Paul McCartney: 'Ram' | A Collection of Stoned Whimsy?
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- McCartney's 'Ram' is arguably his finest album which is remarkable mix of goofyness, sublime melodies and a bit spleen venting.
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#mccartney #ranking #classicalbum
Ram is an album created by Paul McCartney at the peak of his musical, post-Beatles powers. There's no struggle; no self-doubt; no second guessing himself. The album is deceiving in it's playfulness, something critics mistook for a lack of ambition or seriousness. It's quite the opposite - it's the work of a master who is so skilled, so at one with his work, that he makes it seem easy. But it's not. A careful listening to Ram will reveal a complex, highly varied and creative piece of work. I get the impression that Paul was very happy with his life when he made Ram. A sense of fun and mischieviousness permeates the album, which makes it fun to listen to. Ram is a true masterwork.
Very well said.
Agreed. Perfectly stated. Top 5 album of all time of any artist/band. Brilliant!
A couple years ago I took time to learn most of the guitar parts on the album and finished with deepest appreciation and respect for McC's talent.
Sometimes someone else's words (yours here, and the video) express my own thinking better than I can myself, so thanks!
I am totally agree. This album shows McCartney with no boundaries. What an amazing album by an amazing artist.
I've always loved how free and easy this album feels. After spending your entire adult life tied to a monstrous unit like the Beatles, running away to Scotland with your gorgeous new wife and recording an album of random rustic ditties is one of the most romantic things ever ❤
The Beatles a ‘ monstrous unit’? You mean the band that he was a major part of, and meant that not only did he never have to work again, but he would have so much money he wouldn’t know what to do with it. Not a bad monster, I would suggest.
I’m still cross with George for saying ‘the fans gave us their screams, but we gave our nervous systems.’ No George, the fans gave you millions and millions of pounds, so you could do exactly what you want for the rest of your life, whilst living in a vast mansion. Whatever happened to gratitude?
@@johnsurrey7426 “monstrous” in this context doesn’t mean bad, it means “extraordinarily and dauntingly large”.
My point is not about money; it’s about mental exhaustion from being in such a tight-knit relationship with so few people for so many years of his life, from the arduous legal and financial battles, and the undue hate from the fans and press for having “split up the Beatles”.
Ram is like the sound of a man getting out of a long and difficult relationship and driving out into the countryside to let his hair down!
I do sort of agree with your point about George, he was indeed a man of many contradictions and hypocrisies, but his quote about giving their nervous systems is actually quite profound and sad.
@johnsurrey7426 The Beatles were being ground to a nub by management and fan demands...they had become too big.
People who make alot of money can be going through alot of hell...you seem to think money should salve all that.
Freedom is more important than money.
@@johnsurrey7426 bitch please, it's never about gratitude. The only thing you care about is greed and envy 😆
@@johnsurrey7426I think George Harrison was entitled to say what he did. It was probably true and there are more important things in life than money.
My favourite McCartney solo album. Weird and wonderful.
A creative and artistic masterpiece... it shows all sides & styles of Paul's gift for melody
Snap! This is my favourite solo Beatle album too. I guess those dear boys at Rolling Stone never knew what they had found.
I agree completely. RAM is something I listen to from beginning to end when I am overcome and certain that the end is near. It always brings me back.
Someone somewhere wrote "About as much fun as listening to music gets". I agree!
Ummm… for any Beatles fan that was 11 when it was released….this is the best solo album and his best. This was miraculous in Pauls return to a magical journey post Abbey Road. Ram is a masterpiece and beautiful and melodically crafted.
New York. Incredible production and rescued Beatle fans at the age of 11. Too many People as the opener. Incredible. Argh I’ve never known Music critics as being musical creatives or notable song writers!! Just take it for what it is.
It was a gift.
Thank you for the review, it’s a great album.
McCartney has a talent that is unmatched by anyone today.
I almost wished I looked like him when I was younger.
Great review Mate.
You and millions.
Who’s cool? Ray, Sammy, Dylan, Petty and McCartney!
@@stevenhanson6057 Don't forget Bowie, or Sinatra.
Great album always was
Never hear it mentioned much as a favorite from this album, but I've always LOVED "Long Haired Lady". The extended coda is sublime... Love the whole album certainly!
My first album at 6 years old, bought on the strength of the amazing radio-hit, Uncle Albert. Wore it out. Heart of the Country. Back Seat of my Car. Too Many People !!! Etc ❤❤❤
Excellent critique as ever here. Delivered in a style to beguile the very best of the review channels.
A style we all look up to.
All the best. Dave✅✅
Much appreciated!
_Ram_ has always been my favourite solo McCartney album. It was released a few months before I turned five, and I well recall hearing "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" and even "Monkberry Moon Delight" on AM radio at the time. At once homogeneous and diverse; simple and sophisticated, the album shows the multi-faceted McCartney at his most endearingly melodic. There's not a bum track on the LP, but my favourites would have to be (in order of appearance) "Too Many People," "Dear Boy," "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey," "Eat at Home," Long Haired Lady" and "The Back Seat of My Car."
I thoroughly enjoy your reviews, I am no fan of the Beatles and even less of McCartney, but worth listening to you telling us your opinions, you do communicate your thoughts very well
I absolutely agree with you. From when it came out, I loved it and was flabbergasted at the prejudice of the rock music press. Over the decades my love for Ram has faded not a jot. Uncle Albert and the single accompanying the Lp, Another Day, I would have these played at my funeral.
Great review, this is my favourite McCartney album too, an absolute masterpiece and I’d say the greatest Beatles solo album and one of the greatest albums by anyone full stop. Only ‘Band on the Run’ and ‘Chaos and Creation in the Backyard’ come close.
For me this isn't only Paul's greatest album but the best of all the solo Beatles albums...... Never aged a bit & my only gripe is Oh Woman Oh Why should have been included.....
I'm with on this album
I believe All Things Must Pass is pretty incredible in its own right. But, George literally has an all-star band assembled...it's not so much a 'solo' album...more of a group effort.
Paul and Linda's album is much more personally their own.
Agreed completely.....Ram is a very fine album by McCartney - surpassed only by his Band of the Run. Jon Landau's skills as a critic were lamentably bad. He did however manage to salvage his career by moving into a management chair, and then proclaiming that Springsteen was the new messiah of rock which in itself was quite laughable. There is a term for that....it's called HYPE.
An absolute joy of an album. The best solo Beatles offering.
Ram is my favorite McCartney album. It didn't prepare us at all for what came next...his all-time low point "Wild Life".
always liked the sound and production of ram mccartney has got is own wall of sound all of mccartney 70s album great great video barry ive discovered something new about the making of the ram album which i brought as a 17 year old in 1977 cheers
Been a long time viewer and always appreciate your takes and the fact that you attempt to bring some literacy and actual wit to the rote UA-cam music reviewer community. Really appreciate your attempts at integrating music clips in the reviews now -- really brings your points to life. Hopefully you can stay one step ahead of YT's draconian demonetisation policies. Thank you and all the best
No shot from me. It’s an incredible LP. Ram on.
It's an amazing album. I loved it since I bought it as a kid in the late 70s. And I love how millennial and gen z kids have picked up on it as well (incl my 13 year old kiddo). Dave Depper from Death Cab for Cutie did a track for track cover of it in 2010, at first to test out his new studio set up and then completed it in earnest, then played it live with a band here in Portland Oregon. Getting the love it deserves.
A neat addition to your past reviews. You do these with such casual aplomb it defies the depth of the text. Keep up the wonderful work. I love to know where Band on the Run would rate in McCartney's solo work. To me it's up there with Ram. Thanks.
It is indeed
I have always, since school, detested anyone referring to someone by their surname; utilising it as their Christian name. Hate it!
The album "RAM" I LOVE!
Lyrics, melodies, subject matter, Paul's voice, arrangement, production, the album cover, and Linda's photos. An all round beautiful, artistic, musical creation. Thank you, Paul.
As ABBA sang " ...Thank you for the music... "
I think Paul does well on Ram, he plays all the instruments on it, and does a good job. He shows just how talented he is on this album. Flipping Ab Fab. I noticed especially in one of the photos, how grey Paul's hair had already gone, at just 29, more so in his beard.
I liked Ram. After the Beatles finished, I bought this and it sounded good to me. Maybe it hasn't aged so well
Well done. An excellent and insightful review. Nice to see someone who knows what they're talking about.
Ram is my 2nd favorite Solo McCartney album. My favorite is Wild Life! By the way, it has been said that Wenner nixed the original positive review to get points with Lennon.
I love it, always have.
You are SPOT on❤
Awesome album!!!
Uncle Albert could have been a disguised shot at John being Albert was his dad's name. We're so sorry Uncle Albert...John.
Great Album
My favourite bathtime album as one side lasts just enough time to get the deed done without having to get out and turn over and risk bringing bits of detritus from your wet feet back into the tub.
It’s actually more like a Beatles album than anything else any of them ever did. Eclectic, full of invention, rock and roll, intensely melodic, whimsical, and a lot of fun ….stoned fun maybe, but who cares. THE best Beatle solo album by far 😄☯️🙏❤️
I've not heard it. I'll have to give it a listen or three. 👍
for me , Ram was the beginning of Pauls smarmy treacle in Wings ...........arrgh.
there are a lot of Ram freaks out there. Rolling Stone changed the narrative because Jann W loved him some Lennon, and they scrapped the first review of Ram, which was positive. Everyone followed. Like Phillip Norman's Shout, the negative "paul sucks' narrative hit the streets after John's death. McCartney - first solo record (Family Way), first solo cut (Yesterday). first musique concrete (carnival of light), noisiest cut (helter skelter), first conspiracy (paul is dead), first tape loops (Tomorrow Never Knows). There's more.... or are you listening to Sometime in New York City?
I don’t think it’s Paul best album (I think BOTR, Tug of War, Flaming Pie, and Chaos & Creation are better), but it is probably his most fun work. My favorite song on it is “Dear Boy.”
RAM is the best post Beatles album…
Just found you a week ago I think - love the videos. Be Excellent To Each Other…..👍🏻
Welcome aboard!
"....to exorcise the spectre of Spector." Well done, Sir. Worth the price of admission alone.
Your assessment of Ram is spot on...the negative critics are full of crap.
I'm 65...lived through the popularity and breakup of The Beatles. MANY people were lusting for the individual members to fall flat on their faces. In my teenage brain I didn't get this. From love to hate because they didn't want to stay in "THE BEATLE BOX".
I'm glad they split...now we have 4 sources of exceptional music instead of one.
Ram is a warm and brilliant album full of loving creativity.
If you’re 65 you couldn’t have been a teenager when the Beatles broke up ?????
@@Kingcarparpeggio I was wondering 'why' the hatred for Paul as a teenager after the fact...I at
times still wonder.
Is there a statute of limitations on people's jealousy and stupidity?
I don't think so.
Incredible album. Bought it in 71 and have loved it ever since.
As a 13 year old, I loved Uncle Albert.
Still do.
What about Admiral Halsey, don't you like him?
I was a baby when it was released and one of the first songs I remember. It was so weird and beautiful, and it imprinted itself on my personality.
A masterpiece album. Each song is bursting with exuberance.
I have never, in the last 40 years, had any desire to listen to this record until watching your review today. So I played it. Turns out it's flipping brilliant.........Cheers for that!
Oh, I am jealous! Having the opportunity to listen to Ram for the first time must have been a delightful revelation, to say the least.
Any trashing by Rolling Stone should be worn as a badge of honour.
Agreed, rolling rag
Magazine sucks ...🤘😎
RAM is like an old friend. That cassette your dad had in the car on repeat, accompanying long grey England journeys
Strangely after collecting all the other McCartney/Wings records, I still viewed Ram as an obscurity. One snowy day in January 1980 I picked the record up in a shopping mall, as much to quell my curiosity as to complete my collection. Side A took a little getting used to but I liked Uncle Albert and Smile Away. Then I got to side B. What a fantastic collection of infectious ditties, impossible to listen and not sing along to! This became my “Go To” Macca record and it did the trick whenever I needed a pick me up. I’m happy you agree it is a masterpiece. Delighted as well by the outpouring of praise from your subscribers. I thought I was alone in my beliefs. Thank you all!
The 2 albums that’s a perfect example of 70s Paul is “Ram” and “Wings Over America” (Live Album) Those 2 albums sum up his 70s period perfectly.
It never gets old.
Headphones mandatory.
I loved this album the day it came out. And yes, I caught shit for playing it the high school art class. After fifty years it is still fresh.
Lol, I played it in my 7th grade art class in 1981. Suffice to say it did not increase my popularity at school.
"Ram" Is a great classic album,well done.
I agree it's a fine album and outlasted the critics, who failed to grasp the McCartney's divergence from The Beatles.
The best Beatle solo record, 100%. I've listened to it 1,000 times in the last 3 decades. The melodies are memorable, the "Don't get left behind" of MMD, the aching and yearning of "Dear Boy", the easy bluesy comfort of "3 Legs," with its nonsensical lyrics, the quirky melody of "Long Haired Lady," with its chorale fadeout chanting "love is long," reminiscent of Hey Jude. I can listen to it beginning to end without skipping a track. "Band on the Run" is a different phase of McCartney's output, more polished and formulaic. Ram is joyously experimental.
I've always liked his earlier work and a lot of later albums like Back To The Egg.
Back To The Egg is amazing.
Agree, my favourite 70s albums are McCartney, Ram and Back to the Egg.
@@Noycey64 What a coincidence,mine too,in that order.
Ram is head and shoulders better that anything Lennon ever did post Beatles
So is Band On The Run.
Plastic Ono Band is always rated way above Ram or any Paul album, try again
Plastic On Band and Imagine are classics. Post Imagine and I’d almost agree. Fact is, they were all diminished after separation.
@@hw343434 Are your preferences dictated by how others rate things? I don't care if more people rate Plastic Ono Band above RAM. I have my own mind and I prefer the latter.
@@hw343434 Rated by whom??
Ram is a fine album.
Why Rolling Stone despises McCartney is beyond me.
By far my favorite McCartney album. I have purchased several over the years !
I concur with Barry that this is my favorite of all the former Beatle solo albums, and the best McCartney album as well. I've been critical of many of his solo efforts (e.g. 'Broadstreet'), but this album checks all my boxes. The only McCartney album (of his early era solos) that I never grow tire of playing to this day. An outstanding review, and I'm thrilled to see so many viewers and increasing subscribers, helping lift 'Classic Album Review' to the status it so rightly deserves. Come One, Come All!
Pauls's best album .Tuneful, fun and also rocking. Eat At Home has always been one of my favorites . One of his great little rock and roll songs like Get Back.
It's his BEST album. Period.
Excellent analysis and historical notes in covering the LP from a wealth of perspectives. Thanks for the reexamination!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love Flaming Pie. An album inspired by the work on the anthology project. Ram is equally loved because it is was inspired by vicious demise of The Fabs. McCartney's first post Beatles album was not well received....Ram was the answer. A masterpiece then and now....
You are the perfect tour guide to explore Paul's complexity. Amazing how much his work grows in value over time.
I'm 70 years old and was 10 when I saw The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show in the USA. I have all The Beatles recordings. I just finally got Ram this month. I have a 1/2 a dozen of Paul McCartney's albums. I'm glad I finally got Ram on CD. It's a wonderful album.
Loved it back in the day, although I did skip around, honestly... brilliant, but perhaps just a bit spotty. I always wondered why no one made the connection between “Heart of the Country” and Roger Miller, clearly an influence. Barry?
A cool catchy melodic rather brilliant album by Paul I think.Was a huge hit here in Australia back on release ! My favorite solo Beatle album along with Imagine which is quite excellent.
Had to laugh at "an unhealthy obsession with farm animals" among other things. Sir Paul can do no wrong IMHO and I love this album. Also love your channel as a new subscriber.
Great album from Paul
That was very funny indeed 😂
Will always hold a special place in MY heart
Most of McCartney’s 70s canon was heavy on stoned whimsy. RAM just happened to drip with mad-pop brilliance as well.
More than stoned whimsy, Paul loves to play the fool on the hill
BTW... Rolling Stone deliberately was panning McCartney and was boosting Lennon. All that water under the bridge....
It is my favorite McCartney album. Bar none.
Thank you for the recommendation of RAM. Over the years its become all to easy to overlook the lesser known albums and that is a shame. You keep up the great content, I'll keep listening...
I couldn't agree with you more. I love this album.
Monkberry Moon Delight is my favorite among them all.
I'm with you on this one. Ram is my favorite McCartney solo album. I never get tired of listening to it, even after all these many years. Your review of it was perfect.
anything written by a rolling stone music critic will be exactly wrong! It's been that way for 5 decades. I even wrote out f u to a reviewer for a Yes album (Tales). Screw rolling stones rag. My despising started with a review of a Steve Miller album. I simply look down my nose at them. (Have for 5 decades). McCartney and Ram are actually my favorite of his releases.
Agree.Imagine how potent Q magazine would have been had it been created around the same time period as Marx n Roll rag, Rolling-Stone was ?
Jan Wenner MADE the “Ram” album reviewer re-write the review from positive to negative! Why? Wenner was a Lennon guy, that’s why! Thank you for calling out “Rolling Stone “ for the worthless, untrustworthy rag they’ve always been and will be in the future.
The bad reviews given to this album by Rolling Stone were dictated by Jann Wenner because he was trying to make John Lennon happy.
I can only imagine what the Beatles would've done with the wealth of material on Ram -- perhaps their best album?
My favorite song from this album is Dear Boy it's a jab at Linda's first husband.
I was a bit nervous how you would review this album but I am relieved you rated this album highly as it is a particular favourite of mine. I do like the way you don’t just scratch the surface like so many do and regurgitate the same old guff. You clearly do your research and dig in deep and be totally honest in your appraisals. Great pithy commentary throughout.
Keep it going!!!
Thank you
This station is particularly brilliant...wholeheartedly agree.
Rolling Stone routinely tanked McCartney’s solo and/or Wings work. Jann Wenner was a huge John Lennon fan. Wenner dictated that McCartney efforts be panned.
I think Ram is a good album. I heard Jan Werner ordered his critics to pan both McCartney albums because he thought Paul broke up the Beatles, when it was really John.
As someone who is always massively entertained when I give Ram a spin, I enjoyed hearing from someone who seems to love it as much as I do. Well done. Linda’s best work, I always say.
I've never understood why people were so quick to dismiss this album as cutesy homespun domestic bliss. Have they even listened to it? I was primarily struck by its anger and defiance. Almost every song seemed to thumb its nose at his detractors. Homespun? This album is lush and sonically complex.
He’s a bit Twee,You like he’s voice one day and then next day it’s boring a lot of he’s stuff affects me like that.
Totally agree with you. From start to finish it’s a gem
This man knows what he’s talking about.
RAM is the best album of all time outside of the beatles records
Rating: ★★★★★
In the vast tapestry of Sir Paul McCartney's illustrious career, one thing has remained constant - his ability to reinvent, surprise, and captivate audiences with every musical endeavor. "Peak '70s Paul" marks the zenith of McCartney's solo artistry, and his latest album stands as a testament to his enduring brilliance. This masterpiece, a sonic journey through the ages, encapsulates the quintessence of McCartney's musical prowess.
with an electrifying energy, as the opener, "Too Many People," introduces us to McCartney's signature melodies and the driving force of his unparalleled guitar skills. It's a sonic declaration, setting the stage for the rollercoaster of emotions that follows. The track seamlessly blends the nostalgia of McCartney's earlier work with a contemporary edge, making it an instant classic.
McCartney's vocal prowess takes center stage, especially during the golden years between 1970 and 1975. The listener is treated to the pinnacle of his vocal abilities, each note dripping with emotion and authenticity. Tracks like "Monkberry Moon Delight" showcase McCartney's vocal range in all its glory, leaving you awe-inspired and immersed in the sheer audacity of his musical vision.
"Uncle Albert" offers a delightful juxtaposition of whimsy and sophistication, a testament to McCartney's ability to craft songs that are both musically complex and universally enjoyable. The bonkers lyrics add a layer of eccentricity that only McCartney could infuse with such charm and charisma.
"Backseat of My Car," McCartney growls his way through this epic conclusion, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats. The synergy of vocals, instrumentals, and lyrics creates a sonic climax that is nothing short of extraordinary.
McCartney demonstrates his lyrical genius, taking us on a journey through vivid landscapes of imagination and storytelling. The whimsical charm of his lyrics adds a layer of depth, making each track a narrative experience that transcends mere musicality.
This is "Peak '70s Paul" stands as a crowning achievement in McCartney's solo career. The album is a testament to his ability to evolve, experiment, and ultimately deliver a musical experience that transcends time. From the driving guitar riffs to the enchanting vocals, every element comes together to create an auditory masterpiece. McCartney's latest offering is not just an album; it's a journey, an exploration, and a celebration of one of music's greatest living legends hitting his peak.
This record was rated by many as McCartney best post Beatles works. This, and Band on the Run seem to me to be two of the best solo works by any of the members of the Beatles. The critics trashed this one, but sales were strong, and the music endures. I want to go listen to a couple of the songs on that one right now.
The only accurate critic is time. Ram is still going long after the names of the critic's who slagged it off have been forgotten.
I couldn’t agree more. My favourite McCartney album
Uncle Albert is one of my favourite McCartney song