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Dave Depper- The Ram Project

We've all had those nights where we may have partaken in some mind-bending substance or other and reach an epiphany that makes us feel like we've worked everything out. We might come up with the cure for baldness and the common cold after finishing a bottle of rum. We may realise that we were put on this earth to conserve the last few Black Rhinoceros from extinction after a whole bag of Starmix. Or we might decide to single-handedly reconstruct Paul and Linda McCartney's "Ram" album in its entirety in thirty days. I'm not sure whether any stimulant inspired Portland's Dave Depper to do the latter, but it certainly isn't the thought process of a strait-laced chap.

The multi-instrumentalist locked himself away to undergo this project with little but a blog for company as he set out to prove that he could embark on a personal project and actually see it through. He did this and then some. When you are performing twelve tracks written by an ex-Beatle, you are onto quite a winner in terms of reviews. His presentation of the McCartney work is as lively, fresh and quirky as the original and makes the record sound as great as it ever did. But "The Ram Project" is more of an insight into the personal quest of a gifted musician, and his attention to detail in his piece-by-piece revival of the record is incredible- even the sleeve is spot on. The blood, sweat and undoubtedly tears that glisten on each lovingly reproduced note enhance this album tenfold, making the warmth and fun inspire a satisfied grin on your face.

From the busy bass lines and the bluesy guitar of '3 Legs' and 'Eat At Home' to the unmistakeably Fab Four infused 'Too Many People', this reconstruction has been well worthwhile. The sound qualities produced for tracks like 'Ram On' are a testament to the time and energy put into this project, and the spoken element of 'Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey' would bring cheer to even the gloomiest of sad sacks. 'The Ram Project' is a moment of insanity which has benefited us all. Only a true talent could pull off a challenge like this from the four walls of his bedroom, so well done that man.