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| Ringo Starr - King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Ringo & His New All-Starr Band |
 Released: 2002 (August) Label: King Biscuit Flower Hour Records Cat. No.: Total Time: 67:06 | |
Reviewed by: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck, July 2002 Ringo Starr has been chugging right along with his All-Starr Band (not spelled star) for over a decade now. It seemed like the groups of individuals he put together were some of the most unlikely partners on stage. Not only did they always mesh together well; they played with Ringo like it was meant to be. When playing in Ringo's band you check your ego at the door, no questions asked, and become one with the band, leaving your stardom behind. Ringo's good natured, open ended attitude is contagious, and everyone seems to be having such a good time onstage. On one night in Chicago this year the band and the crowd were obviously having a great time. Who says it don't come easy? Ringo makes it so. His generosity sharing the stage leads to a camaraderie that is rarely found amongst such high caliber talent working towards the same end. This new version of his band is made up of tremendous talent, all the names you will recognize I am sure - Howard Jones, Shiela E, Greg Lake, Roger Hodgson, Ian Hunter, and Mark Rivera. Starr mixes up things very well with his own hits and his partners' hits. "Photograph," which is my fav, and think is his best song, kicks off the evening and sounds oh so wonderful. He also does some Beatles songs -- or that other group he used to play with, as Ringo says lightheartedly -- "Act Naturally" and "Yellow Submarine." Before they start he tells the crowd how they know this song and love this song (and he speaks the truth), then invites everyone to sing. Then everyone starts singing with the band "We all live in a yellow submarine"...it's such a great feeling hearing it, it must have been so wonderful to actually be there. Howard Jones does his excellent 80s hit "No One Is To Blame." That song I can remember very well, it is one of the best of that decade. Then Roger Hodgson launches into his solotramp (which he calls himself now) gig with Supertramp's mega hits "Logical Song" and "Take The Long Way Home." The beautiful Sheila E., who is a phenomenal percussionist and great vocalist, does an upbeat and funky jam session with her big hit "Glamorous Life." The band sounds so tight and in sync on that number it defies all logical explanation. Greg Lake does the most recognizable and commercial ELP song "Lucky Man." The night wouldn't have been complete with out it. And the incomparable Ian Hunter does Bowie's "All The Young Dudes." Whew! What a night. Ringo gets by with a little help from his friends alright; this is a documentation of good will, togetherness, and people joining together for an evening of fun and reminiscing with some of the finest musicians on the planet. Not only was it a pleasure to listen to this CD, it was a complete honor to write about. You have to hear this; it's a great rock 'n' roll party. You're invited to R.S.V.P. at your local brick and mortar record shop or online at several locations. The release date is August 6th. Rating: 4.5/5 More about King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Ringo & His New All-Starr Band: Track Listing: Photograph (3:40) / Act Naturally (2:31) / Logical Song (3:46) / No One Is To Blame (5:38) / Yellow Submarine (2:55) / Give A Little Bit (4:03) / You're Sixteen (4:03) / The No-No Song (3:17) / Back Off Boogaloo (3:05) / Glamorous Life (9:59) / I Wanna Be Your Man (3:19) / Lucky Man (4:38) / Take The Long Way Home (4:37) / All The Young Dudes (5:02) / Don't Go Where The Road Don't Go (4:21) / With A Little Help From My Friends (4:55) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.ringostarranthology.com Discography
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