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.