip’ friends at school telling me so...
@@johnheaton5667 it was in the top 5 in USA as well, a big comeback hit for John...
Interesting review as always, John.
For me, there is little that exceeds the original album with these stripped down versions. Maybe in part it is because i've grown accustomed to those originals over the years. Perhaps "Clean Up Time" is more appealing without the horns. like you say. It has a harder rock edge, which is preferrable to the more funky feel. John's voice sounds stronger, too. The song in general just has more edge. I didn't mind the original production sound on "Starting Over", and i still prefer it to the stripped down version, although i understand your point. "Woman" falls somewhat flat with the stripped down version, as the eloquence of John's multi tracked vocals are lost. Generally i do find the stripped down versions rather too clinical sounding.
thanks...yes i agree Woman sounds a bit like a demo...missing the finished polish and excellentness
@@johnheaton5667 i believe the John tracks on Double Fantasy are strong melodically, and he still very much possessed that unique tone and phrasing to his vocal delivery, that immediately caught my ear right from the early years of the Beatles. You can get singers with bigger, more technically accomplished voices, but rarely, if ever, possess John's unique tone. The chorus of "Watching The Wheels" perhaps demontrates that best on the album - it is sharp and cuts right through you - although most tracks have it. Where his songs fall down a little is in the rather slick conservatism within the songs arrangements and production, and a lack of a more gritty aspect to John's singing. The post punk/new wave sounds were still big in the UK, and John's material by contrast sounded rather unexciting. However, having said that, "Starting Over" didn't do badly to get to no 8 on the singles charts, because there wasn't a huge nostalgia for John at the time, or The Beatles. The song achieved that position on its own merits. It was Yoko's material on Double Fantasy that was perhaps more with it, and cutting, and many of her songs do fit in quite perfectly with the contemporary sounds of the day. "Kiss Kiss Kiss" had all the elements, especially, for success. Yes, i also agree with you about the cover. John went through his lost weekend in 1973-74, but that apart both he and Yoko did bang on about peace and love, and yet the relationship between themselves, and their surrounding families, including John's earlier family including Cynthia and Julian was hardly idylic. Paul McCartney didn't bang on about those things, but he by far set the better example, simply by his actions. I never quite swallowed the impression the cover was attempting to give, or by the contents of some of the lyrics.
I'm looooooosinnng you
Maybe I'm just being too sentimental but I think the original is fine as it is. I've heard some of the DF tracks from the newly released Ultimate Mix as well as this stripped down mix and I was kind of "Eeeh".Maybe I'm just getting tired of the rethinking of albums. If John had wanted it this way he could have released it that way. The cynical side of me feels it's out there to squeeze out more cash from the diehards. Yet, the other part of me agrees with Sean's intention, and that is to keep John's music out there, current and alive.
Did you know they have messed with old episodes of Doctor who including Tom Baker death fall
i canl’t get to the UK currently no...not without quarantine both sides
Got this at Christmas 2010. Listened to the John tracks once ans filed it away. Didn't listen again until lockdown. Its ok...but not essential.
Paul McCartney used his cousin, Kate Robins, on backing vocals for some recordings in the 80s.
Not liking Yoko is a very generous thing to say. It’s much, much more than just not liking a person. Also not a fan of the cover. John Lennon is brilliant, no surprise. I wouldn’t spend a cent on the album/CD. Thank you for your truth. Good night John.