One of the advantages of being a collector is the network of people that you establish over the years. Knowing some people on the “inside” often gives one access to information about some special items. These 2 items hold a very special place for me in my collection for several reasons. Obtained them from a special childhood friend who is an extraordinary songwriter in his own right. My friend did market research for Atlantic Records which is the label that Julian Lennon released his early recordings on.
It is always been a crime to me that Julian has not received more musical accolades than he has received. His first LP was a huge hit. Then the critics tore him apart in subsequent releases always comparing him with his dad. Even when the material measures up to a high state of quality, this does not often result in great record sales for him. I firmly believe this is the reason that Julian waits so long between album releases as he is so firmly discouraged with the state of the music industry and the difficulty of securing airplay in a tightly controlled corporate marketplace.
Good melodies seem to be outside the mainstream, nowadays. It is a shame. I have been fortunate to hear several rare Julian numbers that have never seen the light of day and it leaves me pondering the question of “Why have these not yet been released to the public as they are very good?” Maybe I am in the minority, but I believe such LP’s as “Photograph Smile”, “Everything Changes”, “Help Yourself” and “Jude” measure up to the work of many artists who may be far more popular in record sales and radio airplay.
PLATINUM RECORD FOR JULIAN LENNON: “VALOTTE”
GOLD RECORD FOR “THE SECRET VALUE OF DAYDREAMING”
My signed copy of the Julian Lennon Rolling Stone cover from June of 1985! Ironically the pun they used on the cover wasn’t even the title of a Lennon song, it was of course a Harrison number from Abbey Road, Here Comes the Sun.
I for one hope that Julian reconsiders and will continue to be active in the music world. He has too much to offer!!!
What are some of your favorite recordings by Julian Lennon?
What do you think of Julian as a songwriter and musician? Cashing in or really talented?
BUZZ
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
It’s All Too Much
It’s All Too Much is the unique memoir by music industry veteran David Stark, who grew up in north London during the 1960s as a dedicated Beatles fan and was lucky enough to meet his musical heroes on various memorable occasions. From gate-crashing the Yellow Submarine film premiere in 1968 (aged just fifteen) and ending up sitting directly behind the group, to meeting all of them individually in some extraordinary circumstances, David has some highly entertaining stories about his many Beatles encounters which have never been told before.
I have followed Julian’s career since 1984! I love all of his work and can relate to it so well. Some of Julian’s lyrics reflect my own life to a tee. I was blessed to meet Julian before a concert during his Photograph Smile tour in 1999. I wish all of his albums were on vinyl – I just recently found a long player version of his Help Yourself (UK) album to add to the other 125 line item recordings of his I have. Jules Rules!!
I love Julian’s voice and his songs. I would so love to hear more of his work.
Tracy-are you aware, that following the release of his latest album entitled “Jude”, that he wanted to do some network live appearances to promote the LP and of the network programs that his people contacted to see if they were interested in having Julian perform live, no one expressed any interest to have him on the shows. That is a crime as far as I am concerned. That is why Julian has stated the clear and distinct possibility that he will not issue any more LP’s and that his preference will probably be EP’s for any future releases of his material.