The recording sessions for Ram began at the former Columbia Studios of A&R in New York, on January 1971 (going until March 15). Some cool info about it:
* For three songs (Uncle Albert /Admiral Halsey, Long Haired Lady and Back Seat Of My Car), Paul conducted the New York Philarmonic Orchestra.
* Linda's daughter Heather helped to sing backing vocals on "Monkberry Moon Delight"
* Session musicians were David Spinoza and Hugh MacCracken (guitarists), and drummer Denny Seiwell, who would in the future become Wings' first drummer.
* John Lennon interpreted the songs "Too Many People" and "Dear Boy" as personal attacks to him. He would respond later with the tracks "How Do You Sleep?" and "Crippled Inside", from his 1971 album Imagine. He even mocked Paul's cover picture for Ram (Paul holding a ram) by posing for the back picture of Imagine holding a hog.
* John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr interpreted the song "3 Legs" as a personal attack to them.
* The sessions for Ram also produced the songs "Seaside Woman" (first version), "Dear Friend" (later appearing on Wild Life), "Get On The Right Thing" (later appearing on Red Rose Speedway), and several unreleased tracks such as "A Love For You", "Thank You Darling" and "Rode All Night".
* At the end of "Ram (reprise)", Paul sings a snippet of "Big Barn Bed", which would only appear in the Red Rose Speedway album.
* A short, limited edition of Ram, entitled "Bring It To Ewe" was released for the radio stations and press members. It consisted of 15 sketches of Paul and Linda, some sounds of Mary and Heather playing in the background, sheep bleats and occasional singing by Paul (he sang "Now Hear This Song Of Mine"). Only 1,000 copies were distributed, making this a valuable item among collectors.
* Ram was released in America on Monday, May 17, 1971, and in UK on May 21. It was the best selling album of the month.
* The back cover of Ram showed Paul, Linda and the kids, and a picture of two beetles copulating.
* In the front cover, Paul is shown holding a ram by the horns, and in one corner there are the letters LILY (meaning Linda I Love You). The inside art work featured several pics of Paul and Linda, and some horses. |
