TRUTH REMIX BOX FOR LENNON'S 80TH

ANNIVERSARY EDITIONS

- GILLIAN G. GAAR

SHAVED FISH (1975) WAS THE FIRST John Len-non compilation, and in subsequent years have seen the release of a number of greatest hits/best of collections of varying sizes; single disc, two discs and box sets.

Now, in commemoration of Lennon’s 80th birthday on October 9, comes Gimme Some Truth, featuring 36 tracks spanning the years 1969 to 1980 (confusingly, the same title was also used for a 4-CD box set released in 2010). What’s different about this set is that the songs have been completely remixed, using new transfers of the original multi-tracks; hence the songs are billed as “ultimate mixes.”

“Instant Karma!” kicks things off, and the difference in sound is immediately apparent. In the excellent book that’s part of the deluxe edition, Paul Hicks (chief mixer and engineer), says the aim was to make the new mixes sound “generally sonically clearer overall, and increase the clarity of John’s vocals.” And certainly there’s space in the new mixes, bringing out elements like the bass, and giving the drums a new crispness. Overall, there’s more depth; the opening guitars of “Cold Turkey” leap out of the speakers at you.