Well it’s taken me a long time but today I’m finally going to give my thoughts on the new John Lennon “Mind Games” reissue that came out in the middle of this month.

Usually it doesn’t take me this long but I’m getting older and it’s getting harder to squeeze in music listening time!

In my last post I took a look at the lovely CD sampler of the large “Mind Games” box set that was recently released by Uncut Magazine which I enjoyed very much. That review came out about ten days before the large box set and 2 CD version and I was bound and determined to only buy the 2 CD set on release day.

Well, as is usually the case, I half-way caved. I did indeed buy the 2 CD version of the “Mind Games” reissue (as pictured on this page) BUT I did happen to also get my hands on the full audio (minus the hidden tracks unfortunately) from the larger 6 CD/2 Blu-Ray set.

And the unusual part, for me anyway, was that I purchased the entire “Mind Games” box set audio in Mp3 format from Amazon.

Yikes, I know – digital only!

This blog celebrates physical media and I almost always buy the physical version but as the large box set was over $150 I thought I’d get the audio at a fraction of the cost (under $40) and if someday I run into a used set under $100 I might well get it but for now this solution works just fine for me.

Now what made me go this unusual route?

I ended up sampling more of the Evolution mixes online and REALLY enjoyed them. I have the main remix and the out-takes on the 2 CD set (plus a sampling of other mixes on the Uncut CD) so why not at least have all the audio and take my time to see how all these new mixes sound?

Here are my thoughts below:

The 2 CD set:

I must say I really enjoy the remix of the “Mind Games” album and while it still is a bit too loud it’s much better than previous John Lennon remixes and really enhances the songs on this album.

There is a lot of bass and at times it does tend to muddy up the sound a bit but I found that I actually enjoyed this remix a lot and can say that it’s my favorite of the Lennon remixes so far.

I also think that the out-takes are wonderful too and I love having an alternate version of the album to listen to as it gives these songs a fresh new light as I think that some of the production of the original mix may have gotten in the way of some really good songs that now shine a bit more.

The audio from the 6 CD/Blu-Ray set:

Game changer; these discs really enhance the album in a way I wasn’t expecting.

Now here’s the really strange thing, I really didn’t think that all these new remixes and stripped-down versions would be worth my time, I truly didn’t.

The surprising thing to me is that I’ve actually found that the new Evolution and Raw mixes in this set are some of the best things that have come out of the Lennon archive ever! Trust me I was pleasantly surprised. The more I dove into the larger audio pool the more I was enthralled.

The Raw mixes especially took me by surprise as I love the sound of these songs in a more stripped-down form. Songs like “One Day (At a Time)”, “Out the Blue”, “Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)” and “I Know (I Know)”, all of which I took years to warm to, take on new life with these raw mixes.

I’ve read other people online say the same thing but it’s true that while I respect John Lennon’s original mix and it does hold a special place in my heart, the “Mind Games” album in this raw form is a MUCH better listen and these songs sound far superior in this form and mostly better than the original album.

(Note: I do prefer the original “Mind Games”, the song, mix as it just shines. So that song still works best for me in its 1973 form)

The Evolution disc is also superb as well. I LOVE hearing the various stages of the songs from demos to later studio takes and the studio chatter is what I really look forward to in a box set like this.

Other people have said it more eloquently but I have to agree that this new “Mind Games” reissue is well worth your time if your any kind of fan of John Lennon’s work. And while I as a super Beatles fan didn’t buy the large physical set trust me it’s well worth looking for online and streaming at least the raw studio mixes of this album to hear what a good set of songs this collection truly is.

In fact, until a few years ago I really stepped over this album as most of the songs seemed light and kind of forgettable. It was only after hearing “You Are Here” by itself one day and really loving it that I decided I needed to take this album off the shelf again and give it another try.

This new reissue set has really bumped up my love of this album to another level and I now think it and the “Walls and Bridges” album are my two favorite Lennon solo albums by far.

Conclusion:

I have to say that while I still prefer the physical versions of owning my favorite music, having the download of the audio from the larger set on a usb stick playing in my car has allowed me to really get myself deeper into these new mixes in small chunks and let them do their magic.

While I didn’t particularly find the Elements and Elemental mixes that enticing on the Uncut sampler CD they were kind of intoxicating to listen to on my 25-minute drive to and from work. Now that I’ve experienced them this way I have to say they are a lot of fun and I am so glad that Sean Lennon, who put this set together, really took the time to show these songs in a different light.

I’m not usually so stubborn to give mixes a chance so I’m glad I bit the bullet and have these lovely new mixes to add to my appreciation of the “Mind Games” album.

Of course I could have just streamed this set online only but the physical nerd in me just had to own something so download it is!

Well, there you have it. Just my two cents on this really fine new collection of remixes of John Lennon’s “Mind Games” album.

As usual take a gander at the photos of the 2 CD set and until next time be well and see you soon and more to come!

For those Beatles fans in the know, next Friday, July 12th, brings the release of a brand new John Lennon six disc CD/Blu-Ray set called “John Lennon – Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection”.

Not only will there be this lovely six disc Deluxe edition but there will be an Uber Deluxe Edition that also contains several vinyl albums plus a hardback book as well as various other goodies (and an uber price) but there will also be a two CD set and a two Lp vinyl set available for the budget-minded collector.

Normally I’m all over the Deluxe editions of Beatles and solo Beatles sets like this but this time I’m going the budget collector route and have pre-ordered the two CD set.

The two CD set will contain a newly remixed Ultimate mix of Lennon’s 1973 album “Mind Games” on disc one but will also contain a second disc full of out-takes for the album featuring basically a complete alternate version of the album.

Honestly the six disc set looks wonderful. It will contain a lovely hardback book as well as four CDs and two Blu-Ray discs, which will I’m sure be a welcome addition to any Beatles/Lennon collection, but this time out the price is just a bit too much for me at the moment.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the “Mind Games” album and may change my mind in the future if I find a good deal on the six disc set it’s just that the Deluxe version contains various mixes and stages of mixes of the same twelve songs which to me might be a bit of overkill.

I think Sean Lennon, John Lennon’s son with Yoko Ono, has done a great job putting this set together but for now I am going to enjoy the two CD version and wait to see if I need the Deluxe set.

Yesterday I received the August issue of a UK magazine called “Uncut”in the mail which fortunately has come to my rescue as to whether or not to buy the six disc version of the new “Mind Games” reissue.

Not only does this issue featuring a great article dedicated to John Lennon’s new “Mind Games” album it also contains a small booklet that contains a nice overview of all of Lennon’s solo albums AND it also contains a nine song CD sampler from the Deluxe “John Lennon – Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection” set!

Now I’m guessing Sean Lennon is really proud of this new set as Lennon’s estate (which Sean now runs) has never before issued a CD sampler like this that gives such a nice taste of the various mixes on the new Deluxe box set not to mention before the set is even officially released.

To say I’m pleased is an understatement. I get to sample some of the various element/elemental/raw studio and ultimate mixes ten days before the CD set is even issued plus get a terrific magazine and booklet is such a great way to celebrate the reissue of Lennon’s “Mind Games” album.

Now I have seen plenty of online vloggers who have received early issues of the Deluxe set and heard and seen their responses. It is very tempting I must say to want to buy the set after seeing the Deluxe sets contents but I think for now I am sticking with the two CD version and this lovely sampler which makes a great three CD overview of the “Mind Games” album and sessions.

Here are my thoughts on the tracks on the sampler CD and why I feel this sampler is a superb addition to the two CD set.

My track-by-track impressions:

Mind Games (Evolution Documentary) – from demo through studio sessions. I love this mix, especially the early studio takes. The sound is nice and clean and full. I didn’t know Yoko was at the sessions for this song so it was interesting to hear her comments from the recording booth. I like having the evolution mix of this song in particular (one of Lennon’s finest solo songs) but for me the two evolution mixes on this CD may be enough. A Nice sampling and a great listen.

I’m the Greatest (Ultimate Mix) – same as the recent Record Day EP. Nice to have on CD. Love this Lennon-sung version. Sounds a bit cleaner than the vinyl version. Not as pumped up as the mixes on the earlier hits set Sean  Lennon has done so that’s relief. Nice, very nice indeed.

Aisumasen (I’m Sorry) (Ultimate Mix) – very enjoyable mix, love this one!!! One of the better remixes and certainly cleaner than the original, less congested and love Lennon’s voice up front in the mix. Also love the clarity of the lead guitar near the end of the song. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the remixes of the entire album that comes out next week!

You Are Here (Out-Take, Take 5) – also on the Record Store day EP, what a fantastic out-take, superb! Again I like the sound here a bit better than the vinyl. The bass is nice and clean and not pumped up. Sublime song that I’ve grown to really love in the last decade or so. In fact this album has gone from two stars to four stars in the last few years for me. I first heard this album in 1979 when it was given to me for my 13th birthday and for about 10 or 11 years I just thought it was very workmanlike and kind of bland but in the last 10 years or so I’ve really grown to love it, especially the song.

Tight A$ (Raw Studio Mix) – this raw mix sounds more fifties influenced and country to me than the regular studio mix on the album. Nice to hear. Not overwhelmingly different but interesting. Again cleaner and less muddy than the original mix.

Bring on the Lucie (Freda People) (Elemental Mix) – interesting but not my favorite. This one seems too much like playing with the mix; much like a rough mix or monitor mix. Okay but not something I’d return to much. This is why I’d probably not buy the six CD set, a bit of overkill.

You Are Here (Elements Mix) – I enjoyed this a bit better than the last elemental mix but again it’s a bit of overkill for me. It’s actually nice sounding and pleasant but not something I’d return to much but it does give you a nice feeling of what it’s like recording an album and the different parts that go into a mix.

Out The Blue (Elemental Mix) – this is my favorite of the elements/elemental mixes on this set. This mix is an improvement over the original mix I like it a lot. For some reason this sounded to me like it popped right off the White Album, nice – a winner. To me the simpler approach works wonders for the song and the piano sounds fantastic, very Elton John like near the end.

Meat City (Evolution Documentary) – I must say this is another great mix and I love these Evolution mixes. If I ever buy the big set this would be my favorite disc in it because I love to hear the works in progress. My favorite part is working out the background vocals that’s really fun to listen to and I’ll listen to this more than once.

I didn’t find any hidden bonus tracks like I’ve seen are on the Deluxe version of this set. If there is a hidden track on this sampler disc I can’t access it. Franky the hidden track thing is interesting only once so hopefully it won’t show up on any future Lennon releases.

I’m so happy that Sean Lennon decided to release this sampler CD with the Uncut magazine. This is good value for your money and I will include it with the two CD version that comes out next week so I will now have a nice three CD set which is really terrific.

I’m guessing Sean Lennon is really proud of the work he did on this as he should be. At least the sound of the sampler is not pumped up and is really clean and clear and crisp. I can’t wait to hear what the rest of the two CD set sounds like next week.

Well that’s all for now. Just a quick overview of this new CD sampler. Next week I will follow-up with my thoughts on the new two CD version of the “Mind Games” reissue.

As usual there are plenty of photos above and below of the “Uncut” magazine and CD sampler.

Until next time I hope you are happy and well and for those of you reading this in the States Happy 4th of July in a couple of days.

See you soon!