- Incl Postcard (Plastic Ono Band and the Flux Fiddlers)
Imagine is the 1971 and 2nd solo album released by the ex-Beatles musician John Lennon. It was produced together with Yoko Ono and Phil Spector. It was recorded at Ascot Sound Studios, Abbey Road Studios and the Record Plant in New York City. Guest musicians include: George Harrison, keyboardist Nicky Hopkins,
bassist Klaus Voormann
and drummers Alan White and Jim Keltner.
In the year 1971, amid the cultural shifts and artistic renaissances of the time, ex-Beatles musician John Lennon unveiled his second solo album, the iconic "Imagine." This musical masterpiece, etched into the annals of history, not only showcases Lennon's artistic evolution but also mirrors the spirit of its era.
Collaborating with Yoko Ono and the renowned Phil Spector, Lennon crafted "Imagine" at prestigious recording studios such as Ascot Sound Studios, Abbey Road Studios, and the Record Plant in the vibrant heart of New York City. The album is a testament to the global reach of the music industry during this period, transcending geographical boundaries to capture the essence of both British and American musical landscapes.
The guest musicians on the album read like a who's who of musical excellence. The inclusion of George Harrison, keyboardist Nicky Hopkins,
bassist Klaus Voormann
, and drummers Alan White and Jim Keltner added layers of depth and richness to the sonic tapestry of "Imagine." This collaborative effort created an amalgamation of talent, highlighting the interconnectedness of the music world during the early 1970s.
One distinctive feature of the album is the postcard that accompanies it, depicting Lennon playfully fondling a pig. This irreverent image serves as a subtle nod to the past, specifically Paul McCartney's "Ram" cover, where McCartney similarly engages with a ram. This playful exchange between former bandmates adds a layer of intrigue to the album, offering fans a glimpse into the complex relationships that shaped the Beatles' legacy.
The production of "Imagine" was a collaborative effort, with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Phil Spector joining forces to create a musical landscape that transcended genres and captivated audiences worldwide. The catalognr, Apple PAS 10004/Yex 865, signifies the album's place in the Apple Records catalog, further cementing its significance in the Beatles' musical legacy.
Manufactured in the UK in 1971, the "Imagine" album reflects the globalized nature of the music industry during that time. The cultural and artistic exchanges between the United Kingdom and the United States shaped the album's sound, contributing to its universal appeal.
Trivia:
Imagine the clouds dripping, dig a hole in your garden to put them in, yoko '63
Music Genre:
Pop, Rock Music
Collector's info:
This album includes the postcard depicting Lennon fondling a pig -- an unmistakable lampoon of Paul's Ram cover, on which McCartney fondles a ram.)
Album Production Information:
Produced by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Phil Spector
Yoko Ono a Japanese artist, singer, and peace activist, born in Tokyo in 1933. She moved to New York in the 1950s and became involved in the avant-garde art scene, where she gained recognition for her conceptual and performance art pieces. In the 1960s, she met John Lennon and the two became a famous artistic and romantic partnership. Together, they staged several public events advocating for peace and were prominent figures in the anti-war movement. After Lennon's death in 1980, Ono continued to work as an artist and musician, releasing albums and staging exhibitions. She has also been involved in various peace activism initiatives and has received numerous awards and honors for her artistic and cultural contributions.
Record Label & Catalognr:
Apple PAS 10004/ Yex 865
Media Format:
12" Vinyl LP Record
Year & Country:
1971 Manufactured in UK
Complete Track Listing of: John Lennon Imagine (with the Plastic Ono Band and the Flux Fiddlers)
Side One:
Imagine
Crippled Inside
Jealous Guy
It's So hard
I Don't Want to be a Soldier
Side Two:
Give me Some Truth
Oh My Love
How do you Sleep?
How?
Oh Yoko
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: John Lennon Imagine (with the Plastic Ono Band and the Flux Fiddlers)
This is the album cover of Imagine, John Lennon's 1971 masterpiece. The image is an ethereal, hazy portrait of Lennon, who gazes forward with a solemn, almost ghostly expression. His wire-rimmed glasses, a signature look, are barely discernible through the soft-focus treatment. The entire image is washed in a muted, sepia-toned haze, lending it an otherworldly, dreamlike quality.
Clouds seem to merge with his face, particularly on the left side, as if dissolving into his form, reinforcing the album’s themes of peace, transcendence, and utopian idealism. The title, imagine, appears in lowercase letters in the upper-left quadrant, subtly blending into the misty backdrop. Below it, john lennon is printed in the same font, slightly smaller but still prominent. The typography, simple and understated, allows the visual softness to take center stage.
The composition is intimate and reflective, lacking any harsh contrasts or defined edges. It feels as if Lennon is fading into the atmosphere, reinforcing the introspective, almost spiritual nature of the music within. The blurred edges and dreamlike execution capture both the tenderness and melancholy that define Imagine, an album that remains one of his most enduring statements.
Photo of Album's Back Cover
This is the back cover of Imagine, John Lennon's 1971 album. The photograph captures Lennon in an unconventional pose—his head tilted back, resting against an unseen surface, as he gazes skyward. His face, bathed in soft, natural light, is calm and serene, with his signature wire-rimmed glasses slightly tilted on his nose. His dark, wavy hair frames the lower half of the image, contrasting with the bright expanse of sky above.
The sky is a soft gradient of blue, with a lone, fluffy white cloud floating just above Lennon's face, reinforcing the dreamlike, meditative quality of the composition. The image radiates a sense of peace and introspection, aligning with the album’s themes of hope, imagination, and transcendence. His elongated neck and relaxed jawline give the image an almost sculptural quality, emphasizing the weightlessness of the moment.
In the lower-left corner, a small line of text reads: "imagine the clouds dripping, dig a hole in your garden to put them in." - yoko '63, a cryptic and poetic phrase from Yoko Ono, reinforcing the avant-garde and conceptual nature of their artistic collaboration. The album title, imagine, appears in lowercase in the bottom right, accompanied by John Lennon's name and the unmistakable Apple Records logo, subtly anchoring the design.
Photo of the postcard with John Lennon fondling a Pig
Black and White Photo of John Lennon Holding a pig by it's ears
This black and white photograph of John Lennon is one of his most memorable and cheeky images. Captured outdoors in a grassy field, Lennon crouches with a playful smirk, gripping a pig by its ears. His attire—a white button-up shirt, dark sweater vest, and flared white trousers—reflects the early 1970s aesthetic, while his signature round glasses and shaggy hair complete the unmistakable look.
The pig, nonchalantly eating from a pile of peanuts on the ground, remains unfazed by Lennon’s antics. The rural backdrop, slightly blurred, adds to the informal, almost spontaneous feel of the photograph. The scene is humorous but layered with deeper meaning: it is widely regarded as a direct parody of Paul McCartney’s *Ram* album cover, which featured McCartney holding a ram by the horns. Given the tension between the former Beatles at the time, this image serves as a visual jab, reinforcing Lennon’s biting sarcasm and rebellious spirit.
The photograph was used as a promotional image for *Imagine*, reflecting Lennon’s mix of wit, irreverence, and artistic commentary. While the album itself is deeply introspective and emotionally charged, this image showcases Lennon’s ability to balance sincerity with satire, a defining aspect of his post-Beatles persona.
Photo of Record Label
This is the label of the Imagine vinyl record, a striking design that merges John Lennon's iconic face with the album's tracklist. The black and white close-up of Lennon's face dominates the circular space, with his wire-rimmed glasses and piercing gaze adding a sense of intimacy and intensity. His expression is neutral yet contemplative, mirroring the deeply personal and political themes of the album.
Printed over the image in a clean, simple font, the text details the album title, IMAGINE, along with John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (with The Flux Fiddlers). Below, the five songs on Side One are listed, each credited to Lennon, with their respective track durations. The list begins with the legendary title track, Imagine, followed by the biting social commentary of Crippled Inside, the soul-baring vulnerability of Jealous Guy, the bluesy intensity of It’s So Hard, and the anti-war anthem I Don’t Want to Be a Soldier.
Production credits at the bottom highlight the collaborative effort between John & Yoko and legendary producer Phil Spector. Encircling the outer rim, the standard copyright text from Apple Records reinforces its official nature, warning against unauthorized reproduction or broadcasting. The small hole in the center of the label disrupts Lennon's face slightly, adding an unintended yet symbolic visual effect, as if the music itself is at the heart of his image.
This record label is a perfect encapsulation of the Imagine album’s artistry—minimal yet powerful, deeply personal yet universally resonant, just like the music etched into its grooves.
"The John Lennon Collection," a 1982 German vinyl release, encapsulates the essence of John Lennon's solo brilliance amid the dynamic early '80s. With tracks like "Give Peace a Chance" and "(Just like) Starting Over," it mirrors the era's socio-cultural tapestry. This compilation, featuring iconic classics, showcases Lennon's versatility and enduring commitment to peace.
John Lennon's 1980 album "Double Fantasy," a collaborative effort with Yoko Ono and Jack Douglas, marked a poignant moment in his post-Beatles career. Recorded in New York, it skillfully blended Lennon's songwriting with avant-garde influences. Released globally under Geffen Records, its impact reverberated tragically when Lennon was fatally shot on December 8, 1980.
JOHN LENNON - Imagine (UK and USA Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
Imagine is the 1971 and 2nd solo album released by the ex-Beatles musician John Lennon. It was produced together with Yoko Ono and Phil Spector. It was recorded at Ascot Sound Studios, Abbey Road Studios and the Record Plant in New York City.
JOHN LENNON & YOKO ONO - Jealous Guy b/w Going Down On Love 12" Vinyl LP
Parlophone 1A 006-07492 , 1971 , Hollnd
The 1971 Netherlands release of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy" on Parlophone embodies the transformative musical era. With collaborative efforts from Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Phil Spector, the single reflects the international reach of music, marked by a distinctive label design.
JOHN LENNON & YOKO ONO - Milk And Honey b/w A Heart Play 7" Vinyl Single
ONO Music 817 160 , 1984 , West-Germany
"Milk and Honey," the 1984 German release by John Lennon and Yoko Ono on Polydor Records, encapsulates their posthumous collaboration. Laden with intimate photographs by Kishin Shinoyama and Allan Tannenbaum, the album blends Lennon's guitar finesse, Ono's distinct vocals, and a diverse ensemble of musicians.
John Lennon's 1983 album "Mind Games" is a self-produced masterpiece recorded at New York's Record Plant Studios. Reflecting the socio-cultural landscape of the early '80s, the album features Lennon's "Declaration of Nutopia," envisioning a borderless world.
JOHN LENNON with HARRY NILSSON - Pussy Cats 12" Vinyl LP
RCA Victor PL 10570 , 1974 , Germany
"Pussycats," the 1974 album produced by John Lennon, stands as a collaborative masterpiece, featuring a roster of iconic musicians. Released under Catalognr RCA Victor PL 10570 and Made in Germany, it embodies the eclectic spirit of the 1970s.
JOHN LENNON - Rock 'n' Roll (German and Netherlands Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
"Rock 'n' Roll" German vinyl release, distinct with its unique cover design and minimal text, is a collaborative masterpiece with Phil Spector. Marking the era's musical landscape, it pays homage to rock's golden age.
JOHN LENNON & THE PLASTIC ONO BAND - Shaved Fish (Netherlands and UK Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
"Shaved Fish" is the first compilation album by John Lennon, released in 1975.
The compilation includes many of Lennon's most popular solo recordings, some never before included on an album.
The name of the album originates from the Japanese food katsuobushi, a kind of dried fish.
JOHN LENNON & YOKO ONO - (Just Like) Starting Over B/W Kiss Kiss Kiss 7" Vinyl Single
Geffen Records GEF 79 186 , 1980 , Germany
"(Just Like) Starting Over" is a track taken from the 1980's album "Double Fantasy". The photo on the front of this picture sleeve is the same as on the front of the LP album and is a black and white photo showing Yoko Ono and John Lennon kissing.
The album front cover displayed Lennon and Ono frontally nude, while the rear cover featured them from behind. Distributors were prompted to sell the album in a plain brown wrapper, and copies of the album were impounded as obscenity in several jurisdictions.
