Mind Games

The Zoo Crew is spinning Mind Games by John Lennon, a track from his 1973 album of the same name, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, originally titled "Make Love, Not War" during the Beatles' Let It Be sessions in 1969, evolved significantly before its release. Lennon drew inspiration from the book Mind Games: The Guide to Inner Space by Robert Masters and Jean Houston, which he encountered in the early 1970s. He later met Masters in a restaurant and declared, "I am one of your fans. You wrote Mind Games," showing his enthusiasm for the book’s influence on the song’s lyrical shift toward themes of peace and introspection. The track’s production is notable for its unique sound, with Lennon himself creating what sounds like an orchestra by playing three notes on a slide guitar, as he shared in a 1998 interview with Uncut. He also incorporated a reggae-inspired middle eight, a challenge to explain to American musicians unfamiliar with the genre in 1973, as noted in posts on X.

Another fascinating tidbit about Mind Games comes from Yoko Ono, who commented in a 1998 Uncut interview that the song was "ahead of its time." She suggested that its message about playing positive mind games for a better future wasn’t fully grasped in the 1970s but resonates more today. The recording process included a young Jimmy Iovine, credited as "Jimmy" on the album’s inner sleeve, who was a junior tech at Record Plant Studios, sweeping floors and moving microphones. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its covers, like South African musician Ratau Mike Makhalemele’s 16-minute version in 1990 and Kevin Spacey’s performance at a 2001 post-9/11 tribute concert in New York. On X, Ono emphasized the song’s call to use mind games for positive change, highlighting its philosophical depth.

John Lennon, born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, England, began his musical journey as a teenager, fueled by a passion for rock ‘n’ roll and skiffle. In 1956, at age 16, he formed the Quarrymen, a skiffle group, with school friends, performing at local events. His raw talent and charisma caught the attention of Paul McCartney, who joined in 1957, followed by George Harrison in 1958. The Quarrymen evolved into the Beatles by 1960, with Ringo Starr completing the lineup in 1962. The Beatles’ meteoric rise, driven by Lennon’s songwriting and dynamic stage presence, made them the most influential band in history. After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Lennon launched a solo career with the raw, emotional John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, followed by iconic albums like Imagine. His work often blended personal reflection with social activism, shaped by his partnership with Yoko Ono, whom he married in 1969.

Fans can explore Lennon’s legacy through his official website, which offers music, lyrics, and stories, including details about the Mind Games sessions. His Facebook page shares updates on re-releases and fan events, while Instagram features archival photos and videos. The official X account posts quotes and behind-the-scenes insights, like Lennon’s comments on the Mind Games recording process. Yoko Ono’s Instagram and X accounts also share Lennon-related content. Fan communities thrive on platforms like the John Lennon Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts discuss his music and life. The Beatles Bible fan site provides detailed articles on Lennon’s solo work, including Mind Games, and Citizen of Nutopia offers a fan forum inspired by Lennon and Ono’s conceptual country, Nutopia, announced in 1973.