John Lennon

A maniac murdered John Lennon, making this 1980 comeback LP his final non-archival release. "Starting Over" is a marvel, "I'm Losing You" is like late-period Beatles, and "Watching the Wheels" is just lovely and explains why Lennon spent the five years previous to this album's release out of the limelight. That said, how many times have you listened to Yoko's tracks?

In a special message for all the ignorami who think he never should have married the pretentious bitch, John turns the professional rock he hacked his way through when they were separated to the specifics of his life (and genius) as it's now constituted. In a special message for all the ignorami who think pretentious bipeds should stay out of recording studios, Yoko keeps up with him. This is an unfashionable piece of music--only Poly Styrene, of all people, has gotten away with anything remotely similar all year. But you don't have to be married to hear its commitment and command. I hope. (Grade - A)