John Lennon Mind Games RSD EP Preview

The remix engineer for the excellent 2002 CD reissue was Peter Cobbin (Allan Rouse was project coordinator). Peter also did a great job cleaning up the sound on the CD reissues of Walls & Bridges (2004) and Rock 'n' Roll (2005), and was chief remix engineer for the groundbreaking Yellow Submarine Songtrack in 1999.

My favourite John Lennon album with my favourite Lennon song, Bring on the Lucie (Freeda Peeple). I didn‘t realise is was getting the whole remastered treatment… sounds like it’s well put together! Loving the picture of your younger self with the luscious mane… like a young lion!

I can’t wait to hear Meat City in its full glory! I love that track. Very under appreciated!

The Mind Games single was the first John Lennon solo record I bought in 1973. I was 14. I thought it was great then, and I still do now. I bought all of his albums over the years because that record led me on a path to the rest of his music. I’m looking forward to the box. I’ve got the book on preorder.

Black is a tone. 😊 Looking forward to hearing these new mixes. I love “Intuition “.

Mind games was the first single I bought from John Lennon when I was a kid way back in 1973. I love that song and I really love the album too. I think I might pull the trigger on the box. I do have the 2002 mix on CD and it sounds incredible, compared to the originals great video as always Mazzy. Oh, I’m going to San Francisco in July. I’ll check out some of those record stores you were mentioning.

Congrats Mazzy! I just received my EP's yesterday. The glow in the dark vinyl is amazing!

The 2002 remix was issued by Mofi on vinyl ...

Thanks for the history lesson Mazzy, very nice video!

“Sometime in NYC” should not be skipped over. It should be ignored and forgotten… in fact it has! On the other hand, this upcoming “Mind Games” box will be awesome!

Excited About These Mazzy!! Just To Hear John's Vocals Given Justice.... I'll Bet The Box Is Going To Be Interesting!!!

Thank you, Mazz, stellar review

I went to the local record store yesterday and saw it for the extraordinary high price of 35 euro. I didn't buy it for that scandalous price for an EP ! It's the price that it's usually asked for an Lp. Thanx RSD

I just had Mind Games on the other day… I always liked this album a lot… but I was always a huge John fan… Out The Blue… is a favorite of mine and I think Tight A$$ is pretty funky too… of course Mind Games is great. As for STINYC… I’ve always loved the version of “ Well “ with Zappa… I know a lot of people dismissed the album… but it had some really good stuff on it… John Sinclair… Luck Of The Irish… it was a rough time for John with all the Nixon stuff going on. Pot… Kettle… Black!!! 🕊️ 🌜🌞🌛

Good video. You always deliver on (ex-)Beatles and Bay Area topics. Mind Games was one of the first albums I ever bought. I must have found it in a bargain bin since money was very tight. Unfortunately, I could never really get into it; but that was forty-some years ago. Maybe it needs a fresh listen. p.s. You were causing me some stress the way you were shaking that album. I thought the record was gonna get flung out of the cover. p.p.s., The sh!t-eating grin in that 1973 photo is quintessential Mazzy; and I write that as a compliment. ✌️👊🤙

Great review and background history Thanks for sharing

going to see the yoko exhibition in about 11 hours, very excited. catching the kusama exhibition too

Norm, Great review, I have to get this EP Black version , I understand the new EP is Fantastic, Ultimate Masterpiece, I have to get the box set when it arrives, Norm Thank You Friend, Steve

Great video Mazzy looking for to this Saturday and the mind games ep is on my list. And I am going to pick up the box set in July . Take care!!

Great video and very enjoyable, fantastic over view, looking forward to getting this myself, cheers from the UK, Dave

Bought one yesterday, the RSD Black edition - thought the price was obscene, but it sounds wonderful.

Maz, I'll have to put this on my list... Just ordered The Who; live at Shea Stadium, 1982... I'll keep you posted...

Great video, thank you.

I really look forward to hearing this album mixed a lot better.

Underrated Album

You Are Here is great! Never really liked that song before. Reminds me of Harry Nilsson here 👌

big fan of this album, cant wait for the box!

thanks Norman for the review - you are right Mind Games is so often overlooked

Good to see this and enjoyed your background info. The Mind Games single and album was probably the first Lennon release where I was actually buying records myself so it was quite important. I recall watching its progress on the UK charts. Loved the album, although I do understand what you say about its production issues. Really looking forward to the remix and deluxe edition. I'm tending not to buy multiple formats now unless they contain unique content. Will tend to go for the deluxe sets but occasionally the artwork or documentation does persuade me. Not sure about the EP although the luminous vinyl does sound fun! Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the video and review. It’s a shame we do not have RSD here in New Zealand so are not able to obtain and enjoy the releases. Keep up the great work.

Always been a big fan of Tight A$. Cookin’ record.

Very excited about this release. It’s not the best Lennon album, but it was the first one I ever heard - with thanks to my older sister - and therefore has great sentimental connection for me. It also contains some of my favourite Lennon songs - mind games, out the blue, I know (I know) and you are here.

“Some Time In New York City” is a really good album. I have an Original LP. By the way black is not a color it is the absence of color.

Thanks for sharing, Mazzy

On the Gimme Some Truth release we get the ultimate remix of some Mind Games tracks.

Hi Mazzy , late 1973 was quite a year with , John , Paul and Ringo albums . Back then I was 15 and only bought Band on the Run & Ringo . My friend had Mind Games and it was great. Will have to get it this time 😊 thanks 😊

Mazzy was that photo from your Leif Garrett period? Uncanny!

ps. ....but then...we all were in those days ....we were born less than a year apart.....grew up in sf/oakland/berkeley left the states at 17 in 1973....totally mad in love....moved to uk/germany

From my perspective more alike a New Wave/Alternative Music,with Avant Garde/Surrealism Vibes.

Oh and I forgot to say that I love your channel....anyone who likes John Cipollina can't be that bad!

Great Review!

I Always thought that Black was the absence of Color? Thank you as always.

Nice one Mazzy - fingers crossed for the album re-issue. You’re going to enjoy the Yoko exhibition for sure. D

Never liked the sound of this album, but I’m gonna give it a try. Thanks for you review ❤

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Hi Norman, Just wondering why "Sometime in NYC" wasn't on your Lennon LP Divider card.

May be nice to do a bit more on the Yoko book and exhibition that you have been mentioning. What is the book like? A short review and glance inside would be useful for those on the fence or who are considering a visit.

can't believe nobody asked you Mazzy....'do you still have that beautiful t-shirt in your pic from way back'? so lovely....if that was available now I would buy that in a heartbeat.

Nice preview video - with Johns catalogue being so small tragically- it’s interesting how they can keep the torch alive with the lesser albums - but they are doing a great job with these box sets (better than the fabs imo) as at least they are packaged consistently so far

Hi, Mazzy! Have you seen the books on the Who and Cream''s appearance at Fillmore and Winterland in the late 60's and the 70's?

Out the blue is a gem of a track.

11 minutes song mean mr mayo said on his review, thx sean lennon for sending this to mazzy and mean mr mayo

Have you heard the Mofi pressing? Curious what you think.

N.B. that Capitol was already trying to erase SOME TIME IN NEW YORK CITY on that promo card one year later. 😆

Did the black record fall out of the sleeve? You were waving the album back & forth in the video...😆

On the mind game album I was never a fan of the steel and glass song but the version on the anthology box cd was really great (the box wasn’t Nathan good but this song…!) The rough session with Klaus and the sound was much better. So I am really glad they do the ultimate mix with session extract on each album

What do you think about the sound of the vinyl issued in 2015 in the box set ?

Maybe a deluxe cd box like we got for Imagine and Plastic Ono Band is in the works? That would be nice. Playing mind games is definitely nostalgic.

Great. Congratulations from Brazil.

Thanks for the review, Mazzy: I never much cared for this album, but I guess I'll give it a second chance.

£27 over here (approx $34) For an E.P. Am I missing something?

This is an album that definitely needed a remix, and the songs are so good (Aisumasen, I Know, Bring on the Lucie, Meat City). I'm excited for any outtakes or early mixes that don't have the back-up singers on them. No offense to those vocalists, but the style in which they were used just doesn't fit John's music all that well.

I would much rather have Sometime In New York City box set. I do hope they don't skip it.

How do all get this free I don't know wish I could get them too

One of the few Beatles' solo records I didn't buy immediately on release, not being knocked out by the title track single or the cover artwork. Has grown on me over the years, but still not a huge favourite. Still looking forward to the new version though.

Hey can I have your glow-in the dark copy? I wasn’t able to get one. Thanks

In terms of physics and optics, black is the absence of light or the absence of color. When an object absorbs all colors of light and reflects none, it appears black. So, in this sense, black isn't considered a color.....HAHA.....just having fun. Cheers

Great video. Hopefully I can get my hands on one Saturday. Disappointed there’s no Apple 🍏 label…but I’ll be okay. Is the “Ultimate Mix” of Mind Games the same as what’s on Gimme Some Truth?

mind games and cloud 9 boxset coming soon

I hated Sometime In NYC when new. Still do... BUT I bought every version and the Boots, etc etc up to the present date.. that's only because I'm just a crazy FAB fan until I die and there is no hope. Oh well. (now that's a great track!) I loved and still love Mind Games and truly excited for this release and to hear it in all it's (new) glory. Barty

Post-Beatles John was like the Naked Emperor and I see he still is beyond the grave. His solo stuff just wasn't all that great. Comparing the bland Mind Games or Somewhere in NYC with a masterpiece like All Things Must Pass really puts it in perspective.

kzhead.info/sun/iM2SgdimbGatqZ8/bejne.html

I bought a recent 2 LP version of Imagine and it sounded awfully un-engaging which made me glad I didn't sell my "normal ordinary" copy. It must be one of those not analog transfers (doing it all analog is more costly). This is not the first time this has happened to me....hello ABKCO weasels...I'm talking to you! ......Other titles include everytime they re-issue The Rolling Stones albums like "Exile on main street" or "Sticky Fingers" or "Swordfishtrombones" (Tom Waits). Quality control and greed are rampant and WE THE CONSUMERS get ripped off a percentage of the time. Dear re-issue companies: BE HONEST ABOUT THE TRANSFER PROCESS! I also bought a mo-fi version of "Mind games" (one of my favorite JL solo albums) and it also has NO PRESENCE and does not engage you in the listening experience. My message: Buyer beware.

I bought and listened to all John Lennon's albums upon release. The most pleasing album I ever had was Mind Games. I realize too that the sound was not as dynamic as other albums from John. However, I did love the choice of songs because it gave me a different perception of John Lennon. The nasty-cutting lyric that is prevalent on I Am the Walrus (his best work) is prevalent. Aissumasen (I'm Sorry) is so cutting as if John is going to lose it if their is no relief of the pain through difficult trials in relationship. That, as we know, drove Lennon to another woman and practically a new career, which united for a short time, his son, his musical partner and his original roots of his love of rock and roll. Being more transparent of his ultimate love for Yoko, for making a difference to the world through music and a message of peace, Lennon's top "Walrus" lyrical genius is the war machines of guerilla warfare versus peace and love, found in Mind Games. It did well on the charts, but, like many of Lennon's and McCartney's genius is the ability to make the song continue to be worthy of hire, not just after the 1970's, but shed new light in the Century ahead, much like Beethoven or a Van Gogh painting. These songs on the EP, the sampler, brilliantly, gives us a new insight into John's incredible talent of fusing art and music, better than Sgt. Pepper. His ultimate works such as "A Day in the Life" and "Walrus" are like a polaroid camera compared with the digital masterful poetic works found on this EP. Lennon's Revolution 9 is referred to just before the track You are Here on the original. The artwork with John and Yoko, mind with mind, is much like John and Paul, was seen in trance taking LSD. This mind blowing relationship was much stronger than any drug taken and left no curses of death, only blessing of life-giving, effervescent joy and bliss, as John's voice speaking "wherever you are, you are here", that God-like presence of omnipresence, which in fact, Nutopia was the ultimate nation of peace and harmony to them and to others who joined. It's the Beatles, folks.

black is a shade, not a color

Didn't Sean manage the production of #9Dream? I hate it. The bass is too prominent on Dream. I hope he doesn't f this one up.

Black and White are not colours they are shades.

Agree. Mind Games was a great album . The songs are strong and memorable. The production is terrible. What on earth John was thinking. I’m guessing John was obsessing about a Mono sound.

It’s not “conspicuous;” the label doesn’t know how to deal with a certain song title and its appearance on the original album cover. It’s sad that people today care more about words than context.

Remembering age 14 feeling vaguely disappointed with singles 'Mind Games' & '#9 Dream' but feeling they were ambient then & now of 1973 & '74. Then when I bought the MG LP 6 years later I too had that "muffled" impression. I put it down to bad production & bad arrangement but kinda congruent to muddy songwriting which is why I was vaguely disappointed in the first place in 1973. Too cotton woolly: the sound of an artist slowly becoming culturally irrelevant. Ambient music that became ambient of 1973, the sound of leaving the Sixties behind. The sound of a reader who lost his place on a page - - or a character who lost his place in a book. Negative comment! Which is fine, I'm not a FanBoy of anyone or anything. A FanBoy is someone who unconditionally likes Everything this or that subject does. I've always been more count me out/in.

The title track is so much better than Imagjne, the song. It’s hippie-ish idealistic but not the hopelessly naive, ahistorical “vision” of Imagjne.

It's so depressing that somewhere in New York City, mind games, and rock 'n' roll were so poorly produced. Even rubber soul has better dynamics.

Sorry but what a waste of time and money. I was in the fan club from the beginning - this is is just the same old stuff whatever you like to call it. The usual buy it and shove it on your shelf for collectors.

Great music, but I still hate the cover art of this album. Looks like collase of dreams, which somebody has forced you to do. Am i the only one, who dont like it???

No thanks, just another RSD gimmick for Lennon diehards. Mazzy, sounds like the Lennon estate is giving you a kick back.

In comes the freebies, and it's all praise praise praise. The EP will be overpriced trash. The album in 1973 was trash. The cover with Lennon looking like some 3rd rate accountant dwarfed by a mountainous head of the missus is trash. 1973 was an extraordinary good year for music. This sad little release is not even worth the plastic it's wrapped in.