Paul and Linda McCartney - "Ram" (1971)

I've mentioned this before, but when it comes to the dynamic duo, Lennon and McCartney, I have always voted for Lennon. Lennon was the revolutionary, the visionary, and the one doing the groundbreaking experimentation. McCartney was a little kinder, a little sweeter, a little cheezier and never crossed the same borders. I'm not an expert on their respective solo careers, and I think none of them ever came up in the same league as in the Beatles years, but I have the feeling that the difference largely persisted. Lennon a bit more progressive and unruly, McCartney it a little more kind and traditional.

If anything of the above is true, perhaps Ram is the exception that proves the rule. Ram is a really good album and a truly pleasant experience. This album came to me when I was around 15 years old in the form of an old classic - a cassette tape. It was my aunt's husband who recorded this album for me, a man in possession of many interesting vinyls and who has actually seen the Beatles live. If I remember correctly it was during their first tour in Sweden. When I got Ram I instantly liked the album (even though it was on cassette). I bought on vinyl later on.

This was Paul's second album after the breakup of the Beatles and the only one where both he and his wife Linda are credited as the artists. After Ram, Wings was formed and a new era began in the McCartney's careers. About half of the songs on Ram have both Linda and Paul as songwriters, the other half have Paul as the sole creator. However, it's Paul who sings on the album and Linda does some backing vocals and harmonies.

Again, it's good songs straight through, sure, some wouldn't end up on an old classic mixtape but there are no direct lows. My two favorites have always been the dreamy Ram On and Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey. But there are a lot of other goodies too, Long Haired Lady is one of the B-side's highlights. As is customary in the case of McCartney, it's relatively easily digested music, but it's digestible music with quality. Quite fun and interesting pieces. Lennon's anguish and bitterness is far away and it's a bit more playful than, say, George Harrison's Everything Must Pass. Shall I compare with some of the Beatles' albums I would say it's Abbey Road that's closest at hand, and some of the songs on Ram perhaps would deserve a place on that record.

The other Fab heard a lot of hidden messages (mean stuff) in the lyrics that were directed towards them, especially Lennon of course. One respons from John was the song How Do You Sleep? which was aimed towards Paul. Paranoia or not, but Paul admitted only that a few lines in opening song Too Many People were directed at John. John also suspected that the picture on the back cover of two beetles mating was referring to how Paul felt that the other Fab had treated him.
In addition to responses from John in the form of mean songs against Paul, there was a kind of war of words between them in the press after the release of Ram. Today's hip hop-related wars of words between rap artists apparently have a history with connections all the way up to the Beatles.

When the album was realeased it didn't receive good reviews, but history has given it right. Today, many believe that Ram is perhaps the highlight of Paul's solo career and a masterpiece. Personally, I recommend it. It's qualitative, easily digested music that is both interesting and exciting. Such music is not easy to neither create nor find in the record stores, but Ram is one of these records.

Tracklist


Side A
1. Too Many People 4:10
2. 3 Legs 2:44
3. Ram On 2:26
4. Dear Boy 2:12
5. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey 4:49
6. Smile Away 3:51

Side B
1. Heart of the Country 2:21
2. Monkberry Moon Delight 5:21
3. Eat at Home 3:18
4. Long Haired Lady 5:54
5. Ram On 0:52
6. The Back Seat of My Car 4:26