Shaved Fish

"Shaved Fish" is a fascinating piece in the discography of John Lennon, released in 1975. It's Lennon’s only compilation album released during his lifetime, containing tracks from his solo career from 1969 to 1974.

Here are some intriguing facts about this record:

1. Title Meaning: The title "Shaved Fish" is quite enigmatic. It originates from "Shabu Shabu," which is a type of Japanese cuisine. Lennon, known for his love of wordplay and quirky titles, chose this to perhaps reflect his eclectic style.

2. Unique Compilation: Unlike typical greatest hits albums, "Shaved Fish" is distinct because it includes hard-to-find singles like "Give Peace a Chance" and "Cold Turkey" that weren’t included on earlier studio albums. This makes it a treasure trove for Lennon enthusiasts looking for comprehensive collections of his solo work.

3. Chart Success: The album was successful, reaching number 12 on the Billboard 200 and number 8 on the UK Albums Chart. It was certified Gold in the US for its commercial performance.

4. Artwork: The cover art was designed by Roy Kohara and features a cartoon strip by Michael Bryan, depicting various characters and scenes related to the songs and themes of the album. The artwork adds a visual narrative to Lennon’s music, making it a collectible piece.

5. Song Compilation: Some tracks are slightly edited for this release. For example, on "Give Peace a Chance," the ending is shortened compared to the single version. These little edits offer a fresh listening experience.

6. Historical Context: Released at a time when Lennon had temporarily stepped away from music to focus on family life, "Shaved Fish" served as a reminder of his powerful presence in the music world and a bridge to his later works, which included the notable comeback album "Double Fantasy" in 1980.

7. Political and Social Themes: The album maintains Lennon’s strong themes of peace and activism, with tracks like "Give Peace a Chance," "Power to the People," and "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" underlining his commitment to social change.

These points only scratch the surface of what makes "Shaved Fish" such an intriguing album. It captures an essential period of Lennon's solo artistry and political activism, painting a vivid picture of his post-Beatles career.