Yoko Ono - Approximately Infinite Universe

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature gatefold LP sleeve. 2007. Album Description

Fantastic memories

I bought this double album when it first came out - on vinyl. I loved it so much that I completely wore it out.
It had a power and individuality that was totally unlike the more conventional rock and roll I was listening to in those days. I happened to be reading Romola Nijinska's biography of Nijinsky at the same time I was first listening to AIU, and the two have stayed together in my mind as emblems of artistic difference and personal expression within established genres.
It's definitely not for everyone. The Japanese influence can be off-putting to people who are accustomed to a richer vocal timbre and western harmonic progressions. But if you like rock and roll, enjoy something intelligently different, and are open to a bit of Japanese edginess, this is something really special. May 27, 2008

The Definitive Yoko Ono : Her Best Album

My Dad had this back in the day, so I've sort of grown up listening to it. But listening to it today, its incredible that she got away with these lyrics. Most of them are hard hitting feminist rants, but quite poignant as well. I take it that even if you're not a feminist, you would enjoy the classic "What a Bastard the World is", a sprawling epic track that shuffles between orchestral and punk-rock. Simply amazing.

"Approximately Infinite Universe" is also one of the records where Yoko Ono let her voice and acoustic sensibilities shine more than on her other albums. Listen to this, then listen to "Fly". This is obviously so much more accomplished, and more cohesive as a body of work.

Prime reason is the music. Yoko traded in her screeching and feedback-loving self for something far more primal and stripped down, and it worked. What also worked were the song selections and transitions. The multiple genres within songs make this a very diverse recording, and yes, even though its on 2 CDs, its not overlong or boring - in fact, my respect for this increases each time I listen to it.

By far Yoko's best album - the only competition it has is her own 1981 release "Season of Glass", and her 2007 release "Yes, I'm A Witch". November 22, 2007

Whammo blammo womyn's lib

Hey, remember that 13-year-old boy wearing a custom-printed YOKO ONO sweatshirt to 8th grade class (Lindbergh Middle School) in 1973? The weirdo kid who liked Yoko better than John? That was me, and no surprise I turned out transgendered.

Admittedly, none of AIU's long set list has the succinctness and vigor of "Woman Power" (Ono's final Apple 45, culled from the subsequent FTS album), nor does the J+Y production here come close to Spector's polished muscle on "We're All Water" (from STINYC) - but! - no doubt Elephant's Memory was THE band for Ono. Not only do they rock like they wanna rock the world (especially hotshot lead guitarist Wayne Gabriel) but, unlike ALL other Ono sessions, they keep her in pitch throughout.

Here are some of the hardest feminist anthems, ever. "YangYang" and "What A Bastard The World Is" still throw further than DiFranco, Amos or Hole. What a rip these two arresting ditties are never covered by the remix&mash trendies. "I Felt Like Smashing My Face In A Clear Glass Window" gives quintessential teen angst a Springsteenian grandeur. "What Did I Do" is avant-boogie and, certainly, "Death of Samantha" deserves its epic place in the Ono canon. Simultaneously fire-breathing, girlishly vulnerable, comic and desperate, NOBODY in showbiz communicates as loud & clear like this lady.

One of the greats.

Oh, yeh ... little 'ol organic tranny me ... was in a "technogrunge" band, back in the early 90s, and performed a Yoko Ono tribute set at CBGB's, amongst other East Coast venues. I, the "singer," dyed my hair black and dressed, enfemme, as YO. Top that, Thurston. September 13, 2007

some great material

This recording,done in the early 70's, has one song in particular which resonates today. Check out "Now or Never". It could've been written yesterday.
Give Yoko credit...lots of well-regarded punk bands ripped her off.
Once again,John Lennon anticipated all the rest of us by promoting Yoko's songs.
"Move on Fast" is also very good.
Overall,this CD and Yoko's music in general should be given the same latitude as is afforded other artists who don't fit the stereotype in some folk's minds.
I think Yoko Ono has a lot to offer someone who can appreciate honesty,passion and who can appreciate her sense of humor and irony.
DY February 15, 2007

No stars

This 'recording' is right down there with her noxious 'Fly'
It could make me want to break my stereo if I had to listen to it again.

January 20, 2007

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