Recent listening: A couple late, less touted Beatles tracks

A quick post on some of my recent listening: I just haven't been able to get enough, these past few weeks, of two later Beatles tracks, both penned by John Lennon, that just don't seem to get the attention they deserve. I'm talking about "Don't Let Me Down" and "The Ballad of John and Yoko." Neither was included on any of the Beatles' official studio albums, though each found a place on a couple compilations there at the end, as both were recorded in the period surrounding the Abbey Road and Let It Be albums. I've always found the first song to be incredibly moving, particularly with that electric piano, and the second has a simply irresistible rhythm. Something interesting to me about "Ballad" is that it was recorded by just Lennon and Paul McCartney. I've also had on my mind lately the song "Mother" from Lennon's solo album Plastic Ono Band, recorded shortly thereafter. That song, too, is quite affecting, though more for its cathartic impact than anything else. Anyway, just thought I'd share (ah, the joys of blogging...)