John Lennon's 70th birthday- remasters of his solo albums to be available October 5

Eight of John Lennon’s solo albums have been digitally re-mastered in a gigantic project to commemorate his 70th birthday celebration, and will be available on October 4, 2010, (October 5 in the U.S.) just before his birthday, October 9, 1940.

Along with all the other goodies to be offered, this is nothing short of a gigantic undertaking, which has involved Yoko Ono, Capitol, EMI, and former co-producer Jack Douglas. Here is an overview--there are actually five packages that will be available:

1. Eight remastered solo albums (individual or as a set)
2. A “stripped down” re-mix of Double Fantasy as well as the original 
3. Power to the People: the Hits – 15 of Lennon’s most popular songs
4. Gimme Some Truth – 4 “themed” CDs
5. The John Lennon Signature Box – 11 CD set of the eight re-mastered albums plus goodies

The entire project has been named the GIMME SOME TRUTH Campaign, beginning with the release of eight of his albums.

Confused? OK--Here are the details, summarized as clearly as possible. (for more details including Yoko's comments about this project, see Yoko Ono’s site at Imagine Peace):

The John Lennon Signature Box:

This is a deluxe 11CD set and digital collection of the following:
1. eight remastered albums (see below)
2. a disc of rare and previously unreleased recordings
3. an EP of Lennon’s non-album singles.
4. The deluxe box will include a limited collectible John Lennon art print, and hardbound book featuring rare photos, artwork, collages, poetry and new liner notes.

Remastered albums: (#1 above)
These eight albums will be available on CD individually as well as together on the Signature Box, and for download purchase. They were digitally remastered from Lennon’s original mixes at EMI Music’s Abbey Road Studios in London by Yoko Ono and a team of engineers led by Allan Rouse. Also Avatar Studios in New York by George Marino. The original album art has been replicated as well as booklets with photos and new liner notes. They include:

1. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)
2. Imagine (1971)
3. Some Time in New York City (1972)
4. Mind Games (1973)
5. Walls and Bridges (1974)
6. Rock ‘n’ Roll (1975)
7. Double Fantasy Stripped Down (2010)/Double Fantasy (1980) (see below)
8. Milk and Honey (1984)

Double Fantasy/Double Fantasy Stripped Down
This was Lennon’s last album before he was killed in 1980. It was 1980’s Grammy Award winner for Album of the Year. In the vein of “Let it Be Naked”, this album has been stripped down in a new remix produced by Yoko Ono and Jack Douglas, the original co-producers of the album with Lennon. This version comes in a 2CD set that includes the original version. Yoko Ono commented on how the use of advanced technology actually allowed her to remove instrumentation and bring John’s vocals out: “Double Fantasy Stripped Down really allows us to focus our attention on John’s amazing vocals.”

(note: we've gotten confirmation that the Stripped Down version of DF will NOT be included in the Signature Box.)

Power to the People: The Hits
This will be a 15-track single disc and digital package featuring Lennon’s most popular songs. It will also be offered as an Experience Edition with additional content.

Gimme Some Truth
72 of Lennon’s solo recordings packaged in four different CD’s based on themes:

1. Roots –rock ‘n’ roll roots and influences
2. Working Class Hero –socio-political songs
3. Woman –love songs
4. Borrowed Time – songs about life