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Every few years I read a review of a new McCartney album and get curious. The premise of the reviews is always that, forget his recent track record, Paul has really knocked it out of the park this time. Sort of like how every new Bowie album used to be declared “his best since Scary Monsters.” Then I actually go and listen to the record, find nothing memorable about it, and forget about Paul for another few years.
The thing is, I root for Paul, I really do. I’m grateful for all the beauty he’s brought into the world. And if I sustained some mild childhood trauma at the hands of mush like “Silly Love Songs” and “Listen to What the Man Said,” well, a) I really don’t have much to complain about, do I?, and b) it was such a long time ago and anyway he meant well.
Obviously I’ve always been a John Person but that doesn’t necessarily mean being anti-Paul. I used to think so but the truth is, there is room in every heart for both. John himself was a pretty big McCartney fan, on and off. But mostly on; deep down they were brothers who may have fought but never stopped loving each other.
All of which is by way of saying that, after seeing Paul interviewed recently — he was charming, funny, self-effacing, and sharp as a tack at 84 — I added his new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, to my heavy-rotation playlist. And… I like it? I always listen on shuffle, because of the SASS (short attention span syndrome), but every time one of the songs have come up it’s sounded good. As I write this I am listening straight through, and so far so good.
A funny thing about Paul is that, talented and famous as he is, there’s a generic quality to his voice. Not in a bad way — but sometimes I hear it and can’t quite place it. If ever there’s a Beatles song where I’m not quite sure who’s singing, it invariably turns out to be Paul. There’s no mistaking John, George, or Ringo, but Paul is a bit chameleonic. So a few times I’ve started enjoying one of his tunes without knowing it’s him, and that has to be a good sign, doesn’t it?
All I am saying, is — give Paul a chance.
You are absolutely correct!!!
Not specifically Paul-related, but Paul-related. I, as have we all (it can’t just be me), have been asked many times through the years: If you could live at any time in the past, when would it be? I used to just cop Gore Vidal’s answer, “No time before novocaine,” but recently I came up with my own answer. Mid-60s London. It has the benefits of being post-novocaine, and I could have gotten in on the bleeding edge of the Beatles, Stones, Kinks… Not that I would ever have met Keith at the dentist’s office.
Paul has a new album? What’s wrong with that? I’d like to know. Cause here I go…againnnnnn.
Thanks for sharing the songs. Wouldn’t have given it a try without a nudge. Not bad. Most of all just glad he’s having fun.
great post, I’ll give it a try and also what is up with this slick site you have here — it feels like science fiction. ratings and chats and likes and what the hell is happening? but also, I’ll give it (the lp) a go!