Customer Reviews

Vertical Man

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

It may be redundant to say Ringo Starr has relied mainly on his famous friends to bring his solo music to life, but for someone who was primarily the Beatles' drummer as opposed to the songwriting team of Lennon & McCartney, Ringo has perhaps had no other option. After 1973's RINGO, which set the standard for that "Ringo Starr & friends" format, he began to slowly dip in terms of consistency & enthusiasm, so much that 1981's STOP & SMELL THE ROSES is widely acknowledged as the worst Beatles solo album (and considering some of John's solo music, that says a lot), and even 1983's OLD WAVE could not get released in America.

Ringo battled various addictions throughout the 1980s, so much that it was not until 1992 with his album TIME TAKES TIME that he at least appeared to be awake while making his music. While it was his best work in years, who knew Ringo could only get successively better afterwards. 1998's VERTICAL MAN managed to do just that even if its commercial inactivity was both unfair & disheartening to Ringo, who had put his heart & soul into it.

By now, Ringo had a really fine collaborator in songwriter & producer Mark Hudson (most famous for his recordings in the 1970s with The Hudson Brothers), and maybe it was this new blood that finally encouraged Ringo to take his songwriting seriously for a change, for all but 2 of the 13 songs feature his name on them. In most cases, it is a case of "What took you so long, Richard?"

The opening track "One" is not just one of Ringo's most perfect songs, but would be of anyone's career, so again Ringo's luck wins out. Unlike the spot-that-star game that the rest of the songs employ, "One" mostly relies on in-house musicianship, save for Jeff "Skunk" Baxter's pedal steel guitar, who comes close to stealing the show.

"What In The...World" at last gets the famous-friends theme started with Joe Walsh playing guitar (and doing the solo), and Ringo's old Beatle mate Paul McCartney playing bass & singing back-up. Even Paul thought this song was one of the most Beatlesque tunes you could lay your ears on, and all that is missing is George to chip in to make it another Beatles reunion. The stuff dreams are made of!

"Mindfield" is a sort of Dylanesque turn that appears to say "Don't take celebrities for their word; listen to yourself". Quite a statement from a celebrity himself, and one who employs them on a regular basis. For this tune, we have Joe Walsh returning, with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Alanis Morissette (we'll hear more from both), and Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland making up the fervent chorus.

Finally, Ringo manages to create a melancholic number to rival that of "Photograph" on "King Of Broken Hearts", and maybe it was no accident that George Harrison (who co-wrote the former) was also involved here. The distinctive slide guitar is undoubtedly some of George's finest work (considering that his health was beginning to fail by now), and helps make the song any listener is sure to weep over.

A Beatles cover? Surely, you jest. But 'tis true, Ringo redoes "Love Me Do" on VERTICAL MAN, mainly because he claimed it was his favorite Beatles song(!), and that Ringo did not play on the Beatles' version (a session man filled in). Ringo gets to take it back finally, slowing the tempo down a bit, and enlisting Steven Tyler to fill in for John Lennon on the harmonica. Instead of being a sign that Ringo was out of ideas, it manages to work no matter what its intention was.

The title track is a bit off-the-wall even for Ringo Starr, and its origin comes from Ringo's stepdaughter & a book of quotations she made. However, any song that has Ozzy Osbourne singing back-up is still worth a listen, and sounds like something John would have come up with, circa "I Am The Walrus". And it also has the cello part played by producer Mark Hudson's landlord's secretary, her having done it in lieu of rent money!

Even as Ringo was beginning to flex his songwriting muscle, he still allowed himself the occasional cover on Dobie Gray's "Drift Away". Slightly re-arranged as a trio with Tom Petty (Steven Tyler had done it originally, but was removed due to contractual issues) & Alanis Morissette (her contribution being especially fine) each taking a verse, I think this could easily have been a hit before Uncle Kracker turned it into one as a duet with Dobie a few years later. Steven Tyler does turns up though, this time, amazingly, on drums.

"I Was Walkin'" is a freewheeling rocker that seems to be a statement of purpose not just for Ringo, but all musicians. In Ringo's case, his "occupation is syncopation, and when I hit 'em well it saves my life". Steven Tyler the blues-harpist returns & also joins the "I Was Dreamers" singers with Alanis & Paul McCartney.

"La De Da" is a similar song about living your life true to yourself & nobody else, and no one knows about this more than Ringo Starr. His credo is whenever life drags you down, sing "la de da", get back up on the horse & ride on. The stars come fast & furious on this one, with another axe solo by Joe Walsh, back-up singing by Paul McCartney, Steven Tyler, Walsh & the "NOT the Village People Singers" (which are too numerous to mention but include Ringo's wife Barbara Bach & his daughter Lee Starkey among the choir).

Ringo then goes to India for parts of "Without Understanding", tabla and all. Sounding like an outtake from SGT. PEPPER, the song even features background vocals by Beach Boy Brian Wilson, the same Brian Wilson who was often frustrated at being unable to overtake the Beatles' musical masterpieces. We all know he would finish SMILE eventually, but "Without Understanding" on the whole sounds like it could have been created during those infamous original sessions that led to his breakdown. The gospel group Sauce also joins in the madness singing back-up.

"I'll Be Fine Anywhere" is a bit uncharacteristic from Ringo, being a song about the wandering type when, in a few songs, he would be praising settled domesticity. But it does give Ringo a chance to work with George again, who contributes another fine slide guitar solo. I think this would be the last time Ringo & George would work together, sadly. It is nevertheless a fine way to end one part of a great musical love affair.

"Puppet" once again has a take-nothing-from-nobody kind of philosophy, but it is not quite as well-said as the previous songs on the album did. The closest thing to filler on what really was one of Ringo's most solid efforts.

VERTICAL MAN says goodnight with the gentle lullaby "I'm Yours", that has Ringo Starr, former hellraising Teddy Boy, declaring eternal love to his wife Barbara, even mentioning her by name. Some might say the lyrics are of the dippy type Paul McCartney is often accused of writing, but the emotion is genuine coming from Ringo's voice. The string arrangement is from old producer George Martin, who probably will not work with Ringo again, seeing as he is now offically retired from the music business. Again, what a way to go!

In all honesty, people probably did not really care about Ringo Starr's music anymore by the 1990s. George Harrison had all but retired from active duty, while Paul McCartney kept on truckin', but even he would not recharge his batteries until later in the decade. The fact that VERTICAL MAN did not set commercial records when it at least should have had the chance to is unfortunate, and I believe shortly afterwards, Ringo considered retiring to spend time with his family. Of course, he would return with an album that superseded even this winner, so even a Beatle's retirement is not exactly a permanent one.

Until we'd see more in RINGORAMA, VERTICAL MAN is a wonderful surprise that shows Ringo Starr can & will do more than just rely on help from his friends because on here, they just add to the fun rather than guide Ringo by the hand.

This ranks up with Ringo's best: "Ringo", "Goodnight Vienna", and "Time takes Time". It shares with "Time takes Time" a fresh, modern-sounding production with heavy emphasis (appropriately) on Ringo's classic drumming. When he surrounds himself with the right people, some very fun albums can result. "What in the World" features Paul McCartney on bass and backing vocals, instantly making it a highlight of the album. Many other stars make guest appearances throughout (including G. Harrison playing guitar on a pair of tracks). Steven Tyler of Aerosmith wails away on harmonica for "Love me Do" and also plays drums(!) on my personal fave track, a cover of the old song "Drift Away" (on which Ringo is joined on vocals by Tom Petty and Alanis Morrisette). Even Ozzy Osborne is along for the ride, contributing tasteful backing vocals for the title track.

As is the case with all of Ringo's albums, even the better ones, there are a handful of blah tracks. But the upbeat, positive feel to this makes it worth buying.

After having thought a long time, well, I've come to the conclusion that this album, "Vertical Man", is even better than the critically-acclaimed album "Ringo" from 1973. I'd say that about 10 songs out of 13 are extremely strong. My favourites are La de da, What in the... world, Mindfield, One, Vertical man... And this album features, among others, the two greatest composers alive, Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson, but also George Harrison, Ozzy Osbourne, Alanis Morissette, Steven Tyler and so on. All the songs are incredibly well played, produced (by Mark Hudson) and sung. (Most of the songs are co-written by Mark Hudson, Ringo and other members of the recording band). A great, great album. I admit I'm a hardcore Beatles fan but I'd recommend this CD to anyone, really. Too bad it didn't have any chart success, it really deserved it.

I think its one of the best, not the best, "Time Takes Time" has that, and "Ringo" is the best from the 70s, its close, all 3 are great.

I won't go into who was on the CD too much, thats been covered, you know already, lets just say he had a little help from A LOT of his friends, Including none other then Paul and George.

I will mention one Mark Hudson (from the Hudson Bros.), Which always had a knack for sounding a little like Lennon. He did a very good job of co-producing this CD with Ringo. This CD has many flavors including Beatlesque, or is that solo Beatlesque? maybe even Harrisonque, You'll hear this in the song "One", If you like George and Ringo songs, you'll like this..."one"...even though George's not on it.

McCartney is on "What In The...World" but still has that George feel to it, and he's not even on this one either, still a great song, McCartney and Hudson BG vocals sounds amazingly enough like.....John and Paul...sort of, you'll like this Beatle fans.

But George is on "King Of Broken Hearts", you get the feel it was written by George, its not, but plays a great slide guitar, Has a "Walrus" feel to it...well, a little, mixed with "Free As A Bird" (thanks to Harrisons slide guitar) with Ringos so familiar style added to this already pleasant mix of talents, great song.

Did someone say "Free As A Bird"? the opening drum sounds like it on "Vertical Man", the comparison stops there, but still has a beefed up Beatlesque sound,(theres that word again).

"La De Da" has a lot of people on it, any former Beatles?... oh yes...its got Paul... George? I don't know, don't think so, Other Familiar names, including Ringos wife Barbara and Daughter Lee Starkey, and many other people.

"Without Understanding" is a interesting mix, and a first, (I think), Ringo and Brian Wilson, it comes off sounding like 70s Beach Boys with Ringo on drums played in the 90s, the great Brian is felt on this song with a bit of eastern sounds here and there, with a opera singer? its an interesting song indeed.

"Puppet" is a good song, nice organ by Jim Cox. Btw Mark Hudson is felt all over this CD, he is good, good choice Ringo.

"I'm Yours" is nice, it has a "Goodnight" feel to it from the "White Album", arrangment by, who else? George Martin.

A lot of work went into this album, and for what? for people to wonder why Ringo re-did "Love Me Do"? come on, this CD will grow on you, its worth the price of admission. This is some of Ringo's better work.

I don't think that the mission of a musician is to change the world but just make music . If music is your interest I recomend you this record not only for the colaborators that include Paul mcCartney, Steve Tyler, Alanis Morrisete or Brian Wilson but fot the SONGS!. "I was walking " is like a fast train running , "La de da" has a positive message and good arrangement , "Vertical man " is beautiful . "King of broken hearts" is one of the most beautiful ballads I have heard on Ringo 's or anybody 's record with a guitar part by George Harrison that will go direct to your heart . I 'll never understand how this record did not go well in the charts , it deserved it .
I'm a fan of this record and always will be.

Look boys and girls, everybody knows our dear Beatle Bud Ringo is a drummer. Not a vocalist. Plus he's getting old. So it's no small wonder that he brought it vocal talents of Alanis Morisette, Tom Petty, Steven Tyler, plus two strangers named McCartney and Harrison. So the question you have ask yourself is weather or not they can back up Ringo enough to make the album sound good. And the answer is a resounding yes. Ringo sure knows how to put togeather a group. This album swings!

Simply stated, Ringo's finest album. His collaboration with Mark Hudson just plain works, and the album boasts a stellar collection of very Bealtely songs. The only drawback is the production is at times very midrange heavy. Buy an equalizer and get this while it's still in print!

Without the Beatle reunion and fanfare of his early albums, Vertical Man is easily the best record of Ringo Starr's solo career. The songs are catchy, well-written, and well-played. The album is filled with great lyrics and a slightly updated version of that familiar Beatles message. Instead of world peace, Ringo sings of inner peace; instead of following the Maharishi or other gurus, Ringo tells his audience to "Be your own guru." Ringo's singing and drumming is in top form, and he involved himself more in the creative aspects of making this record than he sometimes has in the past. "What. . . in the World" sounds like a new Beatles song. "Mindfield" is very modern and exciting, and "King of Broken Hearts" is a country flavored, psychedelic rock song, if you can imagine that. The guest stars add a lot to this album, but it is clearly Ringo Starr that shines through. If you love the Beatles, and who doesn't, you will love this album.

I wrote that title, taken from sir paul's speech when he was being inducted into R&R hall of fame "you got me and john, what about george and ringo?", because I read a review that said that it deserved more chart success than what it had,and although that could happen to any artist, I wrote it, because with Ringo it has becomed a pattern, courtesy of the shadow of John and Paul(my fav. beatle), his records hadn't been taken too seriously in the charts as well as in the critics. Like he said in the liner notes Life is Life, this was just a record", you know that's what music is all about, you know to put some cd in, get that upbeat feel, enjoy it, lifts you, period. that's what this cd is, like i said, it could happen to any artist to have an underrated album or song, but ringo doesn't have that opportunity, it has become a pattern. this album is filled with songs you actually do enjoy ( had them been of another artist : have you heard that masterpiece?, we can expect no less of him,...). The sound is excellent and so is 90% of the music included the other 10% not too bad at all.
Sir paul is on bass on track 2., george on slide guitar on track 4., steven tyler plays drums on track drift away, my personal fav. on the album; the list goes on. Highly recommended to any beatles fan (it's ringo), and to any lover of good music, because this album is something you can really enjoy, without skipping any song.

This is the long-awaited classic we knew Ringo was capable of. This is probably his best studio album since RINGO or GOODNIGHT VIENNA and features a host of guests including George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Alanis Morisette, Steven Tyler, Ozzy Osbourne (!), and Joe Walsh. It has as fistful of nice songs, kicking off with the typical Ringo song "One," to the almost twin of "Photograph" called "King Of Broken Hearts," a slowed down version of "Love Me Do," the quirky "Puppet," and the bluesy "I'll Be Fine Anywhere." The album features a cover of "Drift Away," on which Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler plays drums, and closes with the lush "I'm Yours," orchestrated by George Martin. A classic.