John Lennon’s “Mind Games” Expanded With 50+ New Recordings

When non-hardcore fans think of “solo John Lennon”, the image that appears in your head might not be from Imagine, but Mind Games.

Originally released in October 1973, this record marked the peak of Lennon’s political activism, amidst battles with the U.S. government over citizenship and constant surveillance. For one week, he stepped away from the constant chaos and wrote all of the songs that would become his fourth solo release.

51 years later, the record has been completely remixed and expanded with over 70 new mixes and recordings made available for the very first time. Yoko Ono, who oversaw the process, said in a press release, “John was trying to convey the message that we all play mind games. But if we can play mind games, why not make a positive future with it—to be a positive mind game? ‘Mind Games’ is such an incredibly strong song. At the time, people didn’t quite get the message because this was before its time. Now, people would understand it. I don’t think in those days people knew they were playing mind games anyway.”

On July 12th, fans have the following to look forward to:

CD1: THE ULTIMATE MIXES
1. Mind Games
2. Tight A$
3. Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)
4. One Day (At A Time)
5. Bring On The Lucie (Freeda Peeple)
6. Nutopian International Anthem
7. Intuition
8. Out The Blue
9. Only People
10. I Know (I Know)
11. You Are Here
12. Meat City

CD2: THE ELEMENTAL MIXES
1. Mind Games
2. Tight A$
3. Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)
4. One Day (At A Time)
5. Bring On The Lucie (Freeda Peeple)
6. Nutopian International Anthem (Elemental Mix)
7. Intuition
8. Out The Blue
9. Only People
10. I Know (I Know)
11. You Are Here
12. Meat City

CD3: THE ELEMENTS MIXES
1. Mind Games
2. Tight A$
3. Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)
4. One Day (At A Time)
5. Bring On The Lucie (Freeda Peeple)
6. Nutopian International Anthem
7. Intuition
8. Out The Blue
9. Only People
10. I Know (I Know)
11. You Are Here
12. Meat City

CD4: THE EVOLUTION DOCUMENTARY
1. Mind Games
2. Tight A$
3. Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)
4. One Day (At A Time)
5. Bring On The Lucie (Freeda Peeple)
6. Nutopian International Anthem
7. Intuition
8. Out The Blue
9. Only People
10. I Know (I Know)
11. You Are Here
12. Meat City

CD5: THE RAW STUDIO MIXES
1. Mind Games
2. Tight A$
3. Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)
4. One Day (At A Time) (Raw Studio Mix)
5. Bring On The Lucie (Freeda Peeple)
6. Nutopian International Anthem
7. Intuition
8. Out The Blue
9. Only People
10. I Know (I Know)
11. You Are Here
12. Meat City

CD6: THE OUT-TAKES
1. Mind Games (Out-take, Take 7)
2. Tight A$ (Out-take, Take 6)
3. Aisumasen (I’m Sorry) (Out-take, Take 2)
4. One Day (At A Time) (Out-take, Take 18)
5. Bring On The Lucie (Freeda Peeple) (Out-take, Take 15)
6. Declaration Of Nutopia (Out-take, Take 1)
7. Intuition (Out-take, Take 12)
8. Out The Blue (Out-take, Take 15)
9. Only People (Out-take, Take 12)
10. I Know (I Know) (Out-take, Take 22)
11. You Are Here (Out-take, Take 5)
12. Meat City (Out-take, Take 16)

All of the tracks have been completely remixed from scratch from the 15 original two-inch multitrack session tapes using brand new 192-24 digital transfers.

The new Mind Games: The Ultimate Collection will be available in several versions: a “Super Deluxe Edition,” two LPs, two CDs, and the $1.3K “Standard Deluxe Edition Box,” which contains 2 Limited Edition Reproduction Artworks by John Lennon & Yoko Ono with Certificates of Authenticity as well as a Hologram-Engraved EP, 9LPs (including 2 Zoetrope Picture Discs), 6CDs, 2 Blu-Rays, 2 Books, 4 posters, 4 postcards, 2 maps, 3 badges, Word Puzzle, Bespoke I-Ching Coins, Nutopian Flag, Nutopian Seal Stamp and Nutopian Embassy replica plaque.

You can find more information at the John Lennon website.