Paul and Linda McCartney "Ram" cassette tape

Paul’s follow-up to his solo debut, credited to “Paul and Linds McCartney” pissed off a lot of people back in 1971. Critics hated it. John Lennon hated it. People who loved John Lennon hated it. It was considered a twee, domestic bliss album, lacking in grit and — compared to Paul’s debut — lacking in charm. Well, forty years later, after Sufjan Stevens and Iron & Wine and Indie Rock got real quiet and hushed and pretty, everyone did an about face. Now, people talk about “Ram” like it was a masterpiece from the start. Maybe it was. It certainly is domestic and lovely and melodic. It is probably way better than critics thought in 1971 and maybe not as ideal as the revisionists thing. But it’s an important record that grows better with age. Tape in very good vintage condition.