Ringo Starr - Beaucoups of Blues

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Music reviews of Beaucoups of Blues

Music Review: It's worth the rain to have a little sunshine
Rating: 4 Stars

You can never expect the genial lyrics of John Lennon, the perfectionist musical taste of Paul McCartney or even the solemnity and irony of George Harrison from a person like Ringo Starr, a man who always was in the shadows of the best band in the history of popular music. But you can enjoy, with tolerance and well-prepared ears, an effort like this. This not-pop-but-country experiment was prepared for Ringo by producer Pete Drake, recorded mainly in Nashville by other instrumentists, with Ringo only expected to go, pick up the songs he liked, and add the vocals and some drums and acoustic guitar parts. But the composers and musicians picked up by Drake make a wonderful job: the title track "Beacoups Of Blues" has lovely and sad lyrics, and there are some interesting stories behind "Love Don't Last Long", "Woman Of The Night" and "Loser's Lounge". Of course, there is some straight country music that can bore some people ("Fastest Growing Heartache In The West", "Wine, Women And Loud Happy Songs", "I'd Be Talking All The Time"), but there are also extraordinary love ballads ("Without Her" can easily make you cry, "Waiting" is lovely; and although the vocal duet "I Wouldn't Have You Any Other Way" is a little dullish, it's also listenable) and some unusually good songs, with sparkling geniality and humour (enjoy the rhythm and story behind "$15 Draw"!) or social content (the haunting "Silent Homecoming", apart from fitting perfectly with Ringo's voice and featuring some lovely instrumental tricks and backing vocals by The Jordanaries, the well-known group of Elvis' vocalists, is a very emotional anti-war song, this time from the eyes of a mother who has lost her child). The bouns tracks are also worth noting: Ringo's first solo-released composition "Coochy Coochy" has an interesting rhythm built around one chord!, and "Nashville Jam" is a long instrumental with great quality. It shows Ringo really enjoyed this album. Some said "Nashville Jam" is well worth the price of the CD for itself.

Without defending Ringo too much, I don't think this album is a bad purchase. It can bring you minutes of joyful songs and others full of thoughtful memories or remorseful wine-driven love laments, but you can really enjoy the listening. Sure, The Beatles were more much of this, and even Ringo himself did better songs and albums, but "it's worth the rain to have a little sunshine" and this CD is not one to reject. You may like it or not, but you have to recognize that there are some quality songs and production inside it.

Buy it if you're a fan. If you're not, know and love The Beatles first. Then you'll love Ringo, just like everyone else does.

Description of Beaucoups of Blues

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