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Post by joeyself on Feb 3, 2011 11:59:01 GMT -5
BACK TO THE EGG, Side 1 vs. PLASTIC ONO BAND, Side 1
BACK TO THE EGG, Side 1
1. "Reception" 1:08
2. "Getting Closer" 3:22
3. "We're Open Tonight" 1:28
4. "Spin It On" 2:12
5. "Again and Again and Again" 3:34
6. "Old Siam, Sir" 4:11
7. "Arrow Through Me" 3:37
PLASTIC ONO BAND, Side 1
1. "Mother" – 5:34
2. "Hold On" – 1:52
3. "I Found Out" – 3:37
4. "Working Class Hero" – 3:48
5. "Isolation" – 2:51
One of two "John vs. Paul" matches in this round.
JcS
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Post by coachbk on Feb 3, 2011 12:39:22 GMT -5
If this were the other side of POB, this would be an easy vote for POB. With the weaker first side of POB, I'm still voting for it because it is still better than BTTE, but not by much.
Really "Working Class Hero" is the only outstanding song on either of these sides. I've come to appreciate "Hold On" more as it does have some optimism in an otherwise bleak album. "Isolation" starts off great, then gets boring. "I Found Out" is a little grating and I've never liked "Mother".
BTTE is more varied musically, but is pretty weak on the lyrical end.
I'm disappointed to see these two sides get matched up as I don't think either is one of the top 8 sides, which means I'm going to have to vote against a side I think is worthy of moving on somewhere in this round.
PS
RAM side 2, which lost last round trounces either of these sides!
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Post by John S. Damm on Feb 3, 2011 12:43:20 GMT -5
PLASTIC ONO BAND, Side 1
This was not even close to me. I paused long enough to scan the Side 1 of Egg to make sure I wasn't missing something. I didn't.
I sure liked BTTE when it was first released. It has its moments but I think now that Paul was scrambling with BTTE to get his mid-70's mojo back where everything he touched turned to quadruple platinum.
As folks here know, I firmly believe Paul had that mid-1970's mojo because of the amazing groundwork he did on his first four, often maligned, albums.
John's POB-1? Groundbreaking and inspires artists and just listeners like me to this very day. BTTE is a footnote to Rock History, POB is a chapter.
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Post by brothermichael on Feb 3, 2011 13:05:41 GMT -5
Eggs up.
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Post by theman on Feb 3, 2011 13:20:19 GMT -5
BTTE-1
I'll take the side that says "we're open tonight for fun" rather than the one that tells me "you're still f*** peasants as far as I can see."
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Post by joeyself on Feb 3, 2011 13:43:20 GMT -5
BTTE-1I'll take the side that says "we're open tonight for fun" rather than the one that tells me "you're still f*** peasants as far as I can see." Ditto, although I'm going to hold off casting a vote until I see if this is going to be close. My standard isn't which album is more "important"--whatever that means--but rather which one would I rather spend 15-20 minutes listening to. That's easy on this one. JcS |
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Post by John S. Damm on Feb 3, 2011 13:50:00 GMT -5
My main criteria is what I would rather listen to too. I would prefer my time spent with POB-1 over BTTE-1. That part is subjective and to each their own. My vote is made knowing that POB is critically and culturally deemed more significant than BTTE. That's an objective fact.  |
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Post by brothermichael on Feb 3, 2011 14:22:23 GMT -5
My vote is made knowing that POB is critically and culturally deemed more significant than BTTE. That's an objective fact. Despite my vote -- to which I'll add a thumbs up and "you're great, you're great...and you were GREAT" -- you are 100 percent correct. |
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diego
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Posts: 130
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Post by diego on Feb 3, 2011 14:42:29 GMT -5
BTTE is an ok, but not very memorable rock album with some catchy tunes, a lot of filler and no message.
POB is a masterpiece that makes you think. It's also one of the most efficient records ever made.
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Joseph McCabe
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A rebel to his last breath ...
Posts: 912
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Post by Joseph McCabe on Feb 3, 2011 15:09:14 GMT -5
I'm a realist (I like to think!) about John Lennon. A towering personality and artist in the Beatles, he quickly became a rather ordinary singer/songwriter on his own. Except for POB - side 1, or 2 - whichever you like. There he had something to say, and said it with power and passion. To sustain this for a whole album is tough, but it was done. Only rarely thereafter did John Lennon, even for one song, come close to this. Egg? I've already said what I have to say in another thread (being amazed that such ordinary stuff got this far!). Begone, Egg - back to the farmyard. Which reminds me of a joke: how do you unscramble a dish of scrambled eggs? Feed it to the chickens! Sorry - I'm off now to vote.  McCabe |
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Post by ReturnToPepperland on Feb 3, 2011 15:31:09 GMT -5
BTTE
This was a productive period for Paul. During this time he recorded tracks that were the equivalent of what would have been his third best album.
Side 1 (Hard Boiled)
1. "So Glad To See You Here"
2. "Rockestra Theme"
3. "Getting Closer"
4. "Daytime Nighttime Suffering"
5. "Cage"
6. "Old Siam, Sir"
Side 2 (Over Easy)
7. "Arrow Through Me"
8. "Goodnight Tonight"
9. "Winter Rose/Love Awake"
10. "Baby's Request"
11. "Again and Again and Again"
12. "We're Open Tonight"
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Post by John S. Damm on Feb 3, 2011 15:33:29 GMT -5
I'm a realist (I like to think!) about John Lennon. A towering personality and artist in the Beatles, he quickly became a rather ordinary singer/songwriter on his own. That thought could be a great topic for a Thread in the John Lennon section. Some folks(not on this Board) would turn purple and vent hatred at you Joseph for even suggesting that John Lennon was less than a god-like figure after The Beatles. As much as I love John's music, sometimes I get that nagging feeling that your expressed sentiment is right on. I can rationalize it away by blaming John's immigration problems, his marital problems during the "Lost Weekend, his past drug use, etc. but the nagging dread is still in the back of my mind: beyond John's POB album and maybe Imagine, was John just treading water artistically at best as a solo act? Yet there are times where I feel better about his solo career and think it important throughout. I'm just saying though, I wonder sometimes.  |
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Post by Joe Karlosi on Feb 3, 2011 16:06:54 GMT -5
BTTE-1I'll take the side that says "we're open tonight for fun" rather than the one that tells me "you're still f*** peasants as far as I can see." Bah. I'll take the side that's honest and real (and Real Is Love), rather than salamander nonsense. POB |
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Post by John S. Damm on Feb 3, 2011 17:26:09 GMT -5
BTTE-1I'll take the side that says "we're open tonight for fun" rather than the one that tells me "you're still f*** peasants as far as I can see." Bah. I'll take the side that's honest and real (and Real Is Love), rather than salamander nonsense. POBThat raises a valid point: how can any album Side that has a song with the phrase, "My salamander" make it to Round 3? ;D |
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Post by brothermichael on Feb 3, 2011 19:11:33 GMT -5
Bah. I'll take the side that's honest and real (and Real Is Love), rather than salamander nonsense. POBThat raises a valid point: how can any album Side that has a song with the phrase, "My salamander" make it to Round 3? ;D OK, as readily as one with the phrase, "hold on, Yoko"? ;D |
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Post by vectisfabber on Feb 3, 2011 20:35:59 GMT -5
Cheerful vs glum. I'll take cheerful, please.
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Post by brothermichael on Feb 3, 2011 22:35:13 GMT -5
Anyone else think the "zee-hehe-eRO" in "Arrow Through Me" is a bit Lennonish? POB echo?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2011 3:05:22 GMT -5
PLASTIC ONO BAND, Side 1
i think the egg ended up hard boiled...hardly worth going back to...
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Post by Joe Karlosi on Feb 4, 2011 6:49:14 GMT -5
Bah. I'll take the side that's honest and real (and Real Is Love), rather than salamander nonsense. That raises a valid point: ;D Thank you, Mr. Moderator, Sir!  |
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Post by joeyself on Feb 4, 2011 8:24:57 GMT -5
Anyone else think the "zee-hehe-eRO" in "Arrow Through Me" is a bit Lennonish? POB echo? I thought Dave Dexter had gotten ahold of it! JcS |
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Post by mikev on Feb 4, 2011 9:02:23 GMT -5
BACK TO THE EGG, Side 1
1. "Reception" 6
2. "Getting Closer" 8.5 great rocker except for "my salamander"
3. "We're Open Tonight" Venus and Mars remake 8
4. "Spin It On" 8
5. "Again and Again and Again" Denny song 9 but I normally exclude non- Beatle participants.
6. "Old Siam, Sir" 8
7. "Arrow Through Me" 8
The album has aged well, but it is just okay- not great.
PLASTIC ONO BAND, Side 1
1. "Mother" – 9
2. "Hold On" – 8.5 White Album style cut
3. "I Found Out" – 7.5
4. "Working Class Hero" – 10
5. "Isolation" – 9
I think POB is a great LP, but it is not the epic everybody makes it out to be
The edge goes to POB, the only LP in the tournament to exclusively feature two Beatles. Ringo is not on every cut of ATMP I believe, or if he is, it is always with a second drummer.
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Post by brothermichael on Feb 4, 2011 10:33:31 GMT -5
Anyone else think the "zee-hehe-eRO" in "Arrow Through Me" is a bit Lennonish? POB echo? I thought Dave Dexter had gotten ahold of it! JcS ;D |
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Post by John S. Damm on Feb 4, 2011 10:46:39 GMT -5
That raises a valid point: how can any album Side that has a song with the phrase, "My salamander" make it to Round 3? ;D OK, as readily as one with the phrase, "hold on, Yoko"? ;D Okay, while we are on "Hold On," has anyone read why John does an impression of "Cookie Monster" from Sesame Street in the middle of the song? Of course, Ringo does the great comeback response on "Early 1970." Was it some lighthearted fun on an otherwise serious album? It was obviously an inside joke between John and Ringo. John watched lots of tv, maybe he kept repeating that throughout the sessions? That has puzzled me for decades. |
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Joseph McCabe
Very Clean
A rebel to his last breath ...
Posts: 912
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Post by Joseph McCabe on Feb 4, 2011 15:05:01 GMT -5
Okay, while we are on "Hold On," has anyone read why John does an impression of "Cookie Monster" from Sesame Street in the middle of the song? Of course, Ringo does the great comeback response on "Early 1970." Was it some lighthearted fun on an otherwise serious album? It was obviously an inside joke between John and Ringo. John watched lots of tv, maybe he kept repeating that throughout the sessions? That has puzzled me for decades. Some cookies might have - umm - interesting ingredients. Very tasty. You can feel their effects for hours ...  McCabe |
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Post by Joe Karlosi on Feb 4, 2011 16:11:56 GMT -5
I never cared for the cookie monster gag in the midst of HOLD ON, which I consider a very touching song and one of inspiration when I'm feeling similarly alone and down.
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Post by stavros on Feb 4, 2011 16:26:34 GMT -5
Back to the Egg for me not by much but it was my soundtrack of 1979. I really like "Getting Closer" and all the tracks that follow (with "Spin it on" not being so good as it sounds a bit false). But Paul mixed a good number of moods and styles and "Arrow Through Me" is a lost classic with a time signature that appears to jump about all over the place.
I didn't get Plastic Ono Band until the late 90s and so it's impact on me could never be the same as it would have been at the burnt cigarette end of the Beatles career as a working band. POB is great but only at the right moment. BTTE I can listen to almost anytime.
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Post by John S. Damm on Feb 4, 2011 16:46:09 GMT -5
LOL, I am lapsing back into depression at the closeness of this vote! I mean POB is facing "The Egg."
BTTE-1 voters: If you were approached by an 18 year old Beatles' newbie who had never heard of either POB or BTTE but wanted to know which album he should buy as he only had money for one but wanted the best of the two, would you really look the kid in eye and recommend BTTE? Really!?
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Post by ursamajor on Feb 4, 2011 16:48:10 GMT -5
I went for POB-1
A stunning album by John.
BTTE-1 I like as well but although Again x 3 is an ok song , I think it lets the side down, although on Last Flight it sounds much better.
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Joseph McCabe
Very Clean
A rebel to his last breath ...
Posts: 912
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Post by Joseph McCabe on Feb 4, 2011 16:59:14 GMT -5
LOL, I am lapsing back into depression at the closeness of this vote! I mean POB is facing "The Egg." BTTE-1 voters: If you were approached by an 18 year old Beatles' newbie who had never heard of either POB or BTTE but wanted to know which album he should buy as he only had money for one but wanted the best of the two, would you really look the kid in eye and recommend BTTE? Really!? That's a good test, certainly. But - and this is VERY SAD - I think some people genuinely would recommend Egg to the fan. As a result of not getting JL/POB, here's what this fan would miss out on: (a) Some of the best singing by the best voice in Rock music history (b) Rock's best autobiographical album (c) Honesty and straightforwardness (d) Regret and bitterness mixed with optimism and gentleness (e) A not-overly-sweet expression of love by a man for his mate So, kid: forget that Egg rubbish, and get a decent album. McCabe |
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Post by joeyself on Feb 5, 2011 0:42:06 GMT -5
LOL, I am lapsing back into depression at the closeness of this vote! I mean POB is facing "The Egg." BTTE-1 voters: If you were approached by an 18 year old Beatles' newbie who had never heard of either POB or BTTE but wanted to know which album he should buy as he only had money for one but wanted the best of the two, would you really look the kid in eye and recommend BTTE? Really!? Ok, a couple of thoughts here. Remember, we're picking our FAVORITE of the sides. My FAVORITE may not really be what I'd consider the BEST, for any number of reasons. For a very personal reason, I like WISH YOU WERE HERE by Pink Floyd more than DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, but as objectively as I can do a subjective, I know DARK SIDE is the BETTER album. RINGO is my FAVORITE solo album, but I know ATMP is BETTER. Does that make any sense? Second, yes, I REALLY would direct some 18 year olds to BTTE over POB. I go to church with a handful of 16-20 year old kids, and from what little I know of their musical tastes (one has my Who box set now), I figure most of them would enjoy BTTE more than POB. To really appreciate POB, I think one has to have a good working knowledge of the Beatle catalog, and especially the 68-70 stuff, and have an interest in the personality of Lennon. It's musically stark, emotionally bare, and undeniably important to Beatle fans. But for them to put the disc on their MP3 player or get a disc for the car, which is how most would listen to it, I'd point a kid to BTTE over POB unless I knew the kid had the requisite knowledge to understand what was going on. Of course, if I could go off the board, I could come up with a lot better choices for a newbie than either of those two... JcS |
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