An Astonishing Modern-Day Marvel : Yoko Rewrites History
Cabir Davis | 04/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Why is "Yes, I'm a Witch" Yoko Ono's Greatest Album?
Well, for starters, this isn't exactly an album of 'new songs'. It works as a 'greatest hits' compilation of sorts, only all of the 'old' songs have been taken and reimagined by present day artists. And what artists they are! Where on earth would you find work by Antony and the Johnsons share space with Peaches? Where would you be able to catch Apples in Stereo rival the likes of The Flaming Lips? Each of these artists inject their 'special something' into Yoko's excellent back-catalog, and the result is a long, winding tapestry of an album, filled to the brim with excellent tracks, each better than the next.
Sure, it pays to know some of Yoko's music before this, but this music makes it more 'alternative' and 'grunge' to an extent. Yoko has always been a pioneer, but her voice (that voice!) is certainly an acquired taste. For example, some of her more controversial work were always slow ballads (such as the stunning "What a Bastard the World Is" from the underrated "Approximately Infinite Universe"), but almost every track here is a foot-stomper, destined to end up on eclectic playlists everywhere.
The most amazing thing is, there is so much MUSIC here. From genres such as folk, rock, industrial, electronic - its all here, and it works. For every acoustic, sparse electronica classic such as "Death of Samantha", there is a breathtaking version of an oft-forgotten classic (the redone version of "No One Can See Me Like You Do") that will stun and astonish in its' simplicity.
Yoko Ono started off an experimental artist, but not enough people give her credit for her stellar work as a musician. Just try getting your hands on "Season of Glass", which was recorded just after her husband was murdered. What a classic! Only she could take an odd melody, add her even worse Japanese accent upon it, and still make it WORK. For that alone, Yoko Ono deserves more than we give her credit for. If anything, this album should prompt you to discover her extensive, and undiscovered back catalog (an excellent back catalog by any means, with some titles as essential as any Beatles record).
Personal Favorites of mine include "Toyboat" (such a meditative take on life), and the title track, which will provoke and incite, even in this day and age. Yoko Ono's "Yes I'm a Witch" is a seminal album that cannot be classified under any real musical genre (its impossible to). The number of samples used are enthralling - from John Lennon handclaps and callouts, to Cat Powers' riffs - there is something for everyone here.
If you liked this, try getting her son Sean Lennons' indispensable "Friendly Fire". Its an album that is worth revisiting time and again, and like this, a certifiable classic with immense repeat value. And thats really the best aspect of this record - you can put it on repeat and not skip a single track - a marvelous achievement. There is nothing in her mass output of albums that come close to this one.
Get it! Its a vital addition to your library.
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Track Listings (17) - Disc #1