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Music review: Ringo Starr – ‘What’s My Name’

By Clint Rhodes for The 3 min read
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Music review: Ringo Starr – ‘What’s My Name’
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Rhodes

Where has the time gone? It’s hard to believe that Ringo Starr has been a solo act for 49 years.

I clearly remember listening to Starr’s second solo offering on my older brother’s turntable when I was just six years old. Recorded in Nashville with country artists like Charlie Daniels and Jerry Reed, 1970’s “Beaucoups of Blues” remains my favorite of Starr’s solo projects.

“What’s My Name” is yet another new collection of charming arrangements with a common appeal of peace and love from the easygoing Beatle that we have come to know and admire ever since the Beatles invaded America in 1964.

The 20th album from the 79-year-old contains the reflective and sentimental mood of past offerings with a little help from friends like Joe Walsh, Steve Lukather, Dave Stewart, Edgar Winter and Benmont Tench.

Recorded at Starr’s home studio in California, the signature moment of the album comes when Paul McCartney joins his former bandmate for a cover of John Lennon’s “Grow Old with Me.” Lennon’s touching lyrics and simplistic message are suited perfectly for Starr’s innocent and heartfelt vocals. As an added surprise, the accompanying string arrangement features a line from George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun,” infusing a little something from each of the four lads from Liverpool.

“From Paul to John/To playing in German bars/From mono to stereo/Hitting number one/And having all the fun,” sings Starr on the title track penned by Colin Hay of Men at Work. The endearing number detailing Starr’s sentimental musical journey features Hay and Lukather on guitars.

“Gotta Get Up to Get Down” is the funky album opener written by Starr and Walsh that showcases Walsh sharing the vocal duties. This infectious anthem also includes Winter on clavinet, synthesizer and vocals.

“It’s Not Love That You Want” with Stewart, the rousing “Better Days” and an updated cover of “Money” serve as other notable set tracks.

In addition to creating new music, Starr remains busy with a new book release. “Another Day in the Life” shares photos and observations about his love of music, travel and nature.

It’s refreshing to see Starr still sending love and spreading peace after all these years as his fans continue to enjoy the adventure of growing old together.

Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.

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