Ringo Rama [ENHANCED]

Ringo Starr

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 25, 2003)
• Original Release Date: March 25, 2003
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Koch Records
• ASIN: B00008BRDC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (74 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #33,015 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Ringo Starr's post-Beatles music has relied on allusions to his legendary past. Indeed, the very first line of "Eye to Eye," the melodic hard rocker that opens Ringorama, asks, "Remember when I said 'it don't come easy'?" On the country-tinged "Write One for Me," guest vocalist Willie Nelson name checks the Fabs' "Yesterday." And, strangely, "English Garden," the final track, very obviously borrows from "Let ‘Em In," the 1976 Paul McCartney & Wings hit. But the Beatles reference that will undoubtedly touch the most fans is "Never Without You," a tribute to George Harrison that features some nice '60s pop flourishes and a familiar-sounding Eric Clapton guitar solo. In its own way, it's as fine a tribute to George as the latter’s "All Those Years Ago" was to John Lennon. Most of Starr’s songwriting today is done with producer Mark Hudson, who also cowrote his last solo effort, 1998's Vertical Man, and who’s always acknowledged a strong Beatles influence in his own material. Pink Floyd's David Gilmour manages to get the great rock drummer mighty revved up on "I Think, Therefore I Rock & Roll," while the catchy "Missouri Loves Company" and "Memphis in Your Mind" should remind all doubtful listeners that Ringo’s had some classic pop moments of his own over the years. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Resurrection of Richard Starkey, April 5, 2003

By	paperbackriter (USA) - See all my reviews

Wow, where did this come from? After being written off as creatively dead for at least 20 years, the Beatles' stickman comes roaring back with his strongest effort since 1973's classic "Ringo". What a pleasant surprise to not only hear Ringo's voice in primo shape, but also to witness his resurgence as one of rock's greatest drummers. Like all of Starr's best work, "Ringorama" features a Hall of Fame supporting cast. Heavyweight guests include Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson and David Gilmour. While nearly every track succeeds, Ringo seems especially comfortable with mid-tempo rockabilly/country numbers such as the cleverly titled "Missouri Loves Company" and the plaintive "Memphis in Your Mind". Set opener "Eye to Eye"--the album's heaviest rocker-- grooves on a huge backbeat accented with Ringo's patented splashy hi-hat sound. The emotional George Harrison tribute "Never Without You" has rightfully garnered a ton of press. Ringo has kept himself busy of late, making the rounds of TV talk-shows, performing the touching send-off to his dear friend. While his voice was a bit shaky on the tele, no need to worry as the recorded performance is beautiful. In fact, have no reservations whatsoever about "Ringorama", undoubtedly, the most pleasant surprise of the year. A job well done. Thank you Ringo and welcome back. The whole world is rooting for you.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of his best!, March 27, 2003

By	norman vegan (North Massapequa, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This CD finds Ringo in fine form. The single "Never Without You", a tribute to George Harrison, is great. Take a strong song about a magical guy, add in inspired lead guitar work by Eric Clapton and you've got a really great track.
Overall, Ringo's vocals here are his best since "Ringo". The songwriting is solid (the songs are co-written by Ringo and his studio co-horts, The Roundheads - which includes his co-producer Mark Hudson), the production is current without being trendy.

"Missouri Loves Company" is another great one. Very hooky, and Dave Gilmour's guitar lines are outstanding! "Instant Amnesia" is way cool and rocks!

The DVD, which shows the "making of", is awesome! Especially for musicians and home recordists, since the majority of the album was recorded in Mark Hudson's and Ringo's home studios. There was no additional cost for the DVD -- a great value! (no wonder it's not on a major label)

Hopefully this album will get some exposure on rock radio!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ringo's best album in 30 years, July 22, 2003

By	Dougster (Poughkeepsie, New York USA) - See all my reviews

As a long time Beatles fan, I have always been a bit suspect of the solo Beatle's recordings. They normally don't measure up to the Beatles' records. However, Ringo Rama is a wonderful exception. It is Ringo's best record since 1973's "Ringo". It features his amazing drumming, wonderful songwriting from him, Mark Hudson, and others, well-thought out arrangements, and guest stars galore (Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, David Gilmour, etc...). Ringos' singing is very strong throughout. There is a wonderful tribute to George ("Never Without You"), his tribute to the Queen ("Elizabeth Reigns"), beautiful ballads ("Love First, Ask Questions Later") country flavored material ("Write One for Me") and other genres. Get this record....if you are a Ringo fan, you WILL NOT be disappointed. As my fellow Beatle-fanatic friend Dave told me, "this is the best album Ringo could ever make".