My 2nd favourite solo Beatle album.
Ive thought about this and yes it is self obsessed and full of self pity but the whole thing about Primal Therapy is to be completely absorbed in ones self, almost to the point of obsession. Thats the whole point of the album, to kind of put Primal Therapy and it methods together with ones own experiences whilst undertaking the course, in a way its no different that George introducing Indian themes and singing mantra's like on My Sweet Lord.........so the album is much much more than a collection of songs, it is a concept album of sorts to be taken as a whole work and a commentary on 'doing' the course...kind of like a course diary.
One of the things I like about Johns music is that he always wrote and sang about what was in his head at that time (like a diary), a kind of social commentary on what he thought about certain issues, sometimes his views may have been misguided but he was always honest about the subject he wrote about, every song on this and Imagine is a dialogue of his thoughts on whatever was going on, it doesnt really matter if you agree with him, but he's being honest in his songs and he's saying something, using his songs as a vehicle to express opinion.
My problem with Pauls albums is always the opposite of this, I have absolutely no idea what Paul is singing about most of the time, I dont know what a Monkberry Moon delight is, or a C Moon, or why he says he is a Bluebird, or why his band is on the run, it all sounds very 'twee' to me, a pity, as Paul WAS capable of writing great lyrics when he could be bothered.......Ive always been a lyrics fan and I love it when artists have something to say, even if I dont agree (my favourite Pink Floyd album is The Final Cut, I must be mad)
Yes I like the stripped down and stark sound on this album, I wish Paul had played bass though, Im a fan of Macca bass playing.
I actually dont think there are that many artists that could have written this album, its not easy to kind of bare your soul to millions of people in an attempt to tell the world what is wrong with you, but I dont think anyone can imagine what its like to have parents who dont want you, after all when you a little child, your parents are THE most important people in your life, they are your rock which your whole being is pivoted on, you want them to love you and care for you, I simply cant imagine what it must be like if the opposite applies.
Good on John for releasing this pain in music and exorcising those inner feelings of inadequacy, and for wanting 'his' truth to be told.