Let's pay tribute to Mal Evans, The Beatles road manager and early director of newly formed Apple that had seen the Welsh band, The Iveys and constantly pitched them as a worthy signing to Apple. Over a period of time he constantly courted the band and fought their corner as he pushed for Peter Asher and Neil Aspinall to sign them. The Iveys were eventually signed and took on the new name Badfinger. It was Mal Evan's unstinting advocacy that finally helped secure their step up and into the history books.
Mal Evans was tossed and abandoned by all 4 Beatles after serving them hand and foot as well as risking his life to protect them. When he was desperate and tragically murdered by the LA Police, only Paul, out of pressure and shame , sent $500 USD for the funeral. None of the 4 attended.
I was in a band with Bob Jackson for several years and he has put a great deal of effort into keeping the Badfinger legacy alive. I've sent him your review and I'm sure he'll be delighted.
Thank you for covering "Head First" Andrew! Great job summarizing the long history that led up to this release and can't wait to hear your take on Badfinger's other material soon!
😎👍 In Badfinger, Pete Ham had the smooth McCartney voice and Tom Evans had the slightly rougher John Lennon voice. What differentiated the sound of the band from The Beatles was the fact that whenever they sang in three-part harmony, they had Tom singing the upper harmony and Pete singing the middle part instead of the other way 'round. It gave the band a brash sound that fell somewhere in between The Beatles and The Hollies.
When you throw in Joey Molland they had three first rate singers and all of them were excellent songwriters. I agree with your point on the Beatles comparison though somewhat ironic is their first hit "Come and Get It" had Tom Evans on vocals doing a great McCartney-ish vocal.
Great video Andrew I’ve always loved Badfinger. I saw them live in their prime when they toured the Uk with Man. Head First is a great album. As for the Ringo album it’s his best since Ringo in 1973 but I love that one more
Love Badfinger! I first encountered them in 1972 from two singles from the Straight Up album, Baby Blue and Day After Day. I had both of those Apple 🍏 singles in my collection for years. Didn't hear the Straight Up album until 1982 when I had a friend who had it and made me a cassette copy of it. I absolutely loved it and it's my absolute all time favorite Baddinger album. In the late 70's my sister bought me a copy of No Dice she came across it while out shopping. It wasn't my birthday or Christmas or any other special occasion but "just because". She knew how much I loved Badfinger. I finally bought a vinyl copy of Straight Up on eBay a few years ago still sealed with the original hype sticker. Looking forward to your video on the Badfinger LPs!
The new Ringo album is quite a pleasant surprise. T-Bone Burnett's empathetic production with all the other great musicians & songwriters, brings out Ringo's Country & Rockabilly soul. As Andrew says, maybe his most consistent & accessible album since Ringo in 1973. Definitely going to order Head First.
What happened to Badfinger was criminal and it still makes my heart ache when I hear one of their songs, as much as I love their music. Sadly, similar stories (of artists being ripped off) still abound in the music business and that will never change I am afraid.. At least the band finally get the recognition they deserve, but I still find it all very bittersweet. Well done Bob Jackson in keeping at all alive. Great stuff and I am really look forward to hearing this album. As for Ringo, you have to love the guy. He is the gift that keeps on giving. No fancy frills or big headedness. Ringo always manages to keep his feet on the ground. Suggestion......... How about Andrew from Parlogram interviews Ringo Starr on this channel? I think you should make it happen Andrew. We would love that ❤
Thanks, Andrew, it’s about time for some Badfinger content! Looking forward to your mini-doc on their story. And Ringo’s new record is awesome, usually his stuff is mostly just “fun” but this release has great songs tailored to show off his strengths, may cause some reassessment of back catalog
Andrew Im very delighted to hear that you'll be doing future videos on Badfinger's other albums👍👌 - Also in regards to Ringo's Great Look Up record, if this was to be his last full length album its a good way to ride off in the sunset ✌️🤠
Always had a soft spot for a Ringo album. You know what you are getting and that’s usually a fun listen! I have them all and there are plenty of great tracks scattered across them. Not got this yet, but Will and thanks for the reviews Andrew, regards Adam
GREAT VIDEO ON RINGO'S NEW VINYL AND ALSO BADFINGER'S HEAD FIRST VINYL. I HAVE HEAD FIRST ON VINYL AND IN A FEW DAYS MU RINGO VINYL WILL BE MAILED OUT. GLAD RINGO AND BADFINGER NEW MUSIC IS GOING OVER VERY WELL. LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR REVIEW ON BADFINGER'S OLDER MUSIC. 😊
Thank you! I am definately picking up the new Badfinger, and this new Ringo album sounds very rich and creative. Two new albums for 2025 and it will be great listening experiences!
Didn't know about the Badfinger album so thanks for reviewing it. Such a tragic story of theirs and I expect many people know one of their songs without realising thanks to Without You. The Ringo album is good although I would have liked it to be more country than it is. His albums are usually pleasant to listen to if not always immediately memorable although it's great he's still doing something at 84 so I'm more than happy to listen!
Hi Andrew, i ordered Head First two weeks ago and I can't wait to hear this rediscovered masterpiece❤ I discovered Badfinger after I read The Lyrics by Paul Mccartney
It was Mal Evans - the Beatles unflinchingly faithful roadie/personal assistant/man Friday - who discovered Badfinger (then called the Iveys) and suggested they be signed to Apple. He also produced their Top Ten hit No Matter What. To find out more about Evans and that long-ago time, I recommend Living the Beatles Legend by Ken Womack or The Death and Life of Mal Evans: a Novel by Peter Lee. Thanks for giving some attention to a criminally unheralded band Andrew ! BTW, it wasn't "luck" that got Ringo into the Beatles, it was talent. He was the best drummer in Liverpool. His taste and time were (and still are) impeccable.
Great review of the Head First 2024 Remix beautifully produced by Bob Jackson with Andy Nixon and released by Y&T Music's Rich Ulloa on both Vinyl (yes!!) & CD format. It really is the Best of 2024! I've heard couple of Ringo Starr album, but it's also a great start of 2025 year of releases so far. Thank you again Andrew for promoting Badfinger on your Parlogram RUclips channel!
I teared up listening to you talk about Look Up. You looked so genuinely touched by how good it was, and so sure of that, that I’m still smiling. And: I haven’t even heard it yet! Going to do that now. Thank you!
Thanks for this concise but fully packed video, Andrew. In 15 minutes (including an ad!) you managed to comprehensively cover two important releases. You've convinced me that I have to get the Badfinger album, which - because I was underwhelmed by the original CD release of "Head First", I'd planned to skip, also because their Warners releases never impressed me as much as their Apple material. Such a sad story for a band with such great talent of musical and songwriting ability. Particular thanks for including the link to purchase in the description. I also was not a huge fan of Ringo's catalogue following "Goodnight Vienna" (though I know some people rank "Time Takes Time" as up there with 1973's "Ringo"). I didn't buy any of his recent EPs. But after seeing the single video of "Time On My Hands" (despite wishing that he'd sung the title straight to the tonic on "Hands" rather than the three-note descending part), I immediately ordered the CD. It came a day late due to the weather here, but I listened to it in full the evening it arrived. I give it an 8 out of 10. I had to take points off the CD packaging because the booklet, which thankfully includes the lyrics, printed them in a dark font making them very hard to read, plus there are missing or misplaced words or lines on several tracks - and they even managed to be inconsistent on the spelling of "Lucius". But the songs are the main focus, and most are quite enjoyable, though some of the lyrics could have used more work, in my opinion. And when you have guest artists like Molly Tuttle or Larkin Poe, they should have been featured a bit more than just a few background parts. And they criminally underused Alison Krauss on "Thankful", though I'm thankful (heh) that the album version impressed me more than the video single. I would indeed classify "Look Up" as a country album, but country in the way that most of T-Bone Burnett's productions are so. Whether Burnett should have gone with nearly all his own compositions is another question, although I was disappointed by Billy Swan's "You Want Some". I still rank both "Ringo" and "Goodnight Vienna" higher, but "Look Up" is now in my top 5 Ringo albums. (I still love "Sentimental Journey" and the underrated "Beaucoups of Blues", the latter of which should be pronounced "BOO-coos" as it is sung in the title track!) I'm very much looking forward to your eventual reviews of the Apple albums by Badfinger. Though their final, "Ass", doesn't resonate as well with me, they're all worthy of attention, especially with all the bonus tracks provided on the Apple CD box set you mentioned. And you might want to cover The Iveys' "Maybe Tomorrow" as well, as it's the proto-"Magic Christian Music" record, with some of the tracks mixed differently and with alterations (including a hilarious final lyric in "Fisherman" that didn't make the Badfinger version). Please do them soon! (And don't forget, you said last year that you were going to cover some of Cream's releases. Hint, hint!)
Love Badfinger. One of my favorites in the 70s. I still kick myself passing up on a double Straight Up pressing, the 2nd disc with outtakes and 45 mono cuts, haven't seen it since. I didn't know about 'Head First' and it seems it's already sold out in the US. The flippers have taken over doubling the price already. I'll try your link here to find one.
Thank you Andrew for talking about "Head First". I've been a massive fan/collector of the Iveys and Badfinger and I can't wait to see your future video devoted to the band's wonderful discography. By the way, they weren't unlucky, but they were the vulnerable targets of an evil man.
I think there was a decent documentary about Badfinger shown on BB4 some years ago, and it's on RUclips too. Their story is tragic and really illustrates how the music biz can be so bad. At least we can still enjoy their music ! Cheers Tim
Great video! I'd seen Ringo's album get a very positive review in the Spectator last week so it's good to have that confirmed by yourself. Look forward to hearing about the early Badfinger albums too.
Thanks Andrew. Looking forward to upcoming Badfinger videos. Long story short, I only discovered the band in 2024 (I'm 53), heard their music, learnt their story, and have been absolutely captivated by them ever since. Naturally, I have Head First on vinyl. Good album!
It's great to see Ringo enjoying the success of this album as it is very enjoyable and the first full album in quite a while that doesn't pile on material just to flesh it out to 80 minutes. A very worthy and re-listenable edition to Ringo's canon! Thank you Andrew for all of your first class, detailed, and passionate reviews! I'm also look forward to more of your Badfinger reviews!
I had no idea about the Badfinger reissue so I will definitely seek it out. And I think Look Up is great, a mellow but tuneful Americana record that’s a throwback to the 2000s halcyon days of that genre. Ringo’s drumming and singing is top-notch. I’d put it up there with Ringo, Goodnight Vienna, and Beaucoups.
I totally agree that the tragic circumstances surrounding Badfinger have taken precedence over the greatness of their catalog. An official documentary or biopic is definitely in order. As always, great upload!
It's always been a mystery to me that a group on Apple records could be screwed over so much. Especially considering that the Beatles had to approve their joining Apple records.
@dfc99nyc Unfortunately, the Beatles didn't approve or disapprove of their manager, who totally screwed the band over. If only Badfinger had existed in the present time, there would have been more simplified methods for having control over your output. It's a sad story, for sure.
@@dfc99nyc Their manager was a total crook and as far as Apple, Allen Klein screwed them along with the other artists on the label. James Taylor was lucky and got out before Apple and Klein damaged him!
Andrew, as always agreat video. I am a huge Badfinger fan and I'm looking forward to getting a clean copy of Head First. Such a tragic band, that put out some great music. Definately under rated. As to Ringo's new album, Looks like I'll be picking it up real soon. Great review. I must agree with you on the hit or miss music Ringo has produced in the past, but I have been a fan of the EPs he has been putting out. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
Andrew, WHAT AN ENJOYABLE VIDEO!! Badfinger are my 2nd fave band, & this album is a truly great album - not far behind "Wish You Were Here". I'm SO pleased to be able to hear the album the way it was meant to be heard. Huge improvement on the 2000 release. I'm also glad that Bob Jackson re-organised the track order - (the snapper release was terrible). We start with one song from each band member (the 1st four songs). Great idea!! Also listened to some of Ringo's new album - very good indeed!! BTW, i have all the original Badfinger albums factory sealed with promo stickers etc.
Thank you for the Head Up! I have the full Badfinger discography [8 albums] but have been patiently waiting for 'Head First' here on Canada's west coast. I have a copy of a local bootleg of Badfinger's performance recorded starting at 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 8, 1974, titled on the record label as "Ivys Live in Vancouver" (the band is identified as Badfinger on the front & back cover, the front cover copy reads "The original Badfinger live in Vancouver, limited edition, stereo"): Side 1 Day After Day (4:00) Constitution (4:20) Baby Blue (3:40) Perfection (7:35) Side 2 Blind Owl (5:50) Timeless (9:45) No Matter What (3:05) I've sent the order for Heads Up already. Sometime or another I'll come across the Ivey's debut on Apple and seal the deal. Complete the set. I'll have to check out "They Sold a Million" the BBC 2013 documentary mentioned below. There is a 'golden moment' in Badfinger history in the DVD for "Concert for Bangladesh": George Harrison brings Pete Ham to the front of the stage to duet on acoustic guitars for Here Comes the Sun.... electrifying!!
Thanks Andrew. Great to see Badfinger get some long overdue attention. I've been playing their music regularly for over half a century and to my mind they are one of the most under rated and unfortunate bands ever to grace the music business. Their story should be told! Good to see Ringo back on form as well. He's had his moments and when he does play to his strengths can make a very good record as he has just proved and I'm eagerly awaiting for my copy to arrive. Keep up the good work! (Perhaps a deeper dive into the Apple stable as a whole could be a future subject matter - just a suggestion)
Andrew, Thank you for featuring not only Ringo but Badfinger. Really looking forward to you doing a full feature on Badfinger's Apple catalog. Thanks again.
2 great albums Andrew Ringo's Look up and Bad Finger Head first! Two excellent albums I have the Ringo album and I love it probably in his top 5 albums Ringo album #1 Beaucoup of blues#2 Look up #3 Good Vienna #4 Time takes time#5 I enjoy all Ringo's solo albums all of them have lots to offer! Glad to hear Ringo's Look up selling good ! Ringo deserves more respect He is a very talented musician one of the best! Great video Andrew your channel one of the best!
Thanks for the video. I had the Ringo album on my list to purchase next already and now am looking forward to it even more. Also, thanks for letting us know about the Badfinger album, I have the old CD version, and it will be nice listening to a proper mix of it! I have seen the "Behind the Music" episode on Badfinger and would be very interested in your overview of them as well. I have that Apple box set and would also like to hear your thought on that one as well, if you ever get time for it.
Great way to start off the new year. Like you I'm just not a fan of Ringos solo stuff, but ai've heard nothing but praise for LOOK UP. Looking forward to hearing both! Thanks~!
Yes Andrew. I can’t think of anybody better than you to tell the stories of Badfinger’s records and the personal stories that surround them. You are right about Pete Hamm being underrated as a songwriter. Badfinger is also underrated. I believe the raw emotion of their original version of Without You is superior to both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey’s, which are outstanding. I look forward to more of Badfinger. Their earlier albums are really hard to find but I must get this new release on your recommendation.
Badfinger is the saddest story ever!! Andrew is correct Pete Ham was a phenomenal songwriter and musician!! Thanks for your diligent efforts!! Thanks again!!
@@Parlogram I also echo these words in full: enjoyed the video essay and also agree that Pete Ham is one of the most underrated songwriters of all time.
Thank you for this essay with reviews. Looking forward to hearing both albums. And I agree that it’s a mystery why nobody has tackled a documentary about Badfinger.
I’ve been anticipating Ringo’s album for years! As a fan of Beaucoups of Blue, it’s nice to get him singing this sort of thing again. I loved Time on My Hands when it dropped as a single months ago. I hope this album holds up as well as Time After Time or Vertical Man. Thanks Andrew!
Hello Andrew Like you, I am not the biggest fan of Ringo’s solo career However, I am very happy that I bought his new CD because I love it very much My favorite songs on the album are Breathless, Time On My Hands, Come Back and Can You Hear me Call The only song that I was not really a fan of is Thankful However, I think that it is a perfect album closer Now regarding Badfinger, I think that they were an awesome band and what happened to them was really really sad I have not yet heard their new album, but I thank you for letting us know that it exists and I am going to check it out Thanks again for another awesome video I sent my blessings to you and I will catch you on the next one
Well done, Andrew! 72yo lifelong Beatles fan here, but I never bought a solo Ringo album until this one, and I'm glad I did! Inventive, beautifully produced, and every bit as you describe. A world-changing album? No, but even for someone like me who's never cared much for C&W, I know I'll enjoy listening to it many times. (And I agree with your comment that "Look Up" is better considered Americana than Country.)
Thank you very much for a great video and 2 great reviews, and I have to say please 🙏 do a long tribute Badfinger video they deserve your love of music, your attention, and preservation of history that only you Andrew can give them, thank you very much again I learn so much about music from you with every video you make
Hi Andrew, I loved Badfinger from the first time I heard them but apart from their UK singles I hadn't heard much of their music and it took me years to track down their albums. I was much harder to do that in the seventies, especially since I didn't even know how many albums they'd made or what any of them was called! The first LP I managed to get hold of was the Warner Bros LP, "Badfinger", which was produced by Chris Thomas. That whetted my appetite even more. I wasn't quite so keen on "Ass" because, although it does have some great tracks, it had too much Joey Molland and not enough Pete Ham for my liking. However, when I acquired "Straight Up", I was blown away. Oddly, my pressing of "Straight Up" had the tracks listed in the wrong order on the back cover. It listed "Money" as the first track whereas the opener is actually "Take It All". When I heard Pete singing, "Don't you know there's a stronger thing keeping us together?" I drew the wrong conclusion! Looking back now, though, given the enormous pressure they were under because of the disastous state of their finances, there was a tragic, ironical truth to my initial impression. So sad. "No Dice" was my next purchase and I had to make a train journey to Edinburgh ro buy it from a record shop which took me hours to find! It was time and money well spent. It's another magnificent album. "Magic Christian Music" followed. It's good but you can hear that they're not yet entirely sure of themselves in the studio. By contrast, "Wish You Were Here" was a masterpiece and you could argue that it was the first time they really stamped their own identity on an album and shook themselves free of the "Beatles surrogates" accusations. At that point, I thought I had the complete works so I was amazed to hear a DJ announcing Badfinger's new single, "Lost Inside Your Love" on the radio. I think that's arguably the best song that Tommy Evans ever wrote. I captured the "Airwaves" album soon afterwards. It has several great tracks on it, including Joey Molland's "Love Is Gonna Come At Last." Sadly, we know what happened shortly after that. Rest in peace, Tommy. :( I'll definitely be getting the "Head First" remix on CD. I've heard all the tracks before but hopefully they'll sound better now that they've been tidied up. Thanks for bringing this release to my attention, Andrew. I doubt if I'd even have known that it was available without your video.
Thanks Andrew. Enjoyed your video and looking forward to the other Badfinger ones. As you say, Head First, as far as I'm aware, was first released 25 years ago as a double CD set in 2000 on the 'Snapper Music Label,' that's when I first managed to get a copy of it anyway. Bob Jackson joined Badfinger in 1974 (when Pete Ham decided to leave for three weeks), he was not, as you stated, an original member. My original vinyl albums are long gone (upgraded to CD). I have all seven of the band's originally released albums on CD (5 Apple + 2 Warner Bros.) and in addition to 'Head First' (already mentioned), I also have eight other Badfinger related albums: the two 'Best of' releases by Apple (Vols 1 and 2), 'Badfinger BBC In Concert' (on Strange Fruit), 'Badfinger Live day After Day (Vinyl copy on RYKO), 'Say No More' (2000 on the Real Music label), 'Airwaves' (vinyl copy on Elektra 1979), and 2 Pete Ham albums, '7 Park Avenue,' (1996) and 'Golders Green,' (RYKO 1999). Would love to hear from anyone who has information of any other releases I don't know about.
My copy of Ringo's new record just arrived and I look forward to exploring it further. When I previewed the songs on RUclips, I was relieved to hear a more natural atmosphere and less of the overt autotune sound heard in previous modern releases -something desperately needed in his catalog, I think. Ringo's voice has so much personality and warmth, I'm glad to hear it showcased without the technology getting in the way.
It is wonderful to see Ringo put some real effort into a new album. I'm not sure it's quite up there with 1973's Ringo or even with Beaucoups of Blues, but I do like it. Time on My Hands reminds me of the epic No Regrets by the Walker Brothers!
You were right Andrew - I had already bought these two. I heard Ringo's last weekend and I thought it was a very strong album. One or two tracks were outstanding in fact. I do like a lot of his solo albums a lot - Beaucoups of Blues, Time Takes Time, Sentimental Journey, Vertical Man, Ringo Rama, VH1 Storytellers, even the Xmas one - I wasn't too sold on his recent EPs and albums though but this is really good. Country (or "Americana") really suits his voice and it feels like he's come home. I hope he makes some more recordings in this vein. I was such a fan of Ringo that when I was about 11 years old I cut out a piece of fur one afternoon and glued it to my upper lip to look like him on the inner panel of the White Album - that hurt when I pulled it off! I'm so lucky to have seen his All Star Band at Hampton Court - the stands were half empty which probably accounts for why he hasn't brought them back to the UK. I've seen him join Macca on two occasions at the O2 and was so fortunate to witness his hilarious appearance with George Harrison at the Albert Hall when he shouted "Rubbish!" (or words to that effect) as George was trying to promote the Natural Law Party at the end of the show. I bought the 1995 edition of Badfinger's "Head First" but this is head and shoulders above that sonically. There's some very strong material on this LP and it's such a shame the band ended in such tragedy. They were enormously talented and I have all their albums. Anyway, I'd better get on with my Sunday. This is tax return weekend for me so I get to listen to lots of vinyl while I trawl through the figures. I just put "Something New" on the turntable for the first time from the Beatles '64 box set but, oh dear, as I type it just skipped multiple times at the end of side one - I'd better investigate...
I have been waiting (patiently) since 1974 to finally hear "Head First". I know Badfinger's sad history, especially after Polley's entrance. His contract with Warner's tied them down to making THREE albums per year! The last album they released was "Wish You Were Here", which in my opinion is the best album ever made by any artist. For it to be made "under the gun" and from what I have heard, only three weeks to complete it, producer Chris Thomas and the Band created a masterpiece. After being withdrawn by Warner's, they went right back into the studio and created a great follow up "Head First" which they paid for themselves. Warner's rejected it. Now fifty years later we can only imagine what the future would have brought for Badfinger. They were and always will be a great band.
I have 'Wish You Were Here'. I purchased it at the great Korvettes record department in Brooklyn, NY in 1974 when it first came out (Warner catalog# BS2827). I don't remember the story of it being pulled from stores. I used to think it was worth a bit of $$$ but I guess not.
@@dfc99nyc Korvettes! I bought my first piece-of-junk stereo there in high school! I guess it was '71 or '72. I miss the world before Walmart took it over.
@mjemigh3304 I miss them too. You could buy the Badfinger album, motor oil and a color TV all in the same store on Bay Parkway. For our UK friends Korvettes was a local NYC area department store that sold a little bit of everything but were known for their incredible record department. All Korvettes closed around 1980.
I have the 2000 release of Head First on Snapper and it is good... but Bob Jackson's remix from the original masters lifts it up several notches and the album's magic reveals itself. I've covered the album in several videos on my channel as well as an interview with Bob. For those waiting on the CD, the official US release will be 1.24.25. However, many folks who watch this channel are probably more interested the vinyl....
Hi Andrew 👋 a very informative video! I'll give both albums a listen. I do have Sentimental Journey and a couple of singles in my collection. Bad Finger I think I have a single Come and Get It! I really like the sound of the music and will give it a listen. Cheers 🍻
I think that when Badfinger albums appear on this channel, there should be a few words about The Iveys and Maybe Tomorrow (their only album), which also had very little chance to get to the listeners in 60's and 90's when it was rereleased, as someone said, "in three and a half copies for the whole world".
Great overview, thanks for this! I will grab both asap. Still have a Badfinger 45 on Apple from back when I was young - tragic story, just not fair what those kids went through after leaving the Apple fold - the manager's heartless greed.
Nice review on both Badfinger and Ringo Starr. Just a note. When Badfinger signed to Apple records, they were still known as The Iveys, they recorded Maybe Tomorrow album and the single of the same name was released. So Head First was actually their 8th studio album. The albums that followed after, Airwaves (1979) and Say No More (1981) in the post Pete Ham era are also great albums in there own right. Thanks Andrew for posting.👍👍
I bought the early 1990s Badfinger reissues of Magic Christian Music and No Dice as well as The Iveys Maybe Tomorrow and they are all excellent. Didn't realise the Head First album was released until I saw your video. Pleased to see that your link was much cheaper than Amazon's price and they included downloads of the album too. Thank you.
Thank you, great video on both albums, and you are right, Badfinger is an under-rated band. I would confuse Badfinger top 40 hits with the Beatles when I was a kid. I can't help but think that Look Up is completing the circle begun with Beaucoups of Blues in 1970, much the same way Double Fantasy completed the circle begun with John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (from heavy bell intro on Mother, to light bell intro on Just Like Starting Over). Of course John had no idea that Double Fantasy would be his last. Ringo was closer to John than the other two during the solo years, and it's just so nice to see Ringo making a lovely follow up country album in his eighty fifth year.
I have both albums Andrew and agree with your points. I've listened every day for a week to the Ringo album not skipping a single track as they are all top drawer. I've played the Badfinger album couple of times and also think the PH tracks are the best. I don't enjoy it as much as No Dice, Straight Up or Badfinger though. Another great album recently released is 'Look Back In Manga' by Richard Snow & The Inlaws, if you like well crafty jangly pop this is for you. Once again great video and looking forward to your further Badfinger presentations.
Great episode, Andrew. BTW have you ever considered doing an episode on lostwave songs? These are songs that are uploaded to YT or wherever and no one knows who the band/singer is/are. Often these songs were taped off radio in the 1980s but the DJ intro is cropped off the tape. There is one right now that reddit is trying to track down called "CIA," it's quite a mystery.
Look Up is Ringo's finest to date. His voice fits so well with the melodies and, of course, his percussion is "in the pocket " as always. A most enjoyable recording and I have relying on it to get my day started since its release 😊
I saw Ringo & several friends play the Ryman Auditorium last week in Nashville where many of these songs were played. The show was filmed for possible future PBS showing. It was time for Ringo to do something different from his All Starr Bands and I think this was just the ticket. Present were Billy Strings. Molly Tuttle, Jack White, Emmy Lou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and T-Bone was the announcer. There were also several performances where Ringo was off stage and the different artists sang Ringo's catalogue of songs as a tribute to him. The highlight for me was Mickey Guyton's version of "You don't know me at all" from the Rotogravure album.
I can’t wait to hear all of the material regarding Badfinger all the albums should be covered soon that would be great I think all of their albums should be de mixed rain mixed with clarity in mind and I’m glad it was released in a box 7, 2010 I’ll have to get the box set to get more familiarized with bad finger I love the very best of Badfinger on rhino records which has 19 songs on it and I love it. I haven’t bought the albums yet by Ringo and Badfinger the one that was unreleased I’ll have to check them out.
Thanks Andrew! Nice review. Totally agree on Ringo's. I especially like Molly Tuttle's contributions. Clever choice. And I agree with your summary on Badfinger.
I agree, that there should be a documentary on Badfinger someday because of their association with the Beatles, their music being covered by various artists including Def Leppard, their work outside of The Beatles universe and having at least one song on The Simpsons as the credits roll for the episode Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind. I also hope to hear from at least a member of def Leppard talking about how they chose to cover No Matter What in 2006 for their covers album Yeah!.
@ that's true and now that you mentioned Harry Nilsson, I wish they could include Monty Python in the documentary, but I don't think they had ever met Badfinger.
I haven't heard Ringo's new album yet. I ordered it a couple of weeks ago but it won't be arriving until the end of the month, apparently. I've got a good feeling about it because I've argued for decades that Ringo ought to do another country album. That's what suits him best as a singer and a personality. (More controversially, I also opined that he should do a reggae album. Not heavy dub, or anything like that. Just pleasant pop reggae tunes like "Good Thing Going" or "I Want To Wake Up With You Girl". And sing them like Ringo, without putting on a fake Jamaican accent! Anyway, I've got one out of two of my wishes.) I'll be interested to compare my impressions of this with yours, Andrew. For me, 1973's "Ringo" is a superb album and contains the best song John ever gave him as well as the sublime single, "Photograph", written by George and Ringo. That track is a simply perfect piece of pop music. "You're Sixteen" is a keeper as well and "Six O'Clock" is one of those earworm tunes that still pops into my head when I least expect it. Apart from "Ringo" and arguably "Beaucoups Of Blues", I agree that the rest of Ringo's output is in the non-essential bracket. They all contain a track or two which is worth hearing but the rest is unexceptional filler material. Perhaps there's almost half a side of pretty good stuff on "Goodnight Vienna", especially the title track and "No-No Song". If this new one is as good as the reviews are suggesting, I will be delighted. I think I'll take advantage of the free listen on RUclips which you've helpfully linked to. Cheers, Peace And Love ☮✌
I've been a huge Molly Tuttle fan for years (Billy Strings too). Having grown up with the Beatles as my musical heroes this album sounds a match made in heaven. When you think about it the Beatles were often at their best as collaborators (think George Martin, Clapton, multiple uncredited Indian musicians, Billy Preston etc.)...
Sometime a little over a decade ago, the powers that be created a new music genre titled "Americana." Artists like Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash were grandfathered into this genre. As best as I can tell, it's really a place to categorize todays modern folk artists, one of my favorites being M. Ward. That's probably where Ringo's new album will end up.
Solid video. Waiting for the CD release of HEAD FIRST. Was disappointed by the 25-year-old version, but the songs were still excellent. Can't wait for Ringo's new album to arrive. The only ones I didn't get were his EPs. Maybe he should combine them into an album? EPs are a pain to listen to because I have to get too much exercise to get up so quickly after they're over. LOL! Keep up the great work!
Let's pay tribute to Mal Evans, The Beatles road manager and early director of newly formed Apple that had seen the Welsh band, The Iveys and constantly pitched them as a worthy signing to Apple. Over a period of time he constantly courted the band and fought their corner as he pushed for Peter Asher and Neil Aspinall to sign them. The Iveys were eventually signed and took on the new name Badfinger. It was Mal Evan's unstinting advocacy that finally helped secure their step up and into the history books.
@@MarkmanOTW Mel Evans also co-produced Badfinger's No Dice album
Mal Evans was the coolest, and the story of his passing is another sad footnote in the history of the Beatles and Badfinger. Another tragic loss.
@@thechristianmale129 👍
@@DamGreek 👍
Mal Evans was tossed and abandoned by all 4 Beatles after serving them hand and foot as well as risking his life to protect them. When he was desperate and tragically murdered by the LA Police, only Paul, out of pressure and shame , sent $500 USD for the funeral. None of the 4 attended.
I was in a band with Bob Jackson for several years and he has put a great deal of effort into keeping the Badfinger legacy alive. I've sent him your review and I'm sure he'll be delighted.
Thank you! He did a great job.
Thank you for covering "Head First" Andrew! Great job summarizing the long history that led up to this release and can't wait to hear your take on Badfinger's other material soon!
My pleasure. Loved your videos on it by the way!
Thanks! That means a lot coming from you
Two great reviews, Andrew! Incidentally, in 2013, the BBC made a documentary about Badfinger called ‘They Sold a Million’. Well worth checking out.
This is great - Badfinger are so easily overlooked and anything to shine a light on them is a good thing.
shine on.. shine on me
@beyondvisiblefilms agreed.
Always loved badfinger and felt they deserved better
😎👍 In Badfinger, Pete Ham had the smooth McCartney voice and Tom Evans had the slightly rougher John Lennon voice. What differentiated the sound of the band from The Beatles was the fact that whenever they sang in three-part harmony, they had Tom singing the upper harmony and Pete singing the middle part instead of the other way 'round. It gave the band a brash sound that fell somewhere in between The Beatles and The Hollies.
When you throw in Joey Molland they had three first rate singers and all of them were excellent songwriters. I agree with your point on the Beatles comparison though somewhat ironic is their first hit "Come and Get It" had Tom Evans on vocals doing a great McCartney-ish vocal.
Great video Andrew
I’ve always loved Badfinger. I saw them live in their prime when they toured the Uk with Man. Head First is a great album.
As for the Ringo album it’s his best since Ringo in 1973 but I love that one more
Wish You Were Here is my favorite Badfinger album by far. I didn't realize they found the master tapes for Head First so I'm ecstatic :)
I am buying these after I type this. Excellent recommendation!
Love Badfinger! I first encountered them in 1972 from two singles from the Straight Up album, Baby Blue and Day After Day. I had both of those Apple 🍏 singles in my collection for years. Didn't hear the Straight Up album until 1982 when I had a friend who had it and made me a cassette copy of it. I absolutely loved it and it's my absolute all time favorite Baddinger album. In the late 70's my sister bought me a copy of No Dice she came across it while out shopping. It wasn't my birthday or Christmas or any other special occasion but "just because". She knew how much I loved Badfinger. I finally bought a vinyl copy of Straight Up on eBay a few years ago still sealed with the original hype sticker. Looking forward to your video on the Badfinger LPs!
The new Ringo album is quite a pleasant surprise. T-Bone Burnett's empathetic production with all the other great musicians & songwriters, brings out Ringo's Country & Rockabilly soul. As Andrew says, maybe his most consistent & accessible album since Ringo in 1973. Definitely going to order Head First.
.....I see RINGORAMA as [also] being comparable in consistency to his eponymous 51-plus years ago, actually.....
I have always ❤ Badfinger . I cant wait for your future videos on them. Enjoyable as always, Andrew.
What happened to Badfinger was criminal and it still makes my heart ache when I hear one of their songs, as much as I love their music. Sadly, similar stories (of artists being ripped off) still abound in the music business and that will never change I am afraid.. At least the band finally get the recognition they deserve, but I still find it all very bittersweet. Well done Bob Jackson in keeping at all alive. Great stuff and I am really look forward to hearing this album. As for Ringo, you have to love the guy. He is the gift that keeps on giving. No fancy frills or big headedness. Ringo always manages to keep his feet on the ground. Suggestion......... How about Andrew from Parlogram interviews Ringo Starr on this channel? I think you should make it happen Andrew. We would love that ❤
Thanks, Andrew, it’s about time for some Badfinger content! Looking forward to your mini-doc on their story. And Ringo’s new record is awesome, usually his stuff is mostly just “fun” but this release has great songs tailored to show off his strengths, may cause some reassessment of back catalog
The new Ringo album is wonderful! So happy for him that it is being received well.
Andrew Im very delighted to hear that you'll be doing future videos on Badfinger's other albums👍👌 - Also in regards to Ringo's Great Look Up record, if this was to be his last full length album its a good way to ride off in the sunset ✌️🤠
So glad that you included Badfinger in one of your videos. Would like to see more Badfinger content
Great job Andrew! So glad you are giving Badfinger the love they deserve!
Same here.
Always had a soft spot for a Ringo album. You know what you are getting and that’s usually a fun listen! I have them all and there are plenty of great tracks scattered across them. Not got this yet, but Will and thanks for the reviews Andrew, regards Adam
You’ve cost me money😁 just ordered both cd’s. Thanks for the great reviews, looking forward to the Badfinger stories.
Hope you enjoy it!
GREAT VIDEO ON RINGO'S NEW VINYL AND ALSO BADFINGER'S HEAD FIRST VINYL. I HAVE HEAD FIRST ON VINYL AND IN A FEW DAYS MU RINGO VINYL WILL BE MAILED OUT. GLAD RINGO AND BADFINGER NEW MUSIC IS GOING OVER VERY WELL. LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR REVIEW ON BADFINGER'S OLDER MUSIC. 😊
Thank you! I am definately picking up the new Badfinger, and this new Ringo album sounds very rich and creative. Two new albums for 2025 and it will be great listening experiences!
Didn't know about the Badfinger album so thanks for reviewing it. Such a tragic story of theirs and I expect many people know one of their songs without realising thanks to Without You. The Ringo album is good although I would have liked it to be more country than it is. His albums are usually pleasant to listen to if not always immediately memorable although it's great he's still doing something at 84 so I'm more than happy to listen!
Hi Andrew, i ordered Head First two weeks ago and I can't wait to hear this rediscovered masterpiece❤
I discovered Badfinger after I read The Lyrics by Paul Mccartney
Andrew, fantastic information as always. Thank you for your content.
Glad you enjoyed it!
It was Mal Evans - the Beatles unflinchingly faithful roadie/personal assistant/man Friday - who discovered Badfinger (then called the Iveys) and suggested they be signed to Apple. He also produced their Top Ten hit No Matter What.
To find out more about Evans and that long-ago time, I recommend Living the Beatles Legend by Ken Womack or The Death and Life of Mal Evans: a Novel by Peter Lee.
Thanks for giving some attention to a criminally unheralded band Andrew !
BTW, it wasn't "luck" that got Ringo into the Beatles, it was talent. He was the best drummer in Liverpool. His taste and time were (and still are) impeccable.
It was also the fact that Ringo was already known to The Beatles through shared gigs with Rory Storm, and they all ‘got’ each other’s humour.
@@simonhodgetts6530 Absolutely. The humour thing was very important.
Great review of the Head First 2024 Remix beautifully produced by Bob Jackson with Andy Nixon and released by Y&T Music's Rich Ulloa on both Vinyl (yes!!) & CD format. It really is the Best of 2024!
I've heard couple of Ringo Starr album, but it's also a great start of 2025 year of releases so far.
Thank you again Andrew for promoting Badfinger on your Parlogram RUclips channel!
Badfinger were fantastic. They were a band meriting a modern biopic, though it would largely be a tragic story.
As a huge badfinger fan, i cant wait to see your videos on the band!!
Joey is recovering, he was extremely sick in icu, slowly recovering.
Good to hear he's improving.
I teared up listening to you talk about Look Up. You looked so genuinely touched by how good it was, and so sure of that, that I’m still smiling. And: I haven’t even heard it yet! Going to do that now. Thank you!
Thanks for this concise but fully packed video, Andrew. In 15 minutes (including an ad!) you managed to comprehensively cover two important releases. You've convinced me that I have to get the Badfinger album, which - because I was underwhelmed by the original CD release of "Head First", I'd planned to skip, also because their Warners releases never impressed me as much as their Apple material. Such a sad story for a band with such great talent of musical and songwriting ability. Particular thanks for including the link to purchase in the description.
I also was not a huge fan of Ringo's catalogue following "Goodnight Vienna" (though I know some people rank "Time Takes Time" as up there with 1973's "Ringo"). I didn't buy any of his recent EPs. But after seeing the single video of "Time On My Hands" (despite wishing that he'd sung the title straight to the tonic on "Hands" rather than the three-note descending part), I immediately ordered the CD. It came a day late due to the weather here, but I listened to it in full the evening it arrived. I give it an 8 out of 10. I had to take points off the CD packaging because the booklet, which thankfully includes the lyrics, printed them in a dark font making them very hard to read, plus there are missing or misplaced words or lines on several tracks - and they even managed to be inconsistent on the spelling of "Lucius". But the songs are the main focus, and most are quite enjoyable, though some of the lyrics could have used more work, in my opinion. And when you have guest artists like Molly Tuttle or Larkin Poe, they should have been featured a bit more than just a few background parts. And they criminally underused Alison Krauss on "Thankful", though I'm thankful (heh) that the album version impressed me more than the video single. I would indeed classify "Look Up" as a country album, but country in the way that most of T-Bone Burnett's productions are so. Whether Burnett should have gone with nearly all his own compositions is another question, although I was disappointed by Billy Swan's "You Want Some". I still rank both "Ringo" and "Goodnight Vienna" higher, but "Look Up" is now in my top 5 Ringo albums. (I still love "Sentimental Journey" and the underrated "Beaucoups of Blues", the latter of which should be pronounced "BOO-coos" as it is sung in the title track!)
I'm very much looking forward to your eventual reviews of the Apple albums by Badfinger. Though their final, "Ass", doesn't resonate as well with me, they're all worthy of attention, especially with all the bonus tracks provided on the Apple CD box set you mentioned. And you might want to cover The Iveys' "Maybe Tomorrow" as well, as it's the proto-"Magic Christian Music" record, with some of the tracks mixed differently and with alterations (including a hilarious final lyric in "Fisherman" that didn't make the Badfinger version). Please do them soon! (And don't forget, you said last year that you were going to cover some of Cream's releases. Hint, hint!)
Thanks for putting your thoughts!
Thanks for your always informative reviews. I look forward to your Badfinger series
I LOVE Ringo’s New Album ALMOST as much as I love your content
Thank you kindly.
Love Badfinger. One of my favorites in the 70s. I still kick myself passing up on a double Straight Up pressing, the 2nd disc with outtakes and 45 mono cuts, haven't seen it since. I didn't know about 'Head First' and it seems it's already sold out in the US. The flippers have taken over doubling the price already. I'll try your link here to find one.
Thank you Andrew for talking about "Head First". I've been a massive fan/collector of the Iveys and Badfinger and I can't wait to see your future video devoted to the band's wonderful discography.
By the way, they weren't unlucky, but they were the vulnerable targets of an evil man.
I think there was a decent documentary about Badfinger shown on BB4 some years ago, and it's on RUclips too. Their story is tragic and really illustrates how the music biz can be so bad. At least we can still enjoy their music ! Cheers Tim
Great video! I'd seen Ringo's album get a very positive review in the Spectator last week so it's good to have that confirmed by yourself. Look forward to hearing about the early Badfinger albums too.
Thanks Andrew. Looking forward to upcoming Badfinger videos. Long story short, I only discovered the band in 2024 (I'm 53), heard their music, learnt their story, and have been absolutely captivated by them ever since. Naturally, I have Head First on vinyl. Good album!
It's great to see Ringo enjoying the success of this album as it is very enjoyable and the first full album in quite a while that doesn't pile on material just to flesh it out to 80 minutes.
A very worthy and re-listenable edition to Ringo's canon! Thank you Andrew for all of your first class, detailed, and passionate reviews! I'm also look forward to more of your Badfinger reviews!
I had no idea about the Badfinger reissue so I will definitely seek it out. And I think Look Up is great, a mellow but tuneful Americana record that’s a throwback to the 2000s halcyon days of that genre. Ringo’s drumming and singing is top-notch. I’d put it up there with Ringo, Goodnight Vienna, and Beaucoups.
I totally agree that the tragic circumstances surrounding Badfinger have taken precedence over the greatness of their catalog. An official documentary or biopic is definitely in order. As always, great upload!
It's always been a mystery to me that a group on Apple records could be screwed over so much. Especially considering that the Beatles had to approve their joining Apple records.
@dfc99nyc Unfortunately, the Beatles didn't approve or disapprove of their manager, who totally screwed the band over. If only Badfinger had existed in the present time, there would have been more simplified methods for having control over your output. It's a sad story, for sure.
@@dfc99nyc Their manager was a total crook and as far as Apple, Allen Klein screwed them along with the other artists on the label. James Taylor was lucky and got out before Apple and Klein damaged him!
Andrew, as always agreat video. I am a huge Badfinger fan and I'm looking forward to getting a clean copy of Head First. Such a tragic band, that put out some great music. Definately under rated. As to Ringo's new album, Looks like I'll be picking it up real soon. Great review. I must agree with you on the hit or miss music Ringo has produced in the past, but I have been a fan of the EPs he has been putting out.
Keep up the good work. Cheers!
Thanks Mark. Will do!
Andrew, WHAT AN ENJOYABLE VIDEO!! Badfinger are my 2nd fave band, & this album is a truly great album - not far behind "Wish You Were Here". I'm SO pleased to be able to hear the album the way it was meant to be heard. Huge improvement on the 2000 release. I'm also glad that Bob Jackson re-organised the track order - (the snapper release was terrible). We start with one song from each band member (the 1st four songs). Great idea!! Also listened to some of Ringo's new album - very good indeed!! BTW, i have all the original Badfinger albums factory sealed with promo stickers etc.
Thank you for the Head Up! I have the full Badfinger discography [8 albums] but have been patiently waiting for 'Head First' here on Canada's west coast. I have a copy of a local bootleg of Badfinger's performance recorded starting at 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 8, 1974, titled on the record label as "Ivys Live in Vancouver" (the band is identified as Badfinger on the front & back cover, the front cover copy reads "The original Badfinger live in Vancouver, limited edition, stereo"):
Side 1
Day After Day (4:00)
Constitution (4:20)
Baby Blue (3:40)
Perfection (7:35)
Side 2
Blind Owl (5:50)
Timeless (9:45)
No Matter What (3:05)
I've sent the order for Heads Up already. Sometime or another I'll come across the Ivey's debut on Apple and seal the deal. Complete the set. I'll have to check out "They Sold a Million" the BBC 2013 documentary mentioned below. There is a 'golden moment' in Badfinger history in the DVD for "Concert for Bangladesh": George Harrison brings Pete Ham to the front of the stage to duet on acoustic guitars for Here Comes the Sun.... electrifying!!
I bought the Ringo album! Love the review and the whole video! I’ll get the Badfinger album as well!
Thanks Andrew. Great to see Badfinger get some long overdue attention. I've been playing their music regularly for over half a century and to my mind they are one of the most under rated and unfortunate bands ever to grace the music business. Their story should be told! Good to see Ringo back on form as well. He's had his moments and when he does play to his strengths can make a very good record as he has just proved and I'm eagerly awaiting for my copy to arrive. Keep up the good work! (Perhaps a deeper dive into the Apple stable as a whole could be a future subject matter - just a suggestion)
Andrew, Thank you for featuring not only Ringo but Badfinger. Really looking forward to you doing a full feature on Badfinger's Apple catalog. Thanks again.
2 great albums Andrew Ringo's Look up and Bad Finger Head first! Two excellent albums I have the Ringo album and I love it probably in his top 5 albums Ringo album #1
Beaucoup of blues#2
Look up #3
Good Vienna #4
Time takes time#5
I enjoy all Ringo's solo albums all of them have lots to offer!
Glad to hear Ringo's Look up selling good ! Ringo deserves more respect He is a very talented musician one of the best! Great video Andrew your channel one of the best!
I so enjoy your "show". Its always so good and an honest approach. Thanks.
Thanks. Much appreciated!
Thanks for the video. I had the Ringo album on my list to purchase next already and now am looking forward to it even more. Also, thanks for letting us know about the Badfinger album, I have the old CD version, and it will be nice listening to a proper mix of it! I have seen the "Behind the Music" episode on Badfinger and would be very interested in your overview of them as well. I have that Apple box set and would also like to hear your thought on that one as well, if you ever get time for it.
Great way to start off the new year. Like you I'm just not a fan of Ringos solo stuff, but ai've heard nothing but praise for LOOK UP. Looking forward to hearing both! Thanks~!
You’re welcome, Sir!
Yes Andrew. I can’t think of anybody better than you to tell the stories of Badfinger’s records and the personal stories that surround them. You are right about Pete Hamm being underrated as a songwriter. Badfinger is also underrated. I believe the raw emotion of their original version of Without You is superior to both Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey’s, which are outstanding. I look forward to more of Badfinger. Their earlier albums are really hard to find but I must get this new release on your recommendation.
Badfinger is the saddest story ever!! Andrew is correct Pete Ham was a phenomenal songwriter and musician!! Thanks for your diligent efforts!! Thanks again!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Cleve.
@@Parlogram I also echo these words in full: enjoyed the video essay and also agree that Pete Ham is one of the most underrated songwriters of all time.
Thank you for this essay with reviews. Looking forward to hearing both albums. And I agree that it’s a mystery why nobody has tackled a documentary about Badfinger.
I’ve been anticipating Ringo’s album for years! As a fan of Beaucoups of Blue, it’s nice to get him singing this sort of thing again. I loved Time on My Hands when it dropped as a single months ago. I hope this album holds up as well as Time After Time or Vertical Man. Thanks Andrew!
Hello Andrew
Like you, I am not the biggest fan of Ringo’s solo career
However, I am very happy that I bought his new CD because I love it very much
My favorite songs on the album are Breathless, Time On My Hands, Come Back and Can You Hear me Call
The only song that I was not really a fan of is Thankful
However, I think that it is a perfect album closer
Now regarding Badfinger, I think that they were an awesome band and what happened to them was really really sad
I have not yet heard their new album, but I thank you for letting us know that it exists and I am going to check it out
Thanks again for another awesome video
I sent my blessings to you and I will catch you on the next one
This is great! I already ordered the vinyl record! 🇨🇦💙
Well done, Andrew! 72yo lifelong Beatles fan here, but I never bought a solo Ringo album until this one, and I'm glad I did! Inventive, beautifully produced, and every bit as you describe. A world-changing album? No, but even for someone like me who's never cared much for C&W, I know I'll enjoy listening to it many times. (And I agree with your comment that "Look Up" is better considered Americana than Country.)
Thank you very much for a great video and 2 great reviews, and I have to say please 🙏 do a long tribute Badfinger video they deserve your love of music, your attention, and preservation of history that only you Andrew can give them, thank you very much again I learn so much about music from you with every video you make
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Andrew,
I loved Badfinger from the first time I heard them but apart from their UK singles I hadn't heard much of their music and it took me years to track down their albums. I was much harder to do that in the seventies, especially since I didn't even know how many albums they'd made or what any of them was called!
The first LP I managed to get hold of was the Warner Bros LP, "Badfinger", which was produced by Chris Thomas. That whetted my appetite even more. I wasn't quite so keen on "Ass" because, although it does have some great tracks, it had too much Joey Molland and not enough Pete Ham for my liking. However, when I acquired "Straight Up", I was blown away.
Oddly, my pressing of "Straight Up" had the tracks listed in the wrong order on the back cover. It listed "Money" as the first track whereas the opener is actually "Take It All". When I heard Pete singing, "Don't you know there's a stronger thing keeping us together?" I drew the wrong conclusion! Looking back now, though, given the enormous pressure they were under because of the disastous state of their finances, there was a tragic, ironical truth to my initial impression. So sad.
"No Dice" was my next purchase and I had to make a train journey to Edinburgh ro buy it from a record shop which took me hours to find! It was time and money well spent. It's another magnificent album. "Magic Christian Music" followed. It's good but you can hear that they're not yet entirely sure of themselves in the studio. By contrast, "Wish You Were Here" was a masterpiece and you could argue that it was the first time they really stamped their own identity on an album and shook themselves free of the "Beatles surrogates" accusations.
At that point, I thought I had the complete works so I was amazed to hear a DJ announcing Badfinger's new single, "Lost Inside Your Love" on the radio. I think that's arguably the best song that Tommy Evans ever wrote. I captured the "Airwaves" album soon afterwards. It has several great tracks on it, including Joey Molland's "Love Is Gonna Come At Last."
Sadly, we know what happened shortly after that. Rest in peace, Tommy. :(
I'll definitely be getting the "Head First" remix on CD. I've heard all the tracks before but hopefully they'll sound better now that they've been tidied up.
Thanks for bringing this release to my attention, Andrew. I doubt if I'd even have known that it was available without your video.
My pleasure, Gerry. Hope you enjoy it.
Thanks Andrew. Enjoyed your video and looking forward to the other Badfinger ones. As you say, Head First, as far as I'm aware, was first released 25 years ago as a double CD set in 2000 on the 'Snapper Music Label,' that's when I first managed to get a copy of it anyway. Bob Jackson joined Badfinger in 1974 (when Pete Ham decided to leave for three weeks), he was not, as you stated, an original member. My original vinyl albums are long gone (upgraded to CD). I have all seven of the band's originally released albums on CD (5 Apple + 2 Warner Bros.) and in addition to 'Head First' (already mentioned), I also have eight other Badfinger related albums: the two 'Best of' releases by Apple (Vols 1 and 2), 'Badfinger BBC In Concert' (on Strange Fruit), 'Badfinger Live day After Day (Vinyl copy on RYKO), 'Say No More' (2000 on the Real Music label), 'Airwaves' (vinyl copy on Elektra 1979), and 2 Pete Ham albums, '7 Park Avenue,' (1996) and 'Golders Green,' (RYKO 1999). Would love to hear from anyone who has information of any other releases I don't know about.
My copy of Ringo's new record just arrived and I look forward to exploring it further. When I previewed the songs on RUclips, I was relieved to hear a more natural atmosphere and less of the overt autotune sound heard in previous modern releases -something desperately needed in his catalog, I think. Ringo's voice has so much personality and warmth, I'm glad to hear it showcased without the technology getting in the way.
It is wonderful to see Ringo put some real effort into a new album. I'm not sure it's quite up there with 1973's Ringo or even with Beaucoups of Blues, but I do like it. Time on My Hands reminds me of the epic No Regrets by the Walker Brothers!
You were right Andrew - I had already bought these two. I heard Ringo's last weekend and I thought it was a very strong album. One or two tracks were outstanding in fact. I do like a lot of his solo albums a lot - Beaucoups of Blues, Time Takes Time, Sentimental Journey, Vertical Man, Ringo Rama, VH1 Storytellers, even the Xmas one - I wasn't too sold on his recent EPs and albums though but this is really good. Country (or "Americana") really suits his voice and it feels like he's come home. I hope he makes some more recordings in this vein.
I was such a fan of Ringo that when I was about 11 years old I cut out a piece of fur one afternoon and glued it to my upper lip to look like him on the inner panel of the White Album - that hurt when I pulled it off!
I'm so lucky to have seen his All Star Band at Hampton Court - the stands were half empty which probably accounts for why he hasn't brought them back to the UK. I've seen him join Macca on two occasions at the O2 and was so fortunate to witness his hilarious appearance with George Harrison at the Albert Hall when he shouted "Rubbish!" (or words to that effect) as George was trying to promote the Natural Law Party at the end of the show.
I bought the 1995 edition of Badfinger's "Head First" but this is head and shoulders above that sonically. There's some very strong material on this LP and it's such a shame the band ended in such tragedy. They were enormously talented and I have all their albums.
Anyway, I'd better get on with my Sunday. This is tax return weekend for me so I get to listen to lots of vinyl while I trawl through the figures. I just put "Something New" on the turntable for the first time from the Beatles '64 box set but, oh dear, as I type it just skipped multiple times at the end of side one - I'd better investigate...
Ham's postumous demo albums 7 Park Lane and Golders Green are absolute gems!
I have been waiting (patiently) since 1974 to finally hear "Head First". I know Badfinger's sad history, especially after Polley's entrance. His contract with Warner's tied them down to making THREE albums per year! The last album they released was "Wish You Were Here", which in my opinion is the best album ever made by any artist. For it to be made "under the gun" and from what I have heard, only three weeks to complete it, producer Chris Thomas and the Band created a masterpiece. After being withdrawn by Warner's, they went right back into the studio and created a great follow up "Head First" which they paid for themselves. Warner's rejected it. Now fifty years later we can only imagine what the future would have brought for Badfinger. They were and always will be a great band.
Wish You Were Here is a fantastic record.
I have 'Wish You Were Here'. I purchased it at the great Korvettes record department in Brooklyn, NY in 1974 when it first came out (Warner catalog# BS2827). I don't remember the story of it being pulled from stores. I used to think it was worth a bit of $$$ but I guess not.
@@dfc99nyc Korvettes! I bought my first piece-of-junk stereo there in high school! I guess it was '71 or '72. I miss the world before Walmart took it over.
@mjemigh3304 I miss them too. You could buy the Badfinger album, motor oil and a color TV all in the same store on Bay Parkway.
For our UK friends Korvettes was a local NYC area department store that sold a little bit of everything but were known for their incredible record department. All Korvettes closed around 1980.
Thanks for your suggestions that are always precious 😊
You are welcome, Riccardo!
I have the 2000 release of Head First on Snapper and it is good... but Bob Jackson's remix from the original masters lifts it up several notches and the album's magic reveals itself. I've covered the album in several videos on my channel as well as an interview with Bob. For those waiting on the CD, the official US release will be 1.24.25. However, many folks who watch this channel are probably more interested the vinyl....
Hi Andrew 👋 a very informative video! I'll give both albums a listen. I do have Sentimental Journey and a couple of singles in my collection. Bad Finger I think I have a single Come and Get It! I really like the sound of the music and will give it a listen. Cheers 🍻
Thank you for sharing the two new albums. It is great to know Badfinger had a 7th album. Go Ringo.
I think that when Badfinger albums appear on this channel, there should be a few words about The Iveys and Maybe Tomorrow (their only album), which also had very little chance to get to the listeners in 60's and 90's when it was rereleased, as someone said, "in three and a half copies for the whole world".
Badfinger deserved better. They were robbed, no, screwed out of the successful career they deserved. They deserve the recognition.
Great overview, thanks for this! I will grab both asap. Still have a Badfinger 45 on Apple from back when I was young - tragic story, just not fair what those kids went through after leaving the Apple fold - the manager's heartless greed.
Nice review on both Badfinger and Ringo Starr. Just a note. When Badfinger signed to Apple records, they were still known as The Iveys, they recorded Maybe Tomorrow album and the single of the same name was released. So Head First was actually their 8th studio album. The albums that followed after,
Airwaves (1979) and Say No More (1981)
in the post Pete Ham era are also great albums in there own right.
Thanks Andrew for posting.👍👍
Love everything Badfinger did and totally agree with your opinion about Ringo's album, Andrew. Thanks a lot for the video
Hey Andrew, Thank you for the excellent reviews! - Roger
My pleasure, Roger!
Had to do a special order for the Ringo, as my local shop didn't have it in stock. Now I'll have to order the Badfinger as well.
I bought the early 1990s Badfinger reissues of Magic Christian Music and No Dice as well as The Iveys Maybe Tomorrow and they are all excellent. Didn't realise the Head First album was released until I saw your video. Pleased to see that your link was much cheaper than Amazon's price and they included downloads of the album too. Thank you.
Would love to see some badfinger videos
Thank you, great video on both albums, and you are right, Badfinger is an under-rated band. I would confuse Badfinger top 40 hits with the Beatles when I was a kid. I can't help but think that Look Up is completing the circle begun with Beaucoups of Blues in 1970, much the same way Double Fantasy completed the circle begun with John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (from heavy bell intro on Mother, to light bell intro on Just Like Starting Over). Of course John had no idea that Double Fantasy would be his last. Ringo was closer to John than the other two during the solo years, and it's just so nice to see Ringo making a lovely follow up country album in his eighty fifth year.
Love the new Ringo Album! 🎉
I have both albums Andrew and agree with your points. I've listened every day for a week to the Ringo album not skipping a single track as they are all top drawer. I've played the Badfinger album couple of times and also think the PH tracks are the best. I don't enjoy it as much as No Dice, Straight Up or Badfinger though. Another great album recently released is 'Look Back In Manga' by Richard Snow & The Inlaws, if you like well crafty jangly pop this is for you. Once again great video and looking forward to your further Badfinger presentations.
Andrew great video as always. It was a sad deal with Badfinger Dear Angie is one of my favorite songs
Great episode, Andrew. BTW have you ever considered doing an episode on lostwave songs? These are songs that are uploaded to YT or wherever and no one knows who the band/singer is/are. Often these songs were taped off radio in the 1980s but the DJ intro is cropped off the tape. There is one right now that reddit is trying to track down called "CIA," it's quite a mystery.
Look Up is Ringo's finest to date. His voice fits so well with the melodies and, of course, his percussion is "in the pocket " as always. A most enjoyable recording and I have relying on it to get my day started since its release 😊
A tragedy. Head First was recorded to replace a shelved album but in the end also ended up in the archives.
I saw Ringo & several friends play the Ryman Auditorium last week in Nashville where many of these songs were played. The show was filmed for possible future PBS showing. It was time for Ringo to do something different from his All Starr Bands and I think this was just the ticket. Present were Billy Strings. Molly Tuttle, Jack White, Emmy Lou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and T-Bone was the announcer. There were also several performances where Ringo was off stage and the different artists sang Ringo's catalogue of songs as a tribute to him. The highlight for me was Mickey Guyton's version of "You don't know me at all" from the Rotogravure album.
Great reviews on these albums, handsome. So sad Badfinger went through hell! I think they should re-release their Apple albums again.
I can’t wait to hear all of the material regarding Badfinger all the albums should be covered soon that would be great
I think all of their albums should be de mixed rain mixed with clarity in mind and I’m glad it was released in a box 7, 2010 I’ll have to get the box set to get more familiarized with bad finger I love the very best of Badfinger on rhino records which has 19 songs on it and I love it. I haven’t bought the albums yet by Ringo and Badfinger the one that was unreleased I’ll have to check them out.
A bunch of Head First tracks made it to Rhino’s “Best Of Vol. II” CD in 1990 or so, FWIW
There was a Badfinger documentary about 25 years ago. I have it on DVD. Perhaps it only came out in America?
I’ve really been enjoying Look Up. I think I have to go find that Badfinger one now.
Thanks Andrew! Nice review.
Totally agree on Ringo's. I especially like Molly Tuttle's contributions. Clever choice.
And I agree with your summary on Badfinger.
I agree, that there should be a documentary on Badfinger someday because of their association with the Beatles, their music being covered by various artists including Def Leppard, their work outside of The Beatles universe and having at least one song on The Simpsons as the credits roll for the episode Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind. I also hope to hear from at least a member of def Leppard talking about how they chose to cover No Matter What in 2006 for their covers album Yeah!.
Not forgetting ‘Without You’ - covered by Nilsson and Mariah amongst many others…….
@ that's true and now that you mentioned Harry Nilsson, I wish they could include Monty Python in the documentary, but I don't think they had ever met Badfinger.
I haven't heard Ringo's new album yet. I ordered it a couple of weeks ago but it won't be arriving until the end of the month, apparently. I've got a good feeling about it because I've argued for decades that Ringo ought to do another country album. That's what suits him best as a singer and a personality.
(More controversially, I also opined that he should do a reggae album. Not heavy dub, or anything like that. Just pleasant pop reggae tunes like "Good Thing Going" or "I Want To Wake Up With You Girl". And sing them like Ringo, without putting on a fake Jamaican accent! Anyway, I've got one out of two of my wishes.)
I'll be interested to compare my impressions of this with yours, Andrew. For me, 1973's "Ringo" is a superb album and contains the best song John ever gave him as well as the sublime single, "Photograph", written by George and Ringo. That track is a simply perfect piece of pop music. "You're Sixteen" is a keeper as well and "Six O'Clock" is one of those earworm tunes that still pops into my head when I least expect it.
Apart from "Ringo" and arguably "Beaucoups Of Blues", I agree that the rest of Ringo's output is in the non-essential bracket. They all contain a track or two which is worth hearing but the rest is unexceptional filler material. Perhaps there's almost half a side of pretty good stuff on "Goodnight Vienna", especially the title track and "No-No Song".
If this new one is as good as the reviews are suggesting, I will be delighted. I think I'll take advantage of the free listen on RUclips which you've helpfully linked to.
Cheers,
Peace And Love
☮✌
I've been a huge Molly Tuttle fan for years (Billy Strings too). Having grown up with the Beatles as my musical heroes this album sounds a match made in heaven.
When you think about it the Beatles were often at their best as collaborators (think George Martin, Clapton, multiple uncredited Indian musicians, Billy Preston etc.)...
Sometime a little over a decade ago, the powers that be created a new music genre titled "Americana." Artists like Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash were grandfathered into this genre. As best as I can tell, it's really a place to categorize todays modern folk artists, one of my favorites being M. Ward. That's probably where Ringo's new album will end up.
Solid video. Waiting for the CD release of HEAD FIRST. Was disappointed by the 25-year-old version, but the songs were still excellent. Can't wait for Ringo's new album to arrive. The only ones I didn't get were his EPs. Maybe he should combine them into an album? EPs are a pain to listen to because I have to get too much exercise to get up so quickly after they're over. LOL! Keep up the great work!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
I had a pirated mix, found online, of the Head First album and, in spite of the poor audio quality, it was definitely worth a listen and worth owning.