Classic Albums: Plastic Ono Band [DVD]

More than a second look at Beatle John Lennon's first solo album, this edition of the "Classic Albums" DVD series is closer to an analyses of the work - just as the songwriter/singer used the vehicle for self-analyses. With contributions from those involved in the recordings, bassist Klaus Voormann, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, EMI Studios engineer Phil McDonald, tape operator John Leckie as well as Dr. Arthur Janov, co-founder The Primal Institute, which had a big impact on Lennon and the creation of the album, the fifty-three minute television special revisits the trio of 45s which preceded the album, "Give Peace A Chance", "Cold Turkey" and "Instant Karma", building up to the revelation of how this seemingly simple disc with beautiful melodies crafted for "Hold On", "God", "Isolation" and others is actually quite complex in construction and message. Rolling Stone magazine co-founder Jann Wenner, journalist Richard Williams, Beatles author Mark Lewisohn and others contribute commentary to the documentary, however it is the nine bonus tracks which really bring this DVD to another level. "Instant Karma" from the Top Of The Pops show, portions of the film to "Working Class Hero", "Mother" live at Madison Square Garden and secrets of the recording sessions are further explained in the out-takes which are so vital they should have been included in the original program. Ringo Starr sums it all up by saying he wouldn't like to be interviewed about many records but he doesn't mind talking about Plastic Ono Band as he considers it a beautiful record from a beautiful man.