During the week of October 9, 2010, the day which would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday, eight of John Lennon’s classic solo albums will be released in new digitally remastered editions. Overseen by Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth” campaign will launch on October 5 with the worldwide release of John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970); Imagine (1971); Some Time In New York City (1972); Mind Games (1973); Walls and Bridges (1974); Rock ‘n’ Roll (1975); Double Fantasy Stripped Down (2010) / Double Fantasy (1980) and Milk and Honey (1984).
Several newly-compiled titles will also be released including a newly remixed ‘Stripped Down’ version of Double Fantasy, 1980’s GRAMMY Award winner for Album of the Year, remixed and produced by Yoko Ono and Jack Douglas, co-producers of the original mix with John Lennon. The new stripped down version of the album comes in an expanded 2CD and digital edition pairing the new version with Lennon’s original mix, remastered.
Yoko Ono commented: “Double Fantasy Stripped Down really allows us to focus our attention on John’s amazing vocals. Technology has advanced so much that, conversely, I wanted to use new techniques to really frame these amazing songs and John’s voice as simply as possible. By stripping down some of the instrumentation the power of the songs shines through with an enhanced clarity. Double Fantasy Stripped Down will be complemented by the original album in the 2CD format. It was whilst working on the new version of this album that I was hit hardest emotionally, as this was the last album John released before his passing.”
The campaign’s other new collections include: a hits compilation in two editions titled Power To The People: The Hits; a 4CD set of themed discs titled Gimme Some Truth; and a deluxe 11CD collectors box with the remastered albums, rarities, and non-album singles, titled the John Lennon Signature Box.
Yoko Ono said: “In this very special year, which would have seen my husband and life partner John reach the age of 70, I hope that this remastering / reissue program will help bring his incredible music to a whole new audience. By remastering 121 tracks spanning his solo career, I hope also that those who are already familiar with John’s work will find renewed inspiration from his incredible gifts as a songwriter, musician and vocalist and from his power as a commentator on the human condition. His lyrics are as relevant today as they were when they were first written and I can think of no more apposite title for this campaign than those simple yet direct words ‘Gimme Some Truth’.”
Power To The People: The Hits gathers 15 of Lennon’s most popular songs, and will be available as a 15-track single-disc and digital package, and as an Experience Edition with additional content. Both versions will be packaged in digisleeves with booklets including a new liner note essay by Du Noyer.
Gimme Some Truth, to be packaged in a slipcase with rare photos and a new liner notes essays by respected American music journalist and author, Anthony DeCurtis, presents 72 of Lennon’s solo recordings on four themed CDs: ‘Roots’ – John’s rock ‘n’ roll roots and influences; ‘Working Class Hero’ – John’s socio-political songs; ‘Woman’ – John’s love songs; and ‘Borrowed Time’ – John’s songs about life.
The John Lennon Signature Box is a deluxe 11CD and digital collection of the eight remastered albums, a disc of rare and previously unreleased recordings, and an EP of Lennon’s non-album singles. The CDs will be housed in digisleeves within a deluxe box including a collectible limited edition John Lennon art print and a hardbound book featuring rare photos, artwork, collages, poetry, and new liner notes by DeCurtis.
For more info, visit http://www.johnlennon.com
(Source: Press Release)