Re: Memories of John Lennon


BlackMonk wrote:
<fattuchus@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1155165054.962849.316790@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


The point is, John did not want his new album to be a JohnandYoko
project, but the Yoke would not take no for an answer. Hey, she knew
her albums would not sell orend up on the sale rack; she latched
herself on to John like wet toilet paper.


You're contradicting Fred Seaman's book, where he reports John as being
enthusiastic about the duet concept.

I think you are incorrect on this point. If my memory is right, Seaman
reports that Yoko wore John down by nagging, nagging, nagging until he
gave in.


He quotes John as being enthusiastic about the concept, calling it a "rock
and roll soap opera." Personally, I think the concept is the only thing that
saves the album.

I like Double Fantasy, especially if one removes most of the Yoke's
songs.

Again, Fred's book makes clear that Yoko nagged her way onto the album.
Of course, once John gave into her, and even though it was not what he
wanted to do originally, he talked it up enthusiastically. I mean,
this was his first project in years and he was happy "to be back."



My memory may be wrong, but I thought I read an old post here at rmb
from Seaman where he witnessed or overheard an argument between John
and Yoko where John was protesting the idea that Yoko share his album.
I believe Seaman reported that John said something to the effect of
"when you release an album it is a solo project; why can't I have a
solo project."

Odd, since John had released more solo albums than Yoko at that point.


Douglas also reported in an interview how the Yoke manipulated herself
onto John's album. This interview could be heard on the web at
www.wfmu.org in the Jonesville archives. I don't know if is still
there, but I heard it a couple of times.


Yoko was part of the album before Douglas was brought in. At his first
meeting, with Yoko (if it was supposed to be a John Lennon solo album, why
would she be the one to hire the producer?), he was presented with demos
from both of them.

According to Douglas, Fred and other sources, you are incorrect. John
trusted Yoko to handle business things . . . . he got her involved in
getting a producer, getting a recording contract, etc. However,
initially John wanted it to be a John Lennon album. I suggest you
visit www.wfmu.org to see if the Douglas interview is still in the
archives.

John, I think, was in Bermuda. ( could be wrong)

Douglas reports that someone (Yoko?) arranged for Douglas to meet with
Yoko at the house on Long Island. At this meeting, Yoko was supposed
to hand Douglas some Lennon demos. If I recall correctly, there was a
note from John which essentially said, "I am not sure if I am good
anymore. What do you think? Is any of this crap worth recording?" John
was very insecure. He had been out of the business for years. I
believe the note also essentially said or perhaps John later said to
Jack something like, "IGive me your honest opinion, because if this
stuff isn't good I don't want to record it." John needed to hear that
his songs were worth recording. He would have rather not recorded at
all if they were crappy. He wanted his new album to be a success.

Douglas explains that Yoko gave him the envelope with John's demos, and
THEN
(here is the juicy part) told Douglas that she intends on having a few
songs on the album too. However, Yoko expressly told Douglas "Don't
tell John." In other words, she told Douglas to deliberately lie to
John, if necessary, to keep John t he dark. Douglas reports that Yoko
then gave him demo, after demo, after demo. In other words, where John
gave Jack a few songs, Yoko gave him many, many songs. Clearly she saw
this as her big chance.

Douglas reports that he was very impressed with John's work.

Douglas then reports in that interview (I think) that at a later date,
arrangements were made for John and Douglas to meet at the house to
discuss the possible album. Douglas reports that when he was meeting
with John discussing the possible album, he knows that Yoko was in
another room nearby, spying on them. If I recall correctly, Douglas
suggests that he knew Yoko was listneing and wanted to make sure
Douglas did not tell John the truth, but John was unaware of his wife's
devious behavior.

So, to answer your question, Double Fantasty most certainly did NOT
start out as a John and Yoko project. According to Seaman and Douglas,
Yoko wheedled her way onto the album.

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Memories of John Lennon
    ... where he reports John as ... Fred's book makes clear that Yoko nagged her way onto the album. ... According to Douglas, Fred and other sources, you are incorrect. ...
    (rec.music.beatles)
  • Re: Memories of John Lennon
    ... where he reports John as ... Fred's book makes clear that Yoko nagged her way onto the album. ... According to Douglas, Fred and other sources, you are incorrect. ...
    (rec.music.beatles)
  • Re: Memories of John Lennon
    ... where he reports John as ... Fred's book makes clear that Yoko nagged her way onto the album. ... According to Douglas, Fred and other sources, you are incorrect. ...
    (rec.music.beatles)
  • Re: Memories of John Lennon
    ... where he reports John as ... Fred's book makes clear that Yoko nagged her way onto the album. ... According to Douglas, Fred and other sources, you are incorrect. ...
    (rec.music.beatles)
  • Re: Memories of John Lennon
    ... where he reports John as ... Fred's book makes clear that Yoko nagged her way onto the album. ... According to Douglas, Fred and other sources, you are incorrect. ...
    (rec.music.beatles)
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