Customer Reviews

Open Your Box

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Years ago when the words 'Yoko Ono' were likely to bring about a torrent of abuse and when buying her albums invoked outrageous indignation and abuse and where it felt, in England anyway, that her album sales were in single digits, it seemed unlikely that this artist would ever secure acceptance either as a person in her own right or as an artist.

Thirty years, give or take a year or two, later this release is another step in cementing Yoko's new status as one of the most acclaimed artists and individuals in the world. The recognition has been slow to come but who would have thought that this highly principled woman who's husband returned his MBE to the Queen would be sitting in the Royal Box to celebrate the same queen being on the throne for fifty years?

This single marks inter-generational communication through music. A version of 'Open Your Box' being remixed by the Orange Factory produces an amazingly attractive result. The original song was innovative musically in of itself but the remix certainly takes it to another level. All of the classic hallmarks of dance are there but the overall result is a hypnotic, entrancing piece with the distinctive Ono vocals supported and challenged by the beat. The first track particularly produces a hopefullnes that the track will not end and the beats are compelling.

This modern day version of Yoko's music will find a willing and grateful audience. I am not so sure that older listeners in particular will appreciate this disc. In a way, Yoko has come full circle, making once again, challenging music that draws some reation from the wider audience.

Great stuff, hopefully more to come like this BUT NOT ON VINYL, PLEASE.

If you're familiar with the original version (currently released as a bonus track on the "Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band" cd) you'll probably want to rediscover this updated remix.

The original was both a great concept and provocative statement. I, however, felt it kind of flat in its final execution. I was intrigued enough to give it several listens but I never could return to it with much enthusiasm (though Plastic Ono Band is one of Yoko's best releases).

This new version has a great beat, true drive and a sense of purpose. You can enthusiastically return to it again and again. If you like Donna Summer's "Love To Love You Baby" you'll find this version a kindred spirit: sensual, steamy and wanting your full participation.

I hear there might be a two cd set of Ono dance remixes. If this and the "Walking On Thin Ice" remix represents what's to come, Yoko has found her groove. The great thing about Ono's music is it's for adults, it singes you where we all want to be singed.

Yoko's music is always intended to go to the vital organs as she intellectually, emotionally and physically floods your arteries with energy.

..dance mixes of all time! The remix makes Miss Ono come off as a .... old bat who's about to get it on with everyone in view, much unlike the political statement of the original song. Some of the most innovative thundering dance beats help her get this very point across, in a rather wild, raw & untamed manner! The way she screams, the way she moans. This song will send chills up and down your spine!

Q: What was the name people used to call "Avant garde" music before the 1960's?

A: Awful.