Take It Away: The Complete Paul McCartney Archive Podcast
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I don't want to give anyone the idea that on this latest Chaos Podcast, Ryan and Chris were in any way negative about Chaos and Creation as an album. Even though all 3 hosts didn't like the album in the beginning, that certainly didn't reflect their final score. As they went through their track by track review, even I was surprised just how positive they were on just about every song. That alone is substantially different than they have been on practically every other Post Beatle Paul album that they have reviewed on "Take It Away". The only albums that I have heard so far where they were as positive were Ram, and BOTR.
I'm going to give my track by track review shortly along with their own comments per song. Suffice to say that Chaos was a very important album for Paul relative to his Solo career. It sold very well and I think it had like 5 Grammy Nominations including an Album of the Year Grammy Nomination. At the very least, it substantiated what a great musician and songwriter Paul is and this album alone affirms that he has had a very good Post Beatles and Solo career. Add Chaos to great albums like BOTR, Ram, Venus and Mars, Tug of War, Flowers in the Dirt, Flaming Pie, MAF, New and now Egypt Station, Paul has quite an impressive Post Beatles' Catalog.
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Looking forward to this, BJ (smiley face) !
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B J Conlee wrote:
I don't want to give anyone the idea that on this latest Chaos Podcast, Ryan and Chris were in any way negative about Chaos and Creation as an album. Even though all 3 hosts didn't like the album in the beginning, that certainly didn't reflect their final score. As they went through their track by track review, even I was surprised just how positive they were on just about every song. That alone is substantially different than they have been on practically every other Post Beatle Paul album that they have reviewed on "Take It Away". The only albums that I have heard so far where they were as positive were Ram, and BOTR.
I'm going to give my track by track review shortly along with their own comments per song. Suffice to say that Chaos was a very important album for Paul relative to his Solo career. It sold very well and I think it had like 5 Grammy Nominations including an Album of the Year Grammy Nomination. At the very least, it substantiated what a great musician and songwriter Paul is and this album alone affirms that he has had a very good Post Beatles and Solo career. Add Chaos to great albums like BOTR, Ram, Venus and Mars, Tug of War, Flowers in the Dirt, Flaming Pie, MAF, New and now Egypt Station, Paul has quite an impressive Post Beatles' Catalog.
Finished up the podcast and I just loved it. Maybe I really enjoyed it because I love CHAOS also - lol. Ryan and Chris seemed to basically really like every song and especially loved "Riding To Vanity Fair". The only song I was nervous about their reaction to was "English Tea" and I was happy they enjoyed it. I have not listened to all of their podcasts but IMO they seemed to really think this album was one of the strongest lyrically and mentioned several highlights. McCartney got praised for his musicianship and I was also quite surprised they really liked McCartney's drumming on the album. I liked that they covered the numerous B sides songs and like me they really liked "Summer Of 59" for example. What struck me while listening to this podcast was how creative McCartney was during these years. The songs from the album CHAOS, the B Sides to singles and the songs he had already had for "MAF". Well, that is some of my thoughts. Looking forward to your track by track review.
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Ryan and Chris will grant the royal pod Paul is God treatment to Paul's "Memory Almost Full" album next ! Ryan's hinted that his take on MAF songs is largely favorable. Their podcast covering "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" has arrived !
They've been asked to give a big lecture on their series of podcasts on Macca music, at a major Chicago venue, will give more info shortly. Big City/Bigtime/Big Pod Project.
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Like the previous podcast (Driving Rain) Ryan and Chris very recent Chaos and Creation Podcast inspired me to find my old Chaos and Creation CD and start playing it in my Car Cd Player. I have a 2017 Ford Escape and thank God it still has (soon to be distinct!) CD player.
My memory of Chaos (can't believe it has already been around 18 years old) is one of fondness especially when it just released. I could tell it was different than many of Paul's Post Beatles' albums from the start. Production wise and as Ryan and Chris said, Paul's vocals were way out front. I recall really like Paul's singing and how the songs had very intelligent and mature lyrics. Chaos was far different than many others (especially his 70's years) in that it was very introspective. Maybe because I played it so much, I did eventually (maybe after 3-4 months) get weary of it. The main down side of Chaos for me at that point is that so many of the songs were slow moving with darker type lyrics. Quite different than a Paul album for sure. I can definitely see that for fans that love Paul's rocking side (and wacky side lyrically), Chaos would probably not be their favorite. I personally like all of Paul's sides musically so I always appreciated Chaos and as I said from the get go.
Revisiting Chaos over the last week I have come to apprreciate the album even more. As several here have said, along with the "Take It Away" hosts (and their guest on the episode, Kit O'Toole) ...there is not a weak track from start to finish. One of the hosts sarcastically said, there is no 11 minute Rince the Rain Drops on this album. After this week, I have come to agree with Yankeefan that Chaos is Paul's best Solo Album from the point of consistencey and vocals. In my opinion, there is not one track on the album that I wished Paul would have removed. As much as I love Egypt Station and Tug of War, I can't say that about those 2 great albums in my opinion.
Here is my track by track Chaos analysis with some comments from the Take It Away guys as well. As usual my scores per song is based on 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest:
Fine Line (8.5) - This upbeat, catchy piano based tune gets the album off to a good start in my opinion. The guys point out that the melody is close to an old Peggy Lee standard and played it on the podcast. The melodies did sound quite similar but to me they were also a lot different especially in terms of production. The similarity didn't shock me as Paul really liked Peggy Lee and her jazzy style (He even wrote a couple of songs in the early Beatles era). Since this was the opener, I could tell right away that Paul was in fine voice for this album especially considering how ragged Paul's vocals were quite on several of the previous Driving Rain songs. In retrospect, the lyrics also foreshadowed that Chaos was going to have strong lyrics. Not surprising that Fine Line was the first single out of the gate as the song is probably the most commercial on the album. As a big time fan of Paul's entire catalog, many times as far as albums go, that was not necessarily a bad thing.
How Kind of You (9) - This became a grower for me back in 2005. It was a slow, plodding type of number but it became a grower probably more for the production. Love the lyrics! I always thought it was written for and about Linda but there are parts that might have been written about Paul's children during Linda' terrible sickness. This is one of the longest tracks on Chaos (4:47) but I love the way the final minute builds up to the final piano notes. Doesn't feel too long that Paul is sometimes guilty of.
Jenny Wren (10) - Love Paul's Blackbird-like guitar playing and the lyrics. the Jenny Wren title (and a Dickens character) is very clever as Jenny moves from being sad with the state of the world to optimism..."when this broken world mends its foolish ways". Another Paul classic in my opinion.
At the Mercy (10) - The guys bring up the Wings' like nature of this track but to me it harkens me back to Paul's Abbey Road period. Maybe because of Paul's vocals. I love the melody break toward the end. The production is more complex with Nigel adding more players... Jason Faulkner (electric guitar) and James Gadson (drums) and strings. Great song! The only negative I can say is that I wish it was longer (only 2:37).
Friends to Go (9) - As mentioned by Paul himself, this Paul written track (like all of them on Chaos) reminded him of something that George Harrison would write. All the hosts point out it was more like mid 60's George. I personally love the lyrics especially from a younger person's perspective of not being able to see a friend until after their other friends have gone. Another Chaos song where from an instrumentation point of view it is all Paul.
English Tea (9) - I know that some critics like to slam Paul for his "granny music" but I have never felt that way generally. I always loved "When I'm 64" for example and this Chaos song brings me back to mid 60's Paul. Love the melody and the "miles and miles" bridge part. Lyrics are very English and I love the descriptive flowery lyrics (e.g. willow tree, hollyhocks, roses). My sister and I would always sing this one! At this point, Chaos needed a "lighter" song and this filled the bill at track # 6.
(to be continued)
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I want to apologize for some of my grammar and typos on my earlier post. I tried to do an edit but I guess it was too far gone. I was just typing spontaneously.
2nd half of my Chaos track by track analysis (scoring based on 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest)
Too Much Rain (10plus) - While I gave both Jenny Wren and At the Mercy 10's above, Too Much Rain quickly became my initial favorite track on Chaos and after all these years I still feel that way (along with 1 other). I just love the combination of melody and lyrics. It again reminds me of a Rubber Soul/Revolver era Paul song. Another all-Paul song relative to any additional players. Just wished Paul would have added this one to his live tour in 2005. Would have loved to have gotten a slightly different interpretation with the full band. Mayby a full guitar solo from Rusty would have been a good addition. Too Much Rain also begins one of my favorite portions of Chaos (3 great songs in a row in my opinion).
A Certain Softness (10) - This track is my vote for most undertated/hidden gem on Chaos. This track brings in more variety with a Latin flavor sound that Paul has always done well. Again, I love the combination of melody and lyrics here. Love the bridge with..."If I could even find the words to tell her section... Like the description words...A Certain Softness, A Kind of Sadness, A Touch of Wildness etc. Nigel again brings in additional players ...Jason Falkner (classical guitar) Joey Waronker (Bass drum) to add to the great production.
Riding to Vanity Fair (10 plus) - this is my other "favorite track". It was a grower for me as the bitter lyrics (very unlike Paul) sunk in. It had a bitterness you expected from John but not Paul. The longest track (5:07) but it doesn't seem long because the production and the great bridge..."the definition of friendship" part. Like "How Kind of You" I love the way the production builds up to the point the strings coming in and Paul repeating "While You Were Riding to Vanity Fair". this is the track that has aged so well for me. One of Paul's best (Beatles or Post Beatles) in my opinion
Follow Me (8.5) - After the previous track, it is natural to have a slight letdown but I still like "Follow Me" a lot. The lyrics in parts are a bit pedestrian but they are very positive which was good for the album in general after "Vanity Fair". I love the bridge..."Down the track of loneliness... the lyrics in the bridge are great!
Promise to You Girl (9) - This is another track wherre I wished Paul was so much more "daring" at his live shows. The fact that this mini multi-part studio song was done entirely by Paul was theperfect time for Paul to give it a total new interpretation using the full band on his 2005. The only downside of the track for me is Paul's rather plodding electic guitar parts. Personally I would love to have heard what Rusty would have done on "Promise to Me Girl" to spice it up. Just a thought.
This Never Happened Before (8.5) - I remember really liking this Paul piano ballad when Chaos was first released but I honestly did get a little tired of it after repeated listens. Loved the intro piano beginning with Paul's hofner bass but the rest of it became too much of the same production and melody to my ears. Still a good song but I like some other Paul piano ballads that go off in more directions a bit better (includiing "I Don't Kow" from Egyty Station.
Anyway (10) - This was anther real grower for me. I have to admit that the main melody did sound a lot like "People Get Ready" ( the old Impressions standard). For grading purposes, I would nomally deduct a point or two from the overall track grade but this had two things going fo it. First I grew to love the other part of the song...the bluesy "Only Love is strong enough to take it on the Chin/When did I begin to fall/Anyway, Anyway part... which brought the song to a whole different level and made it a true Paul song. The 2nd part which made it one of my favorites on Chaos was Paul's vocal. It might have been Paul's last great studio vocal in my opinion. Love the "Anyway" parts and when Paul sings "we can cure each other's sorrow". Just brilliant singing in my opinion.
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Yeah, I don’t like the fact that CD players in cars will soon be extinct! 🤬
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B J Conlee wrote:
I want to apologize for some of my grammar and typos on my earlier post. I tried to do an edit but I guess it was too far gone. I was just typing spontaneously.
2nd half of my Chaos track by track analysis (scoring based on 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest)
Too Much Rain (10plus) - While I gave both Jenny Wren and At the Mercy 10's above, Too Much Rain quickly became my initial favorite track on Chaos and after all these years I still feel that way (along with 1 other). I just love the combination of melody and lyrics. It again reminds me of a Rubber Soul/Revolver era Paul song. Another all-Paul song relative to any additional players. Just wished Paul would have added this one to his live tour in 2005. Would have loved to have gotten a slightly different interpretation with the full band. Mayby a full guitar solo from Rusty would have been a good addition. Too Much Rain also begins one of my favorite portions of Chaos (3 great songs in a row in my opinion).
A Certain Softness (10) - This track is my vote for most undertated/hidden gem on Chaos. This track brings in more variety with a Latin flavor sound that Paul has always done well. Again, I love the combination of melody and lyrics here. Love the bridge with..."If I could even find the words to tell her section... Like the description words...A Certain Softness, A Kind of Sadness, A Touch of Wildness etc. Nigel again brings in additional players ...Jason Falkner (classical guitar) Joey Waronker (Bass drum) to add to the great production.
Riding to Vanity Fair (10 plus) - this is my other "favorite track". It was a grower for me as the bitter lyrics (very unlike Paul) sunk in. It had a bitterness you expected from John but not Paul. The longest track (5:07) but it doesn't seem long because the production and the great bridge..."the definition of friendship" part. Like "How Kind of You" I love the way the production builds up to the point the strings coming in and Paul repeating "While You Were Riding to Vanity Fair". this is the track that has aged so well for me. One of Paul's best (Beatles or Post Beatles) in my opinion
Follow Me (8.5) - After the previous track, it is natural to have a slight letdown but I still like "Follow Me" a lot. The lyrics in parts are a bit pedestrian but they are very positive which was good for the album in general after "Vanity Fair". I love the bridge..."Down the track of loneliness... the lyrics in the bridge are great!
Promise to You Girl (9) - This is another track wherre I wished Paul was so much more "daring" at his live shows. The fact that this mini multi-part studio song was done entirely by Paul was theperfect time for Paul to give it a total new interpretation using the full band on his 2005. The only downside of the track for me is Paul's rather plodding electic guitar parts. Personally I would love to have heard what Rusty would have done on "Promise to Me Girl" to spice it up. Just a thought.
This Never Happened Before (8.5) - I remember really liking this Paul piano ballad when Chaos was first released but I honestly did get a little tired of it after repeated listens. Loved the intro piano beginning with Paul's hofner bass but the rest of it became too much of the same production and melody to my ears. Still a good song but I like some other Paul piano ballads that go off in more directions a bit better (includiing "I Don't Kow" from Egyty Station.
Anyway (10) - This was anther real grower for me. I have to admit that the main melody did sound a lot like "People Get Ready" ( the old Impressions standard). For grading purposes, I would nomally deduct a point or two from the overall track grade but this had two things going fo it. First I grew to love the other part of the song...the bluesy "Only Love is strong enough to take it on the Chin/When did I begin to fall/Anyway, Anyway part... which brought the song to a whole different level and made it a true Paul song. The 2nd part which made it one of my favorites on Chaos was Paul's vocal. It might have been Paul's last great studio vocal in my opinion. Love the "Anyway" parts and when Paul sings "we can cure each other's sorrow". Just brilliant singing in my opinion.
As always, I enjoyed your song by song review. I think I have told you before but you really could do this album review thing for a living - lol. I am really glad the guys thought very highly of CHAOS and this record alone IMO shows that McCartney was just more than a Beatle and leader of Wings. I fully understand that to a casual fan this record might not have much appeal because it is not a very commercial album like BOTR for example. That being said, the quality of the music, vocals, lyrics and musicianship is just outstanding. This record also proves that when McCartney has a good producer who is not in complete awe of him, the quality of songs on an album is much better and there are no clunkers which have marred quite a few McCartney albums. I am now looking forward to their next podcast and especially the one on Egytpt Station. Finally, Happy Thanksgiving BJ !!
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"Too Much Rain" and "Anyway" are probably my very favorite songs on "Chaos" (smiles).
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Yankeefan2 wrote:
B J Conlee wrote:
I want to apologize for some of my grammar and typos on my earlier post. I tried to do an edit but I guess it was too far gone. I was just typing spontaneously.
2nd half of my Chaos track by track analysis (scoring based on 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest)
Too Much Rain (10plus) - While I gave both Jenny Wren and At the Mercy 10's above, Too Much Rain quickly became my initial favorite track on Chaos and after all these years I still feel that way (along with 1 other). I just love the combination of melody and lyrics. It again reminds me of a Rubber Soul/Revolver era Paul song. Another all-Paul song relative to any additional players. Just wished Paul would have added this one to his live tour in 2005. Would have loved to have gotten a slightly different interpretation with the full band. Mayby a full guitar solo from Rusty would have been a good addition. Too Much Rain also begins one of my favorite portions of Chaos (3 great songs in a row in my opinion).
A Certain Softness (10) - This track is my vote for most undertated/hidden gem on Chaos. This track brings in more variety with a Latin flavor sound that Paul has always done well. Again, I love the combination of melody and lyrics here. Love the bridge with..."If I could even find the words to tell her section... Like the description words...A Certain Softness, A Kind of Sadness, A Touch of Wildness etc. Nigel again brings in additional players ...Jason Falkner (classical guitar) Joey Waronker (Bass drum) to add to the great production.
Riding to Vanity Fair (10 plus) - this is my other "favorite track". It was a grower for me as the bitter lyrics (very unlike Paul) sunk in. It had a bitterness you expected from John but not Paul. The longest track (5:07) but it doesn't seem long because the production and the great bridge..."the definition of friendship" part. Like "How Kind of You" I love the way the production builds up to the point the strings coming in and Paul repeating "While You Were Riding to Vanity Fair". this is the track that has aged so well for me. One of Paul's best (Beatles or Post Beatles) in my opinion
Follow Me (8.5) - After the previous track, it is natural to have a slight letdown but I still like "Follow Me" a lot. The lyrics in parts are a bit pedestrian but they are very positive which was good for the album in general after "Vanity Fair". I love the bridge..."Down the track of loneliness... the lyrics in the bridge are great!
Promise to You Girl (9) - This is another track wherre I wished Paul was so much more "daring" at his live shows. The fact that this mini multi-part studio song was done entirely by Paul was theperfect time for Paul to give it a total new interpretation using the full band on his 2005. The only downside of the track for me is Paul's rather plodding electic guitar parts. Personally I would love to have heard what Rusty would have done on "Promise to Me Girl" to spice it up. Just a thought.
This Never Happened Before (8.5) - I remember really liking this Paul piano ballad when Chaos was first released but I honestly did get a little tired of it after repeated listens. Loved the intro piano beginning with Paul's hofner bass but the rest of it became too much of the same production and melody to my ears. Still a good song but I like some other Paul piano ballads that go off in more directions a bit better (includiing "I Don't Kow" from Egyty Station.
Anyway (10) - This was anther real grower for me. I have to admit that the main melody did sound a lot like "People Get Ready" ( the old Impressions standard). For grading purposes, I would nomally deduct a point or two from the overall track grade but this had two things going fo it. First I grew to love the other part of the song...the bluesy "Only Love is strong enough to take it on the Chin/When did I begin to fall/Anyway, Anyway part... which brought the song to a whole different level and made it a true Paul song. The 2nd part which made it one of my favorites on Chaos was Paul's vocal. It might have been Paul's last great studio vocal in my opinion. Love the "Anyway" parts and when Paul sings "we can cure each other's sorrow". Just brilliant singing in my opinion.
As always, I enjoyed your song by song review. I think I have told you before but you really could do this album review thing for a living - lol. I am really glad the guys thought very highly of CHAOS and this record alone IMO shows that McCartney was just more than a Beatle and leader of Wings. I fully understand that to a casual fan this record might not have much appeal because it is not a very commercial album like BOTR for example. That being said, the quality of the music, vocals, lyrics and musicianship is just outstanding. This record also proves that when McCartney has a good producer who is not in complete awe of him, the quality of songs on an album is much better and there are no clunkers which have marred quite a few McCartney albums. I am now looking forward to their next podcast and especially the one on Egytpt Station. Finally, Happy Thanksgiving BJ !!
Yankeefan...Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well. I have to run now but I will get back with you next week with more comments about this podcast. Btw...MAF is the next one which I think makes total sense since they were cornerstone albums and were quite different in many ways. Talk soon.
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B J Conlee wrote:
Yankeefan2 wrote:
B J Conlee wrote:
I want to apologize for some of my grammar and typos on my earlier post. I tried to do an edit but I guess it was too far gone. I was just typing spontaneously.
2nd half of my Chaos track by track analysis (scoring based on 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest)
Too Much Rain (10plus) - While I gave both Jenny Wren and At the Mercy 10's above, Too Much Rain quickly became my initial favorite track on Chaos and after all these years I still feel that way (along with 1 other). I just love the combination of melody and lyrics. It again reminds me of a Rubber Soul/Revolver era Paul song. Another all-Paul song relative to any additional players. Just wished Paul would have added this one to his live tour in 2005. Would have loved to have gotten a slightly different interpretation with the full band. Mayby a full guitar solo from Rusty would have been a good addition. Too Much Rain also begins one of my favorite portions of Chaos (3 great songs in a row in my opinion).
A Certain Softness (10) - This track is my vote for most undertated/hidden gem on Chaos. This track brings in more variety with a Latin flavor sound that Paul has always done well. Again, I love the combination of melody and lyrics here. Love the bridge with..."If I could even find the words to tell her section... Like the description words...A Certain Softness, A Kind of Sadness, A Touch of Wildness etc. Nigel again brings in additional players ...Jason Falkner (classical guitar) Joey Waronker (Bass drum) to add to the great production.
Riding to Vanity Fair (10 plus) - this is my other "favorite track". It was a grower for me as the bitter lyrics (very unlike Paul) sunk in. It had a bitterness you expected from John but not Paul. The longest track (5:07) but it doesn't seem long because the production and the great bridge..."the definition of friendship" part. Like "How Kind of You" I love the way the production builds up to the point the strings coming in and Paul repeating "While You Were Riding to Vanity Fair". this is the track that has aged so well for me. One of Paul's best (Beatles or Post Beatles) in my opinion
Follow Me (8.5) - After the previous track, it is natural to have a slight letdown but I still like "Follow Me" a lot. The lyrics in parts are a bit pedestrian but they are very positive which was good for the album in general after "Vanity Fair". I love the bridge..."Down the track of loneliness... the lyrics in the bridge are great!
Promise to You Girl (9) - This is another track wherre I wished Paul was so much more "daring" at his live shows. The fact that this mini multi-part studio song was done entirely by Paul was theperfect time for Paul to give it a total new interpretation using the full band on his 2005. The only downside of the track for me is Paul's rather plodding electic guitar parts. Personally I would love to have heard what Rusty would have done on "Promise to Me Girl" to spice it up. Just a thought.
This Never Happened Before (8.5) - I remember really liking this Paul piano ballad when Chaos was first released but I honestly did get a little tired of it after repeated listens. Loved the intro piano beginning with Paul's hofner bass but the rest of it became too much of the same production and melody to my ears. Still a good song but I like some other Paul piano ballads that go off in more directions a bit better (includiing "I Don't Kow" from Egyty Station.
Anyway (10) - This was anther real grower for me. I have to admit that the main melody did sound a lot like "People Get Ready" ( the old Impressions standard). For grading purposes, I would nomally deduct a point or two from the overall track grade but this had two things going fo it. First I grew to love the other part of the song...the bluesy "Only Love is strong enough to take it on the Chin/When did I begin to fall/Anyway, Anyway part... which brought the song to a whole different level and made it a true Paul song. The 2nd part which made it one of my favorites on Chaos was Paul's vocal. It might have been Paul's last great studio vocal in my opinion. Love the "Anyway" parts and when Paul sings "we can cure each other's sorrow". Just brilliant singing in my opinion.
As always, I enjoyed your song by song review. I think I have told you before but you really could do this album review thing for a living - lol. I am really glad the guys thought very highly of CHAOS and this record alone IMO shows that McCartney was just more than a Beatle and leader of Wings. I fully understand that to a casual fan this record might not have much appeal because it is not a very commercial album like BOTR for example. That being said, the quality of the music, vocals, lyrics and musicianship is just outstanding. This record also proves that when McCartney has a good producer who is not in complete awe of him, the quality of songs on an album is much better and there are no clunkers which have marred quite a few McCartney albums. I am now looking forward to their next podcast and especially the one on Egytpt Station. Finally, Happy Thanksgiving BJ !!
Yankeefan...Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well. I have to run now but I will get back with you next week with more comments about this podcast. Btw...MAF is the next one which I think makes total sense since they were cornerstone albums and were quite different in many ways. Talk soon.
I believe MAF will be done this upcoming Saturday.
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Really looking forward to the MAF Podcast. After a week or so with Chaos, I started playing MAF in the car just to be ready for their MAF analysis. I feel similar when comparing MAF and Egypt Station with Chaos. Critically thinking as well as consistentency and vocals, I now agree that Chaos is slightly better. Parts of both albums are more enjoyable to me than Chaos, but from a song selection point of view, there are still a couple tracks on both MAF and ES that I wished Paul hadn't included. But when you think about it, all 3 give strong proof to the fact that McCartney has had a stellar later period (from 2005 and on) Solo career. I can easily listen to all 3 albums from beginning to end and many of the songs have excellent, meaningful lyrics.
Just wanted to add something about my Chaos review relative to Jenny Wren. I forgot to mention the beautiful solo playing of the Duduk by Pedro Eustache. It really made the song in my opinion.
Looking back at the review, I had given 6 Chaos songs the strongest grade...a 10. When I think about it, many of the top tier Paul Solo, non-cover albums (Tug of War, Flaming Pie, Flowers in the Dirt, Chaos, MAF and now Egypt Station) had that similar quality. At least 6 or more individual songs that had perfect scores. For people that argue that Paul's Post Beatles' career has been spotty and mixed at best, I totally disagree when you look at that perspective. So many very good to great Post Beatles' Paul songs.
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I agree it'll be fun to hear Chris and Ryan's take on "Memory Almost Full."MAF has a right good bit of variety, diversity, an eclectic quality but "Egypt Station" and "C & C" pull at my heart strings more strongly and deeply...except for "End of the End," you can't deny that one's one of McCartney's all time heart stoppers. "See Your Sunshine" on MAF is a major earworm for me. I swear I couldn't get it out of my head a couple months ago. Very catchy and perky. Irresistable. Although my first reaction to it all that time ago was a teeny bit annoyed, thinking it was about HM. It doesn't matter who was the inspiration, it's an ear pleaser. That song sounds singular, unique. Makes me think, "That Macca's so girl crazy!" (laughs) I like and appreciate "House of Wax" much more, now. Initially I skipped over it a lot. It's another unique sounding corker from him. Not a fun number, hardly a light and sparkling toe tapper, which makes it stand out on MAF. "Mr. Bellamy" sounds so English, veddy British, which gratifies an Anglophile..."That Was Me" and "Vintage Clothes" complement each other having similar themes, are poignant in a perky "pop" way. Bright and shiney. "Vintage Clothes" sounds different and unique. "Dance Tonight" sports an appealing "Irish jig" nature, old timey fun. Makes you wanna dance an Olde Country jig. I always think of seeing Paul and Kiley Minoghe singing it together in a vid from a Brit telly music show. Kiley was really hoppin' that night ! They were having a Brit hoe down! Natalie Portman was in the music vid for "Dance Tonight." "Only Mama Knows" is a provocative, unexpected "story song" rocker, what I regard as one of Paul's "socialogy" themed anthems. But certainly more fun than a socialogy textbook! (laughs merrily) It rocks.
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B J Conlee wrote:
Really looking forward to the MAF Podcast. After a week or so with Chaos, I started playing MAF in the car just to be ready for their MAF analysis. I feel similar when comparing MAF and Egypt Station with Chaos. Critically thinking as well as consistentency and vocals, I now agree that Chaos is slightly better. Parts of both albums are more enjoyable to me than Chaos, but from a song selection point of view, there are still a couple tracks on both MAF and ES that I wished Paul hadn't included. But when you think about it, all 3 give strong proof to the fact that McCartney has had a stellar later period (from 2005 and on) Solo career. I can easily listen to all 3 albums from beginning to end and many of the songs have excellent, meaningful lyrics.
Just wanted to add something about my Chaos review relative to Jenny Wren. I forgot to mention the beautiful solo playing of the Duduk by Pedro Eustache. It really made the song in my opinion.
Looking back at the review, I had given 6 Chaos songs the strongest grade...a 10. When I think about it, many of the top tier Paul Solo, non-cover albums (Tug of War, Flaming Pie, Flowers in the Dirt, Chaos, MAF and now Egypt Station) had that similar quality. At least 6 or more individual songs that had perfect scores. For people that argue that Paul's Post Beatles' career has been spotty and mixed at best, I totally disagree when you look at that perspective. So many very good to great Post Beatles' Paul songs.
I defy for anyone to describe McCartney's post Beatle career as spotty the last 15 years for example. Between CHAOS, MAF, EA, New and Egypt Station, he has had five very good and critically acclaimed albums in a row. The only album this century (lol) that was mixed would be DR and even that album had some good moments. I will admit, I probably liked it a bit more than most people. I bet if you would have thrown any of these grade 10 CHAOS songs on a Beatle album, they would have been considered McCartney classics - lol.
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Yankeefan2 wrote:
B J Conlee wrote:
Really looking forward to the MAF Podcast. After a week or so with Chaos, I started playing MAF in the car just to be ready for their MAF analysis. I feel similar when comparing MAF and Egypt Station with Chaos. Critically thinking as well as consistentency and vocals, I now agree that Chaos is slightly better. Parts of both albums are more enjoyable to me than Chaos, but from a song selection point of view, there are still a couple tracks on both MAF and ES that I wished Paul hadn't included. But when you think about it, all 3 give strong proof to the fact that McCartney has had a stellar later period (from 2005 and on) Solo career. I can easily listen to all 3 albums from beginning to end and many of the songs have excellent, meaningful lyrics.
Just wanted to add something about my Chaos review relative to Jenny Wren. I forgot to mention the beautiful solo playing of the Duduk by Pedro Eustache. It really made the song in my opinion.
Looking back at the review, I had given 6 Chaos songs the strongest grade...a 10. When I think about it, many of the top tier Paul Solo, non-cover albums (Tug of War, Flaming Pie, Flowers in the Dirt, Chaos, MAF and now Egypt Station) had that similar quality. At least 6 or more individual songs that had perfect scores. For people that argue that Paul's Post Beatles' career has been spotty and mixed at best, I totally disagree when you look at that perspective. So many very good to great Post Beatles' Paul songs.
I defy for anyone to describe McCartney's post Beatle career as spotty the last 15 years for example. Between CHAOS, MAF, EA, New and Egypt Station, he has had five very good and critically acclaimed albums in a row. The only album this century (lol) that was mixed would be DR and even that album had some good moments. I will admit, I probably liked it a bit more than most people. I bet if you would have thrown any of these grade 10 CHAOS songs on a Beatle album, they would have been considered McCartney classics - lol.
To your last point, I couldn't agree with you more Yankeefan. Can you imagine At the Mercy, Too Much Rain or Riding to Vanity Fair on the White Album. 95% of Beatles' fans would know those songs like they know Let It Be or Blackbird.
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SusyLuvsPaul wrote:
I agree it'll be fun to hear Chris and Ryan's take on "Memory Almost Full."MAF has a right good bit of variety, diversity, an eclectic quality but "Egypt Station" and "C & C" pull at my heart strings more strongly and deeply...except for "End of the End," you can't deny that one's one of McCartney's all time heart stoppers. "See Your Sunshine" on MAF is a major earworm for me. I swear I couldn't get it out of my head a couple months ago. Very catchy and perky. Irresistable. Although my first reaction to it all that time ago was a teeny bit annoyed, thinking it was about HM. It doesn't matter who was the inspiration, it's an ear pleaser. That song sounds singular, unique. Makes me think, "That Macca's so girl crazy!" (laughs) I like and appreciate "House of Wax" much more, now. Initially I skipped over it a lot. It's another unique sounding corker from him. Not a fun number, hardly a light and sparkling toe tapper, which makes it stand out on MAF. "Mr. Bellamy" sounds so English, veddy British, which gratifies an Anglophile..."That Was Me" and "Vintage Clothes" complement each other having similar themes, are poignant in a perky "pop" way. Bright and shiney. "Vintage Clothes" sounds different and unique. "Dance Tonight" sports an appealing "Irish jig" nature, old timey fun. Makes you wanna dance an Olde Country jig. I always think of seeing Paul and Kiley Minoghe singing it together in a vid from a Brit telly music show. Kiley was really hoppin' that night ! They were having a Brit hoe down! Natalie Portman was in the music vid for "Dance Tonight." "Only Mama Knows" is a provocative, unexpected "story song" rocker, what I regard as one of Paul's "socialogy" themed anthems. But certainly more fun than a socialogy textbook! (laughs merrily) It rocks.
Great Post Susy. Your review of MAF is very creative indeed. About the only song that I absolutely love that you didn't mention is Every Present Past. Why Paul never did Every Present Past on tour just baffles me. It is a far better song than Temporary Secretary.
Thanks also for mentioning "See Your Sunshine". Like "A Certain Softness" on C&C, "See Your Sunshine" on MAF is its most "underrated" song. I've always liked Paul songs that have his unique "white soul" sound to them (Souvenir on Flaming Pie and The Other Me on Pipes of Peace). See Your Sunshine sounds like like Hall and Oates to me and I love Paul's bass throughout the song.
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I meant to include "My Ever Present Past" with "That Was Me" and "Vintage Clothes" as all being remembrance of things past ditties. Thanks for the shoutout, BJ. McCartney's got a mostly giddiness-inducing back story, doesn't he? One heck of a back story some hail as "the greatest music story ever told." He lived through those early days.
Chris and Ryan's "Memory Almost Full" podcast is tomorrow! December 1. Saturday
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I listened to Ryan and Chris' episode on MAF. As usual, I learned some new things (about the loudness of the CD) and I enjoyed the episode.
I see MAF as a very good Paul album. I seem to like it a little more than Ryan and Chris.
Whereas Chaos is polished and perfect, it lacks Paul's quirky side (which to some is a good thing, Godrich certainly promoted quality control but I like some "weird" McCartney mixed in with other more traditional songs). MAF sees Paul return to some of his quirkiness while also having some more traditional songs. I also really like the general theme of memory and the past. I bought the album (CD) in a Starbucks on release day (and I have never been in that Starbucks since --not a coffee drinker).
I like Dance Tonight as a stomp and found it a fun song and I loved the video and also the Apple commerical. Ever Present Past is a really good song (but my wife does not like it) with good lyrics (not sure that I liked the video for it with Paul dancing). Who lives more with their "ever present" past than Paul McCartney?
See Your Sunshine remains one of my favorites on the album. I love the middle bit ("She picks up daisies in the field, she likes to weave them through her hair....") Only Mama Knows is a great rocker and I love Paul's performance of it. I like the orchestral bit at the beginning. This in my top five-ten of McCartney rock songs since the Beatles.
You Tell Me is another highlight. Good lyrics and a somber mood with good lyrics ("what was that summer when it never rained.....").
Mr. Bellamy is an odd song that I really liked (and I had the cat in the tree interpretation on first listens also). I love the line, "I'm not coming down, I like it up her without you." Who else would write a song like this other than Paul McCartney?
Gratitude was never a favorite of mine but today when listening to it, I quite liked Paul's singing on it. Still, I would not miss it on the album.
Vintage Clothes is good and I like the 60s sound in the guitars and backwards guitars. I always quote the lyric, "dont live in the past, don't hang on to something that is changing fast" when I or someone else wants to live in the past. It would be easy for Paul to just want to live in the past but he pushes forward with new music.
That Was Me is a favorite as I can see myself looking at myself in a scrapbook and being amazed that "that was me." I can only imagine what is must be like for Paul McCartney to do so. Paul has the ability to write about specific events (in this case looking at his life in a scrap book) but make the song so that it could relate to our own lives. I also love his bass playing on the song. I really like the live version that he did in a concert in Paris, I belive at the Olympia. (see YouTube if you have not seen this performance).
Feet in the Clouds is quirky and the "very, very, very, very, very hard" line can be irritating as pointed out by Ryan and Chris but somehow the song works for me (who would use a vocal decoder in 2007 other than Paul McCartney?) and there are some clever lyrics that I believe Ryan pointed out ("I'm not a square as long as you are not around").
House of Wax is lyrically strong. The lyrics are good and I can see Paul sitting at a grand piano leading the band in this great rocker. We all live in a house of wax even when we are the greatest song writer of a generation (though Paul has said it is about the decline of the record business).
I like the End of the End. While I agree that it is not a great and majestic song like you might expect, I think that is the point. Paul dealt with his own death by writing a nice little ditty with great lryrics like "on the day that I die, I want jokes to be told. And stories of old to be rolled out like carpets. That children have played on and laid on. While listening to stories of old." That is just a great lyric and choked me up every time without being overly dramatic. I love his whistling as well.
I never warmed to Nod Your Head and would have replaced it with Why So Blue (or just dropped it and replaced Gratifude with Why So Blue).
Overall, the album is not quite in my Paul's greatest list (Ram, BOR, TOW, FP, Chaos) but is in a second tier of very good albums. For me it has aged well. It was also a nice transition into Electric Arguments where Paul's gets to further explore his quirkiness. I look forward to Ryan and Chris reviewing it next episode. It sounds like they are going to review Strawberries Ships, Oceans Forest, Rushes, and Electric Arguments. I liked some of the dance music on the first Fireman album but thought it was repetitive. I found Rushes both strange and fascinating and loved how Paul used it for the opening of his 2002 tour (I saw Paul twice that year). Just the bassline on Bison makes the album worth listening to. Then, Electric Argument is more accessible but also full of good McCartney weirdness. I think that Paul uses the Fireman to channel his strange side. But I will wait for the next Ryan and Chris episode to review the Fireman.
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thrillington wrote:
I listened to Ryan and Chris' episode on MAF. As usual, I learned some new things (about the loudness of the CD) and I enjoyed the episode.
I see MAF as a very good Paul album. I seem to like it a little more than Ryan and Chris.
Whereas Chaos is polished and perfect, it lacks Paul's quirky side (which to some is a good thing, Godrich certainly promoted quality control but I like some "weird" McCartney mixed in with other more traditional songs). MAF sees Paul return to some of his quirkiness while also having some more traditional songs. I also really like the general theme of memory and the past. I bought the album (CD) in a Starbucks on release day (and I have never been in that Starbucks since --not a coffee drinker).
I like Dance Tonight as a stomp and found it a fun song and I loved the video and also the Apple commerical. Ever Present Past is a really good song (but my wife does not like it) with good lyrics (not sure that I liked the video for it with Paul dancing). Who lives more with their "ever present" past than Paul McCartney?
See Your Sunshine remains one of my favorites on the album. I love the middle bit ("She picks up daisies in the field, she likes to weave them through her hair....") Only Mama Knows is a great rocker and I love Paul's performance of it. I like the orchestral bit at the beginning. This in my top five-ten of McCartney rock songs since the Beatles.
You Tell Me is another highlight. Good lyrics and a somber mood with good lyrics ("what was that summer when it never rained.....").
Mr. Bellamy is an odd song that I really liked (and I had the cat in the tree interpretation on first listens also). I love the line, "I'm not coming down, I like it up her without you." Who else would write a song like this other than Paul McCartney?
Gratitude was never a favorite of mine but today when listening to it, I quite liked Paul's singing on it. Still, I would not miss it on the album.
Vintage Clothes is good and I like the 60s sound in the guitars and backwards guitars. I always quote the lyric, "dont live in the past, don't hang on to something that is changing fast" when I or someone else wants to live in the past. It would be easy for Paul to just want to live in the past but he pushes forward with new music.
That Was Me is a favorite as I can see myself looking at myself in a scrapbook and being amazed that "that was me." I can only imagine what is must be like for Paul McCartney to do so. Paul has the ability to write about specific events (in this case looking at his life in a scrap book) but make the song so that it could relate to our own lives. I also love his bass playing on the song. I really like the live version that he did in a concert in Paris, I belive at the Olympia. (see YouTube if you have not seen this performance).
Feet in the Clouds is quirky and the "very, very, very, very, very hard" line can be irritating as pointed out by Ryan and Chris but somehow the song works for me (who would use a vocal decoder in 2007 other than Paul McCartney?) and there are some clever lyrics that I believe Ryan pointed out ("I'm not a square as long as you are not around").
House of Wax is lyrically strong. The lyrics are good and I can see Paul sitting at a grand piano leading the band in this great rocker. We all live in a house of wax even when we are the greatest song writer of a generation (though Paul has said it is about the decline of the record business).
I like the End of the End. While I agree that it is not a great and majestic song like you might expect, I think that is the point. Paul dealt with his own death by writing a nice little ditty with great lryrics like "on the day that I die, I want jokes to be told. And stories of old to be rolled out like carpets. That children have played on and laid on. While listening to stories of old." That is just a great lyric and choked me up every time without being overly dramatic. I love his whistling as well.
I never warmed to Nod Your Head and would have replaced it with Why So Blue (or just dropped it and replaced Gratifude with Why So Blue).
Overall, the album is not quite in my Paul's greatest list (Ram, BOR, TOW, FP, Chaos) but is in a second tier of very good albums. For me it has aged well. It was also a nice transition into Electric Arguments where Paul's gets to further explore his quirkiness. I look forward to Ryan and Chris reviewing it next episode. It sounds like they are going to review Strawberries Ships, Oceans Forest, Rushes, and Electric Arguments. I liked some of the dance music on the first Fireman album but thought it was repetitive. I found Rushes both strange and fascinating and loved how Paul used it for the opening of his 2002 tour (I saw Paul twice that year). Just the bassline on Bison makes the album worth listening to. Then, Electric Argument is more accessible but also full of good McCartney weirdness. I think that Paul uses the Fireman to channel his strange side. But I will wait for the next Ryan and Chris episode to review the Fireman.
Thrillington, Great review of MAF. I haven't gotten around to hear Chris and Ryan's Podcast on MAF yet, but will do over the next couple of days.
I listened to MAF twice yesterday (while doing errands). Knowing that MAF was next on their schedule, I dug it out of my garage and started listening a week or so ago. Sort of like preparing for a test in college or high school.
Yankeefan and I have been discussing and comparing Chaos and MAF after hearing Chris and Ryan's previous thoughts and analysis on Chaos. Surely it was a fruitful songwriting time for Paul. It was especially interesting to remember that MAF was on schedule first but then working with Nigel Godrich, the whole sequence was changed upon Nigel's insistence.
Like you, I really like MAF a lot. As you said, MAF brought Paul's quirkiness out compared to the perfection of Chaos. Both are in my top tier of Paul's Solo albums. I actually find MAF more enjoyable as a complete listen although Chaos isa great listen in the morning especially if you are more up for Paul's quite and easy listening side. Both are excellent albums and prove that Mr. McCartney has had a remarkable career even after the Beatles.
I'm glad that you really like "See Your Sunshine". I think it is the most underrated song on the album. I also like the bridge in the song and I love Paul's bass playing. Coming from Philadelphia, it has a Hall and Oates white soul sound to it that I really like.
I'll be interested to hear Chris and Ryan's take on the "production" on MAF. That is the only part of the album that seems to fall flat on a couple of the songs. I'm not expert on sound production on albums but on a song like "You Tell Me"(a good song) the horns at the end sound so "tinny" if that is the right word. It took a great song into average territory in my opinion. Other songs I like a lot are...Ever Present Past (and I did like the video where Paul was dancing....I found it funny where the girls were trying to mimic Paul's dance moves), Vintage Clothes, Mr. Bellamy (love it), That was Me, Only Mama Knows, HOuse of Wax and End of the End. And I totally agree that "Why So Blue" should have been included on the proper album. I will give my own review a little later too after I hear the Podcast.
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B J Conlee wrote:
thrillington wrote:
I listened to Ryan and Chris' episode on MAF. As usual, I learned some new things (about the loudness of the CD) and I enjoyed the episode.
I see MAF as a very good Paul album. I seem to like it a little more than Ryan and Chris.
Whereas Chaos is polished and perfect, it lacks Paul's quirky side (which to some is a good thing, Godrich certainly promoted quality control but I like some "weird" McCartney mixed in with other more traditional songs). MAF sees Paul return to some of his quirkiness while also having some more traditional songs. I also really like the general theme of memory and the past. I bought the album (CD) in a Starbucks on release day (and I have never been in that Starbucks since --not a coffee drinker).
I like Dance Tonight as a stomp and found it a fun song and I loved the video and also the Apple commerical. Ever Present Past is a really good song (but my wife does not like it) with good lyrics (not sure that I liked the video for it with Paul dancing). Who lives more with their "ever present" past than Paul McCartney?
See Your Sunshine remains one of my favorites on the album. I love the middle bit ("She picks up daisies in the field, she likes to weave them through her hair....") Only Mama Knows is a great rocker and I love Paul's performance of it. I like the orchestral bit at the beginning. This in my top five-ten of McCartney rock songs since the Beatles.
You Tell Me is another highlight. Good lyrics and a somber mood with good lyrics ("what was that summer when it never rained.....").
Mr. Bellamy is an odd song that I really liked (and I had the cat in the tree interpretation on first listens also). I love the line, "I'm not coming down, I like it up her without you." Who else would write a song like this other than Paul McCartney?
Gratitude was never a favorite of mine but today when listening to it, I quite liked Paul's singing on it. Still, I would not miss it on the album.
Vintage Clothes is good and I like the 60s sound in the guitars and backwards guitars. I always quote the lyric, "dont live in the past, don't hang on to something that is changing fast" when I or someone else wants to live in the past. It would be easy for Paul to just want to live in the past but he pushes forward with new music.
That Was Me is a favorite as I can see myself looking at myself in a scrapbook and being amazed that "that was me." I can only imagine what is must be like for Paul McCartney to do so. Paul has the ability to write about specific events (in this case looking at his life in a scrap book) but make the song so that it could relate to our own lives. I also love his bass playing on the song. I really like the live version that he did in a concert in Paris, I belive at the Olympia. (see YouTube if you have not seen this performance).
Feet in the Clouds is quirky and the "very, very, very, very, very hard" line can be irritating as pointed out by Ryan and Chris but somehow the song works for me (who would use a vocal decoder in 2007 other than Paul McCartney?) and there are some clever lyrics that I believe Ryan pointed out ("I'm not a square as long as you are not around").
House of Wax is lyrically strong. The lyrics are good and I can see Paul sitting at a grand piano leading the band in this great rocker. We all live in a house of wax even when we are the greatest song writer of a generation (though Paul has said it is about the decline of the record business).
I like the End of the End. While I agree that it is not a great and majestic song like you might expect, I think that is the point. Paul dealt with his own death by writing a nice little ditty with great lryrics like "on the day that I die, I want jokes to be told. And stories of old to be rolled out like carpets. That children have played on and laid on. While listening to stories of old." That is just a great lyric and choked me up every time without being overly dramatic. I love his whistling as well.
I never warmed to Nod Your Head and would have replaced it with Why So Blue (or just dropped it and replaced Gratifude with Why So Blue).
Overall, the album is not quite in my Paul's greatest list (Ram, BOR, TOW, FP, Chaos) but is in a second tier of very good albums. For me it has aged well. It was also a nice transition into Electric Arguments where Paul's gets to further explore his quirkiness. I look forward to Ryan and Chris reviewing it next episode. It sounds like they are going to review Strawberries Ships, Oceans Forest, Rushes, and Electric Arguments. I liked some of the dance music on the first Fireman album but thought it was repetitive. I found Rushes both strange and fascinating and loved how Paul used it for the opening of his 2002 tour (I saw Paul twice that year). Just the bassline on Bison makes the album worth listening to. Then, Electric Argument is more accessible but also full of good McCartney weirdness. I think that Paul uses the Fireman to channel his strange side. But I will wait for the next Ryan and Chris episode to review the Fireman.
Thrillington, Great review of MAF. I haven't gotten around to hear Chris and Ryan's Podcast on MAF yet, but will do over the next couple of days.
I listened to MAF twice yesterday (while doing errands). Knowing that MAF was next on their schedule, I dug it out of my garage and started listening a week or so ago. Sort of like preparing for a test in college or high school.
Yankeefan and I have been discussing and comparing Chaos and MAF after hearing Chris and Ryan's previous thoughts and analysis on Chaos. Surely it was a fruitful songwriting time for Paul. It was especially interesting to remember that MAF was on schedule first but then working with Nigel Godrich, the whole sequence was changed upon Nigel's insistence.
Like you, I really like MAF a lot. As you said, MAF brought Paul's quirkiness out compared to the perfection of Chaos. Both are in my top tier of Paul's Solo albums. I actually find MAF more enjoyable as a complete listen although Chaos isa great listen in the morning especially if you are more up for Paul's quite and easy listening side. Both are excellent albums and prove that Mr. McCartney has had a remarkable career even after the Beatles.
I'm glad that you really like "See Your Sunshine". I think it is the most underrated song on the album. I also like the bridge in the song and I love Paul's bass playing. Coming from Philadelphia, it has a Hall and Oates white soul sound to it that I really like.
I'll be interested to hear Chris and Ryan's take on the "production" on MAF. That is the only part of the album that seems to fall flat on a couple of the songs. I'm not expert on sound production on albums but on a song like "You Tell Me"(a good song) the horns at the end sound so "tinny" if that is the right word. It took a great song into average territory in my opinion. Other songs I like a lot are...Ever Present Past (and I did like the video where Paul was dancing....I found it funny where the girls were trying to mimic Paul's dance moves), Vintage Clothes, Mr. Bellamy (love it), That was Me, Only Mama Knows, HOuse of Wax and End of the End. And I totally agree that "Why So Blue" should have been included on the proper album. I will give my own review a little later too after I hear the Podcast.
Winter storm is supposed to hit Charlotte so thought it was good time to listen to podcast. First mention of the album on podcast they said they were mixed about it but as time went on they were mostly positive, especially Ryan. I disagreed with Chris on songs like "That Was Me", House Of Wax" and "Dance Tonight" which were some of my favorites and he did not really like them. Thought it was interesting they compared "Dance Tonight" to "Ram On". While I could see the point musically I disagreed in one aspect because to me "Ram On" was sort of a throw away song and "Dance Tonight" was a full fledged song and single. I agreed with both of the guys about "Feet In The Clouds" especially the lyrics (lol) and that this song should have been replaced by 'Why So Blue". I think the guys were right about "You Tell Me", this was more of a CHAOS type song and I thought their take on the songs lyrics was interesting. They spent the first few minutes on the difference of sound between tthe CD and vinyl record of MAF which I found interesting. I had always heard Nigel Godrich had rejected some of the songs McCartney had but it was cool to know which ones he did not like that made it on to MAF. Overall a good and fun podcast.