Of course, like Pepper, the concept comes and goes. But Stewart wisely creates a much broader canvas for Starr to paint on: not content to soothe the ears of those in the Adult Contemporary waiting room, he aims for true pop classicism instead. The result may be Ringo's most thoroughly satisfying album -- his Seventies commercial zenith was an era where fun aced sonic perfection, but the broad landscapes of Liverpool 8 (so named because of his return to the city in 2008 to celebrate its crowning as this year's European Capital of Culture) and the overriding concept itself make his incessant self-celebration, for once, not oppressive. He actually sounds like he's coming to terms with something, not just giving Fab Four fans a stroke.
Ironically, Starr made his name as just that sort of gladhanding entertainer, so 8 also works on the surface as another upbeat, "peace and love" Ringo album. Perhaps no other modern pop artist would write a song about tough love and then spell it T-U-F-F. Besides, "Pasodobles" is a fun day-trip tour of Latin music (trendy: again, no slouch he when it comes to playing to the marketplace), and the closing singalong "R U Ready" addresses itself to none other than the Grim Reaper. Perhaps only Ringo Starr could go to his death in such a jolly manner; the pleasant surprise of Liverpool 8 is that he sounds more relevant and inspired, less like a doddering old fart, than ever. And you can even get it as a USB wristband. Take that, Radiohead!
Tracklisting
- Liverpool 8 4:49
- Think About You 3:40
- For Love 3:49
- Now That She's Gone Away 3:02
- Gone Are the Days 2:49
- Give It a Try 3:26
- Tuff Love 4:33
- Harry's Song 4:00
- Pasodobles 4:17
- If It's Love That You Want 3:06
- Love Is 3:52
- R U Ready 3:59
