It was 1973, the first year since 1970 that all four Beatles released Solo albums simultaneously. That's a lot of fab music for one year. And a welcome thing too, had the records been chock full of great songs. But it's telling, all these years later, that only Ringo's record holds up to repeated listenings. Not that I'm complaining. I love the Beatles (then and now) and eagerly bought and listened to all the crazy crap they released in the 70s. But here's the thing: I just can't sit through these records, one by one, anymore. George is just too pedantic and whiny; John had lost touch with the pop music world in general, and his songwriting skills in particular; Paul, like John, seemed bereft of original ideas, melodies, and inspiration; and Ringo, well Ringo got some help. He (wisely)
didn't produce his record himself (unlike each of his former band-mates), and it's that extra set of ears behind the boards that really sets his record apart from the others. If John, Paul and George had simply reached out to a first rate producer (George Martin, for example) for some considered feedback, their recorded documents from '73 might actually be worth spinning. But, of course, that's the last thing they wanted: pleasant Beatly music. And too bad too, because the alternative was a crop of narrow-visioned albums that left their fans (this fan in particular) befuddled and bemused.
So, is there any decent music inside the covers of Mind Games, Red Rose Speedway, Living in the Material World and Ringo? Well, yes! I've distilled 75 minutes from the collective 160 into what I feel is a very tasty, satisfying set. Some of these songs are among my favorites. John's I'm The Greatest, sung by Ringo is, well, the greatest; George's Be Here Now is sublime; Paul's My Love still inspires; and Ringo, well, Ringo hardly faltered due to the able assistance of pop-producer-extraordinaire Richard Perry. So here it is: Steve's ersatz Beatles record from 1973. I'm calling it 'Living In Ringo's Red Rose Mind Game'. And the entire set fits nicely onto one CD. Copies available on request. Listen and enjoy.
I'm the Greatest
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
Photograph
Sue Me, Sue You Blues
My Love
Get On the Right Thing
You Are Here
Aisumasen (I'm Sorry)
Be Here Now
Oh My My
One More Kiss
Mind Games
Living in the Material World
Six O'clock
Tight A$
Little Lamb Dragonfly
You're Sixteen
