John Lennon song by song album by album thread.

I always thought I preferred the Menlove Avenue versions of the Walls And Bridges tracks because they were less produced.

After reading this thread, I now think the reason I preferred the tracks on Menlove Avenue to those on Walls And Bridges is that there are fewer of them.

 

Steel and Glass, it’s probably a 3 at best, but I rate it a 4 since it really creates a memorable mood, I like the production and vocals, and I don’t really know another song like it (How do You Sleep included).

 

Steel And Glass - I don't like How Do You Sleep. I don't like it's clone. 1/5

 

"Well your mouthpiece squawks as he spreads your lies
But you can't pull strings if your hands are tied"

Evocative lyrics there, and mysterious as to whom he's referring. Who has a mouthpiece that spreads his lies?

 

Steel and Glass is fine. It doesn’t have the passion, or the stinging George slide part, that How Do You Sleep? has. So it is a lesser tune. That is a passionate break up song. This one goes to the same place to try to produce a song to fill an album.

That said, it is well executed, it has a nice nasty riff, and he sings it well. It just feels a little superfluous.

3.5/5

 

" Son of POB "? No way ! Nephew , maybe. Or a distant cousin.

 

I really thought it was the son of Walls and Bridges and Rock N Roll.

 

Score for Steel & Glass: 3.359

 

BEEF JERKY

Released on the Walls & Bridges album, 26 September, 1974.

I first knew Beef Jerky as the theme tune to The Lost Lennon Tapes radio series & hated it. I assumed it was some generic piece of music made by some nobodies & wondered who chose it & why.

Then I finally got around to listening to Walls & Bridges & was horrified to realise that it was actually a John Lennon instrumental.

I just can’t stand it. The horns are especially cheesy.

1/5

 

Beef Jerky, rehearsal, Summer 1974:

 

Beef Jerky, outtake, Summer 1974:

 

Beef Jerky - The Nutopian International Anthem of the album - I can't quite see the point of it and wouldn't notice if it wasn't there. Sounds a bit like Savoy Truffle in parts, perhaps? Desperately needs lyrics. Still, not the worst song on the album! 2/5

 

Vastly superior to the released version. The production of the album really kills me.

 

Competent instrumental. Strange to have a strong lyrics guy like John do an instrumental. Would probably be better with lyrics.
(2.5/5)

 

I like beef jerky. 5/5. Oh, you mean the song?

A competent instrumental. 2/5.

 

Beef Jerky 1.5/5. Agree about the horns. (hate em'!) I do like the nod to Macca's Let Me Roll It.....was going to say it not even B-side material...but it ended up as a B-side to Whatever Gets You Thru the Night......like the alternates better than the release product.

Bern

 

Yes...I actually like this take!!

 

Beef Jerky (2/5)

As far as instrumentals go, I think it's a decent piece of music, with some enjoyable moments. Not much more to say, except that I see the riff borrowed from "Let Me Roll It" as a friendly sign from John taking Paul's message for himself.

 

BEEF JERKY

I actually enjoy this a bit. I like the UFO sound effects in the intro and outro

Plus I like the goofy "beef jerky" chant in the middle of the song

3/5

 

Beef Jerky: 1/5

Nice guitar work. Waste of album space. It’s likely coincidence that there is one little bit that sounds very vaguely similar to the guitar riff in “Let Me Roll It”. This track is so out of place on this album. It really doesn’t belong. Bring on “Move Over Mrs. L” instead. It has the same level of energy so it isn’t like anything would be lost on the feel of the album.

 

Beef Jerky: Doesn't really do it for me. I normally skip this one. 2/5

 

Re: Beef Jerky

Got this as the b-side of WHATEVER in 1974 and boy are my arms tired

I hear this as his version of HONKY TONK or GREEN ONIONS and not much else

I love "Booker Table and the Maitre d's"

 

"Beef Jerky"- I had to listen to this one a few times today. After all the years of having this album, I had no idea what it sounded like. That must mean I have never thought much of it. It's not bad, but also a song that isn't really necessary. It has the same riff as McCartney's "Let Me Roll It". I guess that makes it somewhat interesting. I actually like the horns and this could have been pretty good if John put some more effort in and wrote some lyrics to go along with it. 2.5/5

 

This was posted on another thread and I thought it was interesting.

 

Beef Jerky

A powerful instrumental song with great guitar riffs.

Sleeve notes:

Beef Jerky (3:31)
Dr. Winston and Booker Table and the Maitre d’s: guitars
Arthur Jenkins: percussion
Jim Keltner: drums
Bobby Keys, Steve Madaio, Howard Johnson, Ron Aprea, Frank Vicari: horns
Various: vocals
Written John Lennon
Produced by John Lennon

About the song:

From https://www.beatlesbible.com/people/john-lennon/songs/beef-jerky/

"The central guitar riff for Beef Jerky had previously appeared in a home demo Lennon recorded in 1973 of the Mind Games track ‘Tight A$’. Lennon performed the part alongside guitar virtuoso Jesse Ed Davis; the sleeve notes credits Davis along with “Dr Winston and Booker Table and the Maître d’s”."

Single:

The b-side of the Whatever Gets You Thru The Night single.





Animated promo video:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1014109071941139