John Lennon Double Fantasy Swan Song Album
The album was released just three weeks before his unfortunate passing. He left us with a John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Double Fantasy album.
John Lennon stopped recording in 1974 and slipped into domestic life with his wife, Yoko Ono, and newborn son Sean. Would brag to friends about baking bread. But was still writing songs for a possible comeback when he was ready. In 1980 John Lennon took a sailing trip that ended in a pretty bad storm. The ordeal had an effect on his life. John was open to the idea of “Starting Over” musically.
First Single Released in October of 1980 “(Just Like) Starting Over.”
Paul McCartney Had An Effect On Decision To Record Again
John’s former writing partner in 1980 was having success with a new single,” Coming Up.” that went to #1. Paul McCartney was quoted in an article in Billboard magazine. John Lennon upon hearing Paul’s song said, “Apparently that was one song that got John recording again. I think John just thought, “Uh-oh, I better get working, too.” Paul thought that was a nice story. Read the full interview by clicking here
David Geffen of Geffen Records Signs John Lennon
David Geffen’s roster on Geffen Records included Donna Summer, Neil Young, Don Henley, Elton John, and the new supergroup, “Asia.” John Lennon was now on the team.
The Recording Of Double Fantasy
Recording sessions were in New York City at the Hit Factory between August and October 1980. The album features songs from both Lennon and Ono, largely alternating between the two in its track listing. It was Yoko Ono who snagged producer Jack Douglas for the record.
Double Fantasy Is Released
The first single was released in late October. The album Double Fantasy followed on November 17th, 1980. The first single was, “(Just Like) Starting Over.”
When the album came out so did the harsh critics who mostly focused on attacking Yoko Ono’s music on the album. Some are downright sad. It wasn’t until after John Lennon was murdered on December 8th, 1980 the album became a worldwide success. Won a Grammy for album of the year in 1981.
Back Photo of the Double Fantasy Album
Quote On The Back Of The Album
In the lower right-hand corner of the album was a thank you to all. It reads as follows:
With special thanks to all the people
known and unknown, who helped us stay in America.
without whom this album would have not been made.
love,
John & Yoko
August 1966 The Beatles Released A Masterpiece Revolver
The 57th anniversary of one of the greatest albums the Beatles some say ever made. In August 1966 The Beatles Released A Masterpiece Revolver. Possible names for the album were tossed around like Beatles on Safari and Abracadabra.
The Beatles Revolver 8 Track
Critics hailed the album as innovative with backward looped guitar solos, and horn sections and introduced by George Harrison some heavily influenced Indian music. Rolling Stone magazine called Revolver,” The best Beatles album ever made.”
Despite being a short album at thirty-five minutes long, you can pretty much tell which songs were Lennon and those written by McCartney. The Song, “Here There and Everywhere.” a Paul McCartney Masterpiece. John Lennon jumped out with the song, “Tomorrow Never Knows.” Jam-packed with all-out crazy back loops and sound effects.
For the 1st time in Beatle history, an album starts with a George Harrison song. His magnum opus song, “Taxman,” gets the album off and running with a stunning guitar riff that still stands the test of time. Klaus Voormann, a friend of The Beatles from their early days at the beginning of 1960, is responsible for the cover art and put together a collage. Klaus studied art and moved to the UK to take up music, playing bass with the group Manfred Mann. He created the collage out of a number of photos of the band. Klaus himself appears on the front cover, looking underneath the drawing of John’s mouth.
Enjoy some of the highlights of Revolver. As we celebrate 57 years of one of the greatest rock albums in history.
