Paul McCartney's Deluxe "Ram" now available!

I got reintroduced to an old friend this week. Paul McCartney re-released his 1971 classic "Ram" in a deluxe box set edition with lotsa bonus tracks and extras. While most Macca mavens consider "Band on the Run" to be his greatest album (arguably so-and it got the deluxe treatment a year or so ago) I have a soft spot for Paul's sophomore release. His first "McCartney" was disappointing to me upon it's release. As a 12 year old, I did not appreciate it's DIY charms, knowing only that it was "Not Abbey Road!" Nor was it even "Let It Be." It has through the years grown to be a favorite. "Ram" was more like "Abbey Road" with melodies, arrangements and orchestration that would not have been out of place on that classic. "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" was the hit single. I am not aware that Paul has ever put it in his live set list. "Ram" material rarely seems to make the cut. A few year's back Paul did perform "Too Many People" at the Palace but that's about it. Other highlights on this fine release, aside from the two tunes already mentioned are "Ram On" which would fit in nicely on the so-called "White Album." "The Back Seat of My Car" is also a favorite with an ambitious horn and string arrangement.

Here is "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" which reminds me a bit of "Yellow Submarine." A big favorite with my kids.

Strong album opener "Too Many People" which John Lennon interpreted as a dig at he and Yoko ("You took your lucky break and broke it in two"-nice line if it was!).

"The Back Seat of My Car" is the album's "Abbey Road-ish" closer!

You get a disc worth of bonus tracks such as the very fine "Oh Woman Oh Why" and the number one single "Another Day" which was on an earlier version of "Ram+bonus tracks." It does seem to have a natural place on this album. The other bonus tracks are less necessary but still a fun listen.

Highly recommended. I have put the above four tracks on the Chadwick's Listening Room playlist on Spotify but the whole thing is available on that fine pay-on-demand service (credited to "Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney). Clearly, this is gonna require the purchase of a hard copy. Available in finer record stores, and probably in a few "not so fine" ones!