John Lennon - The U.S. Vs. John Lennon (EMI)
3/5
By: Thomas Hannan
John Lennon was a violent drug abuser who once wrote some of the greatest songs ever to emanate from the fingers and lungs of any man. People lambasted him for his claim that he and his band were 'bigger than Jesus', but secretly, they knew it was true. It's probably still true. If Jesus and Lennon played comeback gigs on the same night, whose would sell out faster? Heck, JC might even support JL - he'd be assured of getting a better crowd.
The American authorities at the time were aware of the power of the man John on the thoughts of the masses, and as such tried, apparently numerous times, to have him extradited. The film 'The U.S. Vs. John Lennon' is the story of that good fight between the Liverpudlian and the White House. This CD is its soundtrack. And if you like the film, get the Beatles' records (start with 'Revolver'), then get a few of Lennon's best solo moments (start with 'Imagine'). Then, if upon listening to those you decide that you only like the songs that were featured in the film, sell the records you've bought, and with the proceeds buy this CD (give the rest to charity - it's what a sober John would have wanted). Otherwise, its purpose, apart from the inclusion of the previously unreleased instrumental score to 'How Do You Sleep?' is hard to figure out.
The music, however, is largely pretty great. Songs such as 'Power to the People', 'Give Peace A Chance' and 'Instant Karma' are ones so ingrained in the international psyche that it's difficult to think of them as anything other than romantic novelty records (which I still think 'Happy Xmas (War is Over)' counts as), but listen to them as they are and they're rather strong tunes. Thing is, it's impossible to separate them from memories of years gone by, tunes so familiar that they're almost like nursery rhymes rather than pieces of rock and roll. Thankfully, there's other stuff here.
Yep, Lennon getting angry and taking his frustration out on the establishment through songs rather than hitting his women (it's ok, he, like... wrote good music). Here, he's brilliant, never more so than on 'Working Class Hero', which to this day is stunning. A live rendition of 'Attica State' too is utterly vital. The rest you'll either know, or is included because it contains some sentiment of rebellion and fits the plot of the documentary. This didn't always find Lennon at his most inspired, contrary to legend. But heck, a good two thirds of the actual music is spiffing.
Still, despite all this, you remain advised to buy pretty much everything else Lennon did before forking out for this soundtrack. Unless you've got it all already, in which case that aforementioned instrumental score is, well, OK I guess. 'So this is Christmas...' - kerching!
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