Memory Almost Full has aged very well
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Bottom drawer McCartney my butt! MAF is an extraordinary album, my 4th favorite album after Ram, Band On The Run, and Wings Over America. IMO there is no such thing as a bottom drawer McCartney.
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Oh, there IS such a thing as bottom-drawer McCartney, but MAF ain't it -- not even close!
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Bruce M.:
Oh, there IS such a thing as bottom-drawer McCartney, but MAF ain't it -- not even close!
I agree, "Wild Life" and "McCartney II" are in my bottom drawer - lol
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You know, the bottom drawer is the easiest one to reach when you're sitting on the floor, listening to records.
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I still can't believe Why So Blue is just a bonus track.
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Kestrel:
I still find it quite ironic that Paul's best sounding album is still Band On The Run, recorded 43 years ago in a tin shack on borrowed equipment in Africa. I'm not sure if I should be or ?
Well, it has its unique sound like everything Paul ever did, but it's far from perfection. If you listen carefully it features some distortion on guitars (Band on the Run, No Words) probably due to the oxidation encountered by the tapes and some technical imperfections but I love this craftsmanship!
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Samneillium:
I still can't believe Why So Blue is just a bonus track.
Me either!! Also loved 222. Think these should have been on an album. Why So Blue
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I finally got home to Florida after an extended stay up North (NJ, MA and Maine). I have Wifi here so I'm looking forward to conveniently enjoying the comments on my favorite Macca Site and making some of my own. When I was at my NJ condo, I found my long lost original Deluxe MAF package I had bought way back when. I had not heard MAF in full for probably 9 years or so. It was great to compare my feelings about MAF "now" compared to how I felt when the album initially was released. I had a long drive to Florida so I had plenty of time on my hands. One thing that didn't change was the overall sound and production. While I put MAF on my own "Macca Great 8" album list, the "sound" is no doubt the worse compared to the other 7 great Paul Post Beatle Pop-Rock albums in my opinion. To be clear, I'm not including Live and mostly Cover albums here. My great 8 are BOTR, V&M, Ram, Tug of War, FITD, Flaming Pie, Chaos and MAF. Despite MAF's production and sound flaws, the songs on this album stand up easily to the other 7. One thing about all 8 albums is that they are generally very consistent and have many songs that are Beatle worthy. I will list my track by track opinions on my next post.
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My Track by Track review on Memory Almost Full (MAF)- 10 is the highest- Dance Tonight (8.5) - simple lyrics but with the classic Macca melody and bounce; good album opener Ever Present Past (10) - one of Paul's great solo songs; clever lyrics and even better melody See Your Sunshine (9) - one of Paul most underrated album cuts; love his soulful "Hall and Oates" type of vocals; also love the song's middle (she picks up daises in the field...) and his bass playing Only Mama Knows (9.5) - one of Paul's best solo Rock songs with great vocals and good lyrics; like the violin intro and ending You Tell Me (8.5) - another highly underrated Macca album track despite the horrible "horn" sounds in the song production. Mr. Bellamy (10) one of Paul's best Solo songs period; clever lyrics with Macca's classic, bouncy melodies. Love the electric piano Gratitude (6) My grade is mainly based on Paul's effort...he really goes all out on his bluesy, gospel type vocals. I see the song's potential but in my opinion, his vocal performance (solo part) just doesn't measure up to Paul's normal standards. His solo vocal seems strained and forced. Like the background singing however. Maybe's Paul's peak vocal abilities in the 70's might have given the song its due justice. The low point on an otherwise great track list...strictly my opinion. Vintage Clothes (9.5) - the beginning of the "loose" 3 song medley; love this catchy song from the lyrics to the vocals...Paul letting it rip That Was Me (10) - Paul gets right into his great rockabilly vocals with very clever lyrics and his Van Morrison type "scat" vocal phrasing. Great bass Feet in the Clouds (9) Another terrific bouncy song to end the loose medley section; love the Beach Boy's like harmonies at the end House of Wax (9.5) - Classic Macca piano tune with the great electric guitar riffs; clever lyrics with strong vocals The End of the End (10) - One of Pauls greatest piano ballad songs...unlike other reviewers, I love Paul's simple melodic whistling in the middle. Makes the song even more sad and poignant. Great lyrics Nod Your Head ( - the lyrics are a bit goofy but this short rocker is just the right follow-up to the sadness and seriousness of the previous track. Bonus tracks In Private ( - an underrated instrumental in my opinion; like the melody and guitar work in the middle and the end Why So Blue (9.5) - Why wasn't this track on the main album; love both the lyrics and melody...quite Beatleesque like in the Rubber Soul era. Should have replaced Gratitude in my opinion 222 ( Jazzy feel to this mostly instrumental track.
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B J Conlee:
My Track by Track review on Memory Almost Full (MAF)- 10 is the highest- Dance Tonight (8.5) - simple lyrics but with the classic Macca melody and bounce; good album opener Ever Present Past (10) - one of Paul's great solo songs; clever lyrics and even better melody See Your Sunshine (9) - one of Paul most underrated album cuts; love his soulful "Hall and Oates" type of vocals; also love the song's middle (she picks up daises in the field...) and his bass playing Only Mama Knows (9.5) - one of Paul's best solo Rock songs with great vocals and good lyrics; like the violin intro and ending You Tell Me (8.5) - another highly underrated Macca album track despite the horrible "horn" sounds in the song production. Mr. Bellamy (10) one of Paul's best Solo songs period; clever lyrics with Macca's classic, bouncy melodies. Love the electric piano Gratitude (6) My grade is mainly based on Paul's effort...he really goes all out on his bluesy, gospel type vocals. I see the song's potential but in my opinion, his vocal performance (solo part) just doesn't measure up to Paul's normal standards. His solo vocal seems strained and forced. Like the background singing however. Maybe's Paul's peak vocal abilities in the 70's might have given the song its due justice. The low point on an otherwise great track list...strictly my opinion. Vintage Clothes (9.5) - the beginning of the "loose" 3 song medley; love this catchy song from the lyrics to the vocals...Paul letting it rip That Was Me (10) - Paul gets right into his great rockabilly vocals with very clever lyrics and his Van Morrison type "scat" vocal phrasing. Great bass Feet in the Clouds (9) Another terrific bouncy song to end the loose medley section; love the Beach Boy's like harmonies at the end House of Wax (9.5) - Classic Macca piano tune with the great electric guitar riffs; clever lyrics with strong vocals The End of the End (10) - One of Pauls greatest piano ballad songs...unlike other reviewers, I love Paul's simple melodic whistling in the middle. Makes the song even more sad and poignant. Great lyrics Nod Your Head ( - the lyrics are a bit goofy but this short rocker is just the right follow-up to the sadness and seriousness of the previous track. Bonus tracks In Private ( - an underrated instrumental in my opinion; like the melody and guitar work in the middle and the end Why So Blue (9.5) - Why wasn't this track on the main album; love both the lyrics and melody...quite Beatleesque like in the Rubber Soul era. Should have replaced Gratitude in my opinion 222 ( Jazzy feel to this mostly instrumental track.
Excellent review BJ and I agree totally. "Gratitude" is the one song that I always skip, wish he would have replaced it with one of the bonus tracks. As I have said quite often, really wish this album would have been showcased more live. "That Was Me" and "House Of Wax" were played only a few times. "Dance Tonight" is the only song that lasted more than a tour I believe.
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yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
My Track by Track review on Memory Almost Full (MAF)- 10 is the highest- Dance Tonight (8.5) - simple lyrics but with the classic Macca melody and bounce; good album opener Ever Present Past (10) - one of Paul's great solo songs; clever lyrics and even better melody See Your Sunshine (9) - one of Paul most underrated album cuts; love his soulful "Hall and Oates" type of vocals; also love the song's middle (she picks up daises in the field...) and his bass playing Only Mama Knows (9.5) - one of Paul's best solo Rock songs with great vocals and good lyrics; like the violin intro and ending You Tell Me (8.5) - another highly underrated Macca album track despite the horrible "horn" sounds in the song production. Mr. Bellamy (10) one of Paul's best Solo songs period; clever lyrics with Macca's classic, bouncy melodies. Love the electric piano Gratitude (6) My grade is mainly based on Paul's effort...he really goes all out on his bluesy, gospel type vocals. I see the song's potential but in my opinion, his vocal performance (solo part) just doesn't measure up to Paul's normal standards. His solo vocal seems strained and forced. Like the background singing however. Maybe's Paul's peak vocal abilities in the 70's might have given the song its due justice. The low point on an otherwise great track list...strictly my opinion. Vintage Clothes (9.5) - the beginning of the "loose" 3 song medley; love this catchy song from the lyrics to the vocals...Paul letting it rip That Was Me (10) - Paul gets right into his great rockabilly vocals with very clever lyrics and his Van Morrison type "scat" vocal phrasing. Great bass Feet in the Clouds (9) Another terrific bouncy song to end the loose medley section; love the Beach Boy's like harmonies at the end House of Wax (9.5) - Classic Macca piano tune with the great electric guitar riffs; clever lyrics with strong vocals The End of the End (10) - One of Pauls greatest piano ballad songs...unlike other reviewers, I love Paul's simple melodic whistling in the middle. Makes the song even more sad and poignant. Great lyrics Nod Your Head ( - the lyrics are a bit goofy but this short rocker is just the right follow-up to the sadness and seriousness of the previous track. Bonus tracks In Private ( - an underrated instrumental in my opinion; like the melody and guitar work in the middle and the end Why So Blue (9.5) - Why wasn't this track on the main album; love both the lyrics and melody...quite Beatleesque like in the Rubber Soul era. Should have replaced Gratitude in my opinion 222 ( Jazzy feel to this mostly instrumental track.
Excellent review BJ and I agree totally. "Gratitude" is the one song that I always skip, wish he would have replaced it with one of the bonus tracks. As I have said quite often, really wish this album would have been showcased more live. "That Was Me" and "House Of Wax" were played only a few times. "Dance Tonight" is the only song that lasted more than a tour I believe.
For the most part, I agree with this review. I think all of the bonus tracks should have been on the album. House of Wax is an amazing 10 for me. I think he could have reworked Gratitude to bring it up to par, however I understand why Paul wanted it on the album as well as Nod Your Head. These would have been the two songs I chopped, in order to get the bonus songs on the album! This album is fantastic!!! It was a crime these songs were not more included on the tour...and, as I always say...why are these albums CDs not available for sale on the tour!? This in my opinion is a huge lost sales opportunity... and you have allll these Paul fans in one place, lined up to buy Paul merchandise and may not even be aware of the album.... Why is it not for sale at the merchandise counter!!!
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JoeySmith:
Listened to it again recently & from top to bottom, it holds up very well. Has the classic McCartney melodies & energy without sounding worn. I would now put it in my top tier of McCartney albums.
Cool. Another one I've really been enjoying more recently is Driving Rain. Except for two or three with terrible lyrics, really a great album.
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love2travel:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
My Track by Track review on Memory Almost Full (MAF)- 10 is the highest- Dance Tonight (8.5) - simple lyrics but with the classic Macca melody and bounce; good album opener Ever Present Past (10) - one of Paul's great solo songs; clever lyrics and even better melody See Your Sunshine (9) - one of Paul most underrated album cuts; love his soulful "Hall and Oates" type of vocals; also love the song's middle (she picks up daises in the field...) and his bass playing Only Mama Knows (9.5) - one of Paul's best solo Rock songs with great vocals and good lyrics; like the violin intro and ending You Tell Me (8.5) - another highly underrated Macca album track despite the horrible "horn" sounds in the song production. Mr. Bellamy (10) one of Paul's best Solo songs period; clever lyrics with Macca's classic, bouncy melodies. Love the electric piano Gratitude (6) My grade is mainly based on Paul's effort...he really goes all out on his bluesy, gospel type vocals. I see the song's potential but in my opinion, his vocal performance (solo part) just doesn't measure up to Paul's normal standards. His solo vocal seems strained and forced. Like the background singing however. Maybe's Paul's peak vocal abilities in the 70's might have given the song its due justice. The low point on an otherwise great track list...strictly my opinion. Vintage Clothes (9.5) - the beginning of the "loose" 3 song medley; love this catchy song from the lyrics to the vocals...Paul letting it rip That Was Me (10) - Paul gets right into his great rockabilly vocals with very clever lyrics and his Van Morrison type "scat" vocal phrasing. Great bass Feet in the Clouds (9) Another terrific bouncy song to end the loose medley section; love the Beach Boy's like harmonies at the end House of Wax (9.5) - Classic Macca piano tune with the great electric guitar riffs; clever lyrics with strong vocals The End of the End (10) - One of Pauls greatest piano ballad songs...unlike other reviewers, I love Paul's simple melodic whistling in the middle. Makes the song even more sad and poignant. Great lyrics Nod Your Head ( - the lyrics are a bit goofy but this short rocker is just the right follow-up to the sadness and seriousness of the previous track. Bonus tracks In Private ( - an underrated instrumental in my opinion; like the melody and guitar work in the middle and the end Why So Blue (9.5) - Why wasn't this track on the main album; love both the lyrics and melody...quite Beatleesque like in the Rubber Soul era. Should have replaced Gratitude in my opinion 222 ( Jazzy feel to this mostly instrumental track.
Excellent review BJ and I agree totally. "Gratitude" is the one song that I always skip, wish he would have replaced it with one of the bonus tracks. As I have said quite often, really wish this album would have been showcased more live. "That Was Me" and "House Of Wax" were played only a few times. "Dance Tonight" is the only song that lasted more than a tour I believe.
For the most part, I agree with this review. I think all of the bonus tracks should have been on the album. House of Wax is an amazing 10 for me. I think he could have reworked Gratitude to bring it up to par, however I understand why Paul wanted it on the album as well as Nod Your Head. These would have been the two songs I chopped, in order to get the bonus songs on the album! This album is fantastic!!! It was a crime these songs were not more included on the tour...and, as I always say...why are these albums CDs not available for sale on the tour!? This in my opinion is a huge lost sales opportunity... and you have allll these Paul fans in one place, lined up to buy Paul merchandise and may not even be aware of the album.... Why is it not for sale at the merchandise counter!!!
"why are these albums CDs not available for sale on the tour!? This in my opinion is a huge lost sales opportunity... and you have allll these Paul fans in one place, lined up to buy Paul merchandise and may not even be aware of the album.... Why is it not for sale at the merchandise counter!!!" Totally agree and it makes you wonder about Mr. McCartney's management/marketing team.
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yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
My Track by Track review on Memory Almost Full (MAF)- 10 is the highest- Dance Tonight (8.5) - simple lyrics but with the classic Macca melody and bounce; good album opener Ever Present Past (10) - one of Paul's great solo songs; clever lyrics and even better melody See Your Sunshine (9) - one of Paul most underrated album cuts; love his soulful "Hall and Oates" type of vocals; also love the song's middle (she picks up daises in the field...) and his bass playing Only Mama Knows (9.5) - one of Paul's best solo Rock songs with great vocals and good lyrics; like the violin intro and ending You Tell Me (8.5) - another highly underrated Macca album track despite the horrible "horn" sounds in the song production. Mr. Bellamy (10) one of Paul's best Solo songs period; clever lyrics with Macca's classic, bouncy melodies. Love the electric piano Gratitude (6) My grade is mainly based on Paul's effort...he really goes all out on his bluesy, gospel type vocals. I see the song's potential but in my opinion, his vocal performance (solo part) just doesn't measure up to Paul's normal standards. His solo vocal seems strained and forced. Like the background singing however. Maybe's Paul's peak vocal abilities in the 70's might have given the song its due justice. The low point on an otherwise great track list...strictly my opinion. Vintage Clothes (9.5) - the beginning of the "loose" 3 song medley; love this catchy song from the lyrics to the vocals...Paul letting it rip That Was Me (10) - Paul gets right into his great rockabilly vocals with very clever lyrics and his Van Morrison type "scat" vocal phrasing. Great bass Feet in the Clouds (9) Another terrific bouncy song to end the loose medley section; love the Beach Boy's like harmonies at the end House of Wax (9.5) - Classic Macca piano tune with the great electric guitar riffs; clever lyrics with strong vocals The End of the End (10) - One of Pauls greatest piano ballad songs...unlike other reviewers, I love Paul's simple melodic whistling in the middle. Makes the song even more sad and poignant. Great lyrics Nod Your Head ( - the lyrics are a bit goofy but this short rocker is just the right follow-up to the sadness and seriousness of the previous track. Bonus tracks In Private ( - an underrated instrumental in my opinion; like the melody and guitar work in the middle and the end Why So Blue (9.5) - Why wasn't this track on the main album; love both the lyrics and melody...quite Beatleesque like in the Rubber Soul era. Should have replaced Gratitude in my opinion 222 ( Jazzy feel to this mostly instrumental track.
Excellent review BJ and I agree totally. "Gratitude" is the one song that I always skip, wish he would have replaced it with one of the bonus tracks. As I have said quite often, really wish this album would have been showcased more live. "That Was Me" and "House Of Wax" were played only a few times. "Dance Tonight" is the only song that lasted more than a tour I believe.
_______________________________________________________ Thanks Yankeefan. I totally agree that Paul should have showcased MAF a lot more that tour and others. There are so many great tunes on the album and his live versions could have been as good or maybe even better. Besides Dance Tonight, he did play "Mama Only Knows" for a complete tour I think. And I think his live versions on both songs were very good. I always thought that Paul and the Band could have done a fantastic job coupling Vintage Clothes and That Was Me together similar to what he did on the album. Both songs are fantastic and would have sounded great live. It also would have given a lot of exposure to a real high point on the album. As we (and others here) have often expressed, why Paul didn't give his Solo songs more exposure has always baffled me. Like you, I also wandered why he only played "House of Wax" at a couple of shows. Even if he wasn't quite satisfied with the performance, I'm sure they would have perfected it with multiple plays. It is yet another great song from the album. I also look at songs like Mr. Bellamy and Ever Present Past...songs just dying to be played live. For some reason, Paul felt so inclined to play the "recognized hits" (Beatle and his 70's hits) that he, in my opinion, just didn't give great songs (like the ones mentioned here) a fair chance when he went on the road. Maybe it required more work and Paul just enjoyed hearing the instant applause when he just hit the first few notes of his "famous" songs. It was just too easy to go the "hits" route but it really did a disservice to his great Solo songs in my opinion.
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yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
My Track by Track review on Memory Almost Full (MAF)- 10 is the highest- Dance Tonight (8.5) - simple lyrics but with the classic Macca melody and bounce; good album opener Ever Present Past (10) - one of Paul's great solo songs; clever lyrics and even better melody See Your Sunshine (9) - one of Paul most underrated album cuts; love his soulful "Hall and Oates" type of vocals; also love the song's middle (she picks up daises in the field...) and his bass playing Only Mama Knows (9.5) - one of Paul's best solo Rock songs with great vocals and good lyrics; like the violin intro and ending You Tell Me (8.5) - another highly underrated Macca album track despite the horrible "horn" sounds in the song production. Mr. Bellamy (10) one of Paul's best Solo songs period; clever lyrics with Macca's classic, bouncy melodies. Love the electric piano Gratitude (6) My grade is mainly based on Paul's effort...he really goes all out on his bluesy, gospel type vocals. I see the song's potential but in my opinion, his vocal performance (solo part) just doesn't measure up to Paul's normal standards. His solo vocal seems strained and forced. Like the background singing however. Maybe's Paul's peak vocal abilities in the 70's might have given the song its due justice. The low point on an otherwise great track list...strictly my opinion. Vintage Clothes (9.5) - the beginning of the "loose" 3 song medley; love this catchy song from the lyrics to the vocals...Paul letting it rip That Was Me (10) - Paul gets right into his great rockabilly vocals with very clever lyrics and his Van Morrison type "scat" vocal phrasing. Great bass Feet in the Clouds (9) Another terrific bouncy song to end the loose medley section; love the Beach Boy's like harmonies at the end House of Wax (9.5) - Classic Macca piano tune with the great electric guitar riffs; clever lyrics with strong vocals The End of the End (10) - One of Pauls greatest piano ballad songs...unlike other reviewers, I love Paul's simple melodic whistling in the middle. Makes the song even more sad and poignant. Great lyrics Nod Your Head ( - the lyrics are a bit goofy but this short rocker is just the right follow-up to the sadness and seriousness of the previous track. Bonus tracks In Private ( - an underrated instrumental in my opinion; like the melody and guitar work in the middle and the end Why So Blue (9.5) - Why wasn't this track on the main album; love both the lyrics and melody...quite Beatleesque like in the Rubber Soul era. Should have replaced Gratitude in my opinion 222 ( Jazzy feel to this mostly instrumental track.
Excellent review BJ and I agree totally. "Gratitude" is the one song that I always skip, wish he would have replaced it with one of the bonus tracks. As I have said quite often, really wish this album would have been showcased more live. "That Was Me" and "House Of Wax" were played only a few times. "Dance Tonight" is the only song that lasted more than a tour I believe.
I think Only Mama Knows was a featured song for some level of longevity, although I can't recall how long of a stretch (it was part of the set list in 2009 when I saw him at Boston's Fenway Park, and I think it was also included in some 2008 shows)
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Dance Tonight and Only Mama Knows were the two songs from the album that lasted the longest in the set, though I think Only Mama Knows had fallen away by the time the On the Run tour began. I think he still rolls them out occasionally for soundchecks. I agree, it's a shame more of the material from Memory Almost Full didn't remain in the set for longer. House of Wax in particular. In fact, Paul was saying in the interview included on the bonus disc that came with the special edition of the album that he thought that song would be particularly effective live, but in the end it was only ever played a handful of times.
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B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
My Track by Track review on Memory Almost Full (MAF)- 10 is the highest- Dance Tonight (8.5) - simple lyrics but with the classic Macca melody and bounce; good album opener Ever Present Past (10) - one of Paul's great solo songs; clever lyrics and even better melody See Your Sunshine (9) - one of Paul most underrated album cuts; love his soulful "Hall and Oates" type of vocals; also love the song's middle (she picks up daises in the field...) and his bass playing Only Mama Knows (9.5) - one of Paul's best solo Rock songs with great vocals and good lyrics; like the violin intro and ending You Tell Me (8.5) - another highly underrated Macca album track despite the horrible "horn" sounds in the song production. Mr. Bellamy (10) one of Paul's best Solo songs period; clever lyrics with Macca's classic, bouncy melodies. Love the electric piano Gratitude (6) My grade is mainly based on Paul's effort...he really goes all out on his bluesy, gospel type vocals. I see the song's potential but in my opinion, his vocal performance (solo part) just doesn't measure up to Paul's normal standards. His solo vocal seems strained and forced. Like the background singing however. Maybe's Paul's peak vocal abilities in the 70's might have given the song its due justice. The low point on an otherwise great track list...strictly my opinion. Vintage Clothes (9.5) - the beginning of the "loose" 3 song medley; love this catchy song from the lyrics to the vocals...Paul letting it rip That Was Me (10) - Paul gets right into his great rockabilly vocals with very clever lyrics and his Van Morrison type "scat" vocal phrasing. Great bass Feet in the Clouds (9) Another terrific bouncy song to end the loose medley section; love the Beach Boy's like harmonies at the end House of Wax (9.5) - Classic Macca piano tune with the great electric guitar riffs; clever lyrics with strong vocals The End of the End (10) - One of Pauls greatest piano ballad songs...unlike other reviewers, I love Paul's simple melodic whistling in the middle. Makes the song even more sad and poignant. Great lyrics Nod Your Head ( - the lyrics are a bit goofy but this short rocker is just the right follow-up to the sadness and seriousness of the previous track. Bonus tracks In Private ( - an underrated instrumental in my opinion; like the melody and guitar work in the middle and the end Why So Blue (9.5) - Why wasn't this track on the main album; love both the lyrics and melody...quite Beatleesque like in the Rubber Soul era. Should have replaced Gratitude in my opinion 222 ( Jazzy feel to this mostly instrumental track.
Excellent review BJ and I agree totally. "Gratitude" is the one song that I always skip, wish he would have replaced it with one of the bonus tracks. As I have said quite often, really wish this album would have been showcased more live. "That Was Me" and "House Of Wax" were played only a few times. "Dance Tonight" is the only song that lasted more than a tour I believe.
_______________________________________________________ Thanks Yankeefan. I totally agree that Paul should have showcased MAF a lot more that tour and others. There are so many great tunes on the album and his live versions could have been as good or maybe even better. Besides Dance Tonight, he did play "Mama Only Knows" for a complete tour I think. And I think his live versions on both songs were very good. I always thought that Paul and the Band could have done a fantastic job coupling Vintage Clothes and That Was Me together similar to what he did on the album. Both songs are fantastic and would have sounded great live. It also would have given a lot of exposure to a real high point on the album. As we (and others here) have often expressed, why Paul didn't give his Solo songs more exposure has always baffled me. Like you, I also wandered why he only played "House of Wax" at a couple of shows. Even if he wasn't quite satisfied with the performance, I'm sure they would have perfected it with multiple plays. It is yet another great song from the album. I also look at songs like Mr. Bellamy and Ever Present Past...songs just dying to be played live. For some reason, Paul felt so inclined to play the "recognized hits" (Beatle and his 70's hits) that he, in my opinion, just didn't give great songs (like the ones mentioned here) a fair chance when he went on the road. Maybe it required more work and Paul just enjoyed hearing the instant applause when he just hit the first few notes of his "famous" songs. It was just too easy to go the "hits" route but it really did a disservice to his great Solo songs in my opinion.
Check out the "That Was Me " youtube clip from Paris show and it seemed the people got into it. IMO the audience in countries outside the US seem to get into the non -Beatle songs more than the US audience. Would love to have heard "Ever Present Past" live, another shake my head set list moment - lol. "House of Wax" is a killer song with cool guitar solo that should have been included, practice makes perfect - lol.
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yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
My Track by Track review on Memory Almost Full (MAF)- 10 is the highest- Dance Tonight (8.5) - simple lyrics but with the classic Macca melody and bounce; good album opener Ever Present Past (10) - one of Paul's great solo songs; clever lyrics and even better melody See Your Sunshine (9) - one of Paul most underrated album cuts; love his soulful "Hall and Oates" type of vocals; also love the song's middle (she picks up daises in the field...) and his bass playing Only Mama Knows (9.5) - one of Paul's best solo Rock songs with great vocals and good lyrics; like the violin intro and ending You Tell Me (8.5) - another highly underrated Macca album track despite the horrible "horn" sounds in the song production. Mr. Bellamy (10) one of Paul's best Solo songs period; clever lyrics with Macca's classic, bouncy melodies. Love the electric piano Gratitude (6) My grade is mainly based on Paul's effort...he really goes all out on his bluesy, gospel type vocals. I see the song's potential but in my opinion, his vocal performance (solo part) just doesn't measure up to Paul's normal standards. His solo vocal seems strained and forced. Like the background singing however. Maybe's Paul's peak vocal abilities in the 70's might have given the song its due justice. The low point on an otherwise great track list...strictly my opinion. Vintage Clothes (9.5) - the beginning of the "loose" 3 song medley; love this catchy song from the lyrics to the vocals...Paul letting it rip That Was Me (10) - Paul gets right into his great rockabilly vocals with very clever lyrics and his Van Morrison type "scat" vocal phrasing. Great bass Feet in the Clouds (9) Another terrific bouncy song to end the loose medley section; love the Beach Boy's like harmonies at the end House of Wax (9.5) - Classic Macca piano tune with the great electric guitar riffs; clever lyrics with strong vocals The End of the End (10) - One of Pauls greatest piano ballad songs...unlike other reviewers, I love Paul's simple melodic whistling in the middle. Makes the song even more sad and poignant. Great lyrics Nod Your Head ( - the lyrics are a bit goofy but this short rocker is just the right follow-up to the sadness and seriousness of the previous track. Bonus tracks In Private ( - an underrated instrumental in my opinion; like the melody and guitar work in the middle and the end Why So Blue (9.5) - Why wasn't this track on the main album; love both the lyrics and melody...quite Beatleesque like in the Rubber Soul era. Should have replaced Gratitude in my opinion 222 ( Jazzy feel to this mostly instrumental track.
Excellent review BJ and I agree totally. "Gratitude" is the one song that I always skip, wish he would have replaced it with one of the bonus tracks. As I have said quite often, really wish this album would have been showcased more live. "That Was Me" and "House Of Wax" were played only a few times. "Dance Tonight" is the only song that lasted more than a tour I believe.
_______________________________________________________ Thanks Yankeefan. I totally agree that Paul should have showcased MAF a lot more that tour and others. There are so many great tunes on the album and his live versions could have been as good or maybe even better. Besides Dance Tonight, he did play "Mama Only Knows" for a complete tour I think. And I think his live versions on both songs were very good. I always thought that Paul and the Band could have done a fantastic job coupling Vintage Clothes and That Was Me together similar to what he did on the album. Both songs are fantastic and would have sounded great live. It also would have given a lot of exposure to a real high point on the album. As we (and others here) have often expressed, why Paul didn't give his Solo songs more exposure has always baffled me. Like you, I also wandered why he only played "House of Wax" at a couple of shows. Even if he wasn't quite satisfied with the performance, I'm sure they would have perfected it with multiple plays. It is yet another great song from the album. I also look at songs like Mr. Bellamy and Ever Present Past...songs just dying to be played live. For some reason, Paul felt so inclined to play the "recognized hits" (Beatle and his 70's hits) that he, in my opinion, just didn't give great songs (like the ones mentioned here) a fair chance when he went on the road. Maybe it required more work and Paul just enjoyed hearing the instant applause when he just hit the first few notes of his "famous" songs. It was just too easy to go the "hits" route but it really did a disservice to his great Solo songs in my opinion.
Check out the "That Was Me " youtube clip from Paris show and it seemed the people got into it. IMO the audience in countries outside the US seem to get into the non -Beatle songs more than the US audience. Would love to have heard "Ever Present Past" live, another shake my head set list moment - lol. "House of Wax" is a killer song with cool guitar solo that should have been included, practice makes perfect - lol.
___________________________________________________ Don't know if it is still available, but I remember watching the whole Paris concert on U-Tube. It seemed to me to be an amazing concert with Paul in great voice (of course we're talking 2008 I guess). It just seemed so intimate and the crowd was electric. The venue seemed quite small, holding maybe 10 thousand or less. Paul also deviated from his normal sequence (a great thing in my opinion). He started off just opening the stage curtain himself and playing Blackbird on acoustic. The crowd went nuts. I think he then followed that with Dance Tonight with the Band joining in midway as the drums came in. Paul just seemed so relaxed and adding That Was Me and House of Wax were big surprises. He also played Mama Only Knows. In retrospect, I remember thinking how great Paul and the Band seemed that night. After playing Back in the USSR and Band on the Run back to back, the audience just went nuts. Still to this day, I think it was the best version of BOTR that I had ever heard. Maybe because the concert was so intimate it just seemed that way but I swear Paul seemed especially "on" that night. Maybe someday they will come out with a "finished" DVD of the show...I would certainly buy it became available. I think you have a point about Paul crowds outside of the US getting more into his Solo Songs. I remember how the crowd in Mexico (i believe) got so into Hope of Deliverance when he played it. Also when he plays Mull of Kintyre in Canada, the crowds always go crazy. It does seem that Paul is so much more conservative relative to his setlist in the US. Recently MTV has been playing "Rock Show" and as I was watching the 1976 Concert, it made me think how "bold and confident" Paul was during that time. Despite all the pressure at that time to play Beatle songs, Paul strictly played what "he" wanted to play. Watching Wings Over America today, it was so refreshing that the setlist was so dominated by Wings and Solo songs and even adding Denny Laine's Go Now and other rare nuggets. I think he only played 5 Beatle songs. Still to this day I have always regretted missing that tour. I must admit that when I first saw Paul live in 1989 (the Flowers in the Dirt tour) I did love it when I heard Paul's Beatle songs for the 1st time (Hey Jude, Let It Be etc. etc.) but as we have all pointed out, "real" fans don't always want to hear the same songs tour after tour. I miss the "daring" Paul of 1976 and consequently I skipped the last tour when I could have made a show or two. Not playing great Solo songs (e.g. from Tug of War, MAF, Chaos, Flaming Pie, London Town, Back to the Egg) was such a shame for the "true" fans. The good news is that we still have the albums to play. Can't wait till Flowers in the Dirt is released.
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Luca:
Kestrel:
I still find it quite ironic that Paul's best sounding album is still Band On The Run, recorded 43 years ago in a tin shack on borrowed equipment in Africa. I'm not sure if I should be or ?
Well, it has its unique sound like everything Paul ever did, but it's far from perfection. If you listen carefully it features some distortion on guitars (Band on the Run, No Words) probably due to the oxidation encountered by the tapes and some technical imperfections but I love this craftsmanship!
Let alone 'Jet', ironically enough done at EMI in London, which is almost lo-fi. Even the multi-track stems sound like it. It adds to the production of the song though, never had a problem with it.
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B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
My Track by Track review on Memory Almost Full (MAF)- 10 is the highest- Dance Tonight (8.5) - simple lyrics but with the classic Macca melody and bounce; good album opener Ever Present Past (10) - one of Paul's great solo songs; clever lyrics and even better melody See Your Sunshine (9) - one of Paul most underrated album cuts; love his soulful "Hall and Oates" type of vocals; also love the song's middle (she picks up daises in the field...) and his bass playing Only Mama Knows (9.5) - one of Paul's best solo Rock songs with great vocals and good lyrics; like the violin intro and ending You Tell Me (8.5) - another highly underrated Macca album track despite the horrible "horn" sounds in the song production. Mr. Bellamy (10) one of Paul's best Solo songs period; clever lyrics with Macca's classic, bouncy melodies. Love the electric piano Gratitude (6) My grade is mainly based on Paul's effort...he really goes all out on his bluesy, gospel type vocals. I see the song's potential but in my opinion, his vocal performance (solo part) just doesn't measure up to Paul's normal standards. His solo vocal seems strained and forced. Like the background singing however. Maybe's Paul's peak vocal abilities in the 70's might have given the song its due justice. The low point on an otherwise great track list...strictly my opinion. Vintage Clothes (9.5) - the beginning of the "loose" 3 song medley; love this catchy song from the lyrics to the vocals...Paul letting it rip That Was Me (10) - Paul gets right into his great rockabilly vocals with very clever lyrics and his Van Morrison type "scat" vocal phrasing. Great bass Feet in the Clouds (9) Another terrific bouncy song to end the loose medley section; love the Beach Boy's like harmonies at the end House of Wax (9.5) - Classic Macca piano tune with the great electric guitar riffs; clever lyrics with strong vocals The End of the End (10) - One of Pauls greatest piano ballad songs...unlike other reviewers, I love Paul's simple melodic whistling in the middle. Makes the song even more sad and poignant. Great lyrics Nod Your Head ( - the lyrics are a bit goofy but this short rocker is just the right follow-up to the sadness and seriousness of the previous track. Bonus tracks In Private ( - an underrated instrumental in my opinion; like the melody and guitar work in the middle and the end Why So Blue (9.5) - Why wasn't this track on the main album; love both the lyrics and melody...quite Beatleesque like in the Rubber Soul era. Should have replaced Gratitude in my opinion 222 ( Jazzy feel to this mostly instrumental track.
Excellent review BJ and I agree totally. "Gratitude" is the one song that I always skip, wish he would have replaced it with one of the bonus tracks. As I have said quite often, really wish this album would have been showcased more live. "That Was Me" and "House Of Wax" were played only a few times. "Dance Tonight" is the only song that lasted more than a tour I believe.
_______________________________________________________ Thanks Yankeefan. I totally agree that Paul should have showcased MAF a lot more that tour and others. There are so many great tunes on the album and his live versions could have been as good or maybe even better. Besides Dance Tonight, he did play "Mama Only Knows" for a complete tour I think. And I think his live versions on both songs were very good. I always thought that Paul and the Band could have done a fantastic job coupling Vintage Clothes and That Was Me together similar to what he did on the album. Both songs are fantastic and would have sounded great live. It also would have given a lot of exposure to a real high point on the album. As we (and others here) have often expressed, why Paul didn't give his Solo songs more exposure has always baffled me. Like you, I also wandered why he only played "House of Wax" at a couple of shows. Even if he wasn't quite satisfied with the performance, I'm sure they would have perfected it with multiple plays. It is yet another great song from the album. I also look at songs like Mr. Bellamy and Ever Present Past...songs just dying to be played live. For some reason, Paul felt so inclined to play the "recognized hits" (Beatle and his 70's hits) that he, in my opinion, just didn't give great songs (like the ones mentioned here) a fair chance when he went on the road. Maybe it required more work and Paul just enjoyed hearing the instant applause when he just hit the first few notes of his "famous" songs. It was just too easy to go the "hits" route but it really did a disservice to his great Solo songs in my opinion.
Check out the "That Was Me " youtube clip from Paris show and it seemed the people got into it. IMO the audience in countries outside the US seem to get into the non -Beatle songs more than the US audience. Would love to have heard "Ever Present Past" live, another shake my head set list moment - lol. "House of Wax" is a killer song with cool guitar solo that should have been included, practice makes perfect - lol.
___________________________________________________ Don't know if it is still available, but I remember watching the whole Paris concert on U-Tube. It seemed to me to be an amazing concert with Paul in great voice (of course we're talking 2008 I guess). It just seemed so intimate and the crowd was electric. The venue seemed quite small, holding maybe 10 thousand or less. Paul also deviated from his normal sequence (a great thing in my opinion). He started off just opening the stage curtain himself and playing Blackbird on acoustic. The crowd went nuts. I think he then followed that with Dance Tonight with the Band joining in midway as the drums came in. Paul just seemed so relaxed and adding That Was Me and House of Wax were big surprises. He also played Mama Only Knows. In retrospect, I remember thinking how great Paul and the Band seemed that night. After playing Back in the USSR and Band on the Run back to back, the audience just went nuts. Still to this day, I think it was the best version of BOTR that I had ever heard. Maybe because the concert was so intimate it just seemed that way but I swear Paul seemed especially "on" that night. Maybe someday they will come out with a "finished" DVD of the show...I would certainly buy it became available. I think you have a point about Paul crowds outside of the US getting more into his Solo Songs. I remember how the crowd in Mexico (i believe) got so into Hope of Deliverance when he played it. Also when he plays Mull of Kintyre in Canada, the crowds always go crazy. It does seem that Paul is so much more conservative relative to his setlist in the US. Recently MTV has been playing "Rock Show" and as I was watching the 1976 Concert, it made me think how "bold and confident" Paul was during that time. Despite all the pressure at that time to play Beatle songs, Paul strictly played what "he" wanted to play. Watching Wings Over America today, it was so refreshing that the setlist was so dominated by Wings and Solo songs and even adding Denny Laine's Go Now and other rare nuggets. I think he only played 5 Beatle songs. Still to this day I have always regretted missing that tour. I must admit that when I first saw Paul live in 1989 (the Flowers in the Dirt tour) I did love it when I heard Paul's Beatle songs for the 1st time (Hey Jude, Let It Be etc. etc.) but as we have all pointed out, "real" fans don't always want to hear the same songs tour after tour. I miss the "daring" Paul of 1976 and consequently I skipped the last tour when I could have made a show or two. Not playing great Solo songs (e.g. from Tug of War, MAF, Chaos, Flaming Pie, London Town, Back to the Egg) was such a shame for the "true" fans. The good news is that we still have the albums to play. Can't wait till Flowers in the Dirt is released.
I was fortunate enough to have seen him on the 1976 tour and it was awesome !! He was fantastic vocally and the band rocked. The audience was not expecting a Beatle concert and was so into the Wings songs. Yes, they did love the Beatle songs (especially "Yesterday") but went crazy over songs they never heard before like "Soily". I have only watched the clips of "House of Wax" and "That Was Me" from the Paris show, will make a note of it to watch more of it sometime in the future. I loved the 1989 tour and did not mind that he started playing more Beatle songs since he played I believe 6 songs from FITD which I loved. As you know, he opened with "Figure of Eight" and would never do something like that now sadly. I think Mr. McCartney missed a great opportunity to really re-define himself as a live artist in 2001. He had brand new band, new album and had not toured in almost a decade. This would have been the perfect moment for him to really start new and play solo songs that had not been heard live. Instead, he did the opposite and began his climb to becoming for the most part an "oldies" act. We can still listen to the albums but I truly believe the majority of his songs sound much better live and it is a shame we will not get to hear more of these great solo songs. As for crowds outside of the US, just listen to the reaction of the audience after solo songs and they appreciate them much more than US audience. I think South American countries are the ones that really dig "Hope of Deliverance". As for "Mull of Kintyre", I never understood why he did not play that in certain US cities, like New York for example. It seems like there is an Irish bar on every corner in NYC (lol) and there would be plenty of people who would be into that song. Once again BJ, thank you for your posts. You are one of those who is a Paul McCartney (the artist) fan and not just a Beatle -Paul fan. You and some others on this board have supported Mr. McCartney by buying his solo albums for many years and it is a shame that he does not take that into consideration when coming up with setlist - oh well.