John Lennon & Yoko Ono - Double Fantasy/Stripped Down (Capitol)

It's hard to believe that 30 years had passed since the release of this record, and ultimately the death of John Lennon. The album stands strong after so many years, and the material is still very moving. And probably will always be very highly regarded as the definite and last album from a great musician and a visionary.

This reissue comes as a double CD. It included two different version of the album. The first disc is the stripped down version of "Double Fantasy." This version shows how the album would've sounded like if the big production was pushed aside, much more like Lennon heard this music in his head. His delivery here is quite breathtaking. Having listened to the original album for years, the difference is humongous. In many ways, it's this disc that elevates this release to a must have category. Out of the two discs included in this package, the stripped down is the one you will truly want to investigate.

The second disc is the re-mastered and re-mixed version of "Double Fantasy." This is more closer to what the listeners were used to for the last 30 years. You certainly hear and feel how the production affected these songs now. It's still a great sounding album, and nothing will ever destroy its long lasting legacy, but it's the stripped down version that has the main appeal here. And once you get bored of that one, you will welcome the return of the original classic album.

This release marks a wonderful tribute to John Lennon. And the fact we've lost him too early is never said enough.

Mark Kadzielawa