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Post by Galactus on Feb 21, 2006 11:51:02 GMT -5
I picked what are usually considered the best three from each Beatle.
IMPO, the order of solo Beatle goodness looks like this...
1. George
2. Paul
3. John
4. Ringo
My vote for best goes to All Things Must Pass.
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Post by Galactus on Feb 21, 2006 11:57:15 GMT -5
Truth be told I think all of the Beatles had pretty weak solo careers...outside of one "great" album apeice from John, Paul and George...and three surprisingly not horrible albums from Ringo...the solo Beatles are mostly just okay...
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Post by Paul on Feb 21, 2006 12:07:09 GMT -5
I voted for All Things Must Pass...I haven't heard every solo project, only a handfull of Wings songs, and nothing by Ringo...and I only have two John albums, Imagine and Plastic Ono Band. From what I've heard, All Things is the clear winner.
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Post by Kensterberg on Feb 21, 2006 12:38:23 GMT -5
This is actually a really tough call for me, as I think all four released one album that could honestly get this title. Yes, even Ringo. His self-titled masterpiece is (in its own goofy way) every bit as good as Band on the Run, Plastic Ono Band, or All Things Must Pass.
I think that I have to give the nod, at least today, to John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. It has a depth and grit that Macca never matched in his solo albums, while maintaining (for the most part) the beauty and melodicism which are as much a part of Lennon's work as they are McCartney's. Double Fantasy is lightweight fluff, and Imagine a scattershot of mushy sentiment and gruff posturing compared to JL/PBO. Nothing about JL/PBO is practiced or pretend. It's the most honest recording that Lennon made, topping even his early sixties peak in the Beatles. It is also, quite possibly, the most haunting record in rock and roll.
For me, All Things Must Pass is a more problematic work. The third LP is a superfluous jam session, and George didn't even write the best song on the album proper. Of course, when you're buddies with some dude named Dylan, and he offers you the most pure love song he's written in years (maybe ever), well, that's not exactly a fault. But Isn't It a Pity steals its climax from Hey Jude, and My Sweet Lord is of course lifted from He's So Fine, so originality isn't exactly George's strong suite here. But it's all very well done, and the humble nature of Harrison's work contrasts nicely with Spector's occassionally grandiose arrangements. So while it's not (by any means) a perfect album in my estimation, it is probably the second strongest ex-Beatle recording.
And this brings us to ... Band on the Run. Paul's signature work, even more than thirty years after its release. By this time, it was probably apparent to everyone that Paul had stopped writing songs that had any weight to them about the time that George Martin wrapped up the recordings for Abbey Road. So there's nothing here of any real weight, but god what a lovely sound. Paul's playing throughout is aces on all instruments -- cutting rock and roll guitars (along with the faithful Denny Laine), solid drumming (Macca and Stevie Wonder are among the few rock multi-instrumentalists who are really capable behind the drum kit), his usual fine keyboard work, and of course some of the best bass work out there -- and his vocals are exemplary throughout as well. Moreover, while there is nothing earth shattering here, there is plenty of genuine emotion here. Paul sings the title track and Jet as though there were lots riding on them, and Let Me Roll It is a moving and subtle response to the (unwarranted?) visciousness of How Do You Sleep (from Imagine), and of course, Bluebird is obviously about his love for Linda, and as always Macca producing a shimmering and beguiling vision to illustrate his intoxication. Taken in small doses, this can be a very heady mix, and the straight-ahead rockers like Helen Wheels, Mrs. Vanderbilt, and (best of all) 1985 make sure that Paul's more syrupy tendancies stay in check. Band on the Run is a great album, and I'd have no problem moving it ahead of All Things Must Pass, or at least declaring a tie between the two.
And this leaves Ringo. Just go listen to this wonderfully goofy and never too serious album and not smile. How can you? Also, the fact that George (who gave one of his best songs to his drumming buddy, Photograph), John (whose I'm the Greatest beats out every track on Imagine, Mind Games, and Walls and Bridges), and Paul all contributed to it makes this the closest to a Beatles reunion that ever happened. Who knew that an album-length version of Little Help From My Friends would mark the last time four living Beatles would collaborate? A great record as well, which no one should be ashamed for owning, or liking.
OK, that was a lot more than I meant to write ... guess I got a little carried away. But isn't that why we're here? to get carried away w/our love for rock and roll?
every time I see your face it reminds me of the places we used to go ...
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Post by Paul on Feb 21, 2006 12:49:38 GMT -5
So if I'm gonna buy a Ringo Starr album, er CD, the one to get is Ringo?
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Post by Kensterberg on Feb 21, 2006 12:54:28 GMT -5
I still call 'em albums, 'cause it's an "album of songs" ... it just isn't an LP any longer.
Yeah, 1973's "Ringo" is the one to get. There's a 1991 CD Reissue that has three bonus tracks, including the brilliant "It Don't Come Easy" and the touching "Early 1970" which was about the break-up of the Beatles.
There's really not much reason to own anything else by Ringo, IMO. But what a great record this one is.
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Post by Kensterberg on Feb 21, 2006 12:57:35 GMT -5
BTW, who voted for Band on the Run? Just curious ... I expect George to take this title, in part b/c of Bowiglou's Harrison fetish. But really, all four of the albums I talked about are worthy contenders. Nice job picking the titles, BTW, Mantis. Except for one little quibble ... why McCartney? I mean, I don't think anyone puts this up as one of Paul's best records (though it does have Maybe I'm Amazed, which is probably his best solo song). Flowers in the Dirt would have been an interesting third choice ... or maybe Venus and Mars for those still in love with the seventies.  |
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Post by strat-0 on Feb 21, 2006 13:03:08 GMT -5
BTW, who voted for Band on the Run? Just curious ...  |
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Post by Galactus on Feb 21, 2006 13:03:48 GMT -5
....it's probably becuase it's always been one of my favorites I guess. It's just very simple...Paul's written silly songs for awhile so they're no surprise but it just seems like Paul was happy recording this album all by himself and I think it comes through in the music.
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Post by Kensterberg on Feb 21, 2006 13:07:33 GMT -5
BTW, who voted for Band on the Run? Just curious ... I knew it had to be someone with fine taste in classic rock. Maybe I should have asked, " Who voted for Band on the Run" instead, huh? Nice choice. |
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Post by Kensterberg on Feb 21, 2006 13:09:34 GMT -5
....it's probably becuase it's always been one of my favorites I guess. It's just very simple...Paul's written silly songs for awhile so they're no surprise but it just seems like Paul was happy recording this album all by himself and I think it comes through in the music. Yeah, that album has a real peaceful vibe to it. It does sound like Paul just having fun away from the crowd and hub-bub. If it hadn't been treated like a major event in the music press and just allowed to sneak out, it might have been better recieved at the time. But I can see your reasons for including it here now. Thanks. |
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Post by Paul on Feb 21, 2006 14:04:54 GMT -5
I still call 'em albums, 'cause it's an "album of songs" ... it just isn't an LP any longer. Yeah, 1973's "Ringo" is the one to get. There's a 1991 CD Reissue that has three bonus tracks, including the brilliant "It Don't Come Easy" and the touching "Early 1970" which was about the break-up of the Beatles. There's really not much reason to own anything else by Ringo, IMO. But what a great record this one is. Nice, I'll check it out...I've always been a fan of the songs he sings w/ the Beatles anyway..."What Goes On" is my favorite Ringo song; so far.... |
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Post by bowiglou on Feb 21, 2006 15:02:10 GMT -5
BTW, who voted for Band on the Run? Just curious ... I expect George to take this title, in part b/c of Bowiglou's Harrison fetish. But really, all four of the albums I talked about are worthy contenders. Nice job picking the titles, BTW, Mantis. Except for one little quibble ... why McCartney? I mean, I don't think anyone puts this up as one of Paul's best records (though it does have Maybe I'm Amazed, which is probably his best solo song). Flowers in the Dirt would have been an interesting third choice ... or maybe Venus and Mars for those still in love with the seventies. and herr holzman is correct....I have since circa 1964 had a strong preference for the "quiet" Beatle, and indeed, though I was impressed with Paul's debut and loved Band on the Run, it was All Things Must Pass (deleting the extraneous 3rd LP) that just knocked me out....Art of Dying, ATMP, Apple Scruffs, Beware of Darkness, Isnt' it a Pity, IF not for You, My Sweet Lord, WAh WAh..........................just an explosion of music that could not be done under the auspices of the Beatles ... Interestingly, I did have live set from the Plastic Ono Band, but only got into John's solo work upon his demise in Dec of 80...and then, yes, really got into Imagine and his debut solo......but still I give the nod to ATMP..........unequivocally!!!! |
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Post by Paul on Feb 21, 2006 15:06:00 GMT -5
I'm surprised the 3rd disc is getting slammed...I love those jams..."It's Johnny's Birthday", "I Remember Jeep", "Plug Me In" and "Thanks For the Pepperoni" are great songs IMPO....
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Post by Ayinger on Feb 21, 2006 19:28:50 GMT -5
I think that I have to give the nod, at least today, to John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. It is...quite possibly, the most haunting record in rock and roll. What Ken said! Lennon strips away both musically and emotionally right to the bone, leaving an artistic and personal statement that to my ears made me feel if one ever cut into this record's vinyl it would surely bleed. Harrison & McCartney could issue out some pretty, well played & well put together craft, but neither struck the nerve here like Lennon did. |
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