John Lennon Imagine
Released: August 26, 2003 Origination Year: 1971 Time: 39:27 Tracks: 10 Produced by: John Lennon &  Phil Spector Style: Studio Format: CD Enhancement: MFSL Gold Disc: 24k Label: Mobile Fidelty Sound Labs Website: N/A

Imagine is home to his most well known composition, the song that represents not only his entire output but also the cosmic sphere of that strange and elusive force known universally as peace. Peace was something that Lennon actually believed could be effected in his lifetime. Little would he know that the very anti-thesis of peace would be his demise.

Imagine was produced by John Lennon and 'wall of sound' master, Phil Spector. It perserveres primarily because of the large contingency of very personal songs that it contains, many of them musically and lyrically powerful. Therefore, Lennon's Imagine becomes, by default, the go-to album for Lennon converts.

Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs, an audiophile label with album remasters that have been stunning, have dusted off the dormant Ultradisc II technology from its days before the shutting of it's doors. Since reopening, they have largely embraced the SACD movement. Fortunately, they still remember their bread and butter days when Gold Discs gave them their good name.

It is only fitting that they chose to re-apply their skills on one of the quintessential albums of the post-Beatles era. It is necessary to note here that this issue was created using a new master made directly from Yoko's remix. Having alerted you to this fact, it now becomes necessary to comment on the sound quality of this Mobile Fidelity release. The quality of this Gold Disc is pretty extraordinary.

Many of the songs, some better than others, reveal instrumental clarity allowing for resonance that is greatly enjoyed. "Imagine", the album's opener, revels in the opening bars of the piano. Obscured somewhat by the 'wall of sound' orchestral accompaniment that creeps in as the song progresses, it doesn't detract from the beauty of the song, lyrically and musically. It is, after all, the soundtrack for our, and his, much sought after peace. Lennon fans will be happy enough.

With "Crippled Inside", John's look at unhidden human frailty, the instruments are clear and fresh. "Jealous Guy", share that clarity as do other tracks. One of the stunners in sonic clarity come from "It's So Hard", with the jump out of King Curtis' sax. "I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier, Mama" yields the best in overall presentation of audio perfection from this Gold Disc remastering.

"Gimme Some Truth" is the song that helped lead his generation (and mine) toward the looking glass, evaluating and reviling the deep well of double standards. This song is a clear indicator of just how disenfranchisement affects our lives and how the government fosters the very effect that they wish to diminish. Lennon's quest for peace and truth in this time may have been the purest light that this world now delicately mourns since it's abrupt removal.

"How Do You Sleep?" was John's poke at his old bandmate and song partner. This song is a surprising inclusion in this album given the album's focus of love, peace, and truth. The snipe extends to a photo of John holding the ears of a pig in mock of Paul McCartney's Ram photo, proof that the anger ran deep.

The album finishes with two excellent Lennon songs, the introspective "How?", the realization that we may not really know where we want to end up, and the love poem to Yoko, as beautiful an ode to love as can be.

It's interesting that the album should start with a utopic wish for peace and end with doubt and indecision. John was sure about his love for Yoko, though, and that's the premise of personal happiness, love for someone.

A 16 page colour booklet complete with a multitude of photos, lyrics, and credits for each song rounds out the package. It should be noted that the booklet is a replica of the 2000 Capitol remaster sanctioned by Yoko.

While there may be reservations of some due to the album not having been created from the original mix, you can rest assured that Mobile Fidelity have used first generation mixes off the multi-tracks supplied by Yoko Ono to create a new first generation master. Mobile Fidelity has extracted the best quality that the mix supplied could have provided. Pick this one up without reservations.