14 - The Michigan Daily - Friday,December 8, 2000 FRIDAY Focus 0 born. Oct.9,1940 Twenty years later, Lennon's death remains a painful memoiy -even for those too young to recall it., Campus stunned by tragic slaying of former Beatle Died: Pec. &,96G& This story was originally printed in the kednesda, Dec. 10, 1980 edition of The Mwchigan Daily By Mitch Cantor Daily Managing Editor An atmosphere of pessimism and gloom prevait-d -on cail pus as both students and faculty members - MtIenberS of con- trasting generations which were both deeply affectd by John Lennon - discussed and mourned the Monday night slaying of the former Beatle. Stereos blasting Beatle music all day long, scattered posters taped up at various city sites ("Peace. Love. John." marked one kiosk), and thousands of disillusioned faces were constant reminders that fans felt a deep loss with the death of Lennon. Many students, like LSA sophomore Pam Staal, spent all day yesterday stunned at the story of the man who gunned down Lennon in front of the musician's apartment building in Manhattan. "I was very shocked and amazed," Staal said sadly. "A very creative mind was totally destroyed." I feel it's a real loss ... his talent was never really recog- nized," said Engineering student Dave Turner. For many the shooting finalized the death of the Beatles, the members of which went on to pursue solo careers after the formal breakup of the group in 1970. Constant specula- tion of the group's return and the continual popularity and salability of Beatle records in the last ten years has kept the group together in the minds of many fans. "There was always a hope that they would get back togeth- er," said Beth Fein, a Residential College student. While students mourned the murder, people working in music-related fields were also affected by the effects of Lennon's death. Several local records stores reported increased sales of Beatle albums and Lennon's solo albums. His latest record, Double Fantasy, was completed and released earlier this fall. - We're out of Lennon's albums, and almost out of Beatles (lbums)," said Discount Records Manager Jim Leonard. V/hat else would you expect?" A Schoolkids Records employee said the store had sold about 60 Double Fantasy albums and many Beatles records. The store had previously exhausted its supply of Lennon's other solo albums. Like many of those who purchased the albums yesterday, LSA student Lisa Schechter said she bought the Beatles White Album "in memorium" of John Lennon. Several radio stations played a series of Beatle and Lennon sets in honor of the former Beatle. WWWW in Detroit played Beatles and Lennon music for 24 consecutiv e hours. "It's kind of surprising to me that more stations around here aren't doing anything special," said the stations' assistant program director Laurie Converse. "Politically, socially, we thought he deserved some kind of tribute." she added. In Ann Arbor, rock and roll nightclub Second Chance closed yesterday to honor Lennon. "The nightclub will remain silent (yesterday) in memory of the passing of one of the greatest members of the rock and roll community," said a recorded statement delivered to those who phoned the establishment. - City Editor atricia I/agen, Features Editor Adrienne /.Yons, and staff members Claudia Centotnini and Iamin Kramer contibuted to this report. In remembrance: Daily staffers pick their favorite Lennon songs Mi k s? 4 ;'. , . ' f f, '' , ;r THE BELLESR I was so impacted by the song "Imagine" that it literally woke me from a sound sleep. I was 11, and in the habit of falling asleep with the radio on. One night I was suddenly jolted, awake ... "Imagine" was playing. Heart pounding and wide awake, I sat up in bed waiting for the DJ to announce the name of the song and the artist - it was my first time hearing it. The DJ didn't give any info about the song when it was over. Unable to sleep, I stayed up all night with "Imag- ine" running through my head. In the morning I sang it for my dad, an avid music fan, who of course knew what it was. He took me out to buy the tape that day. - Lisa Rajt, Daily Arts Writer I remember listening to my mom's vinyl copy ofJ Sgt. Peppers LonelyW Hearts Club Band after digging it out of dust balls at my grandparent's house in the late '80s. "A Day in the Life" immediately redefined every assump- tion I ever had about what good music is, and how great music could be. - Mike Spahn, Editor in Chief This is going to sound sappy, but it's really easy for any teenager or college student to identify with the lyrics. "And now my life has changed in oh so many ways/My independence seems to vanish in the haze/But every now and then I feel so inse- cure." These words ring true to me. We're in one of the most confusing parts of life, and it's good to have someone to turn to for help. -- Ryan Blay, Daily Arts Writer "Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)" is one of Lennon's cheesier solo efforts. But the only truly utopian experience I've ever had was when I first heard that song. I was riding the Underground in London and this guy who was listening to head- phones just started belting out his own very soulful rendition of that song - utterly oblivious to the fact that 50 startled people took a break from what- the situation, everyone in that car got off in a much better mood. - Nick Woone,; Daily Editorial ssociate Editor Being something of a "Jealous Guy" myself, I'm impressed that John was able to deal with his feelings by writing a song rather than going through the usual chan- nels open to guys like us: Stalking her, hanging out with her parents, stealing her car keys, leaving small, dead ani- mals at her doorstep, and so forth. Seriously, though, if all jealous guys could come up with something so beautiful, melodious and generally heartwarming to give to the object of their affection, there'd be no need for restraining orders. - Christian hoard, Daily Arts Writer I'd have to go with "Happi- ness is a Warm Gun" from the White Album. It always keeps you guessing, and it keeps switching h styles until it's barely the same song any- more. It also has the greatest sarcastic and 4 surreal lyrics, and the doo-wop ending is perfect. - Andy Taylor-Fabc, Daily Artsl Writer sing "Il'm so tired" over and over in my head. I love the utter exhaustion expressed through his voice and song tempo while remaining so emotionally powerful.- Jane Krull, Daily Staff Reporter "Across the Universe": Probably one of the most calming songs ever written. Definitely inspired by the Beatles' India visit, it just shows the complete emptiness of everything in such a beautiful way. - Andy Klein, Gaily Arts Writer "I Want You (She's So Heavy)": This slow, groove-heavy song is indicative of Lennon's range. It was a perfect background sound for one crazy sangria night with friends. - Gina Hamadey, Daily Books Editor 0 "Across the Universe" ten to. It is incredibly1 together perfectly. - Editorial Staffer is always soothing to lis- lyrical - the words fit Jessica Guerin, Daily "Tomorrow Never Knows" is my personal favorite Lennon/Beatles song. I always liked this final track from Revolver as it seemed to be the bridge between the Beatles pop ; music era and their experi- mental rock era. The title 42 seems appropriate, for no one knew the change the Beatles were about to make with their monumental album Sgt. Pep- pers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Matt Gran dstaif Daily Arts Writer My favorite John Lennon song is "Norwegian Wood" - it's a great story about something near and dear to every man: Trying to score and fail- ing. It's also one of the first times the Beatles use a sitar. But there's one thing I can't figure out about the end of the song: "So I lit a fire/Isn't it good?/Norwegian wood..." - is he talking about a fire in the fire- place, or does he burn her house down? -David Enders, Daily Staff Reporter "Watching the Wheels": People say I'm crazy too. --- Anna Clark, Daily Staff Reporter Like most music fans, I find it hard to describe what John Lennon's music means to me. Words could never do it justice. When I was growing up, his music helped describe the indescribable. Lennon wrote about many things, but I think his legacy is one of humanity. His music spoke of a better world, a hope that things can always improve. If I had to pick a favorite song (an impossible task), it would be "Across the Uni- verse," from Let it Be. It's just a beautiful song - -1 - . -1- 1, - --...r,.-,+,--,"r XII- ,, .",. o V-- S1 M ' ,y + 6 -,: ':- [S F71 __ ,. ., _,. '" _.. . y," When I can hardly keep my eyes open in those --.. ,. ,, ,1 -.,,, 41,E , ~4- -1 +L - ,,. - I I