LIVERPOOL S status as 2008 European Capital of Culture has been marked with a new album from one of its most famous musical names. Ringo Starr may not have been the most talented of the fab four, but the ex-Beatle has certainly enjoyed a prolific solo car

LIVERPOOL'S status as 2008 European Capital of Culture has been marked with a new album from one of its most famous musical names.

Ringo Starr may not have been the most talented of the fab four, but the ex-Beatle has certainly enjoyed a prolific solo career, releasing 14 studio albums.

Liverpool 8, which has been co-written by ex-Eurythmic Dave Stewart, has plenty of nods to the past, notably title track Liverpool 8, which sees Starr taking listeners on a journey through his childhood.

R U Ready, with its bar-room piano and sing-a-long chorus, sounds like it could be Yellow Submarine's younger brother, while Gone Are the Days is a more laid back affair.

Although Liverpool 8 is unlikely to be remembered as a classic, Starr has produced a typically charming pop album.

MATTHEW GOODING