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JOHN LENNON
SHAVED FISH |
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| | Reviews: 18 |
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| Average Rating: 7.89 |
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Lennon Legend is a better collection.
by jingles_sunderland Wayne, NJ United States
Reviewed on January 4th, 2003
From 1969 to 1975, John Lennon's image was of a political and social animal, not a musician. In his role as an artist, it was his lyrics, not his music, that counted. So, it is not surprising that Shaved Fish, this collection of John Lennon's big solo hits during that period, is replete with political and social commentary. Certainly, the lyrics are powerful. But the quality of these songs, the music--is something else.Interesting choice to put "Give Peace a Chance" as the opener, over "Imagine"--it appears John is impatient for action in Vietnam and elsewhere. "Instant Karma" and "Power to the People" are absolutely great rockers, and watch it--the former wrings of the truth. The beautiful piano and strings on "Imagine" constitute one of rock's finest moments, along with John's idealistic lyrics. Yet (I hate to commit sacrilege) I like "#9 Dream" better. Listen to John ponder, the beautiful chorus, the lush, sensuous instrumentation--this gorgeous song is his most exquisite musical moment. "Mind Games" is also better than "Imagine," a supremely passionate and intense exclamation, one of the best songs John ever wrote. On and on--"Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" is another, so excellent rocker--by the way, why did not anyone think of a song with that title (and theme) before? Musically less strong, but punctuated with John's urgent desire to arouse empathy for the opposite sex--are "Mother" and "Woman Is the Nigger of the World." "Cold Turkey" is not a highlight. Still, what a fitting choice to have "Happy Xmas" (War Is Over) and a reprise of "Give Peace a Chance" as the finale! Shaved Fish is actually a concept album even though it is greatest hits. It is a comprehensive statement of where John is, what he represents at the time. The music is so brilliant it matters not whether you care about John's message. Shaved Fish is the best Beatles solo CD, period.
More "Shaved Fish" reviews:
[2004-01-28] FOR THE TRUE BEATLE FAN (10)
[2003-09-25] This Is A Great One (10)
[2003-04-27] Conceptual Greatest Hits Package (10)
[2003-01-04] Lennon Legend is a better collection. (8)
[2002-04-19] John shines on and how (10)
[2002-03-20] Listen (10)
[2001-12-23] Essential, yet underrated (8)
[2001-05-24] Highly Collectible Lennon! (10)
[2001-05-17] Outdated (4)
[2000-07-05] Shaved Fish Doesn't Get Me Thru The Night (6)
[2000-06-13] Lennon Shaves (10)
[2000-06-05] "Instant Karma" is worth every penny. (8)
[1999-09-27] Great Apple Singles Collection (10)
[1999-09-23] Cover story (6)
[1999-09-13] Good material, better available elsewhere (8)
[1999-05-31] Great cover but hardly worth the price (6)
[1999-05-17] Early Greatest Hits Now Outdated (4)
[1998-12-27] Pretty weak. Disappointing. (4)
Displaying reviews from 1 to 18
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