“The
fabulous Ringo Starr was the
drummer of one of the most legendary
bands in history and he is marking the
50th anniversary of his musical career
that started with The Beatles (16 August
1962) by releasing a fantastic new
album — 2012...”
FOLLOWING WELL-DESERVED ACCLAIM both during and after his time with The Beatles,
the lovable, witty and quirky Ringo Starr releases his 50th anniversary missive:
a fabulous classic blues, soul, country, honky-tonk and rock 'n'
roll-inspired album called, simply, 2012.
Described as being an album with "real warmth and exceptional musicianship",
2012 is a timeless, distinctive, enjoyable venture into the eclectic
world of music.
“2012…
an amazing and
enjoyable collection
of music from
accomplished and
respected artiste
Ringo Starr” — Maggie Woods
Kicking
off with the foot-stomping, Sixties/Seventies style Anthem, penned by
Richard Starkey (Ringo!) and Glen Ballard, the album is yet another great step
in the important role that Ringo continues to play in modern music with his
solo recording and touring.
Rolling
Stone rock critic David Wild wrote: "Ultimately what's most impressive about
Ringo Starr isn't what he's been, but rather who he is: the man's great heart
and soul; his wit and wisdom." Ironically, the story of Ringo's evolution from
Beatles' drummer to successful solo artist is still best told from the very
beginning.
As both Beatle and solo artiste, Ringo excels. His music is infused with his
strong personality, warm disposition and his humour.
His exceptional musicianship produces songs that are known and loved, including:
With A Little Help From My Friends, Don't Pass Me By, Octopus Garden, Photograph,
It Don't Come Easy, Back Off Boogaloo, You're Sixteen (You're Beautiful And
You're Mine), Don't Go Where The Road Don't Go, The No No Song and Never
Without You.
From the moment Ringo joined The Beatles in the Sixties, he has been one of
the world's prominent musical talents. Having enjoyed a successful and dynamic
solo career as a singer, a songwriter, a drummer, an active musical collaborator
and an actor, Ringo has raised his profile by whetting the appetites of his
fans with consistently good fare — including his latest album.
Ringo Starr's 2012 benefits from a variety of guest performances, including
Dave Stewart, Joe Walsh, Benmont Tench, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Don Was, Van Dyke
Parks and Edgar Winter. Each track has an individual appeal and we were particularly
struck by Slow Down, which should be a mantra for today's busy world.
The interesting treatment of Wings has shades of the great Leonard Cohen
and Think It Over is Ringo's creditable cover version of a song written
by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty. Changing tempo, the lovely Samba has
a terrific Vaudeville Twenties feel — this, along with Slow Down,
was another one of our favourites.
The excellent Wonderful, with its pretty harmonies and the remarkable
In Liverpool are both highlights of 2012, which is an amazing and
enjoyable collection of music from accomplished and respected artiste Ringo
Starr, who also produced the album.
• Ringo Starr's new album 2012 is out on
30 January, 2012.
Tracklisting
1 Anthem (Richard Starkey/Glen Ballard) | 2 Wings (Richard Starkey/Vince
Poncia) |
3 Think It Over (Buddy Holly/Norman Petty) | 4 Samba (Richard
Starkey/Van Dyke Parks) | 5 Rock Island Line (Arrangement by Richard
Starkey) | 6 Step Lightly (Richard Starkey) |
7 Wonderful (Richard Starkey/Gary Nicholson) | 8 In Liverpool (Richard
Starkey/Dave Stewart) | 9 Slow Down (Richard Starkey/Joe Walsh).
"2012… an amazing and enjoyable collection of music from accomplished
and respected artiste Ringo Starr" — Maggie Woods, MotorBar
“The
fabulous Ringo Starr was the