JOHN LENNON > Plastic Ono Band

With the documentary Gimme Some Truth already examining the making of John Lennon’s Imagine, the Classic Albums series turns its eye toward the harder-edged John Lennon: Plastic Ono Band album. After releasing a few avant-garde records, Plastic Ono Band was the album that marked Lennon’s true birth as a solo artist, breaking away from what he then felt was the straight-jacket of his Beatles past. 

Label: EAGLE ROCK
[RATING: 4]

With the documentary Gimme Some Truth already examining the making of John Lennon’s Imagine, the Classic Albums series turns its eye toward the harder-edged John Lennon: Plastic Ono Band album. After releasing a few avant-garde records, Plastic Ono Band was the album that marked Lennon’s true birth as a solo artist, breaking away from what he then felt was the straight-jacket of his Beatles past. And he didn’t hold back, revealing his pain in a manner that’s still unnerving to listen to. As usual in this series, the filmmakers track down as many people involved with the record as possible for their insights. It’s refreshing to hear Ringo Starr discussing his work on the album, undoubtedly relieved he doesn’t have to mention The Beatles once. Klaus Voorman (who played bass), and Yoko Ono also weigh in. You’re also reminded that this same group of musicians recorded Yoko Ono: Plastic Ono Band at the same time as Lennon’s album, a work just as powerful, if, in the pre-punk era, seen as less accessible. It’s fascinating as well to hear individual vocal and instrumental tracks (as usual, one always there were more of these sequences in space of interviews with journalists). Overall, a fine look at a landmark album.