So I haven't been here in a while and I just figured I should pick this stuff back up. Not that I don't like blogging, I just have way more important things to do in my life. I've come to find that blogging is for people who need something extra to do with their time and I, on the other hand, do not. Anyway, wanted to post a review I did earlier that never made it into the paper. I thought it was pretty nice.
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr:
not together, but still making magic.
I’m not trying to be a pretentious Beatles fan here, because I’m way past that point in my life, however, with both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr releasing new albums within about 3 weeks of each other, I had to see if their present work could live up to my lofty Beatles expectations.
Paul brought us some of the most famous Beatles songs with happy-go-lucky tunes like “Can’t Buy Me Love,” soulful blues with “Oh! Darling” and even touching on the psychedelic in “Fool On The Hill.” Ringo carried his pieces “Octopus’s Garden” and “Don’t Pass Me By” as his major Beatles contributions but even today most don’t realize that’s his talent.
McCartney kept to rock ‘n’ roll and pop during his solo years namely with the Wings project, as the majority of us drooling followers know and love hits like “Live and Let Die” or “Baby I’m Amazed.” The hits from his Beatles years kept coming only with their own flair of pure Paul McCartney. With this new album, Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder help him out instrumentally, but for the most part, Paul sticks to singing.
Now, where is Starr in all this? It seems some drooling McCartney-ites don’t realize Starr has been working with many famous musicians since 1970. Just like his Beatles career, he has subtly kept to the background of music-land. Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band premiered in 1989 and has been one of Starr’s greatest projects. Artists from several famous bands come and go throughout the years. 2012’s All-Starr band features guitarist Steve Lukather from Toto (yes, the “Africa” guys), and Gregg Rolie, singer and keyboard talent from both Santana and Journey.
All right, enough with the dry stuff; let’s talk dirt about those new albums.
After an extended break from producing albums, McCartney’s Kisses on the Bottom gave the aforementioned epics amiss as he reverts to playing around with sultry classics. “The Glory of Love” originally by Frank De Vol, and Fats Waller’s, “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter” take on an entirely McCartney-ized spirit. The entire album transports us to that all-too-smoky 40’s café, exhibiting the stereotypical singing lady perched on their piano. You know the one – her voice sounds just like the café smells. I had to keep reminding myself I was listening to McCartney, as I had been so ready to hear another Band On The Run or rendition of “Jet”. While I was disappointed to know most of the instrumental talent wasn’t McCartney’s, his voice is still as “Yesterday” as ever. Kisses On The Bottom: have 3.5 stars out of 5.
Ringo 2012, on the other hand, was like the love-child of “Octopus’s Garden” and “Act Naturally.” Starr’s steadfast, unique voice shot to the heart with his simplistic lyrics of love and all to familiar drumming style. This was the rock ‘n’ roll album I was looking for from McCartney. Starr has continuously fascinated me as the mysterious one who never really talked and stuck to his drums. Of course, he’s still got it on the drums, the years have hardly effected his talent and he’s the oldest of the Beatles. The beginning patter in “Anthem” uncannily resembles those of “Glass Onion” from the Fab Four glory days and “Wonderful” tugs at the heartstrings of that love you never had a bad moment with. When I discovered “Octopus’s Garden” as a kid, I immediately fell in love. Who knew Ringo had such a voice? Ringo 2012 is a superb display of his relentless vocal talent. “In Liverpool” his driving tone takes us on a trip down memory lane. Can I just go back to 1960 now? Ringo 2012, for its brilliant execution, 4.5 of 5 stars. I could listen to you forever, Ringo.
Alrighty, so there's that, blog. See ya whenever.
-Marisa
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