My favourite post Beatles album by McCartney, most of his output is very diverse stylistically but this is like the very best box of chocolates where every song is a tasty treat! Incredible 10/10. Monkberry moon delight, Dear boy & Back seat of my car are absolute perfection.
We know the longevity of the album has outlasted those reviewers with Ram being one of the most enduring masterpieces of 1970s music. If i want an honest review, I'll listen to you John Heaton.
Ram was the first McCartney solo album I ever owned on vinyl. I’ve poured through this classic countless times and it never seems to lose its intimate feeling. In my opinion it’s also one of Linda’s finest vocal performances. Great review!
The best post Beatles album by some stretch. Packed with invention and humour, RAM rocks, is stylistically diverse, doesn't preach or whinge, is vocally and instrumentally sublime, packed with gorgeous melodies and harmonies and never takes itself too seriously. RAM always sounded to me like the music of a man still young at heart. While I admire and can enjoy the artistry of the other Beatles solo, they always sounded older and more world-weary somehow. When I first heard it as a teenager I found it to be a total joy. Forty-plus years later I still do.
I think that Hugh McCracken also played on John Lennon'/Plastic Ono Band 's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" single. This would mean that he was the first musician to work with both Paul and John in the post-Beatles era. That's quite an achievement.
Surprising that this was slated by the critics on release. It’s now seen as a classic and arguably his finest post Beatles moment . I don’t care much for the eponymous first album it’s too rough around the edges. Ram is what Paul does best. Polished beautifully produced beautifully arranged songs with good players like Dave Spinoza. I don like Smile Away but the rest of the album is sublime. Highlights are Ram on , Dear Boy , monkberry moon and Back seat of my car. His vocals are just gorgeous and there is a lot of Beach Boys harmonies. 71 was a good year for the boys with Ram , John doing Imagine and George’s magnificent achievement with concert for Bangladesh the first charity rock concert . Rams reputation seems to go up year on year and rightly so . Another Day was recorded at the same time and this is just incredible it stands with anything the Beatles recorded. Amazing that Ringo was so negative about Ram
RAM has long been a favorite of mine. But it is a bit of acquired taste, I didn't love it on the first listen. But I think it really has stood the test of time, and is probably in my top five McCartney albums. Great video and review, you always have such great information about the albums.
My favourite Beatle solo album! One of my good friends heard I didn't know this album when I was much younger and bought me an original apple copy as a gift, saying 'You are going to love this album so much! It's his best...' I was a bit surprised as I'd not heard it hyped at all. He was so right! The genius of this album is music, and although the lyrics are sometimes light hearted and throwaway, it's what gives it it's beautifully happy and healing quality. To me, there's not a note out of place on the record. I've been playing & studying music my whole life, and I know great from crap. I think most critics have bugger all understanding of how music & production actually works! luckily the public know good from bad, and have kept this album alive for decades hence and it's more popular than ever Xxx
The 50th anniversary half speed master out this Friday is on a repro Apple label, according to the photo anyway, I have a 1975 Japanese press in mint condition which is on Apple too, love that label - very iconic
I love the title of this video. It makes the rest of that song play automatically in my mind. The album has a special atmosphere which makes me feel comfortable and warm. It feels innocent in spite of John references. I love the neverending Back seat of my car. It was the progressive area anyway. Love the sound of Linda. Great harmonies. Back seat of my car has always been the song on that album that gave me the most nostalgic feeling musically.
Ram is my favorite Paul solo album. Lovers of Ram should check out the Ram tribute concert done by Tim Christensen and the Damn Crystals, Mike Viola and Tracy Bonham to celebrate Sir Paul's 70th birthday in June 2012. Absolutely brilliant!! ua-cam.com/video/AQKuY1pNST8/v-deo.html
The critics were out to get Paul when Ram was released. For me it`s Pauls masterpiece, and best album. Highlights for me is "Ram on" "Dear Boy" Uncle Albert Admiral Halsey" "Heart of the country" "Eat at home" "Long haired lady" and "The back seat of my car"
I loved Ram when it was first released and have voted it even more ever since. The melodies are totally remarkable. Just wonderful - the new half master version has apple label on it. Ram archive nix set is one of the best. Have you listened to Ram on released this week by Danny Sewell.
I like all the early McCartney solo albums through London Town. Ram is a classic, IMHO, and quite atmospheric. Brings you back to the post break up era. I agree with you regarding the critics. Emotion can be conveyed in different ways, and each Beatles did so differently. I think Ram is every bit as emotional and artful as Lennon's and Harrison's initial solo efforts. Thanks for the excellent review!
@@ronfowlermusic Personally I never thought of any of the albums in 1970s that Paul McCartney produced as "Wings" albums. That was just a front to make a point after the break up (this is what the Beatles should've done, go and tour on small gigs, etc.). McCartney orchestrated everything with Wings, in much the same way Jeff Lynn did with ELO. When it no longer suited him, he ditched Wings. Got a new band to back him, but didn't bother naming it. In Lynn's case it was justified, as he had no where near the fame McCartney did. In fact Lynn took over the Move and ultimately renamed it. Anyway, London Town only has Paul Linda and Denny from Wings (same as Band on the Run, which for me is a solo album even if it has the word "Band" in the title.).
@@Scoundrel12131965 your opinion is actually the consensus view among McCartney fans, Paul was a genius that did everything, the others were just along for the ride. Believe it or not, there are Jimmy McCulloch fans, Denny Laine fans out there, people who appreciate their contributions to the group; at the time, Paul sure seemed to want to present Wings as a legit band. These days, though, he's done a complete 180 - never talks about any of the band members except Linda (or to talk about Jimmy's drinking problems); the Wings albums are part of the Paul McCartney Archive Series. So then I wonder "what is Medicine Jar doing on a McCartney album, he didn't write it, he didn't sing it". Why did Denny have songs on most of the albums? I think of Wings as being a band like, say, the Kinks. Nobody says the Kinks weren't a real band, even though Ray Davies sang most of the songs, wrote most of the songs, produced the albums, and was the front man onstage. Sheesh, the Wings members got more of the spotlight than the members of Creedence Clearwater Revival NOT named John Fogerty. Maybe we should just put all CCR albums in the "John Fogerty" section. Maybe all Kinks albums are actually Ray Davies albums.
@@ronfowlermusic ok, fair points to make regarding the individual members making songwriting and musical contributions (their certainly provide guitar, keyboard and drum contributions to some of the albums). We’re talking Wild Life, Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, At the Speed of Sound, London Town, and Back to the Egg (not counting Ram as McCartney did not pursue Wings during recording though Seiwell played drums on it). The song contributions are minimal, and I believe McCartney shrewdly allowed to give illusion of a new band. Not sure any of them had a long term commitment to stay. Apart from Linda, Denny Laine was the only consistent member form Wild Life to Back to the Egg + singles (the Wing line ups changed after two albums, with only Laine playing on Band on the Run right in the middle of these). On one song Mull of Kintyre McCartney gave Laine a hard time with regard to songwriting credit (McCartney obviously could be quite stingy). My point is McCartney wanted to tour and needed a backing band, and to make it appear as if like any other band on tour gave it a name. But let’s face it, 99% of the songs are by McCartney (and Linda) and the bulk of the songs by other members are not particularly memorable. And Denny Laine was by far the most significant member because of his longevity and was closest to critical band member Wings had. So to conclude, I still consider to refer to these as McCartney solo albums (part of McCartney solo albums).
@@Scoundrel12131965 so, to reiterate my point, are all those albums labeled as "Rolling Stones" really just Mick Jagger/Keith Richards albums? They write all the songs, Mick does the lead singing; so that makes Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman sidemen, right? Gee, Ringo must have been just a sideman to John and Paul because he didn't write any songs until 1968. I don't buy that argument - but again, your view is the popular view. Most Paul fans see the members of Wings as inferior musicians who were just lucky to be chosen to backup the greatest songwriter and singer of all time, the legendary Paul McCartney. Myself, I wouldn't say the contributions of the others were forgettable. There's a guy right now writing a book about Jimmy McCulloch. Jimmy actually had a career in music long before he met Sir Paul. He had a hit record while still a teenager (look up "Something in the Air" by Thunderclap Newman). Denny Laine was the original lead singer of the Moody Blues - he sang their first hit, "Go Now". So it was only natural that he would do some singing on the Wings records. He sang "I Like Around", the b-side of "Live and Let Die". He sang the first verse of "Picasso's Last Words"; co-wrote "No Words" (truth be told, it was Denny's song that Paul helped him complete). "Spirits of Ancient Egypt" had a lead vocal by Denny. "The Note You Never Wrote" was Denny singing lead. "Time to Hide" was his song, "Again and Again and Again" was Denny's song, and he co-wrote a bunch of songs with Paul on the "London Town" album. No question, Paul was the dominant member of Wings - he'd been a Beatle, he was a superstar, no getting away from that. The only way he was going to be 'just one of the guys' in a band is if he had put together a superstar outfit like the Traveling Wilburys. I don't think Paul could have ever done that, though. He likes to be in control. He gave the Wings guys some room to express themselves creatively - i.e, Henry McCullough's guitar solo on "My Love", Jimmy's two songs on Venus and Mars and Speed of Sound - but he was always going to be the star of the group. Actually, he tries to hard now to downplay the Wings guys, I'm surprised he didn't replace their songs on the archive editions. Some fans would prefer that - a few more Paul songs instead of Denny's.
Always one of my favorite albums. I bought it in 71 and as a 13 year old, it was perfect. I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you for an honest heartfelt review 👍
Excellent video and review, sir… Can’t believe it’s 50 years since this solo masterpiece from Sir Paul...Probably my favorite of all his solo records with so many underrated songs that should be considered classics all these years later… I just hit the subscribe button because luckily, I just found you on UA-cam while scrolling through Beatle and McCartney videos 🎼🎤🎸🥁🎸🎹
McCartney at his very very best here John with one of the finest post Beatles albums ever.... He didn't have many friends at the time of recording & release & it got unfairly slagged off but most have changed their opinions since & it gets much praise now. Brilliant video again.
Well presented review John. Thanks. Ram's a brilliant album which I bought upon release but I can understand the lukewarm reception in 1971. The break up of the Beatles and as viewed by the critics a disappointing McCartney album, Paul was there to be slaughtered. Out of all the early Beatles solo albums I would have loved to hear a full on Beatles version of The Back Seat of my Car. Already a McCartney classic, imagine where a sprinkle of that Beatles dust could have taken it. Would have fit perfectly on Abbey Road... Cheers
About "Ram" session songs he performed live. He did "Another Day" on tour in 2013. I was convinced it was on one of his live albums, but a spotify search turned up empty.
I remember 1971, and it seems to me that people wanted their rock stars to guide them on how to live back then. Somehow, the stars were expected to be prophets and poets. But of all those people who adored George, how many became Hindu? Not many I'd think. Paul was a prophet and poet, but the message wasn't exciting enough. The message was something like: don't take things too seriously, have fun, don't overdo it...oh, and here's some nice tunes i wrote. It weren't no Bob Dylan's Ballad of a Thin Man!!
Great rundown of Ram. Thank you. I loved this album when it came out (yes I am that old) and it is amongst my favourite McCartney albums. Along with the first solo album, Tug of War and London Town. I think those first few solo albums from each of the boys show their individual characters really and it's not a bad thing. Just interesting. Maybe it's an indication of why they were so good together. Reading that back and the more I think about it, all their solo albums in their many guises show their individuality don't they. What I suppose I mean to say is that the first few slowly highlight their individuality now that they are free of the band. Being a Beatle anorak is a great thing isn't it. Stay safe.
That's ironic David, given that the opening line of Monkberry Moon Delight contains the word 'attic'. Maybe it sent you a subliminal message of some kind?? Hope you didn't end up with a piano up your nose.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic A piano up my nose???? Ouch James, that hurts! Not certain what that means but you may be confusing your piano and my nose for McCartney’s classy photo of his finger up his nose which I find to be metaphoric for the bulk of the man’s solo work over the years.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic No problem, James. Just wasn’t familiar with that song. These days I’m hung up on the new album by Greta Van Fleet: “The Battle at Garden’s Gate” which is nothing short of a sonic and cinematic rock masterpiece. It is stunningly good. One person’s opinion, of course. Take care.
Since the half speed remaster of McCartney appeared on an Apple label I'm expecting the Ram half speed remaster, out tomorrow, to follow suit. Ram is my favorite McCartney solo release.
50 already. My gosh. Thought it was a disappointment from the Beatles but it gave Paul full rein which was very much towards rocky pop. Smile away was ok. Hell on wheels was a fave. Don’t recall popular response as there was some real competition with Bridge and Tapestry. Back when music was music
So much of the MM and NME stuff makes sense for McCartney three but Ram was, and will always be his Van Gogh. I loved the beauty of his voice and production at release . Still do . Three legs , too many people , Albert , back seat and heart of the country , are stellar art .
Agree, both were stuffed with melody, tongue-in-cheek exuberance, and instrumentation ideas. Brilliantly produced. Band on the Run was less much simpler and less fun.
Thank you. I never hear or see Red Rose Speedway referenced. Song after song brilliant melodies. The light hearted but wonderful medley. One of his best.
There was a lot of pent up hostility for the Beatles' breakup at the time. Paul was seen as the aggressor having announced he was leaving the group with the faux interview insert that came with 'McCartney'. In one article at the time, Paul was noted as celebrating getting away from the band so he could make music to 'set the world on its ear'. So, when he released 'McCartney' and the tracks didn't live up to his boast, the critics and fans tore into his musical carcass. 'Another Day' provided even more fuel for the fire when he gave Linda writing credit. Many said it was a ploy to acquire additional shares in the profit at a time when profit shares and money issues at Apple were in turmoil and litigation. After all, they claimed, how could Linda possibly write music with the great McCartney since she couldn't read or write music?....without realizing that Paul couldn't read or write music either. One critic went so far as to call the track an advertisement for feminine hygiene. 'RAM' was released and was once again shredded by critics. Yeah, I understand Paul is probably never going to reach the heights reached when all 4 guys were in the studio, but the album did up the production values quite nicely and many of the melodies are stellar. 'Heart Of The Country' would sit very well on the 'White Album', for example, and no one would have batted an eye. And, he even made Linda sound very palatable to the ear, especially on 'Dear Boy'. Brilliant. Frankly, it was and still is my top McCartney release.
@@erniefernandez1927 I agree But one also needs to account for changing tastes For example now it’s rock changing to pop and hip hop Before it was jazz to rock with people saying the same thing Before that it was classical to jazz And before that maybe it was folk to classical
RAM is my second favorite Paul McCartney album! That said, I think it's legacy falls somewhere in between the rather harsh appraisal it received from the critics upon release in 1971 and the sort of the rechristening of the record in modern times as one of the best albums of the decade. It's a strong record and it's heights are top shelf but there is also a fair amount of tracks that are throwaways. I would also be remiss not to mention that the archival box set that came out ten years back, was nothing short of a disappointment as it contained a disproportionate amount of worthwhile music aside from the remaster of the original record and the rather thin bonus audio disc. It's rather unfortunate that in the early days of The McCartney Archive Series, the creators seemed to be taking a far more conservative approach to the series than they have done with the most recent installments. Unfortunately that means that most of McCartney's top shelf albums [including RAM] were given the short shaft in terms of content whereas many of his lesser projects [with some exceptions of course] have been examined in far greater detail. A half-speed master of RAM should appear at some point this year although I can't help but shake the feeling that McCartney fans should've gotten so much more.
I never realised it reached #1 in the UK and #2 in US I didn’t think it was that well received by the public and critics alike. Mind you some good albums kept it from the #1 spot sticky fingers, tapestry and BoTW. I’ve always liked McCartney and Ram the music was very fresh and different from his post Beatles work and pre wings work. It’s so pleasing that Ram in-later years it has been so much better received, what do critics know anyway 🤣
I don't think it's his best but it would be in my top 5. Just a fun album. My favorites, "Uncle Albert", "Too Many People", "Monkberry....." and "Smile Away". Can do without "Long Haired Lady". Nice review as always Mr Heaton. Would like to have seen the great rocker "Oh Woman Oh Why" included on this record instead of it being hidden as a B-side. Always thought it would have been cool for Paul to end the album with "Ram On" where it ends with the line "Who's that coming 'round that corner....." that would become "Big Barn Bed". And then, begin the next album "Wild Life" with the song "Big Barn Bed".
Thank you for a balanced view on this overrated album. I can't take it seriously when people call it a masterpiece, not with flaming dung on it like 3 Legs, Smile Away (a real stinker!), and the unlistenable Monkeeberry Mooner Delight. I'd dump those and replace them with Another Day, Oh Woman Oh Why.
I enjoyed your review John and your content is always very educated and well researched.However to do a historic review on RAM without mentioning McCartney's incredible singing voice on this album is surely a mistake.?This is the peak of the mans vocals.This indeed is the best any Beatle ever 'sounded' on record..You did mention the excellent harmonies I will give you that....RAM is my favourite solo beatle album by quite a stretch.B.O.T.R has better songwriting but as a whole it does not quite match the incredible feeling I still get when listening to RAM.
The missing(and strange) history of RAM included Thrillington ; the orchestral version of RAM that followed. A re-release of that would be very welcome.
Think Ram is a good McCartney album. The criticism that some of its songs commented about the other ex-Beatles I don't think stands up. The other three were also doing this in their solo songs. Examples of this would be John's "I Found Out", Goerge's "Wah Wah" and "Isn't It A Pity" and Ringo's "Early 1970". Ram laid the groundwork for Paul and Linda forming Wings later in 1971, as I believe both Henry McCullough and Denny Seiwell both played on Ram. Believe also that Paul's "The Backseat Of My Car" (in terms of song structure) was his nod to Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, who Paul admired then and still does. Think also that "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" is the most Beatleish of Paul's solo songs.
Actually back in 71, videos were made for both Heart of the Country ua-cam.com/video/oGaY-fyZl5M/v-deo.html and Three Legs ua-cam.com/video/HPCpv7wS-gg/v-deo.html none of the songs were released as singles though, yet there are no videos for Another Day or Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, except for, as you say, the one made for the James Paul McCartney show from 1973 ua-cam.com/video/zFxRKvxfCAw/v-deo.html
Ram still for me is Macca's best ever with every track a winner & ok there was some bitching towards John & possibly the other Fabs but it was only a year since the split with feelings running high! Hard to believe it basically got panned when released but as the years have gone by the tide has turned with most seeing it's true beauty.... A special mention from me for the Mono Mix of the album which is truly awesome. Great video again John.
I enjoyed this but may I suggest using the term say "former bandmates" not "former colleagues". He was in a working-class Liverpool Rock band, not a middle-class law firm.
long haired lady the weak track on the lp is this the ony thing you want me for never liked it since i brought the album in 1977 thankfully the rest of the lp is top stuff
There was a prejudice towards Paul, I believe he took a lot of blame he didn't deserve so it didn't matter what he put out. The critics at that time, such as Rolling Stone, were killing off rock. A person can go back and read the reviews of bands during the 70's and if wasn't a band from the sixties they would piss all over them. Ram was and is a great album. I would take it any day over that primal scream shit John was doing
Paul sent an acetate of Another Day to George. George played it for Bobby Whitlock at Friar Park and said "Whaddya think? Whadya think of it? "Bobby smiled at George at said "It's bubblegum. " (I think that is what George wanted to hear but that's my guess.) I heard this on Bobby's You Tube channel.
@@mikeberg5003 I don't think it is bubblegum at all. This is not your average lyric. It is well crafted simplicity. Every day she takes a morning bath she wets her hair Wraps a towel around her As she's heading for the bedroom chair It's just another day
In retrospect? George got sued for My SweetLord, so maybe Paul’s song although they might have seemed a bit lightweight in those heady days of the early 70s, where more original and maybe long lasting, compared to My Sweet Lord, which.probably like John had said, George should have changed a note or two and he wouldn’t have been sued.
To me. Linda makes wings great. Her and Paul’s harmonies are just identifiable as John and Paul. You can hate me for saying it but think Linda gave wings its identity and sound of that band. Identifiable as John and Paul with the Beatles.
It's worth pointing out that Get On The Right Thing and Little Lamb Dragonfly on Red Rose Speedway were recorded for RAM, the latter effectively making Hugh McCracken a Wings guitarist at least for one song. Another Day is greatly underrated. Smile Away may have a childish lyric, but then he's basically accusing three old friends of behaving childishly and saying he's learning how to deal with that. I actually enjoy that track a lot, and yes that's in no small part due to the backing vocals.
I recommend you to check out the CD/DVD "Pure McCartney" (not to be confused with the similarly titled McCartney compilation which was released 3 years later) which is basically a live in concert tribute to the "Ram" album. Great stuff. ua-cam.com/video/IUG03WNKj9g/v-deo.html
Why should any successful musician, let alone one of the most successful songwriters of the 20th Century, cater to the transient whims of critics? Great musicians, like all great artists, create first of all, to please themselves and if their work stands up to their standards they pass it on to those who have loved their work in the past, their audience, their fans and followers, the people who are after all their bread and butter. Critics are not the bread and butter of any successful artist no matter how much they think they are. The great commercial success of other recording artists of that period, such as Jethro Tull and Led Zeppelin, who were also vilified by the press, is ample proof of this. The only critics I listen to are other musicians and artists, people whose passion for their art is visibly evident, not the third rate wanna-bes whose scribbles somehow compensate for their lack of talent. If you can't do, teach. If you can't teach, become a critic.
I think the critics were viewing Ram in relation to the quality of The Beatles (and possibly John and George's recent solo efforts), and that is why they were harsh on it. Ram has quite a charm in terms of the overall sound, including Paul's voice, the instrumentation, production and Linda's backing vocals. However, the songs aren't generally very substantial, with the odd exception, and the odd one seems to go on too long, without prior planning . It does seem strange that irrespective of mood, the song craft on both Plastic Ono Band, and All Things Must Pass is rather more impressive, and yet it was Paul who really was the driving force in The Beatles during the group's latter days. It would appear artistically Paul needed his former Beatles, at this time, while John and George seemed pretty self reliant, by comparison. Both Paul's first solo record, McCartney, and Ram have charm and a certain warmth and naivety, and especially given hindsight. However, the critics were looking for rather more. I don't think Paul has ever come close to matching John and George's best solo efforts, which especially with regard to George, is surprising.
If you are a Beatles fan.. you are a Paul McCartney fan & for some people out there making remarks about what he has done for Music must understand that they do not have the right to make those remarks .. Opinions ok .. But don't knock what he's done because you don't like him..
I like Ram . But not a fan of Linda's backing vocals. I find her slightly grating. Plus other than being Paul's wife what's she doing on the record in the first place? There's good stuff on Ram though . The arrangements are often great, as is the production . I particularly like the sound McCartney gets on the guitars throughout. To me a lot of it still sounds unfinished- Dear Boy, Smile Away being good examples.
I quite enjoy Linda's vocals on this album. Admittedly, the vocal mix is a bit rough in comparison with later Wings albums. I think Wings at the Speed of Sound is a good example of getting the vocal mix spot on and i love the vocal harmonies on that album.
My favourite post Beatles album by McCartney, most of his output is very diverse stylistically but this is like the very best box of chocolates where every song is a tasty treat! Incredible 10/10. Monkberry moon delight, Dear boy & Back seat of my car are absolute perfection.
Back seat of my car has always been my fave. It's a trip, car trip.
I was a senior in HS in '71 and I loved Ram from the second I heard it and now for over 50 years. One of my top 3 favorite albums of my life.
Uncle Albert is a total masterpiece!
It makes me think of Only Fools and Horses
I think so too,
Wish I still had my "RAM" album that I purchased in May of 1971. wow, I was still in High School!!!! Mine was An American Release. 🍎
me too i wish i had all my albums but over time......
We know the longevity of the album has outlasted those reviewers with Ram being one of the most enduring masterpieces of 1970s music. If i want an honest review, I'll listen to you John Heaton.
Well it’s better than McCartney 111…I should think anything is.
Ram was the first McCartney solo album I ever owned on vinyl. I’ve poured through this classic countless times and it never seems to lose its intimate feeling. In my opinion it’s also one of Linda’s finest vocal performances. Great review!
It's my favourite post Beatles McCartney album, as you say - unpretentious - and refreshingly so!
It's an awesome album..Long Haired Lady is a fucking Masterpiece!!!!..
ram was definitely among mccartney's best solo stuff. utterly timeless.
♡ Thanks John. Always good.
The best post Beatles album by some stretch. Packed with invention and humour, RAM rocks, is stylistically diverse, doesn't preach or whinge, is vocally and instrumentally sublime, packed with gorgeous melodies and harmonies and never takes itself too seriously. RAM always sounded to me like the music of a man still young at heart. While I admire and can enjoy the artistry of the other Beatles solo, they always sounded older and more world-weary somehow. When I first heard it as a teenager I found it to be a total joy. Forty-plus years later I still do.
You do a very nice job I enjoy watching your channel sir
I think that Hugh McCracken also played on John Lennon'/Plastic Ono Band 's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" single. This would mean that he was the first musician to work with both Paul and John in the post-Beatles era. That's quite an achievement.
Uncle Albert is one of the highlights of 1971
Ram, Flaming Pie, and London Town are my three favorite Macca albums.
RAM was often played at my family home. I’m 55 and my father brought it new. Still remember hearing it then. Thx for this video. It’s important.
My favorites tracks from the album is Uncle Albert and Monkberry Moon Delight.
I have no problem hanging out With Paul and Linda on the farm in Scotland
I always loved the album like another person said. Have good memories listening to it when I first became a fan in the 1980's
Surprising that this was slated by the critics on release. It’s now seen as a classic and arguably his finest post Beatles moment . I don’t care much for the eponymous first album it’s too rough around the edges. Ram is what Paul does best. Polished beautifully produced beautifully arranged songs with good players like Dave Spinoza. I don like Smile Away but the rest of the album is sublime. Highlights are Ram on , Dear Boy , monkberry moon and Back seat of my car. His vocals are just gorgeous and there is a lot of Beach Boys harmonies. 71 was a good year for the boys with Ram , John doing Imagine and George’s magnificent achievement with concert for Bangladesh the first charity rock concert . Rams reputation seems to go up year on year and rightly so . Another Day was recorded at the same time and this is just incredible it stands with anything the Beatles recorded. Amazing that Ringo was so negative about Ram
love this channel and your dedication m8, dont stop! respect from ny
RAM has long been a favorite of mine. But it is a bit of acquired taste, I didn't love it on the first listen. But I think it really has stood the test of time, and is probably in my top five McCartney albums. Great video and review, you always have such great information about the albums.
My favourite Beatle solo album! One of my good friends heard I didn't know this album when I was much younger and bought me an original apple copy as a gift, saying 'You are going to love this album so much! It's his best...' I was a bit surprised as I'd not heard it hyped at all. He was so right! The genius of this album is music, and although the lyrics are sometimes light hearted and throwaway, it's what gives it it's beautifully happy and healing quality. To me, there's not a note out of place on the record. I've been playing & studying music my whole life, and I know great from crap. I think most critics have bugger all understanding of how music & production actually works! luckily the public know good from bad, and have kept this album alive for decades hence and it's more popular than ever Xxx
The 50th anniversary half speed master out this Friday is on a repro Apple label, according to the photo anyway,
I have a 1975 Japanese press in mint condition which is on Apple too, love that label - very iconic
Great Album. Thanks!
I love the title of this video. It makes the rest of that song play automatically in my mind. The album has a special atmosphere which makes me feel comfortable and warm. It feels innocent in spite of John references. I love the neverending Back seat of my car. It was the progressive area anyway. Love the sound of Linda. Great harmonies. Back seat of my car has always been the song on that album that gave me the most nostalgic feeling musically.
Great eclectic album! One of my faves!
Ram is my favorite Paul solo album. Lovers of Ram should check out the Ram tribute concert done by Tim Christensen and the Damn Crystals, Mike Viola and Tracy Bonham to celebrate Sir Paul's 70th birthday in June 2012. Absolutely brilliant!!
ua-cam.com/video/AQKuY1pNST8/v-deo.html
Brilliant. Tim Christensen is going to Make a Concert next Year Again celebratimg Pauls 80 Years borthday
Excellent video John, very interesting to hear all the old reviews and opinions.
I always loved this album :)
good job,thanks
The critics were out to get Paul when Ram was released. For me it`s Pauls masterpiece, and best album. Highlights for me is "Ram on" "Dear Boy" Uncle Albert Admiral Halsey" "Heart of the country" "Eat at home" "Long haired lady" and "The back seat of my car"
Fascinatingly enough, the new 2021 half speed pressing uses the apple label
This was Paul's best album Vocally it was incredible. ....!
I loved Ram when it was first released and have voted it even more ever since. The melodies are totally remarkable. Just wonderful - the new half master version has apple label on it. Ram archive nix set is one of the best. Have you listened to Ram on released this week by Danny Sewell.
You have my favourite T shirt on again John...I personally love RAM for me it is a bridge from The Beatles to solo Macca.
Where did you get the t shirt?
I like all the early McCartney solo albums through London Town. Ram is a classic, IMHO, and quite atmospheric. Brings you back to the post break up era. I agree with you regarding the critics. Emotion can be conveyed in different ways, and each Beatles did so differently. I think Ram is every bit as emotional and artful as Lennon's and Harrison's initial solo efforts. Thanks for the excellent review!
London Town is Paul solo? I was thinking it was a Wings album.
@@ronfowlermusic Personally I never thought of any of the albums in 1970s that Paul McCartney produced as "Wings" albums. That was just a front to make a point after the break up (this is what the Beatles should've done, go and tour on small gigs, etc.). McCartney orchestrated everything with Wings, in much the same way Jeff Lynn did with ELO. When it no longer suited him, he ditched Wings. Got a new band to back him, but didn't bother naming it. In Lynn's case it was justified, as he had no where near the fame McCartney did. In fact Lynn took over the Move and ultimately renamed it.
Anyway, London Town only has Paul Linda and Denny from Wings (same as Band on the Run, which for me is a solo album even if it has the word "Band" in the title.).
@@Scoundrel12131965 your opinion is actually the consensus view among McCartney fans, Paul was a genius that did everything, the others were just along for the ride. Believe it or not, there are Jimmy McCulloch fans, Denny Laine fans out there, people who appreciate their contributions to the group; at the time, Paul sure seemed to want to present Wings as a legit band. These days, though, he's done a complete 180 - never talks about any of the band members except Linda (or to talk about Jimmy's drinking problems); the Wings albums are part of the Paul McCartney Archive Series. So then I wonder "what is Medicine Jar doing on a McCartney album, he didn't write it, he didn't sing it". Why did Denny have songs on most of the albums? I think of Wings as being a band like, say, the Kinks. Nobody says the Kinks weren't a real band, even though Ray Davies sang most of the songs, wrote most of the songs, produced the albums, and was the front man onstage. Sheesh, the Wings members got more of the spotlight than the members of Creedence Clearwater Revival NOT named John Fogerty. Maybe we should just put all CCR albums in the "John Fogerty" section. Maybe all Kinks albums are actually Ray Davies albums.
@@ronfowlermusic ok, fair points to make regarding the individual members making songwriting and musical contributions (their certainly provide guitar, keyboard and drum contributions to some of the albums). We’re talking Wild Life, Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, At the Speed of Sound, London Town, and Back to the Egg (not counting Ram as McCartney did not pursue Wings during recording though Seiwell played drums on it). The song contributions are minimal, and I believe McCartney shrewdly allowed to give illusion of a new band. Not sure any of them had a long term commitment to stay. Apart from Linda, Denny Laine was the only consistent member form Wild Life to Back to the Egg + singles (the Wing line ups changed after two albums, with only Laine playing on Band on the Run right in the middle of these). On one song Mull of Kintyre McCartney gave Laine a hard time with regard to songwriting credit (McCartney obviously could be quite stingy). My point is McCartney wanted to tour and needed a backing band, and to make it appear as if like any other band on tour gave it a name. But let’s face it, 99% of the songs are by McCartney (and Linda) and the bulk of the songs by other members are not particularly memorable. And Denny Laine was by far the most significant member because of his longevity and was closest to critical band member Wings had. So to conclude, I still consider to refer to these as McCartney solo albums (part of McCartney solo albums).
@@Scoundrel12131965 so, to reiterate my point, are all those albums labeled as "Rolling Stones" really just Mick Jagger/Keith Richards albums? They write all the songs, Mick does the lead singing; so that makes Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman sidemen, right? Gee, Ringo must have been just a sideman to John and Paul because he didn't write any songs until 1968. I don't buy that argument - but again, your view is the popular view. Most Paul fans see the members of Wings as inferior musicians who were just lucky to be chosen to backup the greatest songwriter and singer of all time, the legendary Paul McCartney. Myself, I wouldn't say the contributions of the others were forgettable. There's a guy right now writing a book about Jimmy McCulloch. Jimmy actually had a career in music long before he met Sir Paul. He had a hit record while still a teenager (look up "Something in the Air" by Thunderclap Newman). Denny Laine was the original lead singer of the Moody Blues - he sang their first hit, "Go Now". So it was only natural that he would do some singing on the Wings records. He sang "I Like Around", the b-side of "Live and Let Die". He sang the first verse of "Picasso's Last Words"; co-wrote "No Words" (truth be told, it was Denny's song that Paul helped him complete). "Spirits of Ancient Egypt" had a lead vocal by Denny. "The Note You Never Wrote" was Denny singing lead. "Time to Hide" was his song, "Again and Again and Again" was Denny's song, and he co-wrote a bunch of songs with Paul on the "London Town" album. No question, Paul was the dominant member of Wings - he'd been a Beatle, he was a superstar, no getting away from that. The only way he was going to be 'just one of the guys' in a band is if he had put together a superstar outfit like the Traveling Wilburys. I don't think Paul could have ever done that, though. He likes to be in control. He gave the Wings guys some room to express themselves creatively - i.e, Henry McCullough's guitar solo on "My Love", Jimmy's two songs on Venus and Mars and Speed of Sound - but he was always going to be the star of the group. Actually, he tries to hard now to downplay the Wings guys, I'm surprised he didn't replace their songs on the archive editions. Some fans would prefer that - a few more Paul songs instead of Denny's.
Always one of my favorite albums. I bought it in 71 and as a 13 year old, it was perfect. I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you for an honest heartfelt review 👍
Excellent video and review, sir… Can’t believe it’s 50 years since this solo masterpiece from Sir Paul...Probably my favorite of all his solo records with so many underrated songs that should be considered classics all these years later… I just hit the subscribe button because luckily, I just found you on UA-cam while scrolling through Beatle and McCartney videos 🎼🎤🎸🥁🎸🎹
McCartney at his very very best here John with one of the finest post Beatles albums ever.... He didn't have many friends at the time of recording & release & it got unfairly slagged off but most have changed their opinions since & it gets much praise now. Brilliant video again.
great album
Well presented review John. Thanks. Ram's a brilliant album which I bought upon release but I can understand the lukewarm reception in 1971. The break up of the Beatles and as viewed by the critics a disappointing McCartney album, Paul was there to be slaughtered. Out of all the early Beatles solo albums I would have loved to hear a full on Beatles version of The Back Seat of my Car. Already a McCartney classic, imagine where a sprinkle of that Beatles dust could have taken it. Would have fit perfectly on Abbey Road... Cheers
Great again
Another item to mention is the mono version which in itself is a different and enjoyable listening experience to the more common stereo version.
Didn't think people were still into mono in 1971
Mono was not big in 1971 but a Promo record of Ram was made in mono and later released on cd for the Ram archive release.
I got the new half-speed master today, and it is on the Apple label.
Great Ram Tee Shirt.
About "Ram" session songs he performed live. He did "Another Day" on tour in 2013. I was convinced it was on one of his live albums, but a spotify search turned up empty.
I remember 1971, and it seems to me that people wanted their rock stars to guide them on how to live back then. Somehow, the stars were expected to be prophets and poets. But of all those people who adored George, how many became Hindu? Not many I'd think. Paul was a prophet and poet, but the message wasn't exciting enough. The message was something like: don't take things too seriously, have fun, don't overdo it...oh, and here's some nice tunes i wrote. It weren't no Bob Dylan's Ballad of a Thin Man!!
Great rundown of Ram. Thank you. I loved this album when it came out (yes I am that old) and it is amongst my favourite McCartney albums. Along with the first solo album, Tug of War and London Town. I think those first few solo albums from each of the boys show their individual characters really and it's not a bad thing. Just interesting. Maybe it's an indication of why they were so good together.
Reading that back and the more I think about it, all their solo albums in their many guises show their individuality don't they. What I suppose I mean to say is that the first few slowly highlight their individuality now that they are free of the band. Being a Beatle anorak is a great thing isn't it.
Stay safe.
As soon as I heard “Monkberry Moon Delight” that was enough for me. It has been sitting in the attic ever since.
That's ironic David, given that the opening line of Monkberry Moon Delight contains the word 'attic'. Maybe it sent you a subliminal message of some kind?? Hope you didn't end up with a piano up your nose.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic A piano up my nose???? Ouch James, that hurts! Not certain what that means but you may be confusing your piano and my nose for McCartney’s classy photo of his finger up his nose which I find to be metaphoric for the bulk of the man’s solo work over the years.
@@davidgena2667 Hi David, sorry, should have explained it's just a lyric from the song. 'I sat in the attic, a piano up my nose'.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic No problem, James. Just wasn’t familiar with that song. These days I’m hung up on the new album by Greta Van Fleet: “The Battle at Garden’s Gate” which is nothing short of a sonic and cinematic rock masterpiece. It is stunningly good. One person’s opinion, of course. Take care.
@@davidgena2667
Anyone else craving milkshakes?
I’ll go drink it in a barrel with my friend
Since the half speed remaster of McCartney appeared on an Apple label I'm expecting the Ram half speed remaster, out tomorrow, to follow suit. Ram is my favorite McCartney solo release.
50 already. My gosh. Thought it was a disappointment from the Beatles but it gave Paul full rein which was very much towards rocky pop. Smile away was ok. Hell on wheels was a fave. Don’t recall popular response as there was some real competition with Bridge and Tapestry. Back when music was music
My half speed master copy arrived today. Looking forward to listening to it. It’s a classic McCartney album. Great review John as always.
So much of the MM and NME stuff makes sense for McCartney three but Ram was, and will always be his Van Gogh. I loved the beauty of his voice and production at release . Still do . Three legs , too many people , Albert , back seat and heart of the country , are stellar art .
Love The Ram Album,I love Red Rose Speedway too.
Agree, both were stuffed with melody, tongue-in-cheek exuberance, and instrumentation ideas. Brilliantly produced. Band on the Run was less much simpler and less fun.
Thank you. I never hear or see Red Rose Speedway referenced. Song after song brilliant melodies. The light hearted but wonderful medley. One of his best.
My favourite Paul Mc album.
You'll be happy to know the Half Speed Master 50th RAM DOES have an Apple label!
There was a lot of pent up hostility for the Beatles' breakup at the time. Paul was seen as the aggressor having announced he was leaving the group with the faux interview insert that came with 'McCartney'. In one article at the time, Paul was noted as celebrating getting away from the band so he could make music to 'set the world on its ear'. So, when he released 'McCartney' and the tracks didn't live up to his boast, the critics and fans tore into his musical carcass.
'Another Day' provided even more fuel for the fire when he gave Linda writing credit. Many said it was a ploy to acquire additional shares in the profit at a time when profit shares and money issues at Apple were in turmoil and litigation. After all, they claimed, how could Linda possibly write music with the great McCartney since she couldn't read or write music?....without realizing that Paul couldn't read or write music either. One critic went so far as to call the track an advertisement for feminine hygiene.
'RAM' was released and was once again shredded by critics. Yeah, I understand Paul is probably never going to reach the heights reached when all 4 guys were in the studio, but the album did up the production values quite nicely and many of the melodies are stellar. 'Heart Of The Country' would sit very well on the 'White Album', for example, and no one would have batted an eye. And, he even made Linda sound very palatable to the ear, especially on 'Dear Boy'. Brilliant. Frankly, it was and still is my top McCartney release.
In those days NME was so up its arse.
Band On The Run is Macca's best post-Beatles album.
Smile Away and Monkberry...love em!
Oh no...unlistenable garbage!
Ram, Sticky Fingers, Tapestry and Ram... Could you imagine such a release schedule, now? (I know, I know... "Ok Boomer".)
If liking those albums makes you a Boomer then count me in as one. Even though I'm 25
@@demoleramera you have excellent taste.
71 was a good year for music,-50 years later 2021 there isnt much to be said.
@@erniefernandez1927
I agree
But one also needs to account for changing tastes
For example now it’s rock changing to pop and hip hop
Before it was jazz to rock with people saying the same thing
Before that it was classical to jazz
And before that maybe it was folk to classical
Just saw an American Album chart from the summer of 71 and those three albums were in the top four along with James Taylor.
Band on the Run is my favorite, but Ram is a close second. I do think McCartney was at his best when was feeling angst or underestimated.
RAM is my second favorite Paul McCartney album! That said, I think it's legacy falls somewhere in between the rather harsh appraisal it received from the critics upon release in 1971 and the sort of the rechristening of the record in modern times as one of the best albums of the decade. It's a strong record and it's heights are top shelf but there is also a fair amount of tracks that are throwaways. I would also be remiss not to mention that the archival box set that came out ten years back, was nothing short of a disappointment as it contained a disproportionate amount of worthwhile music aside from the remaster of the original record and the rather thin bonus audio disc. It's rather unfortunate that in the early days of The McCartney Archive Series, the creators seemed to be taking a far more conservative approach to the series than they have done with the most recent installments. Unfortunately that means that most of McCartney's top shelf albums [including RAM] were given the short shaft in terms of content whereas many of his lesser projects [with some exceptions of course] have been examined in far greater detail. A half-speed master of RAM should appear at some point this year although I can't help but shake the feeling that McCartney fans should've gotten so much more.
I never realised it reached #1 in the UK and #2 in US I didn’t think it was that well received by the public and critics alike. Mind you some good albums kept it from the #1 spot sticky fingers, tapestry and BoTW. I’ve always liked McCartney and Ram the music was very fresh and different from his post Beatles work and pre wings work. It’s so pleasing that Ram in-later years it has been so much better received, what do critics know anyway 🤣
Where can I get that Ram t-shirt?
it was custom made from a drawing by my son!
I love Smile Away and Long Haired Lady and the entire record. A masterpiece all the way thru!
RAM Tribute out tomorrow - Denny Seiwell Interview with Elliot Roberts
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Paul just kept pushing boundaries while John fell into samey, descending-chord 'worship my wisdom'/worship Yoko songs.
There is so much melody on this album
I don't think it's his best but it would be in my top 5. Just a fun album. My favorites, "Uncle Albert", "Too Many People", "Monkberry....." and "Smile Away". Can do without "Long Haired Lady". Nice review as always Mr Heaton. Would like to have seen the great rocker "Oh Woman Oh Why" included on this record instead of it being hidden as a B-side. Always thought it would have been cool for Paul to end the album with "Ram On" where it ends with the line "Who's that coming 'round that corner....." that would become "Big Barn Bed". And then, begin the next album "Wild Life" with the song "Big Barn Bed".
The moral of the story is: Don't piss off John Lennon. 'nuff said.
Thank you for a balanced view on this overrated album. I can't take it seriously when people call it a masterpiece, not with flaming dung on it like 3 Legs, Smile Away (a real stinker!), and the unlistenable Monkeeberry Mooner Delight. I'd dump those and replace them with Another Day, Oh Woman Oh Why.
I enjoyed your review John and your content is always very educated and well researched.However to do a historic review on RAM without mentioning McCartney's incredible singing voice on this album is surely a mistake.?This is the peak of the mans vocals.This indeed is the best any Beatle ever 'sounded' on record..You did mention the excellent harmonies I will give you that....RAM is my favourite solo beatle album by quite a stretch.B.O.T.R has better songwriting but as a whole it does not quite match the incredible feeling I still get when listening to RAM.
Ram is a really great album. Definitely better than Wild Life and McCartney I. Over time, I do think it has become a little too over-rated though.
The missing(and strange) history of RAM included Thrillington ; the orchestral version of RAM that followed. A re-release of that would be very welcome.
it was released on cd and even on vinyl a few years ago
Very useful had never heard of that before this comment !!
Back of the album : 'fucking Beatles' is too funny.
I like it but much prefer Redrose Speedway and Venus and Mars
I always thought this was your number 1...dont tell me you went for London Town?
London Town rocks, you don’t know Heatonn
Think Ram is a good McCartney album. The criticism that some of its songs commented about the other ex-Beatles I don't think stands up. The other three were also doing this in their solo songs. Examples of this would be John's "I Found Out", Goerge's "Wah Wah" and "Isn't It A Pity" and Ringo's "Early 1970". Ram laid the groundwork for Paul and Linda forming Wings later in 1971, as I believe both Henry McCullough and Denny Seiwell both played on Ram. Believe also that Paul's "The Backseat Of My Car" (in terms of song structure) was his nod to Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, who Paul admired then and still does. Think also that "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" is the most Beatleish of Paul's solo songs.
Actually back in 71, videos were made for both Heart of the Country ua-cam.com/video/oGaY-fyZl5M/v-deo.html and Three Legs ua-cam.com/video/HPCpv7wS-gg/v-deo.html none of the songs were released as singles though, yet there are no videos for Another Day or Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, except for, as you say, the one made for the James Paul McCartney show from 1973 ua-cam.com/video/zFxRKvxfCAw/v-deo.html
There was no track on Ram to equal Maybe I'm Amazed.
John, do you think that Back Off Boogaloo by Ringo Starr could be a dig at Paul McCartney? I personally think it is if you listen to the lyrics.
It’s been well-documented that it is indeed that...
Thought that from when the song came out .
Whats funny is Paul was asked what was his favorite Ringo songs and He replied that Back Off Boogaloo was one He liked.
Ram still for me is Macca's best ever with every track a winner & ok there was some bitching towards John & possibly the other Fabs but it was only a year since the split with feelings running high! Hard to believe it basically got panned when released but as the years have gone by the tide has turned with most seeing it's true beauty.... A special mention from me for the Mono Mix of the album which is truly awesome. Great video again John.
I enjoyed this but may I suggest using the term say "former bandmates" not "former colleagues". He was in a working-class Liverpool Rock band, not a middle-class law firm.
long haired lady the weak track on the lp is this the ony thing you want me for never liked it since i brought the album in 1977 thankfully the rest of the lp is top stuff
There was a prejudice towards Paul, I believe he took a lot of blame he didn't deserve so it didn't matter what he put out. The critics at that time, such as Rolling Stone, were killing off rock. A person can go back and read the reviews of bands during the 70's and if wasn't a band from the sixties they would piss all over them. Ram was and is a great album. I would take it any day over that primal scream shit John was doing
Paul sent an acetate of Another Day to George. George played it for Bobby Whitlock at Friar Park and said "Whaddya think? Whadya think of it? "Bobby smiled at George at said "It's bubblegum. " (I think that is what George wanted to hear but that's my guess.) I heard this on Bobby's You Tube channel.
Gosh, how wrong can a pro. musician be - just unbelievable!
@@graniterhythm53 Another Day is a really good song but yes, it IS bubblegum pop which is a whole lot of what Paul has always been about.
@@mikeberg5003 I don't think it is bubblegum at all. This is not your average lyric. It is well crafted simplicity.
Every day she takes a morning bath she wets her hair
Wraps a towel around her
As she's heading for the bedroom chair
It's just another day
In retrospect? George got sued for My SweetLord, so maybe Paul’s song although they might have seemed a bit lightweight in those heady days of the early 70s, where more original and maybe long lasting, compared to My Sweet Lord, which.probably like John had said, George should have changed a note or two and he wouldn’t have been sued.
Quick off the block John!
My perfect solo Paul album.
It have many subtle themes and messages. It just don't preach practises
To me. Linda makes wings great. Her and Paul’s harmonies are just identifiable as John and Paul. You can hate me for saying it but think Linda gave wings its identity and sound of that band. Identifiable as John and Paul with the Beatles.
It's worth pointing out that Get On The Right Thing and Little Lamb Dragonfly on Red Rose Speedway were recorded for RAM, the latter effectively making Hugh McCracken a Wings guitarist at least for one song. Another Day is greatly underrated. Smile Away may have a childish lyric, but then he's basically accusing three old friends of behaving childishly and saying he's learning how to deal with that. I actually enjoy that track a lot, and yes that's in no small part due to the backing vocals.
I recommend you to check out the CD/DVD "Pure McCartney" (not to be confused with the similarly titled McCartney compilation which was released 3 years later) which is basically a live in concert tribute to the "Ram" album. Great stuff.
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Paul was D.I.Y. before everyone except Les Paul. Pure GENIOUS.
Off topic: Mary McCartney is the prettiest of Paul’s girls.
Why should any successful musician, let alone one of the most successful songwriters of the 20th Century, cater to the transient whims of critics? Great musicians, like all great artists, create first of all, to please themselves and if their work stands up to their standards they pass it on to those who have loved their work in the past, their audience, their fans and followers, the people who are after all their bread and butter.
Critics are not the bread and butter of any successful artist no matter how much they think they are. The great commercial success of other recording artists of that period, such as Jethro Tull and Led Zeppelin, who were also vilified by the press, is ample proof of this. The only critics I listen to are other musicians and artists, people whose passion for their art is visibly evident, not the third rate wanna-bes whose scribbles somehow compensate for their lack of talent. If you can't do, teach. If you can't teach, become a critic.
I think the critics were viewing Ram in relation to the quality of The Beatles (and possibly John and George's recent solo efforts), and that is why they were harsh on it. Ram has quite a charm in terms of the overall sound, including Paul's voice, the instrumentation, production and Linda's backing vocals. However, the songs aren't generally very substantial, with the odd exception, and the odd one seems to go on too long, without prior planning . It does seem strange that irrespective of mood, the song craft on both Plastic Ono Band, and All Things Must Pass is rather more impressive, and yet it was Paul who really was the driving force in The Beatles during the group's latter days. It would appear artistically Paul needed his former Beatles, at this time, while John and George seemed pretty self reliant, by comparison. Both Paul's first solo record, McCartney, and Ram have charm and a certain warmth and naivety, and especially given hindsight. However, the critics were looking for rather more. I don't think Paul has ever come close to matching John and George's best solo efforts, which especially with regard to George, is surprising.
Totally agree, although In my opinion Band on the Run would be on par with John's and George's best albums.
If you are a Beatles fan.. you are a Paul McCartney fan & for some people out there making remarks about what he has done for Music must understand that they do not have the right to make those remarks .. Opinions ok .. But don't knock what he's done because you don't like him..
i hope this remark was not aimed at me! i love Paul but for me this album is somewhat a flawed masterpiece
I like Ram . But not a fan of Linda's backing vocals. I find her slightly grating. Plus other than being Paul's wife what's she doing on the record in the first place? There's good stuff on Ram though . The arrangements are often great, as is the production . I particularly like the sound McCartney gets on the guitars throughout. To me a lot of it still sounds unfinished- Dear Boy, Smile Away being good examples.
Compared to Yoko, Linda had the voice of an angel.
I quite enjoy Linda's vocals on this album. Admittedly, the vocal mix is a bit rough in comparison with later Wings albums. I think Wings at the Speed of Sound is a good example of getting the vocal mix spot on and i love the vocal harmonies on that album.
@@raithrover1976 I would agree with you the mix on Speed of Sound is much better and I don't mind Linda's vocals on that one.