Ringo as a country star: These are the music highlights of the week

He unabashedly does whatever he feels like doing, and in this case that is: another country album. On “Look Up”, Ringo Starr’s new long player, the ex-Beatle plays with Larkin Poe and Alison Krauss, among others. There is also something new and worth listening to from “Alpenbarbie” Melissa Naschenweng and the indie rock stars Franz Ferdinand.

Ringo Starr – Look Up

He hadn’t had to do anything for a long time. And no matter what he does, he will probably never achieve the same artistic recognition as Lennon, McCartney or even Harrison. But that also means: Ringo Starr can do whatever he wants and whatever he enjoys. The 84-year-old ex-Beatle has achieved many surprising coups in the past, and his first new album since 2019 also falls into this category.

“Look Up,” a country record. Fans of Ringo Starr will remember that the Brit once made a foray into this all-American genre that he has always loved. It was in 1970 when he recorded his second studio album “Beaucoups Of Blues” in Nashville. Now, over 50 years later, he is also presenting a new country work – with a lot of verve, with great joy in playing and with the carefree coolness that is typical of him.

“Look Up” contains a total of eleven songs, most of which were written and produced in collaboration with the legendary T Bone Burnett. In addition, Ringo Starr was supported in the studio by a few very well-known country and roots rock professionals – alongside Molly Tuttle and the sister band Larkin Poe, the 27-time Grammy winner Alison Krauss was also there. “It was a great pleasure to record this album,” explains Ringo Starr, “and I hope that it is a pleasure to listen to it.” Yes, it is!

Melissa Naschenweng – Alpine Barbie

Some first think of the pink tractor or the harmonica, others of the beautiful mountains that Melissa Naschenweng loves to sing about. But, either way, the singer from Villach has definitely made a name for herself in recent years. Winner of an Amadeus Award six times and most recently at the top of the Austrian charts with three albums in a row, the 34-year-old has long been a big star in her homeland. As a traditional-modern “Alpine Barbie”, you will now take the next step in this country.

19th place was their best result to date in the German charts (“Glück”, 2022), and there is certainly even more to come with the now seventh long player. As usual, Melissa Naschenweng relies on a wild musical mix of hits, folk music, pop and rock’n’roll, and she also likes the content to be wild. She sings of long party nights, hot flirts and “Michl with the Sichl” (“The world of women rejoices when he unpacks his tools”). In between, Melissa Naschenweng shows her serious, thoughtful side a few times – something we didn’t know about her before. In “Himmelvota,” for example, she, no longer the predictable “Alpine Barbie,” makes her faith and the close bond with her grandparents, who have since passed away, the theme.

Franz Ferdinand – Human Fear

Franz Ferdinand – does anything else ring a bell? If so, then only for people over 40. In the mid-2000s, the Glaswegians were once a really big number, whose songs were played at many parties outside of the indie rock scene. Light-hearted rock riffs and catchy pop melodies were the trend back then and filled large halls. Then at some point things go a little downhill – at least commercially. After a few very quiet years, Franz Ferdinand is now back with “The Human Fear”.

Has anything changed since “Always Ascending” (2018), Franz Ferdinand’s last album to date? The jagged beats that are so fun to dance to are still characteristic of the Scottish band’s sound. The special Franz Ferdinand punch is now provided by Audrey Tait, who has been sitting behind the drums instead of Nicholas McCarthy since 2021.

Otherwise unchanged in terms of personnel, the musicians around frontman Alex Kapranos have obviously thought a lot about philosophical topics in the long time since their last album, and especially about fear. The eleven new songs repeatedly deal with how it shapes – and enriches – our existence. Kapranos explains: “Fear reminds you that you are alive.” I think we are all, in some ways, addicted to the high it can give us.” Fear that no one actually wants to have is also present in Franz Ferdinand something good. For Kapranos, working on “The Human Fear” was “one of the most life-affirming experiences” he has ever had. (tch)