Released in time for the 25th anniversary of his death, “John Lennon Acoustic” is a collection sure to please Lennon’s radical, faithful fan base.
“Acoustic” will get more than a few rotations, especially if you didn’t spring for the expensive “John Lennon Anthology” box of outtakes and demos. It repeats seven songs from that set, including three live tracks from the Free John Sinclair rally held in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1971.
It’s less Lennon unplugged than Lennon stripped. The powerful “Working Class Hero” rings true even in this modern time.
While there are two tracks which Yoko Ono makes an irreverent appearance, the overall integrity of the work is un-compromised. “Luck of the Irish” and “Woman is…” are sound, yet annoying. This is due to Yoko’s incessant wailing in the background.
This collection is worth the money for Lennon fans and Beatle-boomers. If you don’t fall into those categories, you may not want to bother.