Ringo 2012

This album is Mastered for iTunes. Ringo Starr throws a great party, and each of his albums features enough friends, guests, and collaborators to keep the party going. This time out, he works with Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart on a stroll down memory lane called “In Liverpool,” while his brother-in-law (and former Eagle) Joe Walsh helps flesh out “Slow Down.” Alanis Morissette producer Glen Ballard assists Ringo with the hook to his latest plea for peace, “Anthem.” Buddy Holly’s “Think It Over” and the classic Lonnie Donegan skiffle hit “Rock Island Line” pay tribute to Ringo’s roots. “Wings” (a track from 1977) and “Step Lightly” (a tune off Ringo’s most well-received album, 1973’s Ringo) are re-recorded and given a modern sheen, with a star-studded backing band accompanying the legendary Beatle drummer. Benmont Tench is on organ, while Joe Walsh, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Dave Stewart are on guitars. Don Was, Charlie Haden, and Richard Page are among the bassists, while Edgar Winter, Bruce Sugar, and Van Dyke Parks are on keyboards. It’s a brief, breezy, nine-song, half-hour performance that keeps the good vibes rolling.