I'm only getting the 2 cd version. I can listen to the whole thing on Amazon Music.

Overall, it sounds like the new mix is great. However, I wish they hadn't cut out the saxophone parts. JL, as producer, chose to hire the musician, and chose to record his part, leaving it in the mix when they released the album, so it should have stayed in there. I believe that an artist's original intent should always be respected and taken into consideration.

Hi Joe have you seen this review circulating around social media ? It seems directed at you and others and of course Sean. Thoughts? The New Super Deluxe Version of John Lennon’s “Mind Games” Album Is The Ultimate Proof Why Julian Lennon Should Be Just As Involved In His Father’s Musical Estate As His Younger Brother Sean Is: The new super deluxe edition is proving more than anything that Sean Lennon is treating John Lennon’s musical legacy like it’s his favorite new toy. To do with it what he sees fit. And that’s exactly what he is doing. Sean has taken John’s 1973 album and presented it in a way that HE feels it should be. And that’s definitely not an exaggeration in any way. Sean has completely changed the narrative of pretty much everything that his father John wanted the “Mind Games” album to be when it was first released in 1973. From the concept of the album, to what was actually happening in his life, and most shocking of all the music. For instance the fact that he’s made this album and the contents in the deluxe edition just as much to do with his mother Yoko Ono, passing it off like a John and Yoko “Double Fantasy” love story is absolutely preposterous. In 1973 Yoko Ono didn’t want anything to do with the “Mind Games” album and really didn’t want anything more to do with John Lennon. She wanted to prove herself in her own right as a musical solo artist. And felt that her two 1973 solo albums “Approximately Infinite Universe” and “Feeling The Space” (where she moved to much more conventional pop/rock sound) were the albums to do just that. Even having John use an alias on the “Feeling The Space” album because she didn’t want John’s name to be listed anywhere on the personnel liner notes. Those defending the massive inclusion of Yoko on this set use the excuse that she was at the majority of the sessions. And even if that’s true in the end it’s more than obvious that John Lennon wanted her to receive no recognition at all for being a part of the album. She’s not listed with a production credit or anywhere else. And the most obvious evidence of all is the album cover shows John walking away from Yoko and her mountainous influence over him. Yet ready to start a life without her. So it’s hard to understand why Yoko’s face is on the compact discs, all over the 136 page book, and her 1966 Danger Box that has absolutely nothing to do with the “Mind Games” album is included. And if that’s not bad enough Sean has appointed himself to play “GOD” by appointing himself to have total artistic license over John’s music. For instance what gives him the right to remove instruments like the saxophone track in “One Day At A Time”? Last time I checked this is a John Lennon solo album not a Sean Lennon solo album. If John himself wanted the saxophone in that song then it should be left in. Who the heck does Sean Lennon think he is to change what John originally wanted? Same goes with the production of the album. Apparently Sean felt he had the right to play “GOD” there too. The remix is one thing, but once again even that goes against John’s original wishes for how he wanted the album to sound. John didn’t like his voice and wanted it to be low in the mix, but now Sean has made the vocal track tower over everything else in the songs. Also we need to remember that John himself wanted to produce this record . We are talking about John Lennon here who would have had any producer drop everything else if asked to come produce the “Mind Games” album. That’s not what John wanted. He obviously wanted to see how a record would sound with only him at the helm of the production chair. And whether that ended up being a mistake or not it was his decision to make. The deluxe box set should have included a 2024 remastered version of John’s original mix. Yet that’s nowhere to be found because Sean wants his mix to now be the definitive version. Unbelievable. Then you have the new narrative on the album that many of these people who got free copies are now trying to pass, which says that Sean’s new mix is so good that it now makes “Mind Games” a classic album. Are you freaking kidding me??? Revolver is a classic album. Plastic Ono Band is a classic album. Mind Games is not a classic album and never will be. It may be the most undeserving album to receive a box set of this stature in the history of music . And that’s not an exaggeration. Still shocks me how many of these reviewers who got free copies of this box set are taken so seriously by fans. These people are obviously going to present the “Mind Games” box set in the most positive way to stay in Sean’s good graces to not only keep receiving free future releases from the Lennon estate, but to also have their reviews shared on John Lennon’s official social media pages. So none of these reviewers will ever truly rock that boat to get out of that exclusive club. And if you can find an example of someone of went as nuclear as I did in the write up who did receive a free copy please send it to me. (Trust me you won’t find one). All of these examples above prove why Julian Lennon should also be involved with these projects having to do with his father’s musical estate. Something tells me that Julian would have vetoed or voted against many of the things presented in this box set. (And trust me he knows it too whether he would publicly state it or not). Until that happens we will continue to get products from John Lennon’s estate that have more to do with Sean Lennon and Yoko Ono than the actual John Lennon history of those times. Don’t be shocked at all if you see a similar narrative pushed when Sean decides to do a super deluxe edition of “Walls And Bridges” too.

@MeanMrMayo

Ай бұрын

Thanks very much for sending me that scathing article. It's real nasty. If that person would bother to watch MY review of the new mix, he would know that I also condemned taking the saxophone off ONE DAY AT A TIME, that I even expressed disappointment over the trail out "echo" of AISUMASEN being trimmed, and that I didn't approve of the "hidden tracks" being so nearly impossible to locate and play. However, I do overall like the clearer sound even though it wasn't John's intention. While I'm not too thrilled over this author's stinging condemnation, there are a few points I can understand. Once again, thanks for making me aware of this.

@garettjeff

Ай бұрын

@@MeanMrMayo Hi Joe I immediately thought of you when I read it. I wasn’t sure if you saw it yet but it’s getting a lot of shares on Facebook etc so I thought you should be aware. Thanks Jeff

@MeanMrMayo

Ай бұрын

@@garettjeff Very much appreciated, Jeff.

@voxstarstream

Ай бұрын

While I couldn't care less about the freebie part, I have to say I agree with just about every point he makes about the music and the way it's being presented. @MeanMrMayo I don't see anywhere that he's calling you out personally

I like the way you review each song each is unique

I think the original album in 1973 was mixed for AM Radio play. Most of The Beatles singles in the UK during the 1960s were made for radio broadcast.

Excellent review, Joe! 👍

@MeanMrMayo

Ай бұрын

Thanks, Larry - hang in there.

@CSMuffin

Ай бұрын

@@MeanMrMayo Thanks Joe!

My take on John's pronunciation: He's imitating the way he's heard Yoko say "I'm sorry". He's not incorrect, it's more like "Oh, I'm sorry". Japanese people don't always say the full "SU-MI-MA-SEN" with each syllable. I think John's pronunciation actually sounds like naturally spoken Japanese in daily life.

@cfick

2 ай бұрын

When I make mixes for others I always just call the song "I See My Sin". Pretty sure this was the working lyric on an early demo.

Great job my friend. The cube should also be amazing. Can’t wait for the CD box myself! I also have an Atmos system now so I look forward to playing it on there.

Sean’s doing an excellent job overseeing the newer mixes, but nothing from the original tapes should be removed (unless a bad edit). Things should only be added (from original multi track tapes). I’m baffled by his decision to remove the horns.

@beatlesnqueen

2 ай бұрын

Yeah this already makes me look less forward to the Walls and Bridges set because the horns on Steel and Glass are going to be gone. I had been hoping that would only be for the Gimme Some Truth set.

Anyone who bought the box have 90 tracks listed on disc 1? 78 of which are silence.

@MeanMrMayo

Ай бұрын

Yes, but I still don't know what it's all about.

The sound that you talk about at the end of Aisumasen (I'm Sorry)" is a hammond organ with reverb and delay. great review

@MeanMrMayo

Ай бұрын

Thanks. Too bad it's missing...

The first time I listened to the new mixes, I was surprised to hear John’s ad-libs at the end of Only People. On previous mixes, he is faded way down. Plus, the new remix is extended.

@MeanMrMayo

Ай бұрын

Yes. Personally I felt the ad libs were now too much! But somehow I forgot to mention it in the review.

Nice to see a reviewer who's not trying to be a celebrity on the back of other artists.. usually badly..I enjoyed this,thanks.

You can hear the entire "...and why are they doing those strange things" on the 70s vinyl. I don't know why it got cut short on the 2002 mix, but am glad that it was restored for the 2024 remix.

Thanks for this excellent overview, laced with humor and informative asides. Your attention to detail makes me think you studied or even taught classical languages at one time.

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

Thanks for the review, I’m psyched to get my copy. I was listening to the album today in anticipation and I was particularly enjoying the sax on One Day at a Time, so I’m sorry to hear it’s been removed. I’m glad that the single version of Meat City is there. I’m sure you know that the backward gibberish is different on the album vs. the single version. Also, Intuition has always been one of my faves, I think the instrument you’re talking about is the clavinet, a keyboard instrument that a lot of early 70’s songs used like Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstitious.’ I like the sound but I always thought it sounded like a half-assed gimmick on Intuition, so it will be interesting to hear the new version. Thanks for the awesome review!

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting

Hi Joe The 2002 remixes by Allan Rouse are my favorite, I love those! Most of the Gimme Some Truth ultimate remixes from 2020 I wasn’t crazy about. I have not pulled the trigger yet on this 2024 remix. I’m really curious to hear your opinion comparing all 3 and I’ll check in with the folks at Hoffman too to get their opinions. For my money the 2002 remixes will be tough to beat. Can’t wait to hear the comparisons

Wow! The hidden gems is sound crazy cool! Great review Joe....I was standing at the abyss looking into the darkness on this boxset, thank you for shining the light on this expanded version....thank you

Add me as another person who would love to hear an A/B comparison between this and the 2002 remix. My impression of the little I've heard is that the 2002 is a lot more treble heavy and this feels more well rounded. I LOVE the 2002 mix, but I suspect that some time with this mix might win me over.

I have the original vinyl from the 70's, but no working turntable. I also have the 1998 Four CD Lennon Box set which contains 5 of the Mind Games songs, but I don't know if they are the same mixes as the vinyl. And I don't have a Blue Ray Player. It would be nice to hear good mixes of the original songs, but I'm not a big fan of "extras" or hunting around for hidden material.

Nice review. Can't wait to hear the new remix.

great review....thanks.

Mind Games was the first 45 that I bought by any of The Beatles. I was 10 years old in 1973 and didn't know at the time anything about John. He became my favorite Beatle and I love the song to this day.

@Chip8224

2 ай бұрын

I turned 10 in 1973 too and this might be the first solo Beatles single I bought. Not sure because I got Photograph, Live and Let Die and Jet that same year and don't remember off the top of my head which came first.

8:37 perhaps os the sound of the organ at the end with heavy tape echo.

which are the titles of the hidden tracks ?

@MeanMrMayo

Ай бұрын

A list is in the video near the end.

will you be doing a review of the ultimate box? the one that cost 1335.00

@MeanMrMayo

Ай бұрын

Absolutely

Hello Mr. Mayo I am so glad to hear that the new mix of Mind Games grew on you and that you love it now I am so eager to listen to this box set, especially the evolution documentaries and the outtakes I think that when I get my box set the only CD that I won’t play that much will be the elements mixes I say this because I want to hear John’s voice, not instrumental music Otherwise, I know I’m gonna love everything else Now about the hidden tracks I think I might need some help finding them, but I won’t stress out about it until the box actually comes in the mail Anyways, thanks for another awesome review Mr. Mayo God bless you and I will catch you on the next video

Hopefully Dhani will look at this box set and start on some George Harrison deluxe box sets.

Nice review Joe!! It’s so great to hear you do a complete 180 degrees on this. I remember as late as you appearing on Doc’s Thursday livestream that you still was not thrilled with it. It’s fantastic that you sat with it longer to where you now love the remixes.

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

I think on first listen I just wasn't listening properly. Believe me, I didn't make myself like it, lol

That effect at the end of Aisumasen is a delay (echo) on the organ.

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

I miss it

The first single released does sound amazing. That being said remixes shouldn’t take any music away, but only add to stuff from the original multi track. My only concern is the horns like you said…

maybe its not the point but once an experienced reviewer start saying "CD 3 and CD4 could do without" !, then i start questioning price tags on these sets, we know and love to hear a demo then hear the finished article but after one listen to it, its done, then these added "elemental" mixes, im sure they (the producers or record company) are just padding out these sets to add dollar to the price !!....nice to have but not essesntial !....the main "mind game" is parting with the cash i think !

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

But then there's always the standard single or 2 disc option.

It is ironic that an artist for whom lyrics were so important seemed to work at us not hearing them clearly.

I really enjoyed your objective review. I just hope there is an instruction booklet or information to more easily access the hidden tracks and videos without having to haphazardly find them. I'm not a fan of enigmas wrapped in riddles, but I can't wait for the Mind Games Ultimate Collection next month.

I'm looking forward to hearing this, because I've always had a suspicion that there was a really good album hiding away behind the muffled mix.

I have been anxiously awaiting your review 👍 i am relieved to hear your feedback 🎉 I have the 2002 mix on at present, i still feel these songs are stronger than many give credit to ? I like that Sean is giving the fans something enhanced and different as i feel then we aren’t just buying a repeat ? But i do appreciate what you’re saying, i am really sure John would approve of Sean’s decisions ? I recall john telling George Martin he would re-record Beatle tracks ? All the best Joe

I heard Sean Lennon say he doesn't like saxophones in his dad's music. So maybe the decision to remove those bits was his?

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

Maybe, but John loved the horns and there are many in his solo music. I personally hope this is the last time they're canceled.

That album is amazing i love it nice review my friend take care.

Can you use head phones to see if the horns are still completely deleted? Maybe he scaled back? The horns were kinda cheesy. That being said Lennon made a decision to keep it in the mix in the 1970s.

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

They're gone. If I need headphones to pick them up, that's not satisfactory. But they're gone.

This sounds better than the 2002 remix in my opinion.

Taking away the echoes at the end of Aisumasen is unacceptable. I don't need this reissue.

today i brought the 2cd set and played some of it what a shock horror i hate this new mix the album now sounds very hollow to me lacks the exsitement of the original album

@MeanMrMayo

Ай бұрын

I appreciate your observations.

Watching Joe 🙏🏻🎶

Meat city!! Fav

Definitely don’t appreciate things like your talking about removed!! Enhance don’t Remove

I’m waiting for the price to go down. $30 for two CDs is too much dough. Especially when disc 2 doesn’t interest me….

It's the same songs. It's a great album, but I cannot see spending a lot of money for the same songs. Glad you like the box set, Joe, but for me, just like One Hand Clapping, I have the original. Nice to have better takes, but these companies pour way too much in a few songs that cost the buyer lots of money and makes the Company filthy rich. I'm sorry, but I still believe that A Working Class Hero is something to be. Why pour money into these giant companies who rob us of our bank account and dignity.

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

I don't care if they make money as long as I get the goods. Yes, I happened to receive this set as a gift ... but I've also pre-ordered the large cube set for $1350.

@djreid

2 ай бұрын

I am pleased that you mentioned you got the box set as a "Gift". Congrats ! But for pensioners like me, with the cost of everything rising due to inflation, there are thousands of record buyers selling their collections. Why ? Because they cannot afford things like before the pandemic. And as you know, these box sets aren't getting any less expensive to purchase. I doubt that I will purchase any new "revised" album, because not only have they risen the price more than inflation cost, but have quadrupled the price to their own giant business "greed". Remember the John Lennon lyric "greed" or "hunger". Well, the John Lennon Estate has forgotten that lyric for certain. They have bought lock, stock and barrel into the "greed" and have added all these "non-essentials" into an album that is only "average" at best. Mind Games could never compare to the great classic albums of the Seventies, no way ! But, these "greedy' Companies want you money, pal !! I have the songs on a ten dollar cd and 5 dollar record and their fine. I don't need these rehashed songs 10 times over and over and over for over a thousand dollars, Joe ! It's not worth the cost of 12 weak to average songs. Mind Games was a Top Ten song, but that's it. It could never compare with albums like Band on the Run or Pink Floyd or Joni Mitchell, no way ! You will play this album I guarantee you perhaps thirty times and will get bored to death. That's my point. Love your show, but I am tired of these rehashed songs for a fortune !

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

@@djreid I am a pensioner too, by the way. I have very little money, believe me. Yet I found the means to come up with the $1300 plus for the Super Deluxe Cube. That's the way I've always lived - life is short, I get what I want. If you're fine with the old sounding cd and record, okay...but others are happy to have this exciting new version. There are fans out there who don't find these songs "weak and average". What else can I say?

@djreid

2 ай бұрын

@@MeanMrMayo Thank you for understanding. I guess now my priorities are changing. Not to compare with you or others, I just personally, feel that the Companies are manipulating like Grocery chains and other Corporations, are really digging into the consumers, no matter who you like in the music business. I personally feel these box sets and other promotions, that many artists, not just Lennon's Estate. I know profit is the main drive. I am not crying poor to you, but I just honestly feel that you and multitudes of music fans are being ripped off. Remember the days when there would be these terrific discounts even on superb records & tapes. Not anymore. If you want to pay these prices, I wish you well, but as a friend, I would put a red flag up to you and say, be careful, because these companies are becoming rip off artists, by putting all these "trivia" things that in a few years, Joe, will mean nothing. That's all. Take care, Friend.

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

@@djreid Thanks, but we can agree to disagree.

I’ve always wanted to hear Out Of the Blue mixed without the very dated sounding female backup vocals.

@MeanMrMayo

2 ай бұрын

The female vocalists are still here, and thankfully. Of course they may sound dated -- the song was recorded in 1973.

@Ross1966

Ай бұрын

@@MeanMrMayo I thought the female backup vocals always sounded smaltzy, which he used on tracks right up through Double Fantsy.