So many people who don't listen to the Beatles consider Ringo Starr the "weakest" of the Beatles, as if the other three supported him and he was just that funny looking guy behind the drums in the back. But that's not the case at all, in-fact the Liverpool native even penned Abbey Road's "Octopus's Garden", while "Little Help From My Friends" and "Yellow Submarine" were written specifically with Ringo in mind. But if one listens closely enough, especially to songs such as "Strawberry Fields Forever", the drumming Ringo displays speaks for itself.

Beyond being the drummer for the Beatles, Ringo has kept busy creating all-star groups including Ringo and His All-Starr Band. Touring extensively Ringo is something of a missionary for the 60's ideals of peace and love. He doesn't make it cheesy or facile, he just seems to exude an innocence, a simplicity that isn't disillusioned, a good humor that never falters, and a brightness in his music. On Liverpool 8 this is clearly established and his craftsmanship as a musician is cemented.

It's not that he's given the benefit of the doubt being one of the last Beatles alive, his music is actually very enjoyable. This time on Liverpool 8 Ringo shows some nostalgia and longing, displayed on songs such as "Liverpool 8", "Gone Are The Days", and "Harry's Song", but he also provides some interesting moments that remind one of Bob Dylan's latest effort "Modern Times". On the song "Give It A Try", the band plays  soft classic rock'n'roll reminiscent of the 50's while Ringo sings, "Submarine" style, about persisting in staying positive. What's most important about these songs is Ringo's heart, which beats behind each track in his now iconic drumming style.

After all the praise I've given this record, it falls short; being too similar to the Beatles. Ringo clearly wants to imitate some of the more familiar sounds of the Beatles; McCartney's screams, the three part harmonies, the psychadelic post-production effects. There has been such intensive developments in music that these attributes can sound dated. In time I can see this album being just another mark in Ringo's already prolific and memorable career; nothing mind bending.