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The cover of Ringo Starr's "Y Not" (Universal Music Group)
(Above: New video interview with Ringo Starr about "Y Not" from LP33.tv.)
Ringo Starr's albums are usually laid back affairs, but that's definitely not the case with his new album, "Y Not," which will be released Jan. 12. The title may sound laid back, but the album certainly isn't. And that's the reason this album is one of his best in years, maybe his best since "Vertical Man."
Although the original announcement of the album said Ringo was producing the album entirely, the credits in a proof of the CD booklet show he shares producing credits with Bruce Sugar. However, Ringo's press spokesman told us he did the bulk of production. After hearing "Y Not," it makes us hope he'll do a lot more of it in the future.
There are also a lot of great sonic twists and turns you don't usually hear on Ringo albums. Credit that to the diverse mix of musicians and vocalists on it. These include Beatle buddy Paul McCartney, who plays bass on "Peace Dream" and adds vocals on "Walk With You". Also on board are Joe Walsh, Ringo's brother-in-law, whose guitar work is on several tracks; Tina Sugandh, on tabla and Indian chanting and who is seen in a wonderful video of her and Ringo in the studio ; past (and some possibly future) All-Starr Band members Edgar Winter, Billy Squier, Gary Wright and Richard Marx; Keith Allison, formerly of Paul Revere and the Raiders; Benmont Tench and Bruce Sugar on keyboards; Dave Stewart and Gary Burr and Steve Dudas, two former members of the Roundheads, on guitar and Don Was on bass.
Besides producing, Ringo fills several roles on the album himself. In addition to vocals, drums and percussion, he plays piano and keyboards. Yes, piano. (And he's good, too.)
It all starts with the opener, "Fill in the Blanks," which is a great start and as forceful a song as you've ever heard from Ringo. Joe Walsh does double duty on guitar and bass on this one and it smokes.
"Peace Dream," which follows, is Ringo's trademark ode to peace and love in a song that mentions John Lennon and "Give Peace a Chance." It has great guitar work by Walsh and Steve Dudas and bass from a guy named Paul McCartney.
"The Other Side of Liverpool," which appears to be this album's sequel to "Liverpool 8," follows. This song, though has a darker sound as Ringo recalls the tough going of his early days.
"Walk With You," the album's first single that can be found already on iTunes, is next. The song has received a lot of notice because of Paul McCartney's added vocal. When the two ex-Beatles sing "When I walk with you, when I talk with you, every thing will be fine" it's breathtaking. But even without McCartney's contribution, it's a nice song with a fine string arrangement by Bruce Sugar.
The next two songs, "Time" and "Everyone Wins," are noteworthy for great instrumental backing, especially the guitar work, violin by Ann Marie Calhoun and Ringo's drums on "Time" and the rhythm section on "Everyone Wins" from a group that includes Walsh, Tench, Mike Bradford on bass, Dudas, Sugar and Ringo.
There's no mistaking who the slide guitar is on track 8, "Can't Do It Wrong." It's Joe Walsh and he and the track sound great. The track has a great combination of horns from Edgar Winter added to Walsh's guitar.
The title track is next and it's probably the closest to what a Ringo album usually sounds -- with the exception of Tina Sugandh's tabla and the sitar, which seems like a nice salute to George Harrison.
The final track, "Who's Your Daddy," is the biggest surprise. It's a collaboration with Joss Stone and they both sound wonderful. It's quite a rockin' song and a nice way to end the album.
Unlike its title, "Y Not" isn't your usual Ringo Starr album. There's a different sound and feel to this album and it has more drive and punch. And we have to say it fits him well. Very well.
And why not?
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Comments
Noticed there is a vinyl edition being offered on preorder in various places.
Nice review, Steve. Looking forward to the album.
Great review, Steve, thanks. I can't wait to hear Y NOT! Of course to nitpick, I disagree completely that Ringo's albums are "usually laid-back affairs" - no way! There was a '92 non-lp track from the TIME TAKES TIME cd single "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go". It was titled "Everybody Wins", though Ringo sang "everyone wins" on the track. I'm anxious to see what connection (if any) there is to the "Everyone Wins" on Y NOT.
Yes, PATTIE M, I've seen Y NOT offered on vinyl, and also on a pricey Japan release in the SHM format. SHM is supposedly the latest and greatest cd sonic improvement, playable on all cd players. Haven't heard it yet myself.
Entertainment Weekly gave Ringo's new CD a "C."
I've only heard "Walk With You," so far, and I think it's a nice piece of work. The harmony vocals between Ringo and Paul are terrific, and quite poignant. Looking forward to the rest of the CD, based on your review, Steve.
I would guess that Entertainment Weekly had that "C" grade ready and waiting for Ringo no matter the album or how it sounded. They likely figured...."Oh, it's one from Ringo, can't be great; it's probably average."
The whole thing is up on youtube to hear now, and I did, and... I really dug "Liverpool 8" and have dug all his stuff from "Time Takes Time" onwards (though I only liked "I Wanna Be Santa Claus"). Well this is where I get off the train. This is his poorest effort since before the comeback era. While it's not as bad as some of the older pretty lousy Ringo albums, it's as inconsequential as many of the not so great Ringo albums. I really love the new single, and the old rescued b-side he chose to resurrect, but after that I might like a couple more (some interesting stuff on so-so songs & some better than worse songs), at best, and like not love, and then it's just downhill with generic sounding rock tracks.
The Roundheads were a unique musical collective & they & Hudson are sorely missed. "Time Takes Time" came before that era, so I don't doubt that he could do it again, it's just that this one isn't even close. Too bad. I'll get mine used & cheap later on.
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