Ringo

After 2 than less than serious approaches to his solo career, Ringo lets go with everything and everybody in his arsenal. And it all makes "Ringo" his best solo work. Good writing and good playing abound everywhere. And it starts right from the getgo: "I'm the Greatest" starts off the disc and though John had written the bulk of the song years earlier, it's a perfect fit for Ringo who never took himself seriously. Harrison, who plays guitar on this, underscores the tune with nice Beatlesque guitar licks. It's a really good song and it sets the tone for this whole affair because it leaves you with a feeling of "what can top that?" So next Ringo serves up a nice underrated uptempo rocker "Have You Seen My Baby" led by Marc Bolan in a superb cameo. Bolan's guitar work has never fit a song better and expert ivory tinkler James Brooker adds some New Orleans style licks to make it all go. Up next is a Ringo-penned tune finished off by George, "Photograph." The mournfully felt words are conveyed well by Ringo, and when released as a single, gave Ringo his first number 1 as a solo artist. Fairing less succesfully is "Sail Away (Raymond)." While Ringo professes to try to have a country influenced number on every one of his discs (indeed, a whole album was dedicated to this genre), this number seems forced and totally out of the realm of say, something he would have done on "Beacoups of Blues." The only redeemable feature on this song is that George, who wrote the song, shows up again, as do members of The Band. "You're Sixteen" was the second single released off the disc and also, the second number 1. Harry Nilsson guests on backing vocals and does a excellent job of aiding Ringo on this remake. Paul McCartney's kazoo break gives the song that Ringo-silliness. "Oh, My, My", is an nonstop fun song led by hornmen Jim Horn and Tom Scott, two of the best in the business. Written by Ringo and session man Vinnie Poncia and helped a lot by Billy Preston and Nicky Hoplins on keyboards, it's virtually a party in a song. The next tune is more introspective "Step Lightly" and it's the only number on the disc proper solely written by Ringo himself. The solo features Ringo tap dancing! Why? He said they were in Apple Studios doing some overdubbing and he saw the shoes lying around and he thought, "why not give it a try." For me, Ringo's drumming fills at the end of this song are so typical and uniquely his that I play this song over and over just to hear his little nuances (and there are many). Up next is Paul McCartney's offering "Six O'clock." While a good song, the synthesier solo is a letdown. The piece is handled like such a classic love song that the sterile sound of the syntheiser sounds more out of place than anything. Ringo's lower register is marvelous for this song. And he virtually gives lessons in drumming for a song here. "Devil Woman" the second Ringo-Vinnie Poncia collaboration is not as good as their previous effort. While I like the energy and reckless abandon that's in this song, the drum solo between Starr-Keltner is nothing special at all. "You and Me (Babe) closes the set proper and although Harrison lets go with some brillant playing on it, the song is really only a vehicle (and a good one at that!) for Ringo to say his thanks to everyone who helped him. The bonus cut are great: "It Don't Come Easy"----if not the best solo Beatles record it's certainly one of them. The sizzling of the cymbal, Harrison's guitar picking, Ringo's drums, Badfinger's harmonies and then--Ringo's mantra. That sums up Ringo's best song. "Early 1970" shows that Ringo was not only a member of the Beatles, he was a fan. This is easily the best song about the Fabs. The last bonus cut is "Down and Out." It was the b-side of "Photograph" in 1973. Although redundant, its worthy as a bonus cut for the way it keeps our interest with the aggressive horns, Gary Brooker piano and amazing Harrison slide. "Ringo" would lay the foundation in the the way that Ringo Starr would henceforth do his recordings: Invite some famous friends, put down his idiosyncratic drumming, sing some covers, and have some of his charm shine through. While the formula got watered down as time marched on, here, it's Ringo at his best.

Really Great Music!!

My favorite Ringo album. Had to buy a new one. Great cd.

Ringo always gets a bad rap. His penchant for writing songs about his days as a lad in Liverpool playing with his mates really doesn't help things. Ringo, bless him, has had a lot of flops. I've only recently started listening to Ringo's solo stuff, and even though some of it isn't golden, there are quite a few gems. It's tempting to compare his work with that of Paul or John, even George's solo stuff. But it's like the Godfather movies, you can't just watch the first and second movies, you have to watch all three. This album was Ringo's first solo work after the Beatles. He had a lot of help from his friends though, all the other Beatles make appearances. As well as Billy Preston, Klaus Voorman, and more. Half of these songs were written by people other than Ringo. Makes you wonder why Paul John or George didn't use these songs themselves.... :/ Sorry Ringo. Also, another thing you have to keep in mind is that Ringo's vocal range is VERY limited. His voice sounds the same in every single song from the Beatles to Ringo 2012. That aside... Here is a track listing with my rating for each track. 1 is bad, 5 is ahmazing. i'm rating these songs against themselves. I'm not comparing them with the other Beatle's solo works. -I'm The Greatest - *3* (The only thing that makes this a three and not a two is because John is in it. The song starts off with the whole "lad in Liverpool" line) -Have You Seen My Baby - *3* (Not a bad song, but unless you're the world's biggest 'good ol rock and roll' fan, the most this song will make you do is tap your feet.) -Photograph - *5* (One of the best songs on this album. It's real. And says something that anyone can relate with. -Sunshine Life For Me- *3* (I'm giving this a three unless you're fan of knee slappin jigs. It is a good song though, don't get me wrong. But it is different from Ringo's usual style. Harks back to songs he probably heard when he was a kid. Fun song, but it doesn't make the album. -You're Sixteen- *5* (Great song. Paul is in it doing harmonies along with his wife Linda I think. It stands the test of time as well, this is a number Ringo still plays to this day. Fun rock and roll. -Oh My My- *6* (Okay, I know I said I'll only do 1-5 but I think this song is great. It's a great rock and roll song that is reminiscent of Get Back. It's guaranteed to keep you alive. -Step Lightly- *3* (This really isn't a BAD song, but it just sounds like it's trying to be a country song when every instrument there wants to play rock. -Six O'Clock- *3* (This song was written by Paul and Linda. It's not bad, but it's not great. It sounds like a Paul song for sure, but it doesnt do anything for me) -Devil Woman- *4* (This song surprised me a bit. It's almost a punk song and I don't even like punk music. Not a bad song at all) -You And Me Babe- *4* (Written by George and Mal Evans. Not a bad song. You can really hear the beginnings of I Dig Love in this song. 1991 Bonus Tracks -It Don't Come Easy *6* (Amazing. Just. Amazing. Featuring the background vocals of Pete Ham and Tom Evans from Badfinger and Stephen Stills on guitar. This song is another one that Ringo still plays today. And for good reason. -Early 1970 - *2* This song just doesn't do it for me. It just sounds a little.... not the greatest *PUN*) -Down and Out *3* (This song is okay. A nice rock and roll number, but nothing amazing.) And that's it! This isn't a bad album and I may have been a little harsh, but it's my opinion. I would recommend this album to friends, it's not the best thing in the world but it's not the worst. Out of all Ringo's albums, this is still considered his best next to Goodnight Vienna.

The Compact Disc (CD) I ordered was delivered quickly. Packaged well & arrived with no issues. It is in brand new condition & was still sealed in its factory plastic. Flawless transaction! Great Price & Great Seller. The CD has several good songs on it & brings back a lot of good memories from my youth. Rock On! \m/

A classic Ringo Starr. Maybe its best solo album. John Lennon, George Harrison and Paul McCartney also play, separately, in different songs. The cover has beautiful drawings and the lyrics of all songs.

Ringo Starr is the very best and this cd proves that to be true !!!! I LOVE RINGO STARR , he’s the greatest!!!!!!

Many fans regarded Ringo Starr as the least talented Beatle. Ringo was not highlighted as a writer or composer, and he had few vocal solos. Ringo's zany personality *was* featured in the movie "Help!", but "Help!" was not a widely acclaimed movie. I first purchased the LP version after reading a "Stereo Review" magazine review. Primarily an equipment review magazine, "Stereo Review" normally reviewed only classical recordings. The reviewer acclaimed "Ringo" for its selections and for its roster of stellar artists (including the other former Beatles). But the reviewer praised this recording primarily due to *Ringo's superior performance*. I agree -- Ringo's happy and fun vocals steal the show. Every selection on this recording is enjoyable. Furthermore, I believe that 'Oh My My' and 'It Don't Come Easy' are among the best of the former Beatles' solo recordings. Ringo Starr was recently divorced at the time of this recording. The selections reflect Ringo's personal experiences. 'I'm The Greatest' (listen *especially* carefully to the vocals), 'Have You Seen My Baby?', 'Photograph', and 'Sunshine Life For Me' discuss men's life prior to divorce. 'You're Sixteen', 'Oh My My', 'Step Lightly', 'Six O'Clock', 'Devil Woman', and 'You and Me (Babe)' discuss men's life immediately after divorce. 'It Don't Come Easy' (listen *especially* carefully to the lyric), 'Early 1970' (listen *especially* carefully to the lyric), and 'Down and Out' discuss men's life after the confusion of divorce has past. "Ringo" portrays a happy man gathering his stellar friends for a celebration. "Ringo" is a vastly underrated album. I recommend it highly.

Have had this album,first on vinyl and now on cd,in my life since 1981 - to be precise: And it's certainly a worthy addition to my record collection. The 1973 release of Ringo; had Richard Perry producing,contributions from:John Lennon,George Harrison,Paul & Linda Mc cartney - no less.along with Marc Bolan,The Band,Klaus voorman,Billy Preston,Harry Nilsson,Nicky Hopkins - get the picture! Ringo and his pals all make wonderful contributions in the making of this amazing album. The opening track:I'm the greatest,is i'm sure a tongue in cheek resumé of Ringo's life up till that point.written by John Lennon - who contributes harmony vocals and piano,as well as George Harrison,Klaus Voorman and Billy preston;this is very nearly a Beatles reunion in the studio (guess who's missing?). The fine form continues with next track: the brass laden; Have you seen my baby standing in the shadow - a Randy Newman composition. The singles: photograph (marvellous sax solo by Bobby Keys),and Your sixteen are also excellent inclusions.one of the bonus tracks: Down and out,is interspersed among the original track listing,which works perfectly,i'd say. The fine form continues with the jolly: Oh my my,with backing vocals from the then much in demand session singer: Merry Clayton; the country music of Sunshine life for me,featuring The Band (minus Robbie Robertson); then the dreamy Six o'clock,with the McCartney's lending their hands - can't spot any flaws up to now folks! The jazzy - Step lightly with clarinets in there somewhere,with Ringo tap dancing no less. The rocky: Devil woman is up next,then the reflective closing track on the original album: You and me babe.this is Ringo thanking everyone who contributed to the album,through singing and his talky bit at the end.a very nice gesture and it works without being too syrupy.Cheers Ringo,you are a Star(r) - geddit! P.S.nearly forgot: the cd's last two songs are the bonus tracks; It don't come easy (brilliant song) and it's b-side Early 1970. P.P.S.the production:courtesy of Richard Perry,is excellent throughout - so is the sound quality.all done for now - thanks for your time.

Sehr schnelle Lieferung, Qualität ist top. Empfehlenswerter Verkäufer.

Presque tout a été dit dans les précédents commentaires, oui on tient-là le meilleur album de Ringo, je crois que la magie de cet album se trouve dans la participation inspirée des autres Beatles (qu'à l'époque avait créé un 'buzz' médiatique et ...beaucoup d'espoirs chez les fans des Fab 4...) plus les autres bons musiciens de leur entourage (Preston, Hopkins, Voorman etc.) et le secret de cette belle réussite et que toutes ces chansons sont parfaites pour la voix, reconnaissable entre mille de Ringo, au ton grave et style laconique (...tout avait commencé avec des bijoux comme "Act Naturally"sur "Help" ou "Honey don't" dans "Beatles for Sale"sans oublier "Boys" sur "Please me, Please me" et je ne mentionne pas ses gros hits dont 2 au thème résolument aquatique...). Donc, un bon exemple de parfaite adéquation stylistique, malgré les limitations vocales du batteur. 3 bonus Tracks de qualité agrémentent cette édition et, last but not least, le livret est illustré par de belles lithographies signées Klaus Voorman, qui démontrent qu'il n'est pas seulement un bassiste accompli, dommage que le petit format CD ne leur rende justice...

時速な対応で気持ちの良いお取引が出来ありがとうございました 過去にレコードでもっていましたがもう一度聞きたくなって購入しました ビートルズ結集の一枚だと思います、今聴いても新鮮で気持ちよかったです。

Che cosa mi stavo perdendo, nel non conoscere proprio nulla, dei lavori solisti di Ringo? Davvero tanta bella roba, e pian piano sto recuperando i suoi meravigliosi album. Strepitoso, coinvolgente, unico e bizzarro.