John Lennon Lays His Emotions Bare on Plastic Ono Band: 1970 Solo Debut Is an Unforgettable  Exploration of Anger, Fear, and Frustration

Out of Print: Do Not Miss Mobile Fidelity's Incredible-Sounding 180g 33RPM LP of the 1970 Work Regarded as One of the Best Albums Ever Made 

Named by Rolling Stone as the 22nd greatest album in history, John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band ranks among the legendary singer-songwriter’s finest efforts—with or without the Beatles. Fresh from experiencing primal scream therapy with partner Yoko Ono, Lennon turned his sights on making a proper solo debut. And few records are more emotional, traumatic, or impassioned than this 1970 landmark.

Lennon’s naked personal outpourings absolutely frighten as he unflinchingly explores issues that haunted him throughout his life: the abandonment of his parents on the cathartic “Mother”; the divide between classes on “Working Class Hero”; the enduring pain of “Isolation”; the religious faithlessness of “God," about which preeminent cultural critic Greil Marcus remarked “John’s singing in the last verse of ‘God’ may be the finest in all of rock.” No amount of hyperbole can overstate the richness, importance, and brilliance of Plastic Ono Band.

Joined by Beatles mate Ringo Starr on drums and Klaus Voorman on bass, with occasional assistance from producer Phil Spector and pianist Billy Preston, Lennon shuffles through the blues, strums folk melodies, surrenders to piano ballads, and lays into the teeth of ferocious rock and roll. Through it all, fear, anger, frustration, despair, and confusion are laid bare for all to see in a fierce manner that no record before—and very few since—ever witnessed.

By following Lennon’s harrowing journey and candid thoughts, listeners enter a world that somehow proves comforting and affirming. Plastic Ono Band has as much to do with Lennon’s distinctive songwriting and humanity as anything he’s ever done; it’s why he remains an irreplaceable icon and why his music continues to inspire.

Mobile Fidelity’s numbered-edition LP of the 1970 classic presents the music in reference sound. Each haunting note, studio echo, and poignant confessional is presented with amazing detail and stunning dynamics. Do not settle for less. Plastic Ono Band deserves fine fidelity, and MoFi delivers.