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Editorial Reviews
Deluxe 11 CD box set from the Rock icon. Features digitally remastered editions of all his solo studio albums spanning the years 1971-84 plus a two CD collection of rarities entitled Lennon Home Demos. Includes 65 page book and commemorative John Lennon print all in special presentation box. Includes three new and very personal essays to John by Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon and Julian Lennon.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
177 of 184 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
First off, let's be clear about what is in this box and what isn't.
The box includes the Lennon solo albums "Plastic Ono Band", "Imagine", "Mind Games", "Walls and Bridges", and "Rock and Roll" -- all of his officially-released solo albums.
It also includes the John and Yoko albums "Some Time in New York City", "Double Fantasy", and "Milk and Honey".
For a bonus, it also includes a rather short (six songs) disc of John and John/Yoko singles, which includes the songs "Power to the People", "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", "Instant Karma!", "Cold Turkey", "Move Over Ms. L", and "Give Peace a Chance"; and a second bonus disc of John's home demo tapes, mostly devoted to songs that appeared the "Plastic Ono Band" and "Imagine" albums.
It does NOT include any of the following:
- The experimental John and Yoko albums "Two Virgins", "Life with the Lions", and "The Wedding Album"
- The album "Live Peace in Toronto" (John and Yoko with the Plastic Ono Band)
- The new remix of "Double Fantasy"
- Other non-album tracks that have been included on previous CD versions of the albums, such as "Do the Oz"
Each album is in a cardboard double sleeve in the style of old LP packaging. Original front and back cover artwork is used in all cases, and has been reproduced very well. Each album has a gatefold photo of John (sometimes with Yoko) from roughly the same time period as the album itself. Each album also comes with a small CD booklet that discusses the album and its songs. Complete lyrics are included in each of these booklets.
The CD sound is excellent, and I approve of the decision to return to John's original mixes rather than the posthumous remixes that have been used on the most recent CD releases prior to this. These CDs give us the music as John intended it to be heard.
The packaging is very much in John and Yoko's style: very simple and elemental, mostly in white and blue. The box is surprisingly large and includes a fair amount of dead space; this results in a nearly perfect cube shape, and provides enough room for a small hardcover book entitled "Yes" that discusses John's life, a separate piece of folded cardstock with individual messages from Yoko, John's son Julian, and John and Yoko's son Sean, and the package's last bonus, a small drawing by John enclosed in a hardback cover. I don't know if every box has the same picture, or if there are different ones. Mine is a peaceful drawing called "Family Tree" showing a couple resting underneath a tree, much as John and Yoko do on the covers of the two "Plastic Ono Band" albums. Like much of John's artwork, it is expressive and elegant, the product of a natural and largely unschooled talent. His ability to convey an image with a minimal number of lines reminds me of some Japanese art.
All in all, I am happy with the box and I recommend it. It's a fine companion to the recent Beatles box sets, and in some ways it feels more artistically assembled, no doubt due to Yoko's personal involvement.
The box includes the Lennon solo albums "Plastic Ono Band", "Imagine", "Mind Games", "Walls and Bridges", and "Rock and Roll" -- all of his officially-released solo albums.
It also includes the John and Yoko albums "Some Time in New York City", "Double Fantasy", and "Milk and Honey".
For a bonus, it also includes a rather short (six songs) disc of John and John/Yoko singles, which includes the songs "Power to the People", "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", "Instant Karma!", "Cold Turkey", "Move Over Ms. L", and "Give Peace a Chance"; and a second bonus disc of John's home demo tapes, mostly devoted to songs that appeared the "Plastic Ono Band" and "Imagine" albums.
It does NOT include any of the following:
- The experimental John and Yoko albums "Two Virgins", "Life with the Lions", and "The Wedding Album"
- The album "Live Peace in Toronto" (John and Yoko with the Plastic Ono Band)
- The new remix of "Double Fantasy"
- Other non-album tracks that have been included on previous CD versions of the albums, such as "Do the Oz"
Each album is in a cardboard double sleeve in the style of old LP packaging. Original front and back cover artwork is used in all cases, and has been reproduced very well. Each album has a gatefold photo of John (sometimes with Yoko) from roughly the same time period as the album itself. Each album also comes with a small CD booklet that discusses the album and its songs. Complete lyrics are included in each of these booklets.
The CD sound is excellent, and I approve of the decision to return to John's original mixes rather than the posthumous remixes that have been used on the most recent CD releases prior to this. These CDs give us the music as John intended it to be heard.
The packaging is very much in John and Yoko's style: very simple and elemental, mostly in white and blue. The box is surprisingly large and includes a fair amount of dead space; this results in a nearly perfect cube shape, and provides enough room for a small hardcover book entitled "Yes" that discusses John's life, a separate piece of folded cardstock with individual messages from Yoko, John's son Julian, and John and Yoko's son Sean, and the package's last bonus, a small drawing by John enclosed in a hardback cover. I don't know if every box has the same picture, or if there are different ones. Mine is a peaceful drawing called "Family Tree" showing a couple resting underneath a tree, much as John and Yoko do on the covers of the two "Plastic Ono Band" albums. Like much of John's artwork, it is expressive and elegant, the product of a natural and largely unschooled talent. His ability to convey an image with a minimal number of lines reminds me of some Japanese art.
All in all, I am happy with the box and I recommend it. It's a fine companion to the recent Beatles box sets, and in some ways it feels more artistically assembled, no doubt due to Yoko's personal involvement.
42 of 45 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
The original album mixes remastered with a disc of rarities/singles, book, lithograph but lacks "Double Fantasy Stripped"
October 8, 2010
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
"Suddenly your 30 and there's so much more to do"/"Life begins at 40"-John Lennon
Released as part of the celebration of what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday, the "John Lennon Signature Box" gathers the 5 solo studio albums Lennon made between 1970-1975, Lennon's recordings that were exclusive to his singles, John and Yoko's 1980 album "Double Fantasy", the posthumous release "Milk and Honey" and a disc of previously unreleased demos/alternate takes from 1970-1971 in a handsomely designed box.
Missing from this set are the trio of avant garde albums that Lennon and Ono recorded together prior to 1970--"Two Virgins", "The Wedding Album" and "Life with the Lions". Also missing is "Live Peace in Toronto" and while we get "Double Fantasy" we don't get the "Double Fantasy Stripped" disc which features the album without the overdubs which is a missed opportunity and it SHOULD have been included but both EMI and Ono want you to shell out the extra bucks for that album (which means if you buy this set you'll have two discs with the original "Double Fantasy" mix).
The remastered sound done by the same team that did The Beatles remasters from last year are a marked improvement over the original late 80's CD releases for the first 5 albums. These will sound different from the 2000 reissue of those albums because those were remixes. These are the original mixes that Lennon prepared. The remixes had their merit as well since often the remixing improved the overall clarity of some albums (Particularly "Mind Games") but they were flawed as they were heavily compressed (which makes things louder and sacrifices the dynamics, i.e., the range between the quietest and loudest moments on an album. It's the dynamics that often give the music it's power for example without the dynamic build up of sound from "A Day in the Life", the song would lose much of its power). They also suffered from harsh peak limiting which causes digital distortion.
For these new remasters the EMI team went back to the original mastertapes, cleaned them up, eliminated any imperfections due to edits and used every device they could to come as close to the sound of the master tapes as possible. The results are better low end, more detailed and powerful bass and drums and improved clarity in the vocals and instrument separation. Noise reduction was used minimally (the overuse of which was a flaw with the U.S. and UK original CDs of these albums particularly for "Mind Games" and "Imagine").
"Double Fantasy" and "Milk & Honey" were NOT worked on by the Abbey Road/EMI team but were remastered by George Marino for this set. While they are an improvement over the 2001 remasters for both albums,I don't think that they show quite as much improvement over the original CD issues of these albums. In a comparison to both "DF" and "M&H" 2001 editions and these, the ones included here don't sound signficantly different--not quite as loud perhaps but not Marino's best work either. Both suffer from hard limiting and compression and do not sound as good as the EMI/Abbey Road work done on the first five albums and singles on the first bonus disc.
The downside is that the bonus tracks that were included on the 2000 remixes aren't always here and none of them are attached to the original disc (some may prefer these that way although I don't since some of the bonus track editions were a bit odd to me). Some of the songs (such as some of the singles like "Power to the People") are included on the two disc singles/demos disc included here. The 13 previously unreleased tracks on the second bonus disc are quite good some of which are radically different arrangements ("I Don't Want to Be a Soldier"), some subtly so ("Mother" with guitar on the track as well as piano, drums and bass)and the veresion of "Serve Yourself" is superior to the one on the "Lennon Anthology" in my opinion. While "India" and the demo for "Nobody Told Me" are quite good as well. I do wish that the unfinished "Now and Then" (which the rest of The Beatles briefly thought about completing for the "Anthology" series)had been included.
The packaging is quite nice and includes a booklet with an essay, reproductions of original artwork and lyric sheets about Lennon, brief essays by Yoko, Julian Lennon and Sean Lennon. There's also a card for internet content included as well and a lithograph which is in a drawer at the bottom of the box. The CDs themselves are housed (without protective sleeves I might add--which is a negative given how much you may pay for this set)cardboard sleeves similar in design to The Beatles remasters. The drawer is not the best idea as the lithograph can easily become stuck and, quite frankly, it seems unnecessary and silly as the litho will fit on top of the CDs in the box proper.
The booklets are quite nice and include an essay on the making of the album as well as the original lyrics (except for "Rock 'n' Roll")and credits.
Bottom line: Will you like this set? If you prefer the remixes probably not but, if you want Lennon's original album mixes restored and presented with top notch sound and attention to detail, you will. The "bonus disc" with the demos/alternate takes aren't essential but they are nice to have and compliment the "Lennon Anthology" from a decade ago.
These sound exceptional although, like most remasters, there are some flaws one could nitpick about. These reissues beat the original CD issues of the original mixes. Overall this is a nice set and would make an excellent gift for Lennon/Beatles fans particularly the latter who enjoyed the Beatles remasters.
It's sad that we'll never know what Lennon had to say about being 70. Recommended.
Released as part of the celebration of what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday, the "John Lennon Signature Box" gathers the 5 solo studio albums Lennon made between 1970-1975, Lennon's recordings that were exclusive to his singles, John and Yoko's 1980 album "Double Fantasy", the posthumous release "Milk and Honey" and a disc of previously unreleased demos/alternate takes from 1970-1971 in a handsomely designed box.
Missing from this set are the trio of avant garde albums that Lennon and Ono recorded together prior to 1970--"Two Virgins", "The Wedding Album" and "Life with the Lions". Also missing is "Live Peace in Toronto" and while we get "Double Fantasy" we don't get the "Double Fantasy Stripped" disc which features the album without the overdubs which is a missed opportunity and it SHOULD have been included but both EMI and Ono want you to shell out the extra bucks for that album (which means if you buy this set you'll have two discs with the original "Double Fantasy" mix).
The remastered sound done by the same team that did The Beatles remasters from last year are a marked improvement over the original late 80's CD releases for the first 5 albums. These will sound different from the 2000 reissue of those albums because those were remixes. These are the original mixes that Lennon prepared. The remixes had their merit as well since often the remixing improved the overall clarity of some albums (Particularly "Mind Games") but they were flawed as they were heavily compressed (which makes things louder and sacrifices the dynamics, i.e., the range between the quietest and loudest moments on an album. It's the dynamics that often give the music it's power for example without the dynamic build up of sound from "A Day in the Life", the song would lose much of its power). They also suffered from harsh peak limiting which causes digital distortion.
For these new remasters the EMI team went back to the original mastertapes, cleaned them up, eliminated any imperfections due to edits and used every device they could to come as close to the sound of the master tapes as possible. The results are better low end, more detailed and powerful bass and drums and improved clarity in the vocals and instrument separation. Noise reduction was used minimally (the overuse of which was a flaw with the U.S. and UK original CDs of these albums particularly for "Mind Games" and "Imagine").
"Double Fantasy" and "Milk & Honey" were NOT worked on by the Abbey Road/EMI team but were remastered by George Marino for this set. While they are an improvement over the 2001 remasters for both albums,I don't think that they show quite as much improvement over the original CD issues of these albums. In a comparison to both "DF" and "M&H" 2001 editions and these, the ones included here don't sound signficantly different--not quite as loud perhaps but not Marino's best work either. Both suffer from hard limiting and compression and do not sound as good as the EMI/Abbey Road work done on the first five albums and singles on the first bonus disc.
The downside is that the bonus tracks that were included on the 2000 remixes aren't always here and none of them are attached to the original disc (some may prefer these that way although I don't since some of the bonus track editions were a bit odd to me). Some of the songs (such as some of the singles like "Power to the People") are included on the two disc singles/demos disc included here. The 13 previously unreleased tracks on the second bonus disc are quite good some of which are radically different arrangements ("I Don't Want to Be a Soldier"), some subtly so ("Mother" with guitar on the track as well as piano, drums and bass)and the veresion of "Serve Yourself" is superior to the one on the "Lennon Anthology" in my opinion. While "India" and the demo for "Nobody Told Me" are quite good as well. I do wish that the unfinished "Now and Then" (which the rest of The Beatles briefly thought about completing for the "Anthology" series)had been included.
The packaging is quite nice and includes a booklet with an essay, reproductions of original artwork and lyric sheets about Lennon, brief essays by Yoko, Julian Lennon and Sean Lennon. There's also a card for internet content included as well and a lithograph which is in a drawer at the bottom of the box. The CDs themselves are housed (without protective sleeves I might add--which is a negative given how much you may pay for this set)cardboard sleeves similar in design to The Beatles remasters. The drawer is not the best idea as the lithograph can easily become stuck and, quite frankly, it seems unnecessary and silly as the litho will fit on top of the CDs in the box proper.
The booklets are quite nice and include an essay on the making of the album as well as the original lyrics (except for "Rock 'n' Roll")and credits.
Bottom line: Will you like this set? If you prefer the remixes probably not but, if you want Lennon's original album mixes restored and presented with top notch sound and attention to detail, you will. The "bonus disc" with the demos/alternate takes aren't essential but they are nice to have and compliment the "Lennon Anthology" from a decade ago.
These sound exceptional although, like most remasters, there are some flaws one could nitpick about. These reissues beat the original CD issues of the original mixes. Overall this is a nice set and would make an excellent gift for Lennon/Beatles fans particularly the latter who enjoyed the Beatles remasters.
It's sad that we'll never know what Lennon had to say about being 70. Recommended.
56 of 62 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The John Lennon Signature Box Set is a beautiful collection celebrating Lennon's 70th Birthday. Overseen by Yoko One Lennon, this collection contains eight original studio albums digitally remastered by the same team who remastered The Beatles stereo and mono box sets of 2009. Included is a 60 page hard book with photos and text. Also included is a nice essay pamphlet by Yoko, Julian and Sean. It's a really nice collection and worthy of any Lennon fan! Note: not included in this set is the new Double Fantasy Stripped Down release!
As for the sound of the discs, this is where the box set starts to fail. Gone are the remixed and remastered versions from the 2000-2004 releases of the same albums. Replaced are John's original audio mixes. Purists will rejoice but in my honest opinion, the results are historic but dated. Having listened to the discs in this edition as well as the 2000-2004 remixes, I have to say this set pales in comparison. Rock `N' Roll, in particular, sounds very bad and made me long for the remixed version.
While I do applaud Yoko and team for this wonderful collection, it would have been nice to include the remixed versions as well as the Double Fantasy Stripped Down release. I've listened to it and it is a really interesting release. While this box set is flawed, I do encourage you buy it! If you own the 2000-2004 mixes, live albums and unfinished works, you're pretty much set on your JL collection with this and the new Double Fantasy Stripped Down release!
As for the sound of the discs, this is where the box set starts to fail. Gone are the remixed and remastered versions from the 2000-2004 releases of the same albums. Replaced are John's original audio mixes. Purists will rejoice but in my honest opinion, the results are historic but dated. Having listened to the discs in this edition as well as the 2000-2004 remixes, I have to say this set pales in comparison. Rock `N' Roll, in particular, sounds very bad and made me long for the remixed version.
While I do applaud Yoko and team for this wonderful collection, it would have been nice to include the remixed versions as well as the Double Fantasy Stripped Down release. I've listened to it and it is a really interesting release. While this box set is flawed, I do encourage you buy it! If you own the 2000-2004 mixes, live albums and unfinished works, you're pretty much set on your JL collection with this and the new Double Fantasy Stripped Down release!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Lennon Box Set
It's great having all of the music of John Lennon in one Box set - remastered. I recommend it for eveyone who loves John's music.
Published 1 month ago by Midwest Mark
5.0 out of 5 stars
John
What can you say about John Lennon? He's great and to have this collection of his solo career is great.
Published 4 months ago by beatcall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elaborate and uniform.
I'm a fan of consistencies, especially with packaging. Taking a cue from the Beatles remasters (as many others, such as the ABKCO Rolling Stones ones, I'm sure), these, the Paul... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jonathan Pierce
2.0 out of 5 stars
How Much is To Much
I love Lennon, but how many times can you keep on reissuing the same music. The sound is wonderful, but save your money and listen to the old albums, cassettes, CDs, greatest hits... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Jim11743
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you love John Lennon and Beatles, this will be a must buy
If you love John Lennon and Beatles, this will be a must buy.
Even the books worth $100.
A great value.
Salute John Lennon and Beatles, legend
Even the books worth $100.
A great value.
Salute John Lennon and Beatles, legend
Published 14 months ago by Ken
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lennon Signature Box Set
This is a must for any Lennon fan. Beautifully packaged and presented. Contains pretty much all you would wish for except stripped Double Fantasy. Read more
Published 17 months ago by JP
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not quite.......
I give it 4 stars because I was hoping to see Live Peace in Toronto 1969.. I know there's a whole side of Yoko, but the rest is just awesome.... Read more
Published 21 months ago by P Parker
4.0 out of 5 stars
great music, not so great packaging
I love the Lennon Signature box and I appreciate the seller's prompt handling of my order. I received it within 3 days of the original order. So, my buying experience was great. Read more
Published 23 months ago by srgouveia
1.0 out of 5 stars
Save some money- buy individually!
I have to start by saying this is a review of this package of music, not John Lennon or the music- THIS PACKAGE. Read more
Published on January 21, 2011 by Mike S
5.0 out of 5 stars
JOHN LENNON BOX SET
BOUGHT THIS SET FOR MY GRANDSON - A BIG JOHN LENNON FAN. WHO WOULD THINK THAT HE DID ENOUGH SONGS ON HIS OWN TO COMPLETE A BOX SET? IT IS A GREAT GIFT FOR A FAN.
Published on January 4, 2011 by NORMA
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