Tug of War 2015 Remix / Track by Track review
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Just got the Remixed 2015 Tug of War album and thought it would be a perfect time for Track by Track Review and how you think it compares with other Paul Post Beatles' albums. First the track by track review (based on 1-10 ratings on each song) Tug of War - 10 Right up there with Paul's greatest Beatle songs; love everything- lyrics, melody and vocal Take It Away - 10 One of Paul's greatest Post Beatle pop songs; love the lyrics, vocals and Paul's bass Somebody Who Cares - 9 One of Paul's most underrated songs; love the vocals and spanish guitar What's That Your Doing - 7 My least favorite track but still ok; gives the album more diversity with Wonder's R&B and Funk vibe and Paul easily holds his own trading vocal lines with Stevie Here Today - 10 Paul's Post Beatles Yesterday complete with George Martin's gorgeous string production; one of Paul's best lyrics with great vocals Ballroom Dancing - 9 Paul lightens the mood with this Fun ode to the old days of Ballroom Dancing. As usual, Paul is the best at generic clever lyrics that match the bouncy melody The Pound is Sinking - 10 Again the Remix really brings out the best on this track. It has so much diversity within the same song...rock, pop, soul etc. Love the electric guitars. Macca/Martin production here kind of reminds me of Michael Jackson working with Quincy Jones Wanderlust - 10 Paul's Post Beatle Let It Be with the hymn like gorgeous melody; Paul's vocal is out of this world and I love the Counter melody lines at the end Get It - 9 Unlike the 1st Wonder collaboration earlier, you can tell that this is Paul's song with Carl Perkins guesting. A fun rockabilly song that is definitely a Macca strength and he brings out the best in Carl Perkins. Mr. Perkins is having a blast working with one of the greats! Be What You See/Dress Me Up as a Robber - 8.5 Another track where the new remix improves the song dramatically in my opinion. Again, gives the album more diversity with its R&B vibe against the rock styled electric guitars Ebony and Ivory - 9 This song became hated because it was too successful at the time where FM radio played it to death. Fact is when you hear it now it is a very good pop song with clever lyrics about race relations and problems. The subject is still as valid as ever. Paul getting Stevie to collaborate was genius with the two taking vocal turns. ______________________________________________________ Rollingstone was definitely right...this is one of Paul's Post Beatle Masterpieces. It certainly is right up there with Band on the Run, Flaming Pie, Chaos, Memory Almost Full and maybe Ram. After hearing Tug of War in this fabulous Remix and with no less than 5 perfect #10 tracks (again my opinion on the individual tracks) Tug of War is arguably Paul's greatest Post Beatle Album.
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I wouldn't disagree too much on your review, but of course Ebony And Ivory for me is the only track that stops TOW being a full blown masterwork the song just grates. The only thing missing from the album is a throat- shredding rocker to add a little edge to the overall slickness of the album, but that's just being a little picky. I'd put TOW in my top 3 Paul post- Beatle albums.
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BOYCIE:
I wouldn't disagree too much on your review, but of course Ebony And Ivory for me is the only track that stops TOW being a full blown masterwork the song just grates. The only thing missing from the album is a throat- shredding rocker to add a little edge to the overall slickness of the album, but that's just being a little picky. I'd put TOW in my top 3 Paul post- Beatle albums.
__________________________________________________________ Boycie I hear what you're saying about Ebony and Ivory. People seem to either like it or hate it. I'm in the former camp but I have to admit that AM/FM radio in 1982 really killed the song for many. It was so overplayed that people just got tired of it and hence the extreme dislike for the track by many. You are right that a good rocker could have enhanced Tug of War. All in all, however, I agree with you that Tug is in the top 3 of Macca's best Post Beatles' albums.
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As I continue to love reliving the beauty of Tug of War, I have noticed a couple of strange reviews of the new Remasters of Tug (and Pipes of Peace) by some well known Music Magazines. The first one is Pitchfork written by Ron Hart. The strange thing about this review is that Mr. Hart seems to be obsessed by Macca's love of R&B. He even references Paul's recent collaboration with Rihanna and Kanye on "Four-Five Seconds". Mr Hart talks about his early love of Motown and Smokey Robinson. Mr. Hart then goes on to prove his point by claiming that the nucleus of Tug of War was Paul's yin-yang pair of collaborations with Stevie Wonders. He of course is referring to Ebony and Ivory and What's That Your Doing. He hardly mentions the rest the album and the greatness of songs like Wanderlust, Tug of War (the song), The Pound is Sinking, Take It Away etc. I find it strange for a critic to review a whole album (especially one as great as Tug of War) and literally focus on 2 songs. Really weird. If someone sees this Pitchfork review and wants to show a copy here by all means...thanks. I'm an old dog trying to learn new tricks with this technology thing.
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B J Conlee:
Just got the Remixed 2015 Tug of War album and thought it would be a perfect time for Track by Track Review and how you think it compares with other Paul Post Beatles' albums. First the track by track review (based on 1-10 ratings on each song) Tug of War - 10 Right up there with Paul's greatest Beatle songs; love everything- lyrics, melody and vocal Take It Away - 10 One of Paul's greatest Post Beatle pop songs; love the lyrics, vocals and Paul's bass Somebody Who Cares - 9 One of Paul's most underrated songs; love the vocals and spanish guitar What's That Your Doing - 7 My least favorite track but still ok; gives the album more diversity with Wonder's R&B and Funk vibe and Paul easily holds his own trading vocal lines with Stevie Here Today - 10 Paul's Post Beatles Yesterday complete with George Martin's gorgeous string production; one of Paul's best lyrics with great vocals Ballroom Dancing - 9 Paul lightens the mood with this Fun ode to the old days of Ballroom Dancing. As usual, Paul is the best at generic clever lyrics that match the bouncy melody The Pound is Sinking - 10 Again the Remix really brings out the best on this track. It has so much diversity within the same song...rock, pop, soul etc. Love the electric guitars. Macca/Martin production here kind of reminds me of Michael Jackson working with Quincy Jones Wanderlust - 10 Paul's Post Beatle Let It Be with the hymn like gorgeous melody; Paul's vocal is out of this world and I love the Counter melody lines at the end Get It - 9 Unlike the 1st Wonder collaboration earlier, you can tell that this is Paul's song with Carl Perkins guesting. A fun rockabilly song that is definitely a Macca strength and he brings out the best in Carl Perkins. Mr. Perkins is having a blast working with one of the greats! Be What You See/Dress Me Up as a Robber - 8.5 Another track where the new remix improves the song dramatically in my opinion. Again, gives the album more diversity with its R&B vibe against the rock styled electric guitars Ebony and Ivory - 9 This song became hated because it was too successful at the time where FM radio played it to death. Fact is when you hear it now it is a very good pop song with clever lyrics about race relations and problems. The subject is still as valid as ever. Paul getting Stevie to collaborate was genius with the two taking vocal turns. ______________________________________________________ Rollingstone was definitely right...this is one of Paul's Post Beatle Masterpieces. It certainly is right up there with Band on the Run, Flaming Pie, Chaos, Memory Almost Full and maybe Ram. After hearing Tug of War in this fabulous Remix and with no less than 5 perfect #10 tracks (again my opinion on the individual tracks) Tug of War is arguably Paul's greatest Post Beatle Album.
I agree almost entirely!
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B J Conlee:
As I continue to love reliving the beauty of Tug of War, I have noticed a couple of strange reviews of the new Remasters of Tug (and Pipes of Peace) by some well known Music Magazines. The first one is Pitchfork written by Ron Hart. The strange thing about this review is that Mr. Hart seems to be obsessed by Macca's love of R&B. He even references Paul's recent collaboration with Rihanna and Kanye on "Four-Five Seconds". Mr Hart talks about his early love of Motown and Smokey Robinson. Mr. Hart then goes on to prove his point by claiming that the nucleus of Tug of War was Paul's yin-yang pair of collaborations with Stevie Wonders. He of course is referring to Ebony and Ivory and What's That Your Doing. He hardly mentions the rest the album and the greatness of songs like Wanderlust, Tug of War (the song), The Pound is Sinking, Take It Away etc. I find it strange for a critic to review a whole album (especially one as great as Tug of War) and literally focus on 2 songs. Really weird. If someone sees this Pitchfork review and wants to show a copy here by all means...thanks. I'm an old dog trying to learn new tricks with this technology thing.
I read that review and came to the same conclusion, review the album not just concentrate on a few songs! I know music is subjective but when you don't mention Tug Of War, Take It Away and Wanderlust from the album you know the review is in trouble. http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21028-tug-of-war-pipes-of-peace/
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Boycie, Thanks for posting the Pitchfork review. I have another review that I think is worth posting. It is RS's new review on the 2015 Tug of War and Pipes of Peace Remaster versions. Interesting the author, Rob Sheffield ends his review by saying "The goodies are there if you do some digging". Again, he totally ignores the total greatness of Tug in his review. He praises Here Today and Wanderlust and talks about the Stevie Wonder collaborations but doesn't even mention the title cut, Take It Away, Somebody Who Cares, The Pound is Sinking, Ballroom Dancing etc. He gives Tug of War 3.5 stars which I personally thinks underestimates its greatness. I sent a reply to Mr. Sheffield saying that "perhaps he should reread the original 5 star RS review on Tug of War. If you could also post this Review, I would appreciate it. I think it deserves discussion on this forum. Thanks
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B J Conlee:
Boycie, Thanks for posting the Pitchfork review. I have another review that I think is worth posting. It is RS's new review on the 2015 Tug of War and Pipes of Peace Remaster versions. Interesting the author, Rob Sheffield ends his review by saying "The goodies are there if you do some digging". Again, he totally ignores the total greatness of Tug in his review. He praises Here Today and Wanderlust and talks about the Stevie Wonder collaborations but doesn't even mention the title cut, Take It Away, Somebody Who Cares, The Pound is Sinking, Ballroom Dancing etc. He gives Tug of War 3.5 stars which I personally thinks underestimates its greatness. I sent a reply to Mr. Sheffield saying that "perhaps he should reread the original 5 star RS review on Tug of War. If you could also post this Review, I would appreciate it. I think it deserves discussion on this forum. Thanks
Well, any review of this album which ignores Tug of War, Ballroom Dancing, Take it Away and The Pound is Sinking (possibly my four faves) automatically puts me at odds with the reviewer. Haven't read it, but sounds like a lazy review done in a coffee break.
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Bruce M.:
B J Conlee:
Just got the Remixed 2015 Tug of War album and thought it would be a perfect time for Track by Track Review and how you think it compares with other Paul Post Beatles' albums. First the track by track review (based on 1-10 ratings on each song) Tug of War - 10 Right up there with Paul's greatest Beatle songs; love everything- lyrics, melody and vocal Take It Away - 10 One of Paul's greatest Post Beatle pop songs; love the lyrics, vocals and Paul's bass Somebody Who Cares - 9 One of Paul's most underrated songs; love the vocals and spanish guitar What's That Your Doing - 7 My least favorite track but still ok; gives the album more diversity with Wonder's R&B and Funk vibe and Paul easily holds his own trading vocal lines with Stevie Here Today - 10 Paul's Post Beatles Yesterday complete with George Martin's gorgeous string production; one of Paul's best lyrics with great vocals Ballroom Dancing - 9 Paul lightens the mood with this Fun ode to the old days of Ballroom Dancing. As usual, Paul is the best at generic clever lyrics that match the bouncy melody The Pound is Sinking - 10 Again the Remix really brings out the best on this track. It has so much diversity within the same song...rock, pop, soul etc. Love the electric guitars. Macca/Martin production here kind of reminds me of Michael Jackson working with Quincy Jones Wanderlust - 10 Paul's Post Beatle Let It Be with the hymn like gorgeous melody; Paul's vocal is out of this world and I love the Counter melody lines at the end Get It - 9 Unlike the 1st Wonder collaboration earlier, you can tell that this is Paul's song with Carl Perkins guesting. A fun rockabilly song that is definitely a Macca strength and he brings out the best in Carl Perkins. Mr. Perkins is having a blast working with one of the greats! Be What You See/Dress Me Up as a Robber - 8.5 Another track where the new remix improves the song dramatically in my opinion. Again, gives the album more diversity with its R&B vibe against the rock styled electric guitars Ebony and Ivory - 9 This song became hated because it was too successful at the time where FM radio played it to death. Fact is when you hear it now it is a very good pop song with clever lyrics about race relations and problems. The subject is still as valid as ever. Paul getting Stevie to collaborate was genius with the two taking vocal turns. ______________________________________________________ Rollingstone was definitely right...this is one of Paul's Post Beatle Masterpieces. It certainly is right up there with Band on the Run, Flaming Pie, Chaos, Memory Almost Full and maybe Ram. After hearing Tug of War in this fabulous Remix and with no less than 5 perfect #10 tracks (again my opinion on the individual tracks) Tug of War is arguably Paul's greatest Post Beatle Album.
I agree almost entirely!
________________________________________________ Bruce, Just wanted to let you know that I picked up Tug of War (2 CD) at Best Buy on Sunday for only $15.99. Best Buy also had a special price on the "Love and Mercy" DVD (Blue-Ray). I think it was only about $15.00. I grabbed it immediately remembering your recommendation.
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Why is no-one talking about this 'new' track. It's wonderful
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ewanme:
Why is no-one talking about this 'new' track. It's wonderful
It's fantastic, isn't it - a revelation.
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BOYCIE:
B J Conlee:
As I continue to love reliving the beauty of Tug of War, I have noticed a couple of strange reviews of the new Remasters of Tug (and Pipes of Peace) by some well known Music Magazines. The first one is Pitchfork written by Ron Hart. The strange thing about this review is that Mr. Hart seems to be obsessed by Macca's love of R&B. He even references Paul's recent collaboration with Rihanna and Kanye on "Four-Five Seconds". Mr Hart talks about his early love of Motown and Smokey Robinson. Mr. Hart then goes on to prove his point by claiming that the nucleus of Tug of War was Paul's yin-yang pair of collaborations with Stevie Wonders. He of course is referring to Ebony and Ivory and What's That Your Doing. He hardly mentions the rest the album and the greatness of songs like Wanderlust, Tug of War (the song), The Pound is Sinking, Take It Away etc. I find it strange for a critic to review a whole album (especially one as great as Tug of War) and literally focus on 2 songs. Really weird. If someone sees this Pitchfork review and wants to show a copy here by all means...thanks. I'm an old dog trying to learn new tricks with this technology thing.
I read that review and came to the same conclusion, review the album not just concentrate on a few songs! I know music is subjective but when you don't mention Tug Of War, Take It Away and Wanderlust from the album you know the review is in trouble. http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21028-tug-of-war-pipes-of-peace/
Especially since in many people's opinions, those are easily the 2 worst cuts off the album. I love solo Stevie & solo Paul, but these 2 collaborations are the definition of "forced".
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ewanme:
Why is no-one talking about this 'new' track. It's wonderful
_____________________________________________________ ewanme, Thanks for posting....I like it! I started off this post just reviewing Tug of War (the proper album). I've been enjoying Tug so much that I haven't even had a chance to begin listening to Pipes of Peace (proper album) yet. Maybe we should do Pipes of Peace as a separate topic.
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'The Pound Is Sinking', what a fucking masterpiece. A song that could perfectly fit in any of Bowie's album from his Stardust era. Amazing. The 'Did I ever...' part kills me, you don't expect that scream so full of passion. About the reedition, is simply wonderful. Like most of his editions, Paul works hard on the improvement of the sound, the biggest problem in Paul's career. And by the way, I'm in love with the demo version of 'Wanderlust'.
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Good review, my only personal quibble is What's That You're Doing? I love that song!! But I also love Used to be Bad from Flaming, another song a lot of people dislike that I happen to love.
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Martin Luther:
Good review, my only personal quibble is What's That You're Doing? I love that song!! But I also love Used to be Bad from Flaming, another song a lot of people dislike that I happen to love.
________________________________________________________ Martin, You're so right and it's the great thing about being a Macca fan. His music is so diverse. I am liking "What's That You're Dong" the more I am listening to Tug of War. It is a good song although it runs a little too long for me. I love the whole album and as I said, not a bad song on it. The great songs from Tug (including the title track) are on the same level as Paul's best Beatle songs in my opinion. Another song that is really growing on me is "Dress Me Up as a Robber". Paul does have some good R&B style songs on Tug. By the way, I always liked "Used to Be Bad" also. Love Macca's collaborations with Steve Miller on Flaming Pie. Pie is another great Macca solo album that is definitely Beatle worthy in every sense. I get mad with critics that turn their noses at Macca's Post Beatles' career. The fact is that they just don't like Paul and don't even give his music anything close to a fair listen. The #1 thing a critic should be is objective.
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B J Conlee:
Boycie, Thanks for posting the Pitchfork review. I have another review that I think is worth posting. It is RS's new review on the 2015 Tug of War and Pipes of Peace Remaster versions. Interesting the author, Rob Sheffield ends his review by saying "The goodies are there if you do some digging". Again, he totally ignores the total greatness of Tug in his review. He praises Here Today and Wanderlust and talks about the Stevie Wonder collaborations but doesn't even mention the title cut, Take It Away, Somebody Who Cares, The Pound is Sinking, Ballroom Dancing etc. He gives Tug of War 3.5 stars which I personally thinks underestimates its greatness. I sent a reply to Mr. Sheffield saying that "perhaps he should reread the original 5 star RS review on Tug of War. If you could also post this Review, I would appreciate it. I think it deserves discussion on this forum. Thanks
Here we go B J Conlee, the original '82 review and the 2015 review from RS. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/tug-of-war-19820527 http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/paul-mccartney-tug-of-war-deluxe-edition-20151005
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i've always felt that wanderlust and here today are two of his finest tunes ever and to see something like the the pound is sinking rated equally by someone makes me cringe.
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Get On The Right Thing:
i've always felt that wanderlust and here today are two of his finest tunes ever and to see something like the the pound is sinking rated equally by someone makes me cringe.
Apples and Oranges as they say! I really like The Pound Is Sinking and though the currencies in the song are mostly extinct now I think it has charm and humour. As Wanderlust is one of my favourite Paul songs ever The Pound Is Sinking will always be a 7 or 8, but never a 10 as in perfect. Tug Of War the title track is another 10 for me, never tire of it, plus it's one of Paul's best lyrics too.
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"Wanderlust" could be Rambling Man Macca's theme song
"The Pound is Sinking"--amazing in every way Funny you mentioned not liking"I Used to Be Bad" from "Flaming Pie" all that much-- I was just recently t thinking I don't like the Steve Miller collaborations on "Pie" because they seem rather like light weight throw-aways and they sound too much like Steve Miller songs, sound more like Steve than Paul. I had found "Pie" little liner notes magazine and went through it and will listen to the album again tonight. Maybe I'll like the two or three (struck me as) "throw away" (also "I Really Love You") songs better this time. Haven't listened to "Pie" in awhile. I remember "If You Wanna" scandalized me a little bit (unless he was writing about a sexy car ride with Linda!). The pictures on this were all taken by Linda. Very striking pix of Macca as a handsome mature man and no longer the preppy pretty boy of the Fabs... Maybe Linda took the cover photo of "Tug of War." I always thought Paul looks a bit feminine or girlish in that picture (he's always regarded himself as male though, that's for sure and what a male !). Just a few thoughts. I've watched "Ballroom Dancing" video a few times lately and posted it on my f.b. page. I really enjoyed it and really fancy its perky bouncy jaunty tune. I rather underestimated "Here Today" for a long time, thought it a bit too simple and not complex-- but came to see its beauty and always thought it's about his mate John Lennon. The title song "Tug of War" is also about Lennon, in my opinion. I always liked "Dress Me Up Like a Robber" for its overall sound, it's not psychedelic rock, but something about it opens up my head or blows my mind a little. In a subtle way. I admire this great album, including "Ebony and Ivory" which I always loved.
