Ringo Starr - Liverpool 8

A below-par précis of Mr Starkey’s back pages

Returning to the EMI fold not long after McCartney’s much-publicised departure, Ringo attempts to reconnect with the past in more ways than one. The ghosts of The Beatles loom large across several tracks, awkward retreads of bygone glories, and there are several references to his Scouse childhood and pals lost along the way.

In those respects, it’s probably Ringo’s most personal album since the nostalgia-fest of 1970’s Beaucoups Of Blues, but far too often it feels forced and unengaging. The title track is perhaps the most drab Fabs history lesson you’ll ever hear (“We were Number One/Man, it was fun”), lacking the insight and imagery we might have expected from an actual Beatle. Harry’s Song, a heartfelt tribute to his infamous 70s drinking buddy, fares better, with a jaunty skip owing much to Nilsson’s own featherlight concoctions Cuddly Toy or The Puppy Song.

Ringo has toured for years with his All Starr Band, an ever-changing line-up of big-name musicians, and maybe a couple of star turns here could have led to more quality control (his best solo work always benefitted from Lennon or Harrison’s presence), and less of the bland cookie-cutter “Ringoisms”. Let’s hope next time he asks for a little help from his friends.

Capitol | 5099951738822

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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