John Lennon and His Imaginary Band

Imagine, by John Lennon and his (imaginary) Plastic Ono Band, was released in 1971, when the acrimony between John and Paul McCartney was perhaps at its height. In fact, John took a few overt stabs at Paul--the back of the album depicts John manhandling a pig, a direct "shot across the bow" at Paul's second solo album Ram, where Paul is shown manhandling a sheep. One of the songs on this album, How Do You Sleep? is really a vicious, overt attack on Paul, who later responded with his melancholy Dear Friend. More about that song later--I for one am glad that these two childhood friends were later able to lay their differences aside.

Imagine is not as stark musically as John's first solo album, Plastic Ono Band, but it's not lush either. The album features some remarkable musicians--Klaus Voorman on bass, George Harrison on lead and slide guitar, King Curtis on sax, Nicky Hopkins on keyboards, and Jim Keltner and Alan White on drums all had parts on the songs. Phil Spector had a hand in the production of the album, and his "bathroom tile" vocal effects are apparent.

This album, like John's prior effort, is all about him "wearing his heart on this sleeve". The songs are rather carthartic, and demonstrate that he was not afraid to reveal his feelings.

The songs, and my comments about each, are as follows:

1. Imagine--This is perhaps the song that John Lennon is most remembered for. I don't know if it is his greatest composition, but it's probably his most famous. A beautiful piano part provides most of the music, and the lyrics depict John's dreams as to how the world should be. "You may say I'm a dreamer..." may be true, but as he also said "but I'm not the only one"--truer words were never spoken-- I'm with him 100%.

2. Crippled Inside--The message in this song is simple--despite outward appearances, most of us have insecurities that make us "crippled" inside. John Lennon was famous and open about his insecurities and his jealousy, and this song is autobiographical in that respect. The rollicking, ragtime-style-music is in direct contrast to the serious subject of the tune. George Harrison provides a sterling slide guitar solo.

3. Jealous Guy--Here is a perfect example of John Lennon wearing his heart on his sleeve. The subject, jealousy, is one that he explored many times, in songs like You Can't Do That, No Reply, and Run For Your Life. His tone is not vicious in this one, he's simply apologetic for being like he is, "just a jealous guy". A haunting piano melody provides the musical backdrop for this beautiful tune.

4. It's So Hard--A smarmy guitar and some brilliant sax work by King Curtis are featured on this bluesy song which extols the trials and tribulations of everyday life. The lead guitar part is played by Lennon, and it's typical of his style--block chords and rhythmic figures give the impression that he's torturing his guitar and teasing the beat.

5. I Don't Want To Be A Soldier--Not only does John not want to be a soldier, he doesn't want to be anything that would compromise his views--a lawyer ("I don't wanna lie"), a rich man, a beggar, a poor man, or a sailor. I guess the central message is anti-war, but it does get a little confusing. Musically, the song is disjointed and aimless and has no real sense of direction. Probably the weakest track on the album.

6. Give Me Some Truth--I refer to this song as "The Anti-Hypocrisy Song". The lyrics are really scathing, with a reference to Richard Nixon ("no short-haired, yellow bellied son of tricky dicky") and an attack against politicians in general. John intensely disliked all politicians, who he believed (and rightfully so) were being less than honest with the public. This song can best be understood when you view it in the context of what was going on in the world at that time. Musically, it's cohesive, but unremarkable.

7. Oh, My Love--A gorgeous piano and some lovely acoustic guitar is featured in this very beautiful ballad about transformation and change. John's vocal delivery is almost child-like, like his vocals on Julia.

8. How Do You Sleep--A vicious attack on Paul McCartney, as I said in my introduction ("Those freaks were right when they said you was dead" and "the only thing you done was yesterday" a pun on Paul's most famous song, Yesterday). The attacks are throughout the song, but the most biting is the phrase "the sound you make is muzak to my ears", which illustrates his utter contempt (though groundless) of Paul's talents as a songwriter. John had a talent for biting satire and he had a rapier-sharp wit, which served him well in writing this tune. Like I said, I'm glad that these two old friends and monster talents reconciled before John's death.

9. How?--This song illustrates John's insecurities and he asks himself rhetorical questions throughout the entire song. He seems to be realistically reaching out in an attempt to become a whole, feeling person. The music to this song is not important; it's the message that counts. One of his most revealing songs.

10. Oh, Yoko!--A bouncy tune about--you guessed it!--Yoko. This song works pretty good as an album-ender, simply because the theme is upbeat, a big contrast to the songs that came before. There's some good piano work on this one, and I think that Yoko is singing high harmonies. I could have done without that--I think she broke the Beatles up--but she sounds good here.

Imagine is not as important musically as it is in the context of John Lennon dealing with his personal demons. Before we can defeat our demons, we must be able to identify them, and John demonstrates that he can do this. I do know that he later came to be at peace with himself, and this album was a step in that direction.