81: RAM | PAUL AND LINDA MCCARTNEY
In 1971 one of the world’s biggest rock star had escaped the city to the Scottish country side with his wife Linda, kids and Martha (the dog). The songs written there reflect this balanced happy life against the turmoil with the newly departed Beatles. Ram has been often over looked, but it seems folks are starting to discover it more. I hope that continues because I think it is an inspired masterpiece that I would easily put above four Beatles albums. Do yourself the favor of giving Ram a solid listen. Especially “Too Many People”, “Ram On” and “Monkberry Moon Delight”.
It seems that RAM might be the world first ‘Indie’ albums
At points on this record I realize what a big fan of the Beach Boys McCartney was.
Ram is a unique album in the discography of Paul and Linda McCartney, as it is the only one that bears both of their names as the artist. Released in May 1971, it was recorded in New York with guitarists David Spinozza and Hugh McCracken, and drummer Denny Seiwell, who would later join Paul's band Wings. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one in the UK, Canada and the Netherlands, but it received mixed reviews from critics who found it too whimsical and self-indulgent.
The album features a variety of musical styles, from rock and pop to indie pop and psychedelia. Some of the songs, such as "Too Many People" and "The Back Seat of My Car", were seen as veiled attacks on Paul's former Beatles bandmate John Lennon, who responded with his own song "How Do You Sleep?" on his album Imagine. Other songs, such as "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" and "Monkberry Moon Delight", showcased Paul's eccentric sense of humor and knack for creating catchy melodies. The album also included some of Linda's contributions, such as "Long Haired Lady" and "Heart of the Country", which reflected her love for Paul and nature.
Ram was produced by Paul and Linda McCartney, with assistance from engineers Eirik Wangberg, Tim Geelan, Armin Steiner and others. The album was recorded at various studios in New York and Los Angeles, using different techniques and equipment. The album cover featured a photo of Paul holding a ram by its horns, taken by Linda at their farm in Scotland. The back cover showed two beetles copulating, a pun on the Beatles' name and a symbol of Paul's break from the group.
Ram has been reissued several times since its original release, with remastered sound and bonus tracks. In 2012, it was reissued as part of the Paul McCartney Archive Collection, with a deluxe edition that included an instrumental version of the album called Thrillington, recorded by Paul in 1971 under the pseudonym Percy 'Thrills' Thrillington. Ram has also been recognized as an influential album in the development of indie pop music, and has been praised by many contemporary artists and critics as one of Paul's best works.