Quoted from Octie

do you recommend Vertical Man, Andy Smith? That's about the only Ringo album I can find in the CD shops 'round here (besides "Ringo", which I've got   ), and I was thinking of buying it...

I highley recommened it, it's one of Ringo's finest albums's, it's in line with Choose Love
& Ringo Rama. He seems to be making better albums in recent years & they are very
enjoyable! I'd say get Vertical Man & enjoy!!

^ Thanks Andy Smith!   "When I got to town" I'll probably get it!
And I'd love to get the other two that you mentioned as well... I only have 2 songs from Choose Love, and 1 from Ringo Rama...   One day, I'll get 'em all  

Yeah, nobody takes much notice of Ringo, even though he was part of the best band ever! I wish they would, but maybe it's because he just isn't the best musician ever. But, it should be that way. I like how he's just given the people that are his fans pleasure with fun music. It's not really his personality to be the best songwriter ever, he just has fun doing what he does best: drumming and making music for enjoyment for himself and fans. I love Ringo and his music just the way it is, I think he's great!

the truth is he doesn't sell, thats why he could be playing a huge gig and liam gallagher could be taking a **** and liam will be printed and ringo wont, ringo is just a really nice guy, thats why  lennon is always brought up in music magazines, he was edgy besides the music you could fill a paper with stories of what hes done besides the beatles, in the same way george and to certain point paul arent always on the covers of magazines, it used to make me angry when i would see the oasis guys all over papers but other bands like blur... who were  far better and accomplished musicians would be ignored, and it would then also gaurantee them an number one album, also i think the whole peace sign thing he always does maybe makes them think of ringo as a bit of a joke  

Quoted from Beatlemaniac64

I like how he's just given the people that are his fans pleasure with fun music.

Yeah, I like it too.  
And one could argue that he's not the best musician ever, and that there are others more accomplished than him, but... I really enjoy Ringo's music. It always manages to make me happy, to put a smile on my face... in some songs he sounds sincere, and in others he's just so funny!   But I don't think he's a joke at all - I think he's wonderful. ^___^
Great drummer too (of course!  )
Go Ringo!

Quoted from fendertele

also i think the whole peace sign thing he always does maybe makes them think of ringo as a bit of a joke  

Good analysis, Fendertele. I agree with it all. Even so, the thing Ringo has, and has even more in his geezerhood, is an appreciation of what the Beatles brought people: fun and joy. Yes, to a cynical world, I agree the peace sign looks like a joke. "Oh, the poor sod, he's trapped in the 60s." But from Ringo, that peace sign comes from the heart. He still believes in it after all these years, and he challenges us to believe in it as well.

That's why he's becoming one of my favorite old codgers. Go, Ring!

yeah dont get me wrong i think hes great and he does totally still believe that it can make a difference but ppl nowadays have no time for it, if it isnt going to affect them directly who cares what will hurt generations in the future, also ithink the whole peace sign was relevant to him in the 60s-70s and like any ahbit annoying or not  unless its pointed out over and over you wont even know youre doing it, i honestly think it is less that hes doing it for peace but more of a habit hes got into over the years

No worries, Fendertele. I think I was tracking with you pretty well.

Perhaps it's a habit, but I'd put it in the same category as someone crossing themselves to say grace, or making a ritual tap to the forehead, or whatever. It's a habit, but one based on a belief. It reminds the person as well as the watcher that there's something going on we ought to remember. Changing the world is just an act of will.

Cynics will always look at Ringo as the luckiest person in the world, that his chops weren't worthy of his fame and fortune.  For those of us that know better, he was hand picked because he complimented the band with his talent, wit, and chemistry.  He was/is a great, steady drummer.  He fit.  Keith Moon or Bonham wouldn't have, though they are technically better drummers.  The Beatles didn't need that kind of bombast.  Ringo was perfect.  He has aged well (picture your dad at 67 doing what he's doing), and he didn't come out of the '60s in a pine box, heroin addict, or malcontent.  Possibly the most level of that generation's lot, and is fondly remembered as the world's greatest sideman, and a decent fellow. His humour has served him well and he's just cool.  I am sure that there are some of you that say "Peace" at the end of voice message or when leaving company.  It's cool.  Long story unbearable--Ringo is no joke, he is a treasure, and really, how can you not like Ringo?

well put

Quoted from 834

For those of us that know better, he was hand picked because he complimented the band with his talent, wit, and chemistry.  He was/is a great, steady drummer.  He fit.  Keith Moon or Bonham wouldn't have, though they are technically better drummers.  The Beatles didn't need that kind of bombast.  Ringo was perfect.  

Thanks, 834! I'm going to save this as my handy "Ringo pocket defense" whenever need arises. Beautifully put! Cheers.

Thanks.

Quoted from 834

Cynics will always look at Ringo as the luckiest person in the world, that his chops weren't worthy of his fame and fortune.  For those of us that know better, he was hand picked because he complimented the band with his talent, wit, and chemistry.  He was/is a great, steady drummer.  He fit.  Keith Moon or Bonham wouldn't have, though they are technically better drummers.  The Beatles didn't need that kind of bombast.  Ringo was perfect.  He has aged well (picture your dad at 67 doing what he's doing), and he didn't come out of the '60s in a pine box, heroin addict, or malcontent.  Possibly the most level of that generation's lot, and is fondly remembered as the world's greatest sideman, and a decent fellow. His humour has served him well and he's just cool.  I am sure that there are some of you that say "Peace" at the end of voice message or when leaving company.  It's cool.  Long story unbearable--Ringo is no joke, he is a treasure, and really, how can you not like Ringo?

I totally agree with everything! Ringo is just amazing.

A Ringo Starr concert is the best time in the world because everyone knows Ringo is the biggest goof in the place.  Everyone lets their guard down, drops their ego at the door and has a great time.  We love Ringo!

As Marie said, I think the Peace and Love thing has become a habit to him. But there's no doubt that he means it. Everyone always thinks of George as the peace and love man because of his spiritual side, but it's Ringo that's carried the torch all these years. And if the rest of The Beatles 'estate' thought it was embarrassing they wouldn't have all done the same thing at the anniversary photoshoot.

It's non Beatles fans, and non musicians that don't rate Ringo. I've known quite a few drummers in my time, and every one, to a man, rates Ringo as a drummer. Even the non Beatles fans amongst them.