Rating: Summary: And it CAME TOGETHER great!! Review: It's clear that this is a John Lennon "after the Beatles" Tribute and Sean and Mama Yoko Lennon are at the helm of the production. There are NO clips of Lennon's Beatle days. With a backdrop of images, there are plenty of Yoko and Baby Sean. To answer one reviewer's question, this is why former Beatles were not there. I'm not sure John Lennon could have asked for a better tribute. With an array of heavy hitters from the movie industry expressing their thoughts about Lennon and his quest for a non-violent society, and with music's elite performances, this is a magical night at the very attractive Radio City Music Hall. Some riveting performances include Marc Anthony doing "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". He is dynamic onstage; Shelby Lynne exudes such emotional energy to the powerful and meaningful "Mother"; "Instant Karma" done with great coupling of Nelly Furtado and Dave Stewart. One of my favorites is Stone Temple Pilots with a rousing performance and hitting those high notes and sung in the same key for "Revolution." More highlights of the evening, the great gospel singer Yolanda Adams! She gave a different voice to "Imagine" and was accompanied on piano by Billy Preston. Dave Matthews can never go wrong with his solo "In My Life." The sweet and delicate voice of Natalie Merchant soothed the audience in "Nowhere Man." And what an appropo setting, New York's Strawberry Fields, for the at-location shot "Strawberry Fields Forever" enhanced by the lovely voice of Cindy Lauper. We heard a refreshing rendition by Craig David for "Come Together." Kevin Spacey performing "Mind Games" was ok, considering many didn't know he could sing. Also excellent performances by Lou Reed "Jealous Guy", Alanis Morisssette doing "Dear Prudence." Even Sean Lennon was quite entertaining in the footsteps of his famous father for "This Boy" and "Julia." The weakest moment was for "Across the Universe" with Rufus Wainwright, Moby and Sean Lennon. Wainwright sounds great solo, but the deep voice of Moby creating distraction and Sean Lennon isn't heard at all. If you don't know this song by the title, the lyrics are: ....nothing's going to change my world...nothing's going to change my world... The grand finale said it all!! "Give Peace a Chance" and "Power to the People." This is a superb concert!!!.......MzRizz
Rating: Summary: And it CAME TOGETHER great!! Review: It's clear this is a John Lennon, After the Beatles Tribute and Sean and Mama Yoko Lennon are at the helm of the production. There are NO clips of Lennon's Beatle days. With a backdrop of images, there are plenty of Yoko and Baby Sean. To answer one reviewer's question, this is why former Beatles were not there.
I'm not sure John Lennon could have asked for a better tribute. With an array of heavy hitters from the movie industry expressing their thoughts about Lennon and his quest for a non-violent society, and with music's elite performances, this is a magical night at the very attractive Radio City Music Hall.
Some riveting performances include Marc Anthony doing "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". He is dynamic onstage; Shelby Lynne exudes such emotional energy to the powerful and meaningful "Mother"; "Instant Karma" done with great coupling of Nelly Furtado and Dave Stewart. One of my favorites is Stone Temple Pilots with a rousing performance and hitting those high notes and sung in the same key for "Revolution."
More highlights of the evening, the great gospel singer Yolanda Adams! She gave a different voice to "Imagine: and was accompanied on piano by Billy Preston. Dave Matthews can never go wrong with his solo "In My Life." The sweet and delicate voice of Natalie Merchant soothed the audience in "Nowhere Man". And what an appropos setting, New York's Strawberry Fields, for the at-location shot "Strawberry Fields Forever" enhanced by the lovely voice of Cindy Lauper. We heard a refreshing rendition by Craig David for "Come Together".
Kevin Spacey performing "Mind Games" was ok, considering many didn't know he could sing. Also excellent performances by Lou Reed "Jealous Guy", Alanis Morisssette singing "Dear Prudence". And Sean Lennon was quite entertaining in the footsteps of his famous father for "This Boy" and "Julia".
The weakest moment was for "Across the Universe" with Rufus Wainwright, Moby and Sean Lennon. Wainwright sounds great solo, but the deep voice of Moby creating distraction and Sean Lennon isn't heard at all. If you don't know this song by the title, the lyrics are: "....nothing's going to change my world..nothing's going to change my world"...
The grand finale said it all!! "Give Peace a Chance" and "Power to the People."
This is a first rate tribute!!.....MzRizz
Rating: Summary: some big hits, some big misses Review: Once you get past the 3 or 4 performances here that are just awful, there is some great music making. In fact four songs sound every bit as good as the originals! Stone Temple Pilots take on 'Revolution' is awesome. And then Sean Lennon in 'Julia' really surpasses his dad. Sean with Rufus Wainwright in 'Across The Universe' and 'This Boy' absolutely steal the show. 'Strawberry Fields' 'Lucy in the Sky' and 'Nowhere Man' also get excellent performances.
Rating: Summary: Imagine all the people / sharing all the world ... Review: Rescheduled to October 2, 2001 -- less than a month after the September 11th attacks -- this live event became urgent in a way its organizers probably hadn't planned. For me, it was a profound part of the post-9/11 healing process; I've watched it repeatedly since it originally aired, and it never fails to inspire. The concert recalls the transcendent messages of a great fallen poet, and is a fitting tribute to his music. The diverse collection of popular musicians and entertainers mirror John Lennon's pure, powerful words and honest expression. As a result, this was one of New York City's best and most-earnest responses to the 9/11 attacks -- far better than the "Concert for New York City" which aired three weeks later, despite the fact that Paul McCartney does not appear here. Truth be told, a few musical performances are a bit uneven, and the all-star band occasionally overwhelms the vocals... but Kevin Spacey's street-smart hosting skills and his astounding performance of "Mind Games" are not to be missed. Come Together is an essential contextualizer for anyone who connects with John Lennon's ideals. Given our place and time in history, this concert is a wonderfully sublime guide to the days that lie ahead. Highly recommended.
Rating: Summary: not really a review Review: The televised concert was very good. I have not seen the DVD but I am sure it is excellent with some great interpretations and performances. I was disturbed at the time, and continue to be disturbed by the fact that JULIAN LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY AND RINGO STARR were conspicuously absent. Twenty years after Lennon's death, thirty years after the breakup of the Beatles - it would be nice to see all parties get over it and COME TOGETHER.
Rating: Summary: Lou Reed Alone Makes it Worthwhile Review: This shoulda been a concert video. If you purchase it, just by-pass the commentaries and cruise to the covers of John Lennon's songs. Oh man, Lou Reed's rendering of "Jealous Guy" alone makes this DVD a great purchase.
Rating: Summary: Lou Reed Alone Makes it Worthwhile Review: This shoulda been a concert video. If you purchase it, just by-pass the commentaries and cruise to the covers of John Lennon's songs. Oh man, Lou Reed's rendering of "Jealous Guy" alone makes this DVD a great purchase.
Rating: Summary: COME TOGETHER is a great tribute to Lennon & NYC Review: Tremendous and poignant night of music honoring John Lennon and, although not initially planned, New York City. This was one of the first major public events in NYC post 9/11 and in many ways it was fitting that a night of Lennon's words and music began the long healing process. John Lennon could have lived anywhere in the world and he chose NYC. What would he have done and/or said in NYC's darkest hour had he been alive? We can only imagine but there is no doubt, Lennon would have been in the forefront of the healing process, just as McCartney was with the Concert for NYC. Dave Matthews performs a griping acoustic version of IN MY LIFE and this is a great tribute with many cool versions of Beatle & solo Lennon material.
Rating: Summary: A Night for John Review: While this DVD contains several special performances, one of the best reasons to buy it is to see and hear Sean Lennon, Rufus Wainwright and Moby sing "Across the Universe." (If you're not familiar with Rufus Wainwright, this is a good introduction.) Also wonderful is Sean's poignant rendition of "Julia," which he dedicates to his mom. Other highlights are Stone Temple Pilots singing "Revolution," and Cyndi Lauper singing "Strawberry Fields Forever" from the Imagine mosaic in Central Park. The love and respect these artists had for John shines in their perfomances. I can't wait to buy it - my video tape of the original broadcast is about worn out!
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