Brand new on the Capitol/EMI label, Ringo Starr’s Liverpool 8 is bound to create a few waves - or at least some ripples - because it's not only receiving some extensive promotions but is also being marketed in a number of ways. Available January 15th, it's being released not only as a CD (or as digital downloads) but also as a pre-loaded USB wristband that includes video features, ring-tones, and photos.
The album is also tied to a concert in Liverpool, radio and TV features, and other promotional activities including special deals with everyone from Amazon to VH1. And of course, advance copies have been sent to music critics, which is where I come into the picture.
It goes without saying (a phrase that's always followed by saying it anyway) that you can't talk about Ringo without mentioning the Beatles. But everybody knows the history of the group and where Ringo fits into it, so I'm not going to go over all that again.
Obviously the album has a lot of connections with Ringo's past — how could it not? In fact, the title song itself is obviously autobiographical, but I'd rather get into my i
mpressions of the music itself, which is why we're here. (Or at least, it's why I'm here. I suppose it's possible you just took a wrong turn somewhere.)
I didn't find the title song particularly engaging but it does have some curiosity value, I suppose. Some of the other tracks did a better job of hitting the target with me. Among them was "Now That She's Gone Away," with a solid vocal from Ringo accompanied by a driving beat. Although he has a rather straightforward and unremarkable baritone, he does occasionally coax forth something a little different, and that variety helps sell that and other songs.
Article comments
1 - Josh
I'm actually anxious to hear this one. It's "supposed" to be heading my way in the mail soon, so we'll see.
Well done.
2 - AWC
i love the title song, it's very nice. don't let a music critique, influence you. be your own judge. noone should be able to tell you what youi should like or not. try it your self, it's still a fre country, right?? ringo rocks....
3 - Clark Consolidated
Just in time for his birthday, Ringo Starr has be honored by receiving the title H.H. Ringo Starr, Prince of the Duchy of Bohemia.
The honor was granted to Starr, now 68, by Stephan Timothy von Rosenberg-Ripps, Duke of Bohemia (see www.duchyofbohemia.com)
4 - David Prosser
The comments I previously submitted regarding Ringo's Title were not meant to be personal attacks, just a factual picture of what has happened to warn Ringo ( Richard) that his title is false as is the man who awarded it.
5 - Palace Historian
What a great article about a talented musician. Why would any fantasy internet title merchant use this to its advantage?
6 - wilhelm von treheim
I think Mr Starr is now aware of his Title and is taking measures to remove his unintended adverts for the fraud who sells titles.Other Royal and Noble families of Europe are now aware of this selling of titles from their lands following my research into this family line.
Be warned that the titles from the Duchy are not real no matter what you are told. Records are traced easily for noble houses. Look first.
7 - Palace Historian
Mr. Star must be very proud of this award from a power-seller lawyer in Nevada, USA, with no apparent connections to Bohemia.
8 - Graf
Mr. wilhelm von treheim; I am very interested in your research, have you posted it online somewhere?
9 - Manchester Lad
whats the point of having it preloaded on a usb writt band anyay? why not just buy it of itunes, maybe i'm old and out-dated :-s
10 - Mike
I guess the only 'point' of releasing it on a USB wristband is novelty. There's really no pressing functional need - just a kind of innovation, I guess. The Beatles (together and solo) tended to do that once in a while.