Help me Out of Here
One of the most vilified women in history, is it possible that Yoko Ono was in fact the talented one out of the Beatles?
Certainly by naming her new album "Yes, I'm a Witch", she seems to accept her status amongst the wider public. But the music within - a selection of work from her back catalogue chosen & remixed by contemporary artists - shows an under-appreciated musical legacy. It could be argued that due to Ono's clear influence on Lennon, that she paved the way for a broader acceptance of avant-gard work in the mainstream.
While this can't be described as a great album, there are plenty of interesting collaborations to excite your ears. I skipped straight to the Spiritualized remix of 'Walking on Thin Ice', which gives a fresh slant to one of my favourite songs by giving it a tension-filled drone rock backing.... interspersed with frightening bursts of noise.
I'm sure others will find plenty to love in the collaborations with Cat Power, The Polyphonic Spree, Le Tigre, The Sleepy Jackson and a fantastic psyche-rock pairing with The Flaming Lips.... however i'm particularly enjoying these two.
Peaches unsurprisingly snatched up Yoko's most notoriously filthy song, during which she goes all 'French Kiss' and sounds like she's having an orgasm half way through. It originally appeared on Lennon's 'Double Fantasy' album, as well as the B-side to (Just Like) Starting Over.
The sexual nature of the song sounds a little disturbing when pared with the nursery rhyme rhythm and childish lyrics. I'm sure it won't stop you having a little shuffle about to the staccato electro beats and squelchy bass noises though.
YOKO ONO (WITH PEACHES) - KISS KISS KISS
The collaboration with Antony (of the Johnsons) is altogether sweeter. The kind of beautiful lyrics that only sound right when sung by people with English as a second language; married to a haunting backing by Antony. Moving.
YOKO ONO (WITH ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS) - TOY BOAT
Apparently this album will be followed in March by an album of dancier cuts. Which sounds like it could be interesting....
Certainly by naming her new album "Yes, I'm a Witch", she seems to accept her status amongst the wider public. But the music within - a selection of work from her back catalogue chosen & remixed by contemporary artists - shows an under-appreciated musical legacy. It could be argued that due to Ono's clear influence on Lennon, that she paved the way for a broader acceptance of avant-gard work in the mainstream.
While this can't be described as a great album, there are plenty of interesting collaborations to excite your ears. I skipped straight to the Spiritualized remix of 'Walking on Thin Ice', which gives a fresh slant to one of my favourite songs by giving it a tension-filled drone rock backing.... interspersed with frightening bursts of noise.
I'm sure others will find plenty to love in the collaborations with Cat Power, The Polyphonic Spree, Le Tigre, The Sleepy Jackson and a fantastic psyche-rock pairing with The Flaming Lips.... however i'm particularly enjoying these two.
Peaches unsurprisingly snatched up Yoko's most notoriously filthy song, during which she goes all 'French Kiss' and sounds like she's having an orgasm half way through. It originally appeared on Lennon's 'Double Fantasy' album, as well as the B-side to (Just Like) Starting Over.
The sexual nature of the song sounds a little disturbing when pared with the nursery rhyme rhythm and childish lyrics. I'm sure it won't stop you having a little shuffle about to the staccato electro beats and squelchy bass noises though.
YOKO ONO (WITH PEACHES) - KISS KISS KISS
The collaboration with Antony (of the Johnsons) is altogether sweeter. The kind of beautiful lyrics that only sound right when sung by people with English as a second language; married to a haunting backing by Antony. Moving.
YOKO ONO (WITH ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS) - TOY BOAT
Apparently this album will be followed in March by an album of dancier cuts. Which sounds like it could be interesting....
posted by headphonesex @ 10:51 AM
