Mind games Released in 1973 after the dismal musical detour that was Sometime in New York City, Mind games showed John Lennon returning to the emotional pop sounds of Plastic Ono Band and Imagine. But while the glorious title track (the album’s only hit) was every inch a worthy successor to “Imagine,” the rest of the songs were written off by most critics as half-baked experiments. In retrospect, most of them, while not classic stuff, are still better than the bulk of what passed for rock music in the early 1970s. “You Are Here” and “Out of the Blue” are definitely on par with Lennon’s best solo work, while “Bring on the Lucie (Freda Peeple)” couches its political barbs in silly good humor. Even better is “Meat City,” a rocker as wild and surreal as the “White Album”’s “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey.” The 2002 remastered reissue is fleshed out with three “home version” takes of album tracks. –Dan Epstein
Customer Review: Understatement ahead: Beautiful.
This album is arguably Mr. Lennon’s best. I’m not going to shove my opinions down your throat, but I shall tell you why I believe that this is possibly John’s loveliest collection.

“Mind games,” “Aisumasen,” and “Out The Blue” are all sparkling love songs. The title track, perhaps best known, is totally exotic and cool. One of the best songs John ever wrote.

However, don’t buy this CD just for “Mind games”! This album ranks with the most thoroughly listenable in existence. From the sense of purpose that permeates “I Know (I Know)” and “You Are Here,” uplifting the listener with every lyric, to the advice softly given by “One Day (At A Time)” and “Bring On The Lucie (Freda Peeple),” Lennon really delivers heart.

This CD release was worth it, too, for it has more of John Lennon’s awesomely expressive drawings in the booklet as well as two great extra “home versions” (with the last one being a little annoying…but still good).

I also love the silence reserved for Nutopia that is included. Let us all take the time to belong in Paradise together. We CAN bring World Peace if we want it; if give of ourselves benevolently to everyone. AND WE WANT WORLD PEACE NOW!

I guarantee that everyone will like at least SOMETHING about MIND gameS. After all, people do have ears. The music is less than twenty dollars, which is spectacular! (Considering that the pieces are all priceless.)

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Facing Future There’s a smart balance of traditional Hawaiiana and contemporary tunes on this CD. There’s heart-tugging warmth along with unexpected chuckles. The end result is a candid, honest reinforcement of his vocal breadth.
Customer Review: IZ’s Spirit
Iz’s music, especially in this CD captures the sounds and Spirit of Grandmother Kauai. If you have visited there, this music will have you closing your eyes and dreamily revisiting the beaches and especially the green mountain paths of Kauai.

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