Rediscovering Lennon

A completely new generation will have the opportunity to appreciate everything "John Lennon" thanks to the release of an 11-CD box set on Oct. 5.

Lennon's solo compositions are in stark contrast to the pop-like, bubble-gum sound utilized by the Beatles. When he left the band he decided to denounce the optimism they exhibited in favor of exploring his own inner turmoil.

This approach was very popular and the success of his debut album encouraged him to pursue experimental styles and controversial topics. Lennon's solo work includes everything from the discussion of politics to disco-style music.

Many bizarre and obscure songs can be found on the remastered records. Unlike his first solo album, not every other is as popular and some songs in particular fell completely flat; but they are definitely interesting, although casual listeners of Lennon would most likely prefer the singles included on his best hits album.

Lennon's record "Double Fantasy" was released three short weeks before his murder. There is a reissue of this album available that is a more "raw" version of the original. The new edition features tracks that have been "stripped" of many vocal and instrumental overdubs. This makes Lennon's voice, when singing about family, "heartbreaking to hear," according to Entertainment Weekly.

All of the reissued records are available individually for fans who would like to pick and choose which ones they would like to purchase. In addition to the box set, a four-disc set, which groups 72 songs by theme, is available. A one-disc hits compilation was also released separately.

A final album, not as well-known as its Grammy award-winning companion, was released after Lennon's parting; this has been reissued as well. This record, which Lennon planned as a follow-up to "Double Fantasy," is titled "Milk and Honey." It was not completed before Lennon's untimely death and, thus, was finished by wife Yoko Ono and released in 1984.

Coupled with the reissues, "Nowhere Boy," which is "the extraordinary untold story of John Lennon," will be in theaters. The film, released in the UK in 2009, is finally going to make it to American shores on Oct. 8.

The actor playing Lennon (Aaron Johnson) may look familiar to some. This is because he was the actor who portrayed the teen superhero Kick-Ass, in the movie of the same title. Johnson has also been featured in "The Illusionist" staring Edward Norton. Being awarded a role as important as John Lennon surely signifies Johnson has a very promising career ahead of him.

Numerous reissued records and a film may seem like a lot of attention to garner someone who died quite a long time ago. However, this sudden attention to Lennon isn't without cause. It is due, in fact, to the celebration of what would have been his 70th birthday.

Furthermore, Lennon's immense contribution to the music world alone would warrant the renewed interest. He is remembered by those who were there and those, like myself, who did not have the privilege of being there and were introduced to his work later. Regardless, it is important to remind old fans of his accomplishments as well as introduce him to new generations of music lovers.