lambchops's Full Review: Rock 'N' Roll [Remaster] by John Lennon
I can think of a few real albums that consist entirely of cover songs. Strange Little Girls by Tori Amos, She Loves You by Twilight Singers, and Garage Inc. from Metallica are three recent entries into the rarely tread “cover album” category. It’s not uncommon for an artist or band to cover one or two selections here and there, but to record an entire album of other artists’ music is most remarkable.
My childhood memories of John Lennon are nearly non-existent. In fact, my only real memory is of his murder. This memory wouldn’t exist but for the fact it fell on my fourth birthday. I don’t have childhood memories of his music—including that he made with the Beatles. Strangely enough, I do have memories of his versions of the rock music he covered on the classic and wonderful 1975 album Rock ‘n’ Roll. He paid tribute to his own musical heroes on the thirteen-track Capitol release recorded in two years earlier. It’s a simple, timeless collection of songs. This year, the album was remixed, remastered, and re-released with the addition of four new songs.
Appropriately, the cover features a baby faced John Lennon in a brick doorway. Inside are snapshots of the young singer-songwriter circa 1960 (or so) and a sketch in addition to the remix and original production info. A complaint that the booklet is a bit sparse would be valid if it wasn’t for the fact that the album is simply stunning. For a fleeting moment I understand where Lennon’s immense inspiration originated.
There isn’t as much as a stale note or sour song on Rock ‘n’ Roll. It is clean and crisp and gorgeous. Regardless of whether you are a John Lennon fan, one listen to this album will prove beyond a shadow of any doubt that he was talented and that he can interpret music just as well as he can write his own. He really, truly was an amazing man cut down much too early in life by a maniac. The seventeen songs on the remastered Rock ‘n’ Roll are perfect. Were they perfect before the remastering? Yes and no. The songs were obviously well sung and performed but the recording and production were a bit haphazard. Peter Cobbin (supervised by none other than Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono) does a brilliant job at sanding out the rough edges without damaging the original intent of the album and songs—precisely what any remaster project should accomplish.
The songs are familiar. The performances of them may or may not be depending on whether you’ve heard John Lennon’s interpretations (and you may not even realize it if you have). What strikes me in particular is that Lennon has a knack with American rock music. The guy oozes soul on such classics as Stand By Me, Be-Bop-a-Lula, and Ain’t That a Shame. His performances are so flawless and exciting and unexpected—nothing like one would expect from the introspective former Beatles member. Particularly wonderful of those three songs is Stand By Me. One of the tenderest songs of the musical era, but as re-interpreted by Lennon a new light and energy is injected into the mix. Dare I say it is better than the version popularized by Ben E. King? I dare.
The consistency across Rock ‘n’ Roll is amazing despite what hardcore Lennon fans might lead you to believe. It’s understandable that a guy known for his singing-songwriting gets more respect for his original compositions, but it’s hard not to see the joy in this cool little re-released offering. Lennon clearly had a ball recording these songs. Outside of the perfect Stand By Me, I’m impressed by a variety of other songs. You Can’t Catch Me (written and originally performed by Chuck Berry) is a entertaining, fast-paced soulful song that seems somehow perfectly suited to Lennon’s even vocal style. Similarly, I am impressed by Sweet Little Sixteen (popularized by Little Richard). Lennon seems to channel Buddy Holly on his performance of Peggy Sue. I can envision Lennon as a young man standing in front of a mirror perfecting his “Buddy Holly.” It’s an impressively close match.
Lennon even performs a novelty track called Boney Moronie (originally performed by Jumpin’ Gene Simmons). If listeners were at all unsure about his intentions with Rock ‘n’ Roll, this song clearly illustrates that it is all in fun. His performance here is sheer tongue-and-cheek. Ya Ya is of the same variety with Lennon hitting the high notes in perfect Lee Dorsey style. Rock ‘n’ Roll as an album makes me smile.
Of the four bonus tracks, Angel Baby, To Know Her is To Love Her, Since My Baby Left Me, and the Just Because reprise I’m most entertained by his take on the Elvis Presley classic Since My Baby Left Me complete with county rock swagger and a fantastic backing female chorus. Lennon’s really never sounded better. There’s nothing at all bad about the songs not mentioned, I just happen to enjoy some melodies better than others (and would say similar things about the originals).
Rock ‘n’ Roll is a lovely album for both fans of Lennon and fans of classic rock music alike. As far as I’m concerned this is as entertaining a work as the artist ever recorded. So what he didn’t write any of it at all—it’s a tribute and with that goal in mind it accomplishes everything it set out to. Listen to it from beginning to end—there’s no need to skip a beat.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Be-Bop-a-Lula
02. Stand By Me
03. Medley
a) Rip it Up
b) Ready Teddy
04. You Can’t Catch Me
05. Ain’t That a Shame
06. Do You Wanna Dance
07. Sweet Little Sixteen
08. Slippin’ and Slidin’
09. Peggy Sue
10. Medley
a) Bring It On Home To Me
b) Send Me Some Lovin’
11. Boney Moronie
12. Ya Ya
13. Just Because
14. Angel Baby [bonus]
15. To Know Her is To Love Her [bonus]
16. Since My Baby Left Me [bonus]
17. Just Because – Reprise [bonus]
Capitol Records has decided to release two John Lennon albums simultaneously: the new John Lennon Acoustic and a remixed and remastered version of Len...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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