Former Beatle John Lennon begins recording fourth studio solo album ‘Mind Games’ in New York 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 1 1973)


Video: 'I Know (I Know)'

(Wednesday, August 1, 1973; during recording sessions for Mind Games) — Ex-Beatle John Lennon began recording Mind Games, his fourth studio solo album, today at Record Plant Studios in New York City.

Lennon tracked three songs on this first day, including “I Know (I Know),” “Rock and Roll People,” and “Tight A$.”

“Rock and Roll People,” and “Tight A$” would both be re-made later in the week.


Video: 'I KNOW (I KNOW). (Ultimate Remix, 2020) - John Lennon and The Plastic U.F.Ono Band.'

Overdubs for the album would be recorded starting Aug. 10, 1973, and mixing would begin on Aug. 21, 1973.

“I Know (I Know)” would be mixed on Aug. 24, 1973, and remixed on Aug. 29, 1973. It features lyrics in which Lennon apologizes for his thoughtlessness and discusses the causes of his insecurity.

On some of the rough mixes available on bootlegs, the time-consuming overdubbing on the song is apparent, as Lennon gradually refined the arrangement.

The album, which was released in the U.S. on Oct. 29, 1973, and in the UK on Nov. 16, 1973, was Lennon’s first self-produced solo recording without help from Phil Spector.