Ringo Starr Album: “VH1 Storytellers”

Before saying anything else, I must confess I'm a Beatles fan and a Ringo fan, and I keep on listening to this Storytellers album again and again. To me, this album deserves 5 stars but I've put only four, trying to give an "average listener" view. And here's why this CD is so good . First of all, the band that backs Ringo, called the Roundheads and featuring Mark Hudson and Joe Walsh, is absolutely fantastic. They play tight, their backing vocals are among the best I've ever heard. Some of the songs have new arrangements, not big changes but little things that are nice surprises for the listener who is used to the original versions (the harmonica in Don't Pass Me By, the Beach Boys-like backing vocals on Photograph...) This band is very good, has good ideas and good taste. Now, about Ringo himself : he really sings very well. REALLY. Forget the All-Starr Band CDs. Just listen to With a little help from my friends and you'll see what I mean. To sum up the whole thing : if you're already a Beatles fan, even a "lukewarm one", you can be sure you'll love this album. It's also a good way to discover Ringo's solo work. And if you simply love rock and pop music, you'll like it too.

The VH1 Storytellers album offers listeners a chance to catch Ringo Starr playing his hits and his latest batch of hopefuls while being backed by an "All Starr" band. The offer is one that you should definately not refuse. Simply put, the VH1 album is a damn good time! Ringo's warm humor and love for performing comes across vividly on the album, which gives listeners the feeling that they're sitting only a few rows away from the action. The Beatles era songs are represented well, with an absolutely rocking version of "Love Me Do" coming near the album's close. The solo hits also sound great - the harmonies on "Photograph" are beautiful, and the song sounds as powerful as ever (Powerful? Ringo? Laugh now, listen later). Even the "Vertical Man" songs are enjoyable; the infectous would-be children's anthem, "La De Da", has you singing along after a minute or two, and "What In the World" features a chorus that sounds like something Paul would have written. If you're looking for familiar songs and funny stories laced with Beatles nostalgia, pick up the Storytellers album. It won't change your world, but it may make your day seem a little more pleasant.

I was pleasantly suprised by the quality of the music of this live recording. Ringo's vocals are good (for Ringo) and his "Roundheads" band provides excellent backup. There are a couples of songs that kind of drag but I recommend this album highly.

I give the album a very high rating of exellecent. I love Ringo singing, drumming and his senses of humor.

It is a shame that Ringo didn't do this years ago while he was still recording for Apple Records because he would have literally cleaned up. Ringo still remains the most accessible Beatle; and, truly, the most fun loving. A quick listen to this live recording clearly tells the listener that Ringo is enjoying himself on stage with his Roundheads. This recording is a real treat for Beatles and Ringo fans alike.

Ringo treats us to his Beatle classics like "With a Little Help From My Friends," "Octopus's Garden," and "Don't Pass Me By." He also entertains us by presenting marvelous renditions of his Apple years. These include songs like "It Don't Come Easy," "Photograph," and "Back Off Boogaloo." Ringo's band -- consisting of Rock legends the likes of Joe Walsh and Mark Hudson -- play to absolute perfection. The music is very tight; it certainly supports Ringo's limited -- but highly effective -- vocals. As a matter of fact, Ringo's voice never sounded better. This is probably because he is actually enjoying himself on stage with his "Roundheads."

The songs are a treat in themselves. But, Ringo goes one better, he entertains the crowd with short stories in between each tune. For example, he tells the audience how the original words to "With a little help. . . . " were as follows: "What would you do if I sang out of tune/Would you stand up and throw a tomatoe at me." Then, Ringo states in his hard, Liverpoolian accent: "Well, I'm certainly not going to sing that." Whether these tales are true or not, they are very endearing and serve well to draw the listener even closer to Sir Richard Starkey, MBE.

This is a great CD from one of the nicest, kindest individuals that ever walked this earth. Going back to that tragic night of 8 December 1980, Ringo was the first Beatle to arrive in New York to "pay his respects." Indeed, Thank God for Ringo.

This is a great CD that features terrific music, great vocals, and lots of fun. This CD is well worth owning. Buy it now! You won't be disappointed!