After the Beatles broke up in 1970, each one of the Fabs went on to make at least one definitive record that would go on to sum up their solo career. For George Harrison, it was undoubtedly the 1970 triple set All Things Must Pass. Ringo Starr has made almost 20 studio albums under his name, but 1973’s Ringo is the one with the most hits and the other three Beatles (not together, but on various tracks). Paul McCartney, who’s recorded more albums than the other three, had his biggest with 1973’s Band On The Run. As for John Lennon, Double Fantasy sold a few more copies, but 1971’s Imagine is the album and the song that fans hold near and dear to their hearts. In fact, its impact is profound enough to warrant, a week after the singer’s 78th birthday, a major, multi-disc reissue with the epic title of Imagine – The Ultimate Collection.
The six-disc box set features 140 tracks, including a new ‘Ultimate’ stereo mix of the original album by Paul Hicks at Abbey Road Studios under the watchful eye of Yoko Ono Lennon, as well as ‘Raw’ stereo mixes, ‘Elements’ mixes, a Quadrasonic (the original four speaker) mix, a 5.1 mix, plus a full range of outtakes, singles and extra songs not found on the original album. The Evolution Documentary, on the fourth CD and mixed in mono, is a track-by-track mix of Lennon talking about the songs, working the out, directing other players in the studio, in some cases, all three. A lot of the audio is from intimate studio footage featured the Imagine and Gimme Some Truth DVD and Blu-ray sets released in tandem with Imagine – The Ultimate Collection.
After the stark and brutally honest Plastic Ono Band album in 1970, John Lennon simmered his disposition and plotted his next move. In May 1971, he set up shop in his Tittenhurst Park mansion and began recording songs for a new album. Phil Spector was brought on board to co-produce. Bassist Klaus Voorman, drummers Alan White and Jim Keltner, keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, Badfinger guitarists Joey Molland and Tom Evans, and former Fab guitarist George Harrison all dropped in for a number or two. The sessions were loose, creative and filmed for prosperity. The end result assumes a characteristic Spectorish resonance, but the final mix stays much closer to the ground. Such is what makes Imagine arguably the last great record of John Lennon’s career.
Unlike its brilliant, contentious predecessor, Imagine went straight to the top of the charts. Its eloquent title track was also an instant hit. While numerous versions have since come to light, the original’s haunting piano and solemn vocal continue to send ripples through the airwaves. The utopian world gives way to self-doubt and insecurities lingering inside the former Beatle on the next two tracks. Despite its lighthearted, honky tonk delivery, “Crippled Inside” graciously exposes some internal wounds. “Jealous Guy” sails through a sumptuous melody while spinning tales of envy. The tone is lifted as Lennon winds up the pitch for “It’s So Hard” and “I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier I Don’t Wanna Die” — rootsy and reverberating rockers highlighted by the blaring saxophone work of King Curtis.
Lennon goes on to bash a few heads with “Gimme Some Truth” and takes a lighthearted swing at ex-partner Paul McCartney on the ferocious “How Do You Sleep.” With Harrison by his side, Lennon’s vent carries a big stick, though he later claimed the song was more about him than McCartney. Lennon recoils and overtly churns out some lovely strains of tenderness on “Oh My Love” and “How?” A swinging version of “Oh, Yoko!” closes out the album on a catchy chorus with a strange sense of universal appeal. Hearing the songs, through bits and pieces, different takes, different forms and different mixes, provides any listener with an acute and overtly detailed analysis of Imagine that should answer any and all questions. That and the 119-page book included with the set.
For high-definition and surround sound enthusiasts, the two Blu-ray Discs are loaded with stereo, surround, quad, “Raw” and mono mixes to tease your mid-range speakers and sub-woofer with. As expected, the instrumentation is sharper and louder, with a more defined separation on the new mixes. Nicky Hopkins’ Fender Rhodes definitely comes alive on “How Do You Sleep?” on the “Raw” mix and George Harrison’s dobro work on “Crippled Inside” is far more pronounced and spicier on the surround mix. On the right system, you could say the 5.1 mix is far meatier and better on the ears than the quad mix. Then again, purists would likely prefer a mono mix of the album, if it existed.
Additional songs like “Power To The People,” “God Save Us,” “Do The Oz” and “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” are also remixed and included on the CDs and Blu-rays. For completists who appreciate other angles to certain songs, the Elements Mixes is ripe for the taking. One playback through just the strings behind “Imagine” provides an isolated romp through a gorgeous orchestral passage. The same could be said about “How?” and “It’s So Hard.” Onto different takes, and you get fresh spins on songs you’ve known for years, maybe Lennon’s vocal dips on the verses, maybe some of the most recognizable parts of the song aren’t even there yet.
Celebrating 47 years, Imagine – The Ultimate Collection sets out to fill in every crevice, every nuance, every note (good or bad), and every extra howl from the period. A double-CD set is for any Lennon or Beatles fan looking for Imagine with a few bonus tracks. The six-disc box set is really something for those with the time and desire to take a deep dive and experience Imagine in virtually every way and any way…imaginable! It really is worth the price of admission.
~ Shawn Perry
