Search - Ringo Starr :: Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters

The best Christmas record the Beatles never made

Dm Otis | vancouver | 12/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great record -- I am totally amazed that a musical artist would make such an effort for what is usually an easy novelty-sell. But Ringo and company have gone all out. It's a love-in for the era that Ringo came out of, and sounds strongly reminiscent of recordings made by a certain group Ringo used to be in... Together with co-producer Mark Hudson, Starr has re-created the studio sound and harmonies of the Beatles -- in a fun way. Ringo nay-sayers should also note that Ringo plays drums on all tracks, unlike some of his notorious recordings of the drunken years. He also wrote a whole slew of Christmas songs and they could easlily become standards in their own right. This album is nice -- and it also rocks. I think if people listen they might gain or re-gain a lot of respect for Ringo. And as far as the non-existent Beatles Christmas record goes -- the musicians here actually do cover an old Beatles Christmas song you never heard (they used to do one-offs for the fan club). You go, Ringo!"

Unnoticed but good

K. Cooper | Phila. area | 01/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For some reason, this release never received major radio airplay or big display space in the stores. It was a very low key release for being the only Beatles full length Christmas CD. With Ringo, you know the Little Drummer Boy will be here and the set list is fairly traditional. It may not be the best holiday CD you'll ever hear but it is well done and enjoybale. It's a lot better than most of the CDs you;ll see in the stores with 50 copies on hand."

Pax Um Biscum - a paisley pop Christmas!

J. Pierpont Finch | Portland, OR | 12/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, I can't speak for the whole album, but the Pax Um Biscum track which I just downloaded is brilliant! I happen to catch the tail end of it on Little Steven's Underground Garage tonight, and it sounded like a lost Beatle track. It's certainly combines the wonderful elements of their psychedelic period - backwards guitar, strings, and sitar with great backing vocals that sound very much like George and Paul. Ringo and Mark Hudson did a fabulous job capturing the sound of his old band. I'd love to hear more songs done in this style by him."