PAUL MCCARTNEY
Memory Almost Full
MPL Communications 2007
www.paulmccartney.com

Live Paul McCartney pics

Genre
Pop-rock / pop / classic

The Good
Despite its mixture of folk guitar (possibly ukulele) and washboard percussion, “Dance Tonight” is quite the catchy tune. You’ve probably heard it in an iTunes commercial. The lyrics are simple and to-the-point. “Ever Present Past” has more of a rock vibe to it, with its electric guitars and driving rhythms. “Only Mama Knows” begins with a long string section that is slowly replaced with a killer guitar lick. The track continues at a fevered paced with subtle chugga-chugga riffs and forceful vocals. Who knew Paul still had it in him?

McCartney kicks into his signature falsetto on “You Tell Me.” The track echoes material that might have appeared on the Sgt. Pepper’s album. “Vintage Clothes” is a little dated in its sound, but it seems somewhat appropriate for the lyrical content. “That Was Me” has a great percussive bounce to it. “House of Wax” is a powerful track full of musical emotion. It’s almost epic in its delivery.

The Bad
There are a couple of tracks I would classify for “fans only.”

The Verdict
I was never really a fan, or enemy for that matter, of The Beatles music or their respective solo work. McCartney’s last album, 2005’s Chaos and Creation in the Backyard left me decision-less, due to the lack of what I would deem “new fan” appealing material. However, after listening to Memory Almost Full, I can come to a distinct conclusion. From beginning to end, McCartney creates on hell of a catchy and enjoyable pop-rock album. It’s no wonder this guy’s a legend.

Did You Know?
McCartney charted nine number one singles and seven number one albums in the U.S. during his first 12 years as a solo artist.

Rating: out of 5

Related Reviews:
Paul McCartney - Choas and Creation in the Backyard

--George Dionne