Great that you are so enthusiastic about this album. It's undeservedly overlooked, and great that Ringo could still muster support from his fellow fabs. I was always fascinated by the old Savile Row door, looking like a relic from another age, yet it was only 7 years since Let it Be. Anyone know what a rotogravure actually is? I always assumed it was a kind of rotating barbecue, hence everyone eating on the inside cover!
In 1976 things were actually really taking off, Beatle-wise.. at least in the USA. That was the precise period where I was first becoming a rabid collector/fan, and there was lots of Beatles nostalgia in the air (and Paul was particularly huge with his Wings successes). The ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC compilation was very popular here in '76. George and RIngo briefly remarked about the situation with George suing Ringo over the song when they appeared on ASPEL AND COMPANY together in 1988.
Yeah the Beatles star in 1976 was shining as far as nostalgia for the group was concerned. But it could no longer carry the solo careers with it as it had done in the early '70s. People didn't go out and buy a Ringo record anymore, unfortunately. I think the latter Ringo deserved to do better but the music scene and tastes were changing I guess. Who knows about the reference in the Aspel interview, Ringo was out of it at the time, could have been a joke...who knows? It doesn't seem very characteristic of George to go around suing people after having written 'Sue Me Sue You Blues' and been sued himself over 'My Sweet Lord'.
I agree that in the case of Ringo, people were not just buying his records because he was an ex-Beatle anymore by 1976. But of course, both Paul and George did well in '76! Regarding the story of George not liking the mix of "I'll Still Love You" and suing Ringo for it, I do think that was true... but they were still friends, and thus the relating of that story on ASPEL was rather light-hearted in retrospect.
+MeanMr Mayo Thanks, well if it's true i find it strange as well as sad. Regarding George in 76 he was doing a lot better in the US both then and for the next few years. The UK seems to have had enough of George by this time unfortunately.
I like this album, as we all know, main stream music was changing in the late '70s and artist had to adapt to survive and I think Ringo was a prime example. I think this was his best LP in the late '70s to me by far.
Great Review. I'm 47 now and was given the album as a gift in 1980. I've loved the album ever since. It's a fun album. It always cheers me up when I'm feeling lousy
Love this album. Got it for a really good price at a record store a couple of years ago just on a whim not knowing what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. Really great album and I agree it has a really awesome warm vibe to it. It puts you in a better mood and I think that is totally in-line with most peoples idea of Ringo Starr all these years later. I don't personally agree with on the side one verse side two and also cryin' being ringo's best song. In my opinion I thought the weaker songs were 'cryin', 'you dont know me at all', and 'las Brisas'. My favorite of Ringo's own tunes was Lady Gaye on that record, also apart from the first two songs on side one, overall i enjoy side 2 more probably because its more original. I think the first three songs on side two are all great, I actually think John's song suited both Ringo and this album really well. Sure it's not Johns best work ever but I thought it was good. George and Claptons songs are also pretty good.
Il est vraiment regrettable que Rotogravure marqua le commencement d'une longue période d'échecs commerciaux des albums de Ringo, car justement, Rotogravure fut en tous points un excellents album : Productions, arrangements, qualité, musiciens, etc... Thanks for the revew John. With rotogravure started a long period of commercial failure of Ringo's albums. It's sad, because this album was brilliant in all aspects : Productions, arrangements, quality, musicians, etc ... I do like Rotogravure ! ✌
This is something of my guilty pleasure solo-Beatles album, and while I do not enjoy it as much as much as Ringo, I put it just ahead Goodnight for 2nd place. Very strong start, but side two does seem to slide (Cookin’ is alright, but that’s it... saying that, it would not have seemed out of place on Double Fantasy or Milk and Honey). Surprised it did not do better in the charts, as there is loads of interviews of Ringo promoting it (the interview for Danish TV is very enjoyable)
Great review John. I've always liked this album. Coincidentally, I managed to pick a copy last weekend at a collectibles store which has the original magnifying glass! I'll post a video soon showing you the album. Regards, Gaz (Melbourne/Australia)
Nice review John. I only just got hold of a copy of this album at the weekend so have been listening to it. Have a video planned, so I'm just seeing what bits of research I can filch from your video to save me some time on Wikipedia! Don't worry, I'll give you a credit.
Check out the Aspel interview from 1988 where Ringo confirms George sues him. Also George confirms ha hadn't seen John for two years before he was shot. Also confirms he was getting to know Paul again.
I'll have to give this album another chance..."Rotogravure" was the last Ringo album that I heard all the way through - I remember that a friend of mine won the album on a radio contest, and it came with the magnifying glass.. I've never owned the album, but what I remember of it was that apart from the single, "A Dose Of Rock n' Roll", the tracks that stood out for me were two that Ringo co-wrote - "Cryin'", and "Las Brisas" - which was memorable for it's mariachi accompaniment...I do remember feeling that John's contribution, "Cookin'" was rather lame - but it's been a long time since I've heard it.. Nice video John - I always respect and enjoy reviews that make a case for records which are not particularly acclaimed or currently popular..
I enjoyed this John and look forward to more given that solo albums by the others are reviewed often while Ringo rarely is. You said you consider this his last great release until "Time Takes Time." What's your take on "Old Wave?"
Thanks Mathew. Well I was trying to be objective! I like all his albums a lot right up until Vertical Man. After that I think the level dropped off somewhat, with a few song exceptions. 'Old Wave' has many fine moments in particular 'She's About A Mover', 'In My Car' and 'Hopeless'.
In my ears, one of Ringo's best albums.
John spent more time reviewing it than Ringo did consciously recording it.
Damn!!
Great that you are so enthusiastic about this album. It's undeservedly overlooked, and great that Ringo could still muster support from his fellow fabs. I was always fascinated by the old Savile Row door, looking like a relic from another age, yet it was only 7 years since Let it Be. Anyone know what a rotogravure actually is? I always assumed it was a kind of rotating barbecue, hence everyone eating on the inside cover!
It's a type of printing, I looked it up. But the barbecue interpretation sounds a lot more interesting. Thanks Dave!
In 1976 things were actually really taking off, Beatle-wise.. at least in the USA. That was the precise period where I was first becoming a rabid collector/fan, and there was lots of Beatles nostalgia in the air (and Paul was particularly huge with his Wings successes). The ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC compilation was very popular here in '76. George and RIngo briefly remarked about the situation with George suing Ringo over the song when they appeared on ASPEL AND COMPANY together in 1988.
Yeah the Beatles star in 1976 was shining as far as nostalgia for the group was concerned. But it could no longer carry the solo careers with it as it had done in the early '70s. People didn't go out and buy a Ringo record anymore, unfortunately. I think the latter Ringo deserved to do better but the music scene and tastes were changing I guess. Who knows about the reference in the Aspel interview, Ringo was out of it at the time, could have been a joke...who knows? It doesn't seem very characteristic of George to go around suing people after having written 'Sue Me Sue You Blues' and been sued himself over 'My Sweet Lord'.
I agree that in the case of Ringo, people were not just buying his records because he was an ex-Beatle anymore by 1976. But of course, both Paul and George did well in '76! Regarding the story of George not liking the mix of "I'll Still Love You" and suing Ringo for it, I do think that was true... but they were still friends, and thus the relating of that story on ASPEL was rather light-hearted in retrospect.
+MeanMr Mayo Thanks, well if it's true i find it strange as well as sad. Regarding George in 76 he was doing a lot better in the US both then and for the next few years. The UK seems to have had enough of George by this time unfortunately.
I like this album, as we all know, main stream music was changing in the late '70s and artist had to adapt to survive and I think Ringo was a prime example. I think this was his best LP in the late '70s to me by far.
Great Review. I'm 47 now and was given the album as a gift in 1980. I've loved the album ever since. It's a fun album. It always cheers me up when I'm feeling lousy
Yeah Ringo always has been a good tonic when you're down....and no more so than this one!
Love this album. Got it for a really good price at a record store a couple of years ago just on a whim not knowing what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. Really great album and I agree it has a really awesome warm vibe to it. It puts you in a better mood and I think that is totally in-line with most peoples idea of Ringo Starr all these years later. I don't personally agree with on the side one verse side two and also cryin' being ringo's best song. In my opinion I thought the weaker songs were 'cryin', 'you dont know me at all', and 'las Brisas'. My favorite of Ringo's own tunes was Lady Gaye on that record, also apart from the first two songs on side one, overall i enjoy side 2 more probably because its more original. I think the first three songs on side two are all great, I actually think John's song suited both Ringo and this album really well. Sure it's not Johns best work ever but I thought it was good. George and Claptons songs are also pretty good.
Hi John. nice review. I love this record. Thank you
Excellent Ringo album. His singing is really good on here.
I won my copy in a competition in the Beatles book...I have the magnifying glass!!
Danny
Il est vraiment regrettable que Rotogravure marqua le commencement d'une longue période d'échecs commerciaux des albums de Ringo, car justement, Rotogravure fut en tous points un excellents album : Productions, arrangements, qualité, musiciens, etc... Thanks for the revew John. With rotogravure started a long period of commercial failure of Ringo's albums. It's sad, because this album was brilliant in all aspects : Productions, arrangements, quality, musicians, etc ... I do like Rotogravure ! ✌
This is something of my guilty pleasure solo-Beatles album, and while I do not enjoy it as much as much as Ringo, I put it just ahead Goodnight for 2nd place. Very strong start, but side two does seem to slide (Cookin’ is alright, but that’s it... saying that, it would not have seemed out of place on Double Fantasy or Milk and Honey). Surprised it did not do better in the charts, as there is loads of interviews of Ringo promoting it (the interview for Danish TV is very enjoyable)
Good stuff ringo, you dont know me at all, pure gold, lady gaye, a dose of rock n roll, excellent songs......always an enjoyable listen......
Great review John. I've always liked this album. Coincidentally, I managed to pick a copy last weekend at a collectibles store which has the original magnifying glass! I'll post a video soon showing you the album. Regards, Gaz (Melbourne/Australia)
Superb Gaz I am truly jealous, looking forward to seeing it! Thanks John :- )
Nice review John. I only just got hold of a copy of this album at the weekend so have been listening to it. Have a video planned, so I'm just seeing what bits of research I can filch from your video to save me some time on Wikipedia! Don't worry, I'll give you a credit.
I recently bought this lp and I'm waiting for it arrive to Uruguay!!! Nice video!
I like this lp a lot too .Thank you John.
Pure gold was always a favorite of mine!
Check out the Aspel interview from 1988 where Ringo confirms George sues him. Also George confirms ha hadn't seen John for two years before he was shot. Also confirms he was getting to know Paul again.
I'll have to give this album another chance..."Rotogravure" was the last Ringo album that I heard all the way through - I remember that a friend of mine won the album on a radio contest, and it came with the magnifying glass.. I've never owned the album, but what I remember of it was that apart from the single, "A Dose Of Rock n' Roll", the tracks that stood out for me were two that Ringo co-wrote - "Cryin'", and "Las Brisas" - which was memorable for it's mariachi accompaniment...I do remember feeling that John's contribution, "Cookin'" was rather lame - but it's been a long time since I've heard it.. Nice video John - I always respect and enjoy reviews that make a case for records which are not particularly acclaimed or currently popular..
Thanks Thomas. Yes, time for a revisit! I particularly like the start and drum intro on 'Hey Baby'. Side 1 is very strong.
I love this album with an all star cast. But why poor performance on the.charts? And why not on spotify?
I enjoyed this John and look forward to more given that solo albums by the others are reviewed often while Ringo rarely is. You said you consider this his last great release until "Time Takes Time." What's your take on "Old Wave?"
Thanks Mathew. Well I was trying to be objective! I like all his albums a lot right up until Vertical Man. After that I think the level dropped off somewhat, with a few song exceptions. 'Old Wave' has many fine moments in particular 'She's About A Mover', 'In My Car' and 'Hopeless'.
This is my first solo Ringo album which I had gotten a few days ago for $2.99 as an original pressing.
you didn't show the gate-fold .? you didnt point out the one eye symbolism on the cover and the Freemasons
First rule of reviewing:;Sound interested. I couldn't get past two minuteszzzzzz.
Handle it with care...You´re making me nervous, man!
Art Director and Album cover designer by Kosh. 🔎