One of the easiest ways to review an album, for the benefit of those who have never heard it, is to compare it to albums that have "come before." When you are talking about Paul McCartney, how can you really say his work is derivative from the likes of Beck's Sea Change or Radiohead's OK Computer? After all, wasn't Sir Paul the originator of lushly orchestrated, melodically groundbreaking pop? For those longing for a return to the late Beatle/early solo days of Macca, the songs on this album will surely be a treat. For those wishing that Sir Paul wouldn't totally revert to old recording techniques, the soundstage that producer Nigel Godrich sets will reassure you that he (Paul) still knows a good thing (Godrich) when he hears it. My bias for Godrich notwithstanding (easily my favorite producer from the half-decade or so), The marriage of PM's simple yet effective musicianship, real string arrangements, and Godrich's careful use of effects makes for a sonic treat worth owning in hard-copy form. Download it if you wish, but for the most part, the rich production will suffer.
Song Highlights:
- Fine Line, while not the hardest rocking track on the album, is a good opener, with lyrics written from the point of view of father-figure.
- On How Kind of You, the listener first gets hints of Godrich's work, with the instrumental breaks sounding very similar to material found on Beck's Sea Change.
- Jenny Wren, quite simply, will have most adult listeners recalling with fondness the first time they ever heard Blackbird. The warm full tone of the acoustic guitar and melodic meandering might also remind a few listeners of Phil Keaggy, although many would argue that Sir Paul invented the sound.
- At the Mercy comes out of left-field with a sideways melody, but it soon settles into a more comfortable groove. This track features the first appearance of Jason Falkner (electric guitar), ex-Jellyfish guitarist and McCartney-like father figure to the LA underground pop scene. (more bias showing through - my Desert Island albums list contains Falkner's debut album)
- Friends to Go doesn't particularly blaze any new ground, but it's a solid Beatle-y offering from The Beatle.
- English Tea is a toy of a song, although a well crafted one. Think For No One meets CSNY's Our House.
- Too Much Rain is another feel good lyric, but it may be one of the album's weaker songs.
- When The Beatles first showed up in the early 60's their recordings at times had a latin feel (remember their take on Besame Mucho? how about And I Love Her?) A Certain Softness revisits McCartney's love for a latin theme, and the track is one of the more beautiful on the album.
- Riding to Vanity Fair sounds as though it could have been recorded during the sessions for Beck's Sea Change. It's eerily similar to Lonesome Tears or Round the Bend from said album.
- Follow Me sounds like Paul's attempt at singing to his spiritual guide, but it's probably just a love song. And is really the only track recorded live by Paul's touring band.
- On Promise to You Girl, the listener is treated to one of Macca's "mini-suites". A very raw recording with the exception of the smooth multi-layered harmonies. A very Beatle-sounding track.
- This Never Happened Before provides us with fine example of what we've some to expect from Paul McCartney - a killer song. It's such a good piece of writing, it simply doesn't need much in the way of production, although the lush string arrangement doesn't hurt the track at all.
- Anyway is a bit of a downer, but the secret track at the end picks it back up again, and sounds like it might be more of the live band. It sounds very much like the mics got set up, the tape started rolling, and the boys just started having fun. A great way to end an album.
