Yes, I'm a Witch

Yoko Ono | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 6, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Astralwerks
• ASIN: B000LC520K
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #74,346 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

At first glance, this looks like it might be yet another one of those records where an older cult artist is paired with a bunch of younger/ supposedly hipper musicians in efforts to add legitimacy to the younguns and street cred to said cult figure. Such is not the case with Ono's version of a collaborative hipster album, Yes, I'm A Witch. Yoko chose all the artists herself, and her choices range from predictable (Cat Power, Antony, Flaming Lips) to not (Le Tigre, Porcupine Tree, Hank Shocklee). The musicians were asked to pick elements of songs from Ono's back catalog and rework them. Most chose her distinctive vocals and created new songs using them (surprisingly, no one chose to work with "Mind Train" off her daring 1971 LP Fly). Unsurprisingly, Peaches chose to rework "Kiss Kiss Kiss," the infamous Double Fantasy song wherein Ono appears to achieve orgasm. Jason Pierce from Spiritualized turns the dance-y 1981 number "Walking on Thin Ice" into a powerful drone/ guitar workout percolating with a drum machine's pulse. The awesomest song is the Flaming Lips' take on Lennon/ Ono's "Cambridge 1969," carving a marvelous krautrock-ish groove that cradles Ono's unique vocal talents and Lennon's feedback and makes it something new, and better. The results overall are surprisingly great, though it's a bit disorienting given the eclectic array of artists. Ono fans, of course, will not likely be bothered by that. --Mike McGonigal

Product Description

Astralwerks releases an incredible new album from the controversial, outspoken and avant-garde Yoko Ono. Millions are familiar with the name Yoko Ono for her ability to inspire an entire generation of musicians. The album Yes, I'm A Witch is a collaboration with some of today's most exciting musicians. Each artist was given the original master recordings from ONO's 1977 LP, A Story, an era where Ono's work with the pop mainstream and synth-oriented music became evident. The artists were given free reign on re-recording and re-imagining these tracks, using those elements they wished to retain - and adding whatever they desired. The result is a freewheeling and inspiring set of songs all held together and defined by the voice of Yoko Ono. The set includes contributions from The Flaming Lips, Cat Power, Antony And The Johnsons, The Apples In Stereo, The Sleepy Jackson, Le Tigre, Peaches and more. From the melancholic duet style of Ono & Cat Power, evoking the most luscious new version of Revelations ever heard - to the droned out psych version of Spiritualized's 'Walking on Thin Ice', these bands have crafted their own take on the original scream queen.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 38 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Bennett February 6, 2007

By Bennett G. Jackson

Format:Audio CD

Always having struggled with Ono's music (namely her contributions to Lennon/Ono albums like "Double Fantasy"), I was excited to her of this album of collaborations, figuring it was something I would definitely enjoy, or at the very least appreciate. At first listen I was moved more than any other time I had listened to her music. It's an outstanding album. Although quite avante-garde at time, there is more musical substance on these songs than the original versions, making them much more palatable. Although very diverse in styles, there is a cohesiveness to the album that can only be understood after listening to it. The album is a bit lengthy, but this glorious return of one of the world's most enigmatic artists is truly greater than the sum of its parts...and that's quite an accolmplishment considering how many parts there are. I look forward to the upcoming Ono release (remixes) coming out this year on the Astralwerks label as well. Rock on Yoko!

27 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love It! February 10, 2007

By Jokie X Wilson

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This CD is a lot of fun. The styles of the songs are diverse musically and topically. A broad range of emotions are covered. What really struck me is how the musicians hear Yoko's voice as revealed by how they handled its quality. Sometimes, it is light, almost whispery, other times femininely sonorous. The "Yes, I'm a Witch" track is incredible and inspiring. If you feel down and disenfranchised, this CD will really pick you up! If you're feeling good, it will make you feel that much stronger. Yay!

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars From art to pop and back again February 16, 2007

By A music lover

Format:Audio CD

These collaborative efforts have transformed many "interesting", arty songs into great pop, and in the process produced as effective works of art as Ono herself has ever done, if not more so. This is an eclectic mix of styles, and nearly everyone should find something appealing here. Take a look at the collaborative artists here; if they are up your alley, buy this disc, you won't be disappointed.