Paul & Linda McCartney - Ram

"Ram On" With McCartney's Second Album

After the mixed reception that greeted the charmingly homemade "McCartney" (1970), Sir Paul returned to the studio for this uneven album. Though "Ram" earned a bad rap from critics, it surpasses the appalling mediocrity of "Wild Life" and "Red Rose Speedway." There is one classic track (the elaborate "Back Seat of My Car") and tuneful ditties such as "Ram On," "Dear Boy" and "Heart of the Country." McCartney's first solo hit, "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey," remains a catchy annoyance while "Long Haired Lady" is simply annoying. At least he still rocks on "Smile Away," "Monkberry Moon Delight" and "Too Many People" - a John & Yoko critique that sparked Lennon's vicious "How Do You Sleep?" The virtues and weaknesses of Early McCartney are on full display in this 1971 release. August 27, 2008

Paul's and Linda's Best Fun Recording

This is one of the Top 10 Albums of my Time ... Born in the 50's with Rock and Roll ... Blessed and Cursed in the 60's with Everything ... To the Stars in the 70's ... To Hell in the 80's ... Reality in the 90's and , oh well , Nostalgia and let's get a little more in the Zeros ... August 27, 2008

McCartney's Masterpiece

A classic above and beyond,McCartney's second solo album,1971,with wife Linda co-writing a few songs,McCartney's best solo project that stands the test of time and sitting right next to it would obviously be none other than Band On The Run,Ram,doesn't waste any time getting to the point with a melodie,kicking off with,Too Many People,and as you're listening to this,Eat At Home,3 Legs,and Smile Away,you can feel the presence of McCartney's Elvis influence with McCartney's own energy standing out in front leaving Elvis hidden in the background and yet as you hear,Dear Boy,it takes you back to the White Album remenisant of McCartney's ballads,I Will,and Martha My Dear,also there's,Heart Of The Country,a laid back tune revealing the country side of McCartney,and Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,Long Haired Lady could've easily fit on any Beatles later albums,RAM,an essential Paul McCartney achievement. August 8, 2008

Classic McCartney

A must have for any Macca Collection. His second great solo album with Linda and lots of terrific songs. Get it! Love it! May 8, 2008

"GIVE YOUR HEART TO SOMEBODY SOON, RIGHT AWAY..." (Paul and Linda McCartney ram on)

RAM (1971) is a sort of postcard to the world from Paul and Linda McCartney. They're in love, married, and living on a secluded farm in Scotland. They refuse to take part in any fantasies that Beatles freaks or the media have about reunions, masterpieces, high profile appearances, prolific statements, or any other expectations that anybody may have of them.

The album is mostly a statement of sentimental and carefree simplicity. Think kids, cats, farm animals, and a happy marriage. Paul also helps himself to a few vicious shots at Linda's ex-husband, and he doesn't spare the venom when he digs into his former songwriting partner John Lennon, either. But mostly, this is romantic and lighthearted fun.

It all starts out with Too Many People, an acoustic/electric guitar rocker that takes a few jabs at John.

You took your lucky break and broke it into
Now what can be done for you
You broke it into

The same song takes a shot at Linda's ex-husband, too.

I find my love awake and waiting to be
Now what can be done for you
She's waiting for me

Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey was the hit single from the album, and it's a three-part suite of frivolity and unassuming psychedelia. The happy-go-lucky jauntiness sets the tone for the album, and the song is quite an exercise in imaginitive music theory. Monkberry Moon Delight is an abstract rock screamer that's strangely irresistible. The melodic Dear Boy and Ram On are both pleasant and relaxing, while Heart Of The Country is a bouncy acoustic guitar celebration of living on the McCartney farm.

Want a horse, I got a sheep
I'm gonna get me a good night's sleep
Living in a home in the heart of the country

Long Haired Lady is an extended love song that's sweet, melodious, and agreeable. The Back Seat Of My Car is a favorite of mine on the album. It's an anthem of young love that others don't approve of or understand. The lovers take off in his car and "may end up in Mexico City". The song reaches an enthusiastic crescendo as Paul and Linda sing in a harmonious chant.

Oh, we believe that we can't be wrong!
Oh, we believe that we can't be wrong!

RAM is an essential part of the early post-Beatle McCartney years, and Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey brought Paul his first #1 single after The Beatles split. Taken on it's own terms, it's quite an enjoyable piece of work. It's relaxing, romantic, fun, and has some excellent examples of Paul McCartney's astute songwriting abilities. It's also kind of frivolous, carefree, and a little bit exclusive, so if you're looking to kneel in front of your speakers and worship a sweeping and all consuming work of art, this might not be what you're looking for. For those who just want to hear good music mixed with carefree simplicity, relaxation, and love & marriage, RAM will do just fine.
April 20, 2008

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