Menlove Ave

[nocturnalquadruped]

We were invited to add reviews of any other Lennon albums we possess, I am not renowned for being shy so I thought I would have a go at Menlove Ave. The album was a posthumous release, from memory about 1986, and it basically contained out takes from the "Walls And Bridges" and Rock 'N' Roll sessions. It would be easy to think of this release as "John Lennon - ACOUSTIC" as most of the tracks are very spartan and recorded live in the studio. The main exception to this is the track the album kicks off with, "Here We Go Again" a title written by John and Phil Spector and it came complete with Spector's legendary wall of sound. "Rock 'N' Roll People" is a Lennon original done in the style of 50's rock and this track is followed by three tracks from the Rock 'N' Roll sessions that ultimately never made the final track listing. "Angel baby" "Since My baby left me" and "To know her is to love her." They have been revived for the reissues and are now available on Rock 'N' Roll, a chance to hear Lennon doing something you may not have heard before. The last five tracks are where this release get's really interesting as they are all from Walls and Bridges, If you like to hear Lennon au-naturel, a way he often tried to capture himself, then these five tracks were custom made for you. Lennon sounds relaxed and the rest of the musicians which include Jim Keltner and Jesse Ed Davis with Klaus Voormann on bass are all in top form. In short I love this album and if you get the chance to grab a copy it's a worthwhile buy, and if it's in the reduced section don't hesitate.
1. Here We Go Again (9)
2. Rock 'N' Roll People (8)
3. Angel baby (7)
4. Since My baby left me (7)
5. To Know her Is To Love Her (8)
6. Steel And Glass (8)
7. Scared (7)
8. Old Dirt Road (7)
9. Nobody Loves You (when you're down and out) (8)
10. Bless You (8)
My favourite track on Menlove would have to be "Here we go again" John seems resigned to going around in circles and despite the wall of sound Lennon's voice rings loud and clear, Don't really have a least favourite as this album is a delight from the first note to the last.
Stars: **** (four stars)
The cover art for Menlove Ave was done by Andy Warhol in the style he made famous. They are among my favourite pictures of Lennon.
Love and Peace - Peace and Love ;D

[nowheregirl]

Thanks for taking the time to review all these albums for us. I'll have to finish writing my own reviews soon.

[nocturnalquadruped]

You're Welcome, I hope they help people make up what they wish to purchase and which not, with the price of music these days it's a well dodgy issue. I have some more in my collection that I would like to get around to reviewing sometime soon, however I am about to get time poor for a while so we will see what will happen. Love and Peace - Peace and Love

[Euan Buchan]

1. Here We Go Again 10
2. Rock 'N' Roll People 4
3. Angel baby 10
4. Since My baby left me 3
5. To Know her Is To Love Her 5
6. Steel And Glass 7
7. Scared 9
8. Old Dirt Road 6
9. Nobody Loves You (when you're down and out) 9
10. Bless You 8