Search - Ringo Starr :: Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo

Get yourself together now, and bring me something tasty

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 08/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Proving that The Beatles' fame reached to all four corners of their post-break-up careers, it was lovable lug Ringo who became the most successful solo Beatle early in the game. His 1973 "Ringo" was the first ex-Beatle album to sell massively and had two number one singles, "Photograph" and the cover of "You're 16." His Beatle personality, that of the likeable, easygoing and cheerful everyman, and his light and fun pop made for great hits.



While the first two albums, "Beau-coups of Blues" and "Sentimental Journey," were exercises in style (and there is nothing here from "Journey"), it was the Richard Perry and Vini Pocia produced extravaganzas of "Ringo" and "Goodnight Vienna" that caught the public's fancy. Having all your famous friends and ex-bandmates added an air of spectacle. Elton John was at his 70's peak when he and Bernie Taupin donated "Snookeroo" and the excitement was contagious.



Unfortunately, the excitement was also substance fueled and began to take a toll. Ringo left longtime home Capitol and signed with Atlantic for "Ringo's Rotogravure," which was another star studded affair but lacked any power. "A Dose of Rock and Roll" and a cover of "Hey Baby" are here, but the following albums are completely passed over. Even Ringo, in the liner notes, saying "I can't even tell you if it was a great experience because a lot of it is...gone."



It took Neil Bogart to help Ringo snap out of it, and he signed him to Boardwalk Records. George Harrison wrote "Wrack My Brain" for "Stop and Smell the Roses," becoming Ringo's last US hit. While his All Starr Bands have kept him on the radar, the albums from "Time Takes Time" on have been mostly unheard. Of the remaining songs, his tribute to George Harrison, "Never Without You," is as good as Harrison's "All Those Years Ago." It's also a treat to hear Ringo and Buck Owens do "Act Naturally" as a duet.



It is a real joy to hear some of Ringo's better latter day songs along with upgrades on those early classics. The oh-so-seventies sound of "Back Off Boogaloo" and "It Don't Come Easy" will make you nostalgic for a sound that has moved on, the sort of free-wheeling exuberance that brought songs like "I'm The Greatest" a smile-cracking sense of fun. At his best - both as a Beatle and on his own - that is what Ringo brought to music."

Starr Time!!!!

Kelly Gold | Shelby, NC | 08/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, Ringo gets his due with a remastering of his greatest hits. Some really good songs on this and its nice to listen and hear the sound of George's and John's guitar on some of these songs. Ringo may have been the luckiest Beatle in that the other three would always lend him a hand. Talk about "With a Little Help From My Friends." Thanks for giving the greatest Rock'n'Roll drummer a better greatest hits than his original. Now get the Beatles back catalog remastered and into the public's hands."

We Love You Ringo !!

docchalk | Toronto On | 08/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So many people argue over Ringo's importance to popular music. Although not truly a songwriter. We can thank George for a few of Ringo's self penned hits. And classics they are. Photograph, It Don't Come Easy to name a couple. But really what does it matter. Ringo was and is the most famous Drummer in history. Without his simple yet innovative drumming the Beatles would not of been the Beatles, period. He is an enormous talent who happens to be charming, funny and extremly listenable. This is a classic greatest hits cd of his solo music. Some songs may be dated but that doesn't take away from the warm pleasure or enjoyment of these finely crafted pop songs. Take a stroll down memory lane. You can't go wrong with the remastered set. Pure Pop enjoyment from a man who helped make this world a better place. Blessings to you Ringo !!"