Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have the distinction of having my former roommate, Steve Dudas, playing guitar for Ringo for the past five years or so. Steve got great plugs from Ringo in interviews for being instrumental in the writing and playing on Ringos' latest CD, "Choose Love." I've had the CD for about two weeks now and wonder if anyone else has heard it and how you like it. True, the songs areen't in the Lennon/McCartney/Harrison league, but I think on the whole they are well-produced and tailored to Ringo's rather limited vocal range. I also think Mark Hudson, who produced, gets a killer tone from his Hofner bass as well as paying homage to Paul in many of the lines he plays. About the only negative I can find is that sometimes they seem to be making a conscious effort to "sound like the Beatles." But since Ringo WAS a Beatle, is that really a valid gripe?

Welcome to The Rickenbacker Forum Dave and thanks for the review of Ringo's CD I have yet to hear it, but it sounds as if I should get a copy soon. Did Ringo write any of the tracks?

Happy to be here as the former owner of a 1972 4001 Jetglo. Ringo is listed as co-author on most of the tunes. His voice, in my opinion, has never sounded better (but I have to say that I don't know how much is mic choice and how much is ProTools).

I have to admit I like it better than Paul's new release. I have played both of them many times and really prefer Ringo's on head to head competition

The hooks in Ringo' songs sure are better, but it's apparent that Mark Hudson is really trying to sound like a modern-day Beatles on a lot of the songs. Which is not a bad thing. I love the production, especially on "Choose Love," which is rather like "Taxman" in bass line and has a lovely quote from "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" by Steve. I heard a review on NPR today of McCartney's CD and the reviewer seemed to nail it when he said this style of production is what makes bands like Radiohead interesting to listen to but not very long-lasting. I've had the McCartney CD in my player for a week and I like it much better than anything he's done since before "Flaming Pie." But I have to admit it lacks energy, even if I like almost all the tunes.

Certainly does have those familiar sounds, Kudos to the Roundheads

I agree that Ringo has put out a really good CD and has actually released several in a row that are as good as or better than anything he'd done before.

Then again, he doesn't have as big a hill to climb when competing against his past. Who would have thought that Ringo would end up being the ex-Beatle most comfortable with his Beatle origins? I can't imagine Paul "quoting" old Beatle songs and influences with the ease that Ringo and the Roundheads do. In fairness, I can't imagine John or George doing it either.

Ringo also proves what can be accomplished when you surround yourself with people who are as good as or better than you. Them Roundheads are FUN to listen to.

To me, Ringo has always seemed to have the most fun playing and be the least infatuated with or woorried about living up to his "Beatleness." From what my friend Steve says about Ringo, he is very genuine, kind, funny and a very good friend.