Appreciation of Yoko Ono's music.

Well, among Beatles fans I rarely read a lot of people being so taken by Yoko's music. Is there anyone out there who actually likes it?

I think Yoko actually has a lot of great songs, but it seems that her entire persona is so smothered in myths and negative criticism that people haven't really been that aware of the stuff she does that is good. I mean, I'm no Yoko buff, but I have one album of hers that is purely beautiful from beginning to end, and I wouldn't part from it ever.

So, does anyone here think its possible that Beatles fans could give her a reevaluation? I'm aware that I'm making it a bit general. I know that there are Beatles fans that are also Yoko fans, but in the broad circle of it all...I think most people really do think she sucks as bad as they say she does. All that caterwalling, you know.

I'm going to go so far as to ask everyone, if they can, to name your top ten favorite Yoko songs. Come on! Or atleast top 5. I'll bet you have to like at least one. What do you think? Any comment at all would be good enough for me. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[size="1"][ Jun 08, 2003, 08:21 PM: Message Edited By: Apple Scruff ][/size]

I do like a few...

Let Me Count the Ways--beautiful song
Walking on Thin Ice
Give Me Something (sorta)
Every Man Has a Woman (John's version's much better though)
We're All Water

See, I like those choices. A few of them are from Double Fantasy and Milk and Honey. I think most Beatles fans are most familiar with Yoko's music though these albums, of course.

And since we're talking about them...on Double Fantasy I've always really liked Hard Times Are Over, which she sings with John. It seems so heartfelt, and (sadly) ironic. What exactly is it supposed to be about? Like, was it about the two of them or something?

And, actually, could anyone tell me what Walking on Thin Ice is supposed to be about? It sounds like a songs about someone who is ready to risk it all in their life, but then that whole talking bit at the end always confuses me. I think its a brilliant song, regardless.

Lemme put it this way, I am not a HUGE fan of hers but I do really like...

-We're all water
-Walking on thin ice
-Every woman has a man who loves her
... and one or two from "Milk & Honey".

By my count that makes it at least four more songs that I like from her, than songs I like from Denny Laine when he was in "Wings"...

And the guy does NOT get a tenth of the cr... or bad remarks about his work, than Yoko does.

[size="1"][ Jun 09, 2003, 03:58 AM: Message Edited By: ABCKO ][/size]

I really like her music, but unfortunately there where I live it's very hard to find, but when I go to England on July, I will buy her Cds.
She has kinda weird voice that sounds to me so great.

Originally Posted By Apple Scruff:
I think Yoko actually has a lot of great songs, but it seems that her entire persona is so smothered in myths and negative criticism that people haven't really been that aware of the stuff she does that is good.

<font size="2" face="Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif">This is interesting, AS. You seem to be implying that Yoko's done some great music, but that people ignore that fact because they don't like HER. In my personal experience, it's quite the opposite. I kind of like HER and think she's interesting, but I can't stand her music, even though I'd like to like it! So it's almost the opposite. Interesting!

(Please keep in mind that I'm not saying her music is bad or anything, it's just not to my taste.) [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Sorry Scruff. Can't help you out here. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

As a long-time Yoko fan, I find everything you said to be correct, Apple Scruff. I love Yoko's music, and have loved it for years. However, I think of her music and art like I think of fine caviar-quite rich and exquisite, and for acquired taste only. I could name 100 songs that I love by Yoko, I kid you not.

If people took the time to actually sit through a Yoko solo album, perhaps they could see just how imaginative, unique, and innovative her music really is. It's brilliant! And on top of that, being a John fan of course, you can learn to appreciate the depths of his true musical talent, because he really let himself go on the guitar. Anyone who could possibly label his guitar playing as "mediocre" (what an assanine thing to think anyway...) would be in for quite a suprise. John and Yoko were far ahead of their time, and that kind of stuff is just not for everyone.

I'll make a list of Yoko songs I love, and my explanations, and come back later. I've been really busy lately...getting married soon. So I just came on the computer today for the first time in a bit. Probably much less from now on... [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I love you guys regardless!

[size="1"][ Jun 09, 2003, 10:43 AM: Message Edited By: Fly ][/size]

I don't have a solo album by Yoko, and I have a hard time listening to her. The music in general is good and you have John there with her, but still her voice and the way she uses it. However I wanted to give her a fair chance and from what I have of her on John's album, I like, "I'm Moving On" and "Hard Times Are Over". Double Fantasy isn't complete without her songs, the whole album tells a story of two persons, so I had to give her a chance. I also like "Every Man Has A Woman Who Loves Him" tho I prefer the version of just John singing, "Walking On Thin Ice", the music on "Your Hands" is great but then again, a hard time listinging to her voice, but "You're The One" is really a beautiful song and favourite of mine from "Milk and Honey,I like everything on that song andI don't even mind her singing on that one.

This is interesting, AS. You seem to be implying that Yoko's done some great music, but that people ignore that fact because they don't like HER. In my personal experience, it's quite the opposite. I kind of like HER and think she's interesting, but I can't stand her music, even though I'd like to like it! So it's almost the opposite. Interesting!

(Please keep in mind that I'm not saying her music is bad or anything, it's just not to my taste.) [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif">Actually, Rell, what I meant was not so much people choosing to refrain from her music due to their personal dislike for her (though that is a case), but people not caring either way because they think she's as bad and untalented as she's made out to be. For example, you hear the Yoko jokes, the comments about her "limited talent" or how all she does is scream...or even someone like Howard Stern implying that he believes John Lennon must have been so jacked up with drugs that he thought Yoko's voice was actually good.

I think her singing gets kind of a rough deal. Personally, its not that bad. I have practically everything by Dylan, and as time passed, the man's voice hasn't worn well. At all. And Leonard Cohen is one of my personal favorite artists ever, and a highly-esteemed poet (one whom I feel is superior to Dylan) yet his voice isn't all that perfect. I like the kind of ragged, abrasive style, though. That's cool to me. In general, I've always been a fan of really deep, harsh, dark stuff. The Velvets are on the same bar as the Beatles for me. And Lou's voice...not the most appealing, especially not now. Let me not even get into Nico, who I adore, and whose voice is TRULY difficult to adjust to.

I think most people, well, many people have an inclination to not be so comfortable liking Yoko. Aside from Fly up there, and a few others (please forgive me for forgetting your names...I still love you), I don't really hear people going, "Oh, I'm a Yoko Ono fan." I mean, musically speaking. But she's NOT that awful.

Take for example, the song Goodbye Sadness on Seasons of Glass. If you heard that song played somewhere, you might think its pretty. Heck, you may even LIKE it- enough to have a copy of it yourself. Its a really beautiful song, and very touching. But how many people would think Yoko capable of such stuff?

I do realize that some people have replied with a list of songs they like or love, but I'm talking about in general. I just think Yoko doesn't really get the credit she deserves sometimes. I think Season of Glass is such a wonderful album, and people could actually agree with me, but not too many have heard it. Right?

That was long. But you get what I mean, Rell? I'm not attacking you at all. Everyone has their own tastes. I've got such a variation of musical likes you'd be amazed I could love the Beatles as much as I do. But they are that special. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[size="1"][ Jun 09, 2003, 01:54 PM: Message Edited By: Apple Scruff ][/size]

I haven't heard her albums and I admit that I am not in a rush to buy them, but then I want to hear them for myself before I can say either that, I have tried and really don't like them or that I like her music.

Originally Posted By Magill:
Sorry Scruff. Can't help you out here. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif">That's alright Magill. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I was just wondrin'...you know, I'm always curious...Paul Simon has this song called Think Too Much and it goes, "Maybe I think too much, blah, blah..." Well, that's me. I'm always wondering and thinking and sometimes, no one else really cares as much as me. Not that I can blame them...

Originally Posted By Apple Scruff:
But you get what I mean, Rell? I'm not attacking you at all. Everyone has their own tastes.

<font size="2" face="Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif">Yes, I do get what you mean and don't worry, I didn't for a minute think you were attacking me. As usual, you expressed yourself very well. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

I'm sure you're probably right that many people don't even bother to try to get into her music because they've heard it's dreadful. That's too bad because some people who might potentially like it are missing out on something they might enjoy.

I've given her music a try several times and just don't find it appealing, even though it is intellectually interesting and undeniably creative. Same with her art. We're just not on the same creative wavelength, that's all - it just doesn't connect with me. My loss, I guess. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[size="1"][ Jun 09, 2003, 02:07 PM: Message Edited By: Rellevart ][/size]

Well, I'd never buy any of her solo albums, but I listen to the ones on Sometime in NYC, Double Fantasy, and Milk and Honey.

In fact, I'm actually remixing all of Double Fantasy (including her songs) and calling it Fantasy X 2...

i am one of the few beatles fans who also love yoko's music. then again, i am also an armchair art historian who deeply enjoys conceptual art and avant garde music.

you're not the only real yoko fans here fly and apple scruff!

top yoko songs (in no particlar order):

1. death of samantha

2. kite song

3. no, no, no

4. midsummer new york

5. rising

6. ask the dragon

7. listen, the snow is falling

the whole rising album is f**king fabulous. if you're ever feeling low, that album will empower you like nothing else.

[size="1"][ Jun 11, 2003, 11:06 AM: Message Edited By: onosideboards ][/size]

[quote]Originally Posted By Apple Scruff:

I do realize that some people have replied with a list of songs they like or love, but I'm talking about in general. I just think Yoko doesn't really get the credit she deserves sometimes. I think Season of Glass is such a wonderful album, and people could actually agree with me, but not too many have heard it. Right?

<font size="2" face="Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif">Oh, no. I agree. Its a beautiful album.
Actually, Apple Scruff, there has been quite a revisionistic outlook regarding Yoko's art in the past decade or more. As far as I am concerned, more critics have been opening to her, and there was even an enormous book, entitled "Yes: Yoko Ono" released as a retrospective overview of the last 40 years of her art.

As I mentioned, Yoko isn't for everyone. That is one of her strengths, in my opinion. I am a major art fiend, partly because I am an artist myself of course. I love many different aspects of art, and I've always been crazy about Yoko's. Not a lot of people can see the intellectual, humorous, poignant side to her. It really is brilliant when you get into it.

Let's see...Ten of my favorite Yoko songs would be, and these are not necessarily my top ten- just the ones I am thinking about right now:

1)Death of Samantha (This is one of my favorite songs ever)
2)Why? (Just listen to John on here. He is possessed.)
3)Have You Seen a Horizon Lately? (So beautiful. So true.)
4)Mind Train (Hell yes...and here's another one the son covered...)
5)What a Bastard the World Is (yes, its true.)
6)Hell in Paradise (I really, really loved this when it came out...can't forget it.)
7)Nobody Sees Me Like You Do (Its really pretty, and at that time it was beyond substantial for me)
8)Yang Yang (listen to this song!)
9)Midsummer New York (This is a personal favorite of mine...I lived in New York for awhile a few years back, and everytime I hear a song that reminds me of that time its so special to me. But this is awesome.)
10)I Don't Know Why (chilling)

No! There are too many. I think my choices aren't that varied and kind of limited, because they were more or less the last songs I was listening to by her. I have SO many favorites. For example, I love "Fly". There aren't too many people who can take that, but I loved it so much that's why I chose it as my user name.

In fact, above my desk in my office I have her quote (from "Fly" in Grapefruit) stenciled in black because it just defines my motto in life. Short, sweet, and to the point. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[size="1"][ Jun 11, 2003, 01:42 PM: Message Edited By: Fly ][/size]

Originally Posted By onosideboards:
the whole rising album is f**king fabulous. if you're ever feeling low, that album will empower you like nothing else.

<font size="2" face="Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif">I'm just asking, that when I buy some cd, what would you (all) suggest to me, I mean, she has so many albums, that I don't know where to start.

Fly: you're awesome! "death of samantha" is one of the best songs she ever wrote.

did you go to any of the "Yes" shows? i went to the US opening in Minneapolis where i got to meet Yoko and get her autograph! she's so cute!

Mona_J: i'd suggest "rising" or the "walking on thin ice compilation," and i guess "season of glass" is highly rated here.

Originally Posted By onosideboards:
i am one of the few beatles fans who also love yoko's music. then again, i am also an armchair art historian who deeply enjoys conceptual art and avant garde music.

you're not the only real yoko fans here fly and apple scruff!

top yoko songs (in no particlar order):

1. death of samantha

2. kite song

3. no, no, no

4. midsummer new york

5. rising

6. ask the dragon

7. listen, the snow is falling

the whole rising album is f**king fabulous. if you're ever feeling low, that album will empower you like nothing else.

<font size="2" face="Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif">Geez, Ono... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] YOU are a real fan. I've only really heard the Double Fantasy, Milk and Honey and Season of Glass album in full. I've heard a few other songs, but haven't got total memory of them. YOU have heard quite more than me, as your list shows a number of songs I have not heard of.

You and Fly are major Yoko fans. Definitely. Your lists are truly impressive to me, because I haven't heard much other than what I mentioned. I'm guessing that I gather I must be missing out on something special.

Originally Posted By Fly:
Oh, no. I agree. Its a beautiful album.
Actually, Apple Scruff, there has been quite a revisionistic outlook regarding Yoko's art in the past decade or more. As far as I am concerned, more critics have been opening to her, and there was even an enormous book, entitled "Yes: Yoko Ono" released as a retrospective overview of the last 40 years of her art.

As I mentioned, Yoko isn't for everyone. That is one of her strengths, in my opinion. I am a major art fiend, partly because I am an artist myself of course. I love many different aspects of art, and I've always been crazy about Yoko's. Not a lot of people can see the intellectual, humorous, poignant side to her. It really is brilliant when you get into it.

Let's see...Ten of my favorite Yoko songs would be, and these are not necessarily my top ten- just the ones I am thinking about right now:

1)Death of Samantha (This is one of my favorite songs ever)
2)Why? (Just listen to John on here. He is possessed.)
3)Have You Seen a Horizon Lately? (So beautiful. So true.)
4)Mind Train (Hell yes...and here's another one the son covered...)
5)What a Bastard the World Is (yes, its true.)
6)Hell in Paradise (I really, really loved this when it came out...can't forget it.)
7)Nobody Sees Me Like You Do (Its really pretty, and at that time it was beyond substantial for me)
8)Yang Yang (listen to this song!)
9)Midsummer New York (This is a personal favorite of mine...I lived in New York for awhile a few years back, and everytime I hear a song that reminds me of that time its so special to me. But this is awesome.)
10)I Don't Know Why (chilling)

No! There are too many. I think my choices aren't that varied and kind of limited, because they were more or less the last songs I was listening to by her. I have SO many favorites. For example, I love "Fly". There aren't too many people who can take that, but I loved it so much that's why I chose it as my user name.

In fact, above my desk in my office I have her quote (from "Fly" in Grapefruit) stenciled in black because it just defines my motto in life. Short, sweet, and to the point. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif">See, I wasn't so aware of this new outlook. Partly because most of the times I read such negative reactions to Yoko's music and art. I also am not that observant on Yoko news, so I guess I missed that. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

I haven't even read the Yoko book, nor have I heard most of the songs on you or Ono's list. You guys kind of knock me out here. Its SO cool to read, though. I still love the songs on SOG, like...

Dogtown, No No No, Goodbye Sadness, Silver Horse, Toyboat, Even When You're Far Away...those are AMAZING songs. I know a bit about those, but I'm not a Yoko buff by any means.

[size="1"][ Jun 12, 2003, 05:45 PM: Message Edited By: Apple Scruff ][/size]