Mind Games

The making of John Lennon’s 1973 album Mind Games is unpacked in this intriguing if disorganized collection. Gathering assorted photographs, memos, interviews, and annotated song lyrics, Lennon (1940–1980) and Ono capture the volatile personal and professional climate from which the album emerged: Lennon was being tracked by immigration officials for associating with “leftist radicals” (Department of Justice memos labeled him an “extremist” whose visa should be revoked), the couple’s marriage was growing increasingly strained (paired with the typed lyrics for “Aisumasen (I’m Sorry),” a striking photo depicts John kneeling at Yoko’s feet in apparent apology), and the escalating pressures of fame were taking a toll on Lennon, leaving him overexposed and isolated. Still, he managed to dive into his work, creating a wide-ranging album that included political protest songs, love ballads, and even an anthem for a conceptual utopian country founded by the couple. Unfortunately, the fascinating archival material lacks a coherent organizational framework—some documents are loosely grouped according to album track, other sections stand on their own—and the enigmatic Ono poem that serves as the preface doesn’t do much to clear things up. This one’s for Lennon completists only. Photos. (Sept.)