RINGO

RINGO : 1973 was a great year for Beatles fans. Each of The ex Beatles came out with an album. Paul McCartney was and always have been the most profilic have two. "Red Rose Speedway" and the multi award winning "Band On The Run." George Harrison have "Living In The Material World' while John Lennon came out with ":Mind Game.". As Ringo was never much of a composer, so understandably he didn't do as well as his other three more celebrated colleagues. With this in mind, his three brothers came to his aid with each contributing a song of two for this album. With John's "I'm The Greatest," it was the closest The Beatles ever came together since their break up three years ago. Paul was not in the same track but he would have if not for immigration problems. With a little help from his friends, Ringo have finally came up with an album truly worthy of a Beatle. As a final stamp of approval for this album, my father who knows nary a work of English, loved this album together with Paul's "Band On The Run" so much that he got his friend to tape it for him to listen to in the car. This was also, together with "Ringo's Rotogravure", the first Cds that I've bought through the net via Amazon.

I'm The Greatest ( Lennon ) : Absolutely loved this awesome track by the one and only John Lennon. George Harrison was in the background providing the guitar while Ringo sang. You can even hear John singing in the background.

Have You Seen My Baby ( Newman ) : The goods continued with this rocking track. Honestly I couldn't keep still. It was a happy song. The band was enjoying themselves and it shows.

Photograph ( Harrison / Starkey ) : Widely considered to be one of Ringo's best tune and undoubtedly it was, George Harrison could be heard singing in the background.

Sunshine Life For Me [ Sail Away Raymond ] ( Harrison ) : Funny that George always sounded so sad on his own album and yet he could composed something so joyful for his pal. Great.

You're Sixteen [ You're Beautiful And You're Mine ] ( Sherman / Sherman ) : The next smash from this album was an old Johnny Burnette number which Ringo made his. Paul McCartney plays kazoo here.

Oh My My ( Poncia / Starkey ) : Ringo shows us that he sure knows how to boogie in this great dancable track.

Step Lightly ( Starkey ) : The mood slowed down slightly on t
his fine but not great Ringo original.

Six O'Clock ( McCartney / McCartney ) : I absolutely loved this Paul McCartney's song. The first time I heard it, the tune just stuck to me. This was one of those songs that I use to sing to myself while cycling to town on my trusty old bike.

Devil Woman ( Starkey / Poncia ) : The pace speeds up again on this bountiful track. Though the lyric are nothing to shout about, the tune is infectious and keeps you grooving.

You And Me [ Babe ] ( Harrison / Evans ) : Another slow number to effectively close the original album but wait the fun's not over yet.

BONUS TRACKS :

It Don't Come Easy ( Starkey ) : Ringo's first true hit. Generally considered one of the best post Beatles hit and I agreed. There's a George Harrison's demo of this song floating around that somehow had me suspicious that George may have a hand in the penning of this classic.

Early 1970 ( Starkey ) : Although, each of The Beatles had written songs about each other, Ringo's take here reminds one of the best on the subject matter. It's optimistic with a fine tune at the very least.

Down And Out ( Starkey ) : This B side to 'Photograph' is a repetitive song that may just grow on you if you gives it a few more listen.

23rd January 2006.