RINGO 2012

RINGO 2012 : This comes out rather fast after his last Cd. In this digital era, this Cd is criminally short and we are being short charged. Make no mistakes about that. Consisting of a mere nine songs of which two are remakes of his own songs and two covers which comes out with only five new songs. Clocking in at just 29 minutes if this is not criminal, I don't know what is. This will also be the last Ringo album that I will buy in its full price. Subsequent releases will have to wait till it is in the bargain bin before I make my purchase. If Ringo is in need of money, this is not the way to do it.

Anthem ( Starkey / Ballard ) : Started off with urgent beat but it's still typical Ringo's stuffs, that you'll hear and forget. That's what an anthem shouldn't be doing, right.

Wings ( Starkey / Poncia ) : This remake from his "Ringo The 4th" album was give a reg

gae make over here. Hearing this again here make seems like a meeting of an old friend. I like this.

Think It Over ( Holly / Petty ) : A nice cover of this Buddy Holly song which suited Ringo dead panned singing very well. This one will keep your head bopping along.

Samba ( Starkey / Parks ) : This is a good track with a Brazilian feel to the melody. Ringo's compositions seems to be improving tremendously of late.

Rock Island Line ( Arrangement by Starkey ) :  A fine number with an infectious piano intro, this version is based on Lonnie Donnegan's version. Lonnie Donnegan was a popular singer during the skiffle phase in the 50's and have quite an influence on The Beatles during their early rise to fame.

Step Lightly ( Starkey ) : The second remake from his most successful and popular album "Ringo." This version have an almost workmanlike quality to it as compare to the original which have more heart. What's missing is the tap dancing feet of one Richard Starkey as on the original.

Wonderful ( Starkey / Nicholson ) : As like the title, this 

is a wonderful track. Mighty pleasing to the ears.

In Liverpool ( Starkey / Stewart ) : Yet another reflective ode in the 60's but this time there was no mentions of his old band. Thought not as immediate as 'Liverpool 8', this is another good track.

Slow Down ( Starkey / Walsh ) : Not the one that The Beatles recorded during their heydays but this is not a bad track too, but then with only 9 tracks and less than 30 minutes of play times, there's not much to compare with.

DOP : 26th February 2012.

Y NOT

 

 Y NOT : Ringo's album for the year 2010. Honestly, if this goes on, Ringo will have more albums to his name than John Lennon and George Harrison combined. To be fair of late, his albums are not really bad. In fact, it quite good to those who care enough to listen. It's just that Ringo doesn't have a great voice. When he sings, at best he gives the impression that it's someone singing in the shower. Seems for this album, Ringo have not enlist the service of Mark Hudson, his collaborator and producer of his last few albums. As I listen to his albums again, although I have listened to them before maybe once or twice all those years back, the songs just doesn't ring any bells at all. It's like listening to a new album altogether. Though, I like what I've heard, I would still not be putting them again on the player anytime soon.

Fill In The Blank ( Starkey / Walsh ): A great track with a catchy beat that suit Ringo's vocal to a T thought probably I wouldn't remember it after I've place the Cd back in the shelf.

Peace Dream ( Starkey / Wright / Nicholson ) : Ringo recalling John Lennon's 'Imagine' message. The melody is quite good but the lyrics is rather amateurish.  Can you imagine any lyric that have ' Just like John Lennon said....' Much as I like hearing John Lennon immortalised in a song, this  makes me cringe. Paul McCartney is on hand to lay out some awesome bass line.

The Other Side Of Liverpool ( Starkey / Stewart ) : Another not so bad rocking and rolling track that is more style than substance. If given to another singer, this track could have reach greater height. Sorry Ringo.

Walk With Me ( Starkey / Parks ) : With a little help from his old mate Paul McCartney on background vocal, Ringo delivered a sensitive treatment here. So as to sound that I am not biased, this song and the other that have Paul McCartney on hand, 'Peace Dream' did caught my attention as being rather unique. It was only after looking at the credit that I knew Paul was involved. Seems The Beatles magic is still working..

Time ( Starkey / Stewart ) : A fine but forgettable rocker that was almost half instrumental with the instrumentation part half as long as the vocal part. Could have been better if they have kept it short.

Everyone Wins ( Starkey / Warman ) : This one flares better as Ringo sings with his heart and soul intact. This one have Ringo stretches his vocal as best as he can and I think Ringo wins some here with his attempt,.

Mystery Of The Night ( Starkey / Marx ) : Don't know how Ringo got hooked up with Richard Marx to produce this. Not entirely bad but nether is it memorable.

Can't Do It Wrong ( Starkey / Burr ) : Another average track. Dressing up with prominent instrumentation somehow make it slightly bearable.

Y Not ( Starkey / Ballard ) : This should have been a good song as it was the title song but it was nowhere near that at all. The Indian music added to it doesn't do a thing.He should

have named this album with any of the other songs here but this.

Who's Your Daddy ( Starkey / Stone ) : A surprise here for Ringo is actually singing backing for Joss Stone, who also co composed the song with Ringo. Haven't a clue who Joss Stone is but she sings good here. A nice song and a nice interlude.

DOP : 28th February 2010.

PHOTOGRAPH : THE VERY BEST OF RINGO STARR

PHOTOGRAPH : THE VERY BEST OF RINGO STARR : I could never take Ringo Starr at full dose, especially all those studio albums that he keeps putting out. But there was a time during the early 70's when The Beatles first broke up, Ringo was top dog. His singles are joyful and fun to listen to. Looking at the list of songs here, it's very impressive indeed. Matter of fact, I enjoyed his singles more than George Harrison who more often than, though good, sounded sad and moody. I wanted to get this quite some time but decided against it 'cos I have almost all the songs here. When an opportunity presented itself, I got my Beatle pal to buy this for me as a sort of exchange for a favour that I've done for him.

Photograph ( Starkey / Harrison ) : Refers to "Ringo" album.

It Don't Come Easy ( Starkey ) : Refers to "Ringo" album.

You're Sixteen [ You're Beautiful And You're Mine ] ( Sherman / Sherman ) : Refers to "Ringo" album.

Back Off Boogaloo ( Starkey ) : Refers to " Goodnight Vienna" album.

I'm The Greatest ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Ringo" album.

Oh, My My ( Poncia / Starkey ) : Refers to "Ringo" album.

Only You [ And You Alone ] ( Ram / Rand ) : Refers to "Goodnight Vienna" album.

Beaucoups Of Blues ( Rabin ) : Refers to "Beaucoups Of Blues" album.

Early 1970 ( Starkey ) : Refers to "Ringo" album.

Snookeroo ( John / Taupin ) : Refers to "Goodnight Vienna" album.

No No Song ( Axton / Jackson ) : Refers to "Goodnight Vienna" album.

[ It's All Down To ] Goodnight Vienna ( Lennon ) : Refers to "Goodnight Vienna" album.

Hey Baby ( Cobb / Channel ) : Refers to "Ringo's Rotogravure" album.

A Dose Of Rock 'n' Roll ( Groszman ) : Refers to "Ringo's Rotogravure" album.

Weight Of The World ( O'Doherty / Velez ) : Refers to "Time Takes Time" album.

King Of Broken Heart ( Dudas / Grakal / Hudson / Starkey ) : Refers to "Vertical Man" album.

Never Without You ( Starkey / Hudson / Nicholson ) : Refers to "Ringorama" album.

Act Naturally ( Russell / Morrison ) - duet with Buck Owens : A country remake of this track Ringo first sang as a Beatle on the "Help" album way back in 1965. Of the two version, although this is good, I think I still prefer the one that I first heard done by The Beatles. Maybe I am sentimental but that's me.

Wrack My Brain ( Harrison ) : I have this originally on the "Stop And Smell The Roses" album but somehow the Cd seems to evade me. Been searching for it for years. Not as good as those Harrison penned songs that he gave to Ringo but this is pleasant enough.

Fading In And Fading Out ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr ) : From the "Choose Love" album which I missed buying when it first came out. It not in existence anymore and I am still kicking myself for not getting the Cd when I have my chance. Not a bad track at all.

DOP : 20th September 201

LIVERPOOL 8

LIVERPOOL 8 : Before this album, Ringo's 15th solo album, there was "Choose Love" which I have neglected to buy and now it is so hard to find. I can't imagined I have missed much anyway except the space on my shelf. It's been quite a while now that Ringo have been using The Beatles nostalgia to sell his albums. There was his pictures of him as a Beatle on the back of his albums, "Vertical Man" and " Ringorama." along with the numerous references to his old band and titles on the lyrics on his songs. This waschockful of Beatles references. Beatles fans includes yours truly loves these references for a time long passed and cherished. This is one of the few Ringo's albums that I have bought at full price.

no exception and the title song "Liverpool 8" was

Liverpool 8 ( Starkey / Stewart ) : Undoubtedly the best track here and the most nostalgia worthy with references to his three brothers from the past. More or less a short vocal history of The Beatles during their heydays. I could see Ringo performing this live with the audiences shouting with him during the finale.

Think About You ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr / Dudas ): This is a solid track with an intro that reminds me very much of the John Lennon penned 'I Am The Greatest.'

For Love ( Starkey / Hudson ) : Another typical Ringo's rock songs that he keeps turning up in abundance factory styled. Not a bad track but not terribly memorable either.

Now That She's Gone Away ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr ) :  Ringo go 50's style and it's quite listenable.

Gone Are The Days ( Starkey / Hudson / Stewart ) : Ringo is playing on his most popular solo hit 'It Don't Come Easy' on the lyric with this track. Too short to make anything of it.

Give It A Try ( Starkey / Hudson / Dudas ) : This  sunny and breezy song is one of the highlights here, I could listen to this again and enjoy it as much. Ringo should have composed more of this kind of songs. Sung in his lay back easy style, it fitted him like a glove.

Tuff Love ( Starkey / Hudson / Barr / Dudas ): A fairly even tempo song that is not too hard on the ear. Could even like it after repeated listening.

Harry's Song ( Starkey / Hudson / Barr / Dudas ) : Could this Harry be the Harry Nilsson, Ringo's one time drinking partner and hell raiser.. If it is, it's quite a nice tribute to him who once wrote a song for Ringo to sing on one of his earlier album. The whistling at the end is nice too.

Pasodobles ( Starkey / Hudson / Barr / Dudas / Grakal ) : Doesn't get this song at all. Easily the worst and most disposable track on this album. Still, not as bad as those ballads that he did in his earlier albums.

If It's Love That You Want ( Starkey / Hudson / Barr / Dudas ): Thankful we have this winner after the horror that came before this. Ringo singing about love is not a bad thing and it shows here.

Love Is ( Starkey / Hudson / Barr / Dudas ) : When will Ringo learned that he just doesn't have it to sing ballads. Song that brings out the vocal prowess of the artists. Not one of my favorite here definitely.

R U Ready { Starkey / Hudson / Barr / Dudas ) : This one played like a tune that comes out right off the radio, giving it a nostalgia feel. A

rather enjoyable track to close off the album. Sounds like a song you may hear in a campfire.

DOP :4th July 2010.

LIVE IN CONCERT

RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND - LIVE IN CONCERT : RECORDED LIVE AT CASINO RAMA, CANADA : I have three Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band Cds altogether. Although the guest artists here are relatively less well known than the other two albums, this Cd is easily the best sounding of them all. The sounds and productions are top notched and the vocals are crystal clear. Unfortunately, somebody goofed here. On the sleeve notes, it was stated that Ringo performed songs from his last album which was 'Memphis In Your Mind' and his heartfelt ode to his fallen comrade, George Harrison, 'Never Without You.' I would have trade any songs from here except 'Don't Pass Me By' to hear that beautiful song live but aah well........ I don't remember when I bought this but it sure was worth every cents of it.

It Don't Come Easy ( Starkey ) - Ringo : With the introduction over the mike " Ladies & Gentleman, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band" and Ringo ripped into this all time favourite. The instrumental here takes a back sit while Ringo's vocal is more in prominence.

Honey Don't ( Perkins ) : Next comes this number which Ringo first performed with The Beatles on their 1964's "Beatles For Sales" album. The musicianship here sounds more closely kitted than on the original.

Memphis In Your Mind ( Burr / Dudas / Grakal / Starkey / Hudson ) - Ringo : Ringo introduced his latest album to the audience and get off with this fine rocker.

How Long ( Carrack ) : First heard this from Lipps, Inc. as a disco hit. Though this is a fine version from the composer and the participation by the audience was fantastic, I think I still preferred the disco version better. There's a great sax solo here though.

Down Under ( Strykert / Hay ) :  One of Men At Work's signature song. Been somewhat overexposed by the original, it's rather pleasant to hear this by one of the composer.

When I See You Smile ( Warren ) : One of the big hit of the 90's this Bad English biggie was written by Diana Warren ( Ringo, himself was one of the recipient of one of her song on his "Time Takes Time album ) who seems to be everywhere. This song was given a worthy interpretation here by John Waite, one of the original member.

Love Bizarre ( Escovedo ) : Sheila E. gives an energetic performance of this song, involving the audience and all. Her performance is okay but it's the material that lets her down.

Boys ( Dixon / Farrell ) : A nice energetic version of this non Beatles composed track for the umpteen times. Incredible that Ringo still managed to make it sound interesting after so many versions of this song. Loves the playful backing from the band.

Don't Pass Me By ( Starkey ) : This is the stand out track here for me. I've never like this first ever solo composition from Ringo from "The Beatles" aks "The While Album," but on this version, he injected a playful piano introduction before he launches into the full instrumentation version. Great. For this track alone, I would buy this Cd.

Yellow Submarine ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This song needs no introduction. Performed almost to death for the umpteen time, this is Ringo's signature tune which in his own words 'gave him his solo career.'

Living Years ( Rutherford / Roberson ) : One of the defining songs of the 80's, this heartfelt ballad was of course first performed by Mike and the Mechanics. Here it is performed by Paul Carrack who was with the original band. Of course the original was better but still, a compelling performance here.

Missing You ( Waite / Leonard / Sandford ) :  John Waite's big ballad hit of the 80's. Performed almost note to note as the original. Understandable. Why tried to repair something that ain't broken. Nice one this.

Glamorous Life ( Prince ) : Sheila E's turned to shine again with this Prince composition which fared better than her first track here.

I Wanna Be Your Man ( Lennon / McCartney ) :  Not one of my favorite songs but somehow I like this version and the instrumentation here is better. Am I kidding, this is better than The Beatles but to my ear it sure is..

Who Can It Be Now ( Hay ) : Men At Work second signature song performed by the composer himself. As was his first performance, I prefer this due to over exposure of the song but this one sounds more like the original, albeit a bit slower.

With A Little Help From My Friends ( Lennon / McCartney ) : I have, including this one, three Ringo Starr And The All Starr Band's live Cd and each time this was the closing track. This one somehow sounds much better than the others probably due to the more superior sound. Definitely this one ends much better than the other Cds which was usually an unnecessarily prolonged musical ending. This one ends just right.

DOP : 3rd November 2005.

RINGORAMA DELUXE EDITION

RINGORAMA DELUXE EDITION : You got to hand it to Ringo Starr. After consistently releasing  albums after albums without much sales, he finally managed to come up with this winner. Yes, even I, a long suffering listener of Ringo's oh so torturous music due to my loyalty to The Beatles find this enjoyable. This is also by far the most expensive Ringo's Cd I've ever purchased. I have to. A record seller whom I've happened to have a chat with called me up regarding this new deluxe edition and whether I was interested. Not wanting to disappointing him and being the nice guy that I am, I bought it. Thankfully I was not disappointed. There are three 3 Cd's here including a DVD. The first one was the Cd proper, the second one was an interview that Ringo did for a radio station while the third was the icing on the cake.Consists of videos of almost all the tracks and especially poignant was the video of 'Never Without You,' Ringo's heartfelt tribute to his fallen ex Beatle mate, George Harrison. Actually, this is really a scam on the part of the record company. Although the videos were good, the second Cd of Ringo's interview wasn't really necessary. Nevertheless, this is still a keeper..

Eye To Eye ( Starkey / Hudson / Dudas / Grakal ) : A solid opener of a rock song that sets the mood for the rest of the album. The kind of song that get the audience applauding in a live show.

Missouri Loves Company ( Starkey / Hudson / Dudas / Grakal ): This one slowed down the pace but the tune just grabs your attention by the sheer beauty of the melody. Undoubtedly one of the highlights here and one of my all time favourite Ringo songs. Just love the lead guitar.

Instant Amnesia ( Starkey / Hudson / Dudas / Grakal ) :  A loud, typical rock 'n' roll track to hear and then to forget. The prolong fading out seems unnecessary.

Memphis In Your Mind ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr / Dudas ): Another rocker that shows Ringo have not forgotten how to rock. Ringo have taken to perform this rocker in his recent live concerts and I can see why. The beat is infectious and the melody is not too bad too.

Never Without You ( Starkey / Hudson / Nicholson ) : This track alone is worth the cost of the whole Cd. Almost as good as Paul McCartney's ode to John Lennon, 'Here Today,' this one shows Ringo in all his sincerity to his fallen mate, George Harrison. Eric Clapton's playing on guitar didn't hurt either. Personally, I much prefer this to Paul's.

 Imagine Me There ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr ) : A  reflective song that sees our man handling ballad much better than he did in his earlier albums. I could actually sit through this and could actually like this.

I Think Therefore I Rock 'n' Roll ( Starkey / Hudson / Grakal / Santo ) : After the rather tiring but not totally bad track, we are awoke up with this nice little rocker.

Trippin' On My Tears ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr / Grakal ) : Another good rocker but the problem with one rocker after another no matter how good they are, tends to sounds alike..

Write One For Me ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr ) : A mid tempo track but as good as the rest. Made memorable by the appearance of Willie Nelson sharing vocal duty with Ringo.

What Loves Want To Be ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr ): Another ballad that amazingly Ringo seems to be getting quite adaptable at. Nice.

Love First , Ask Question Later ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr / Grakal ) :  Another fairly slow number that has lots of charm to spare. Definitely one of the better moment here..Sort of grow on you.

Elizabeth Reigns ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr / Dudas / Grakal ) : Something very English about this track. Maybe it's the Elizabeth title. Another good track.

English Garden ( Starkey / Hudson / Burr / Dudas / Grakal ) : In the old days, I cringe at any Ringo's ballad but now I am listening to the second one in a row but I am still straining my ears to hear more. Towards the end, Ringo sang a few bar of Paul McCartney's 'Let 'Em In.'

Blink ( Starkey / Hudson / Dudas / Grakal ) : An uptempo track that would have been lost on his other albums but it blends well in here with the rest.

OK Ray ( Starkey / Hudson / Dudas / Hart / Foote ) : A fun number that Ringo sang playfully. This is real nice and I like it.

I'm Home ( Starkey / Hudson / Dudas ) 

DISC 3 : DVD :

RIngo RIght From The Start : Ringo reminisces about New York and tells why he thinks "Ringorama" is a step forward. He also talks about peace and love, and his incredible dream.

Eye To Eye - Album Track : Ringo explaining how he wrote this track with his M. Hudson, S. Dudas, and D. Grakal, and shows his skills at the skin.Ringo's wife, Barbara Bach was also in the studio.

Ringo Remembers :  Ringo on his younger days and learning to drum, as well as going to Memphis for real and meeting the King of Rock 'n' Roll. This video also show Dave Gilmour  and Timolthy B Schmidt jaming and rehearsing on the few tracks they was playing in.

Memphis In Your Mind - Album Track : This one features 'Elizabeth Reigns' rather than 'Memphis In Your Mind,' somebody must have got this mixed up.

Ringorama Radio Hour ID By Ringo Starr :

Ringo The Rocker : The drummer confesses that he is indeed a rocker not a mod, then tell us about his home and his successful relationship with his wife, Barbara.

Imagine Me There - Album Track :

Ringo On Writing : A chat about the Fabs clues for us all in Ringo Rama's lyrics...fame and the fans... and the Royal family.

Elizath Reigns - Album Track :

Ringo Guess Starrs : So what Mr. Starkey's chances for knighthood ? Ringo then tells of being joined on the new album by guests like Eric Clapton and David Gilmour, and the joy of recording in small studios with his collaborators Mark Hudson and The Roundheads.

I Think There I Rock 'n' Roll - Album Track

Ringo On The Road : To tour with The Roundheads vs. The All Starr Band, that is the question. The next questions : What was it like playing at The Concert For George , and how did the love song for George Harrison comes about ?

Never Without You - Album Track

Ringo Rama Radio ID By Ringo Starr

Ringo On Writing : Ringo reveals why it was so easy to write with George Harrison after The Beatles' break up, and how th4e new DVD version of The Anthology came about. And yes, drumming was his madness.

Instant Amnesia - Album Track

At Home With Ringo : More love and peace from Ringo Starr - and how he and Barbara relax.

English Garden - ALbum Track

Ringo Rana Radio Hour Wrap Up

DOP : 18th March 2006.