GOODNIGHT VIENNA

GOODNIGHT VIENNA : While this album followed the same format as "Ringo", its appeal is not so immediate. I first heard this album from a cartridge from my brother's car. I was captivated by a few of the tracks. John Lennon was the only Beatle present with a few superstar guests. While some of them were first rated, some of them were not so good. Understandably, this did not do as well as "Ringo," but still worth buying if you are a Ringo fan.

[ It's All Da Da Down To ] Goodnight Vienna ( Lennon ) : This John Lennon's track has in Ringo's words gusto and lots of it. It just struck you in the eyes and hook on to you.

Occapella ( Toussaint ) : This has got to be one of the greatest song ever recorded by Ringo Starr. Simply loved this song and the horns are awesome.

Oo - Wee ( Starkey / Poncia ) : Just an average song that also double up as the B side to his smash hit 'No No Song' also to be found here. Tolerable.

Husband And Wives ( Miller ) : Ringo shouldn't ever tried this kind of song that showcased the artist's vocal prowess 'cos he just doesn't have the pipes for it. This one is rather hard on the ear. Neil Diamond did a far better version.

Snookeroo ( John / Taupin ) : Things picks up with this Elton John's original. Ringo sang this just fine as it was tailor written for him. One of the album's highlights.

All By Myself ( Poncia / Starkey ) : Another winner. This is a fun filled danceable track. John Lennon played guitar here while producer Richard Perry lends his bass vocal on the chorus. This could have been the next single.

Call Me ( Starkey ) : Things went down slightly with this Ringo's original. Not exactly a bad track but sandwitched between two highlights of the album, it can't be helped.

No No Song ( Axton / Jackson ) : Got to be one of the best single ever puts out by any  ex Beatles and undoubtedly Ringo's best vocal. Infectious and fun, you just can't help smiling at the lyric and Ringo's delivery of it.

Only You [ And You Alone ] ( Ram / Rand ) : Believe it or not, this was the first time I have ever heard this classic. Though it was a hit for Ringo, I find his low key vocal rather flat. John Lennon did a similar arrangement with 'Stand By Me' on his "Rock 'n' Roll' which kicked ass..

Easy For Me ( Nilsson ) : Probably the weakest track on the album. Ringo should be more selective of the materials given to him. I usually skipped this track.

Goodnight Vienna [ Reprise ] ( Lennon } : A short reprise of this winning track to close the album.

EXTRA TRACKS :

Back Off Boogaloo ( Starkey ) : This was the follow up to Ringo's first solo smash 'It Don't Come Easy.'.I don't quite like this. Too noisy for me.

Blind Man ( Starkey ) : This theme song from the movie of the same which also starred Ringo Starr was only previously available as the B side of 'Bank Off Boogaloo,' until now. Not a terribly interesting track.

Six O'clock ( McCartney / McCartney ) : One of my favourite track from "Ringo." This extended version was not really essential with a prolong fade out. They already did it right on the "Ringo" album so this was not really necessary.

DOP : 14th November 2004.