Here’s the publishers description.
The definitive exploration—told in revelatory detail—of the writing, recording, and release of John Lennon’s celebrated and magical fourth solo album Mind Games, and the era that inspired it.
Described by Yoko Ono as “ahead of its time,” Mind Games is a breakthrough album from John Lennon in which he employs a Plastic Ono Band comprising the cream of the crop of New York session musicians—a fan favorite that remains a cult classic ever since its first release on October 29, 1973.
This insightful and beautiful book presents handwritten lyrics, letters, artworks by Lennon and Ono, and previously unseen photography alongside their firsthand commentary about the lyrics, songs, and album artwork, as well as contributions from the musicians, friends, engineers, and key figures involved in the making of this landmark album.
Mind Games was the product of an exceptionally turbulent time for the Lennons. While Nixon and Hoover were attempting to have Lennon deported, John and Yoko endured endless litigations and as the popular press turned on them once again, they bravely rose above it all, continuing their campaigns for non-violent peaceful protest to end the war in Vietnam and for equal rights for women. It was also an exciting time when they both re-embraced mysticism and magical thinking.
In this sumptuous volume, text and images from the key players are woven together to reveal not only the details behind the creation, recording, and release of this groundbreaking commercial and skillfully crafted recording, but also to shed new light on a period of transformation and experimentation for Lennon and Ono.
Publication will coincide with extensive publicity surrounding the release of a completely remixed and reissued 6 x CD / 2 x BluRay digital edition of the Mind Games album, together with two deluxe Mind Games boxsets, bringing the album to a new generation of listeners.
List Price: $60.00
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 288
Artwork: 750 color illustrations
Size: 9.5 in x 12.25 inches
Forthcoming: June 4th, 2024
ISBN-10: 0500027781
ISBN-13: 9780500027783
Genre: Music
E-book Available: No
Our comment:
This follows the precedent set by “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band” and “Imagine”, where the book is kept outside the Deluxe boxed sets, allowing fans the choice. For instance, blind fans are not forced to buy a book they can’t enjoy. Something the McCartney archives series should learn from – they contain a lot more paper than actual musical content. The Lennon Deluxe boxed sets focus on the music, containing a new mix of the album, outtakes and audio blu-rays with surround sound remixes, the latter now abandoned by Apple for the Beatles boxed sets and never adopted by McCartney.
The title track was released in its ultimate mix for a hits boxed set in 2020.
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