EGYPT STATION
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Congrats Paul!!!... Number One! Great news!
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Over the moon! Fully deserved, the album is fantastic
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I took a break from Egypt Station over this past weekend. Since I'm getting married next month, my fiance and I are still in "Preparation" mode so there was plenty to do.
It was actually very good to take a break from the new songs since my brain was experiencing a little "ES" overload anyway. Having this "fresh listen" this morning underscored my opinion of just how good ES is.
I agree wholeheartedly with a couple of posters who said that there are no clunkers on the album. Paul has been proned to do that on even some of his top tier albums. The funny thing is that I thought Paul did the same thing on ES the first time I heard "Caesar Rock". Yes it is "jam session" where Paul is just making up lyrics on the spot. I tend to not like "jam like" songs (think of 5 plus minutes of "Really Love You" from Flaming Pie) but I love the music on "Caesar Rock". And it is only 3:29 in length so it doesn't wear out its welcome like Paul has sometimes done.
Two more ES songs that really struck me this morning as I listened were People Want Peace and Do It Now. I love the arrangements on both songs and I like them much better now than I initially gave them credit. I can also see both of them potentially going down very well on tour (if Paul does them). I can see them as being good "audience participation" songs where the crowd can easily sing along with the songs' titles. They also have a great message.
There were several other songs that also sounded better this morning after this little time away from ES. I think that is a good sign. I have little doubt that ES is a top tier Paul album like Ram, BOTR, V&M, Tug of War, FITD, Flaming Pie, Chaos, MAF and New.
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Paul McCartney Tells Steamy Love Story in Tropical Video For 'Back In Brazil': Watch
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B J Conlee wrote:
I took a break from Egypt Station over this past weekend. Since I'm getting married next month, my fiance and I are still in "Preparation" mode so there was plenty to do.
It was actually very good to take a break from the new songs since my brain was experiencing a little "ES" overload anyway. Having this "fresh listen" this morning underscored my opinion of just how good ES is.
I agree wholeheartedly with a couple of posters who said that there are no clunkers on the album. Paul has been proned to do that on even some of his top tier albums. The funny thing is that I thought Paul did the same thing on ES the first time I heard "Caesar Rock". Yes it is "jam session" where Paul is just making up lyrics on the spot. I tend to not like "jam like" songs (think of 5 plus minutes of "Really Love You" from Flaming Pie) but I love the music on "Caesar Rock". And it is only 3:29 in length so it doesn't wear out its welcome like Paul has sometimes done.
Two more ES songs that really struck me this morning as I listened were People Want Peace and Do It Now. I love the arrangements on both songs and I like them much better now than I initially gave them credit. I can also see both of them potentially going down very well on tour (if Paul does them). I can see them as being good "audience participation" songs where the crowd can easily sing along with the songs' titles. They also have a great message.
There were several other songs that also sounded better this morning after this little time away from ES. I think that is a good sign. I have little doubt that ES is a top tier Paul album like Ram, BOTR, V&M, Tug of War, FITD, Flaming Pie, Chaos, MAF and New.
Yep, think it is probably a top 5 McCartney album. With it being a commercial hit (#1 - wow), it will probably get him Grammy nominations which I have posted about earlier. As for clunkers, I agree with you but some will say "Fuh You".
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I'm inserting this addendum at the top because the curious tone I'd intended for the message sounds more negative than I meant it to and I can't think how to rephrase it:
How hard is it to actually achieve a #1 album these days? Obviously if I did it wouldn't even chart so I don't mean anyone can do it but with singles, I know streams from YouTube, Spotify and whatever else get counted (as percentages of a sale, though, I think) but I don't know how you'd factor that in for an album release. I don't know how popular albums are to create these days but I seem to remember they started declining in the last decade but they're picking up again. But, certainly a lot of younger listeners aren't buying albums. All the ones I know stream from Spotify and that's it.
Pair that with the fact that Paul's audience is probably, at its heart, still of the generation that does buy albums, I'm not greatly surprised it charted. #1 is excellent, though and I bet he's pretty chuffed. NEW only got to #3 which is still pretty fantastic. Kudos to all involved.
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W.D. Stevens wrote:
I'm inserting this addendum at the top because the curious tone I'd intended for the message sounds more negative than I meant it to and I can't think how to rephrase it:
How hard is it to actually achieve a #1 album these days? Obviously if I did it wouldn't even chart so I don't mean anyone can do it but with singles, I know streams from YouTube, Spotify and whatever else get counted (as percentages of a sale, though, I think) but I don't know how you'd factor that in for an album release. I don't know how popular albums are to create these days but I seem to remember they started declining in the last decade but they're picking up again. But, certainly a lot of younger listeners aren't buying albums. All the ones I know stream from Spotify and that's it.
Pair that with the fact that Paul's audience is probably, at its heart, still of the generation that does buy albums, I'm not greatly surprised it charted. #1 is excellent, though and I bet he's pretty chuffed. NEW only got to #3 which is still pretty fantastic. Kudos to all involved.
I will politely disagree. Who is putting every new Taylor Swift album at #1 when it comes our or somebody like Adele, not McCartney's audience - lol. Also all the hip hop/rap stars like Drake for example. ( he is one of the few I know - lol) albums are not being bought by people like you and me.
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Phenomenal achievement . So pleased for Paul . Perhaps all the tiresome comments about his voice can be laid to rest now !
P.s the middle 8 from people want peace is sublime
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Paul is at Number #1; I am so proud of him.
At 76 years old, still creating amazing music that people love. He's such a talented person.
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Nancy R wrote:
New video for Back In Brazil. Remember this girl dancing on stage with Paul? We were right to suspect it was a set-up back then.
thanks for posting this Nancy. I like the video, especially the part where she sees Paul in concert.
But is this the next single? Is that why there's a video? This song wouldn't be my pick for the next single, imo.
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Incredibly proud of Paul reaching number one on Billboard in the U.S. in 2018. I was in high school when Spies Like Us cracked the top 10 singles. It wasn't cool to be a Paul fan then - he was already considered an ancient dinosaur in 1986. And rock press at that time harped a lot about his career having been damaged by the Broad Street flop. And for years, articles about Paul have routinely said "his final number one was in ----" or "his final top 10 was in ---" as if he was toast. Paul's boundless energy and perseverance are truly inspiring - just shows what can happen when a great artist keeps at it and never gives up
Paul, you are THE greatest! -
W.D. Stevens wrote:
I'm inserting this addendum at the top because the curious tone I'd intended for the message sounds more negative than I meant it to and I can't think how to rephrase it:
How hard is it to actually achieve a #1 album these days? Obviously if I did it wouldn't even chart so I don't mean anyone can do it but with singles, I know streams from YouTube, Spotify and whatever else get counted (as percentages of a sale, though, I think) but I don't know how you'd factor that in for an album release. I don't know how popular albums are to create these days but I seem to remember they started declining in the last decade but they're picking up again. But, certainly a lot of younger listeners aren't buying albums. All the ones I know stream from Spotify and that's it.
Pair that with the fact that Paul's audience is probably, at its heart, still of the generation that does buy albums, I'm not greatly surprised it charted. #1 is excellent, though and I bet he's pretty chuffed. NEW only got to #3 which is still pretty fantastic. Kudos to all involved.
147,000 if the 153,000 albums that made him #1 were pure sales. Meaning most of us bought physical albums. I think that is pretty impressive since half of Eminem’s sales were digital.
I’m 27 and bought the album and some friends that are my age or younger bought it. I think you’re underestimating Paul here. Some of us who actually aren’t from USA helped him buying our physical albums from USA (I bought it on Target).
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Apple Scruff wrote:
Nancy R wrote:
New video for Back In Brazil. Remember this girl dancing on stage with Paul? We were right to suspect it was a set-up back then.
thanks for posting this Nancy. I like the video, especially the part where she sees Paul in concert.
But is this the next single? Is that why there's a video? This song wouldn't be my pick for the next single, imo.
I agree. But with Paul you never know. He is the worst judge of what songs to put out as singles, and the worst at composing a setlist!
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I'm listening to it more and more. It's really a great album...the middle gets a bit bogged down, but there are so many great tunes. It has a great opening and ending. Have heard Come On To Me a couple times at a bar and it sounds great. I think it's head and shoulders better than any late Dylan, Steely Dan, or Robert Plant album (all crap actually). Not crazy about the slight at Trump but I like the song and it's a great multi-part melody like Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey. This album blows New away and has some real staying power!! I think it's going to be somethig great. Paul really outdid himself on this one especially given his voice--had it been in his prime would probably have this album charting like Wings at the Speed of Sound did!
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I'm wondering if "Confidante" is about Heather Mills, and "Fuh You" is about Linda Mc. (?) "Back In Brazil" video is delightful (didn't the guy in the couple have a cell phone? LOL) and the song is,too, light, breezy, and joyful. Makes you feel good. "Fuh You" is so catchy ! About "Confidante"--just who did he fall out of love with? I'm thinking maybe H. Mills.
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SusyLuvsPaul wrote:
I'm wondering if "Confidante" is about Heather Mills, and "Fuh You" is about Linda Mc. (?) "Back In Brazil" video is delightful (didn't the guy in the couple have a cell phone? LOL) and the song is,too, light, breezy, and joyful. Makes you feel good. "Fuh You" is so catchy ! About "Confidante"--just who did he fall out of love with? I'm thinking maybe H. Mills.
I mean I did read that Confidante is dedicated to his old guitar.
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Erik in NJ wrote:
I'm listening to it more and more. It's really a great album...the middle gets a bit bogged down, but there are so many great tunes. It has a great opening and ending. Have heard Come On To Me a couple times at a bar and it sounds great. I think it's head and shoulders better than any late Dylan, Steely Dan, or Robert Plant album (all crap actually). Not crazy about the slight at Trump but I like the song and it's a great multi-part melody like Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey. This album blows New away and has some real staying power!! I think it's going to be somethig great. Paul really outdid himself on this one especially given his voice--had it been in his prime would probably have this album charting like Wings at the Speed of Sound did!
His voice ! AAAAARGH . Why are people STILL going on about it ! He's no 1in the biggest music chart in the world ! The hundreds of thousands who have bought the album clearly have no problem with his voice - yet on here , it's mentioned daily ...
I think his voice sounds great on the album . It's a the voice of a SEVENTY SIX year old Paul McCartney . A 76 year old who has worked his voice hard his entire adult life often without the aid of a proper monitoring system. He's not one of these guys who trots out from semi retirement every so often. Its the scars of a hard working man , and I love it.
PS not getting the "If only he had a younger voice for confidante" ... It's a nice song , but its a fairly simple melody without much range,and hardly a standout on the album , for me anyway.
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Nancy R wrote:
Apple Scruff wrote:
Nancy R wrote:
New video for Back In Brazil. Remember this girl dancing on stage with Paul? We were right to suspect it was a set-up back then.
thanks for posting this Nancy. I like the video, especially the part where she sees Paul in concert.
But is this the next single? Is that why there's a video? This song wouldn't be my pick for the next single, imo.
I agree. But with Paul you never know. He is the worst judge of what songs to put out as singles, and the worst at composing a setlist!
Back in Brazil is a nice album track but the next single (hands down to me anyway) should be "WHO CARES". It has a classic Paul/Wings feel but "modern" at the same time. It is a natural follow-up to "Come On To Me". It rocks, is easy to dance to, and it has a great message. The subject matter is timely especially with all the "Internet Bullying" going on. "Who Cares" would hit the Audult Contemporary charts (like Come On To Me) in my opinion. It is one song on ES that could attract millenials and younger not normally Paul's audience. What do others think?
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Everything Aflutter wrote:
Incredibly proud of Paul reaching number one on Billboard in the U.S. in 2018. I was in high school when Spies Like Us cracked the top 10 singles. It wasn't cool to be a Paul fan then - he was already considered an ancient dinosaur in 1986. And rock press at that time harped a lot about his career having been damaged by the Broad Street flop. And for years, articles about Paul have routinely said "his final number one was in ----" or "his final top 10 was in ---" as if he was toast. Paul's boundless energy and perseverance are truly inspiring - just shows what can happen when a great artist keeps at it and never gives up
Paul, you are THE greatest!Great Post "EverythingAflutter". While I'm much older (I was a Freshman in High School) when the Beatles hit America, I remember the mid 80's clearly when Paul hit bottom. He was not considered "cool" during that period even though he had big hits with Michael Jackson and Stevie just a few years earlier. A case where he was considered at the time (and by some Beatle fans too) "too pop"and getting overplayed on the radio with his duets. The mid 80's was definitely his down period after the disaster of Broad Street and Press to Play (I actually like Press to Play quite a bit). But you are so right. Paul has perseverance which you have to have in the music business. Music styles come and go. Even if you are a star the magnitude of Macca, you have to keep fighting. Paul has definitely done that. I love his Solo period...Tug of War on. And his album streak from Flaming Pie on has even gotten better.
As you say, Paul is truly inspiring and I'm thrilled that he hit #1 with Egypt Station.
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B J Conlee wrote:
Nancy R wrote:
Apple Scruff wrote:
Nancy R wrote:
New video for Back In Brazil. Remember this girl dancing on stage with Paul? We were right to suspect it was a set-up back then.
thanks for posting this Nancy. I like the video, especially the part where she sees Paul in concert.
But is this the next single? Is that why there's a video? This song wouldn't be my pick for the next single, imo.
I agree. But with Paul you never know. He is the worst judge of what songs to put out as singles, and the worst at composing a setlist!
Back in Brazil is a nice album track but the next single (hands down to me anyway) should be "WHO CARES". It has a classic Paul/Wings feel but "modern" at the same time. It is a natural follow-up to "Come On To Me". It rocks, is easy to dance to, and it has a great message. The subject matter is timely especially with all the "Internet Bullying" going on. "Who Cares" would hit the Audult Contemporary charts (like Come On To Me) in my opinion. It is one song on ES that could attract millenials and younger not normally Paul's audience. What do others think?
To Nancy R: Where and when did the girl dancer in the "Back To Brazil" vid dance "on stage with Paul" and "it was a set up" thanks for info. She's beautiful and talented. The young man featured is really appealing.
Yes, B.J., "Who Cares" is a corker, and could be popular w/ all ages with its universal theme of "everybody must get stoned (so I would not feel so all alone)" plus its wonderful sound with all elements coming together to create a very pleasing ditty. It would make a great single from the album. Another hit ! Its social activism/sociology aspect isn't as heavy hitting as some of his sociology songs like "She's Given Up Talking" and "Only Mama Knows" and makes its point more casually, for lack of a better term, more lightly, yet effectively. "Back to Brazil" has a 60s European film feel to me, a French one, retro, wouldn't make a shabby candidate for another single from ES, also "Dominoes" which is an ear worm too.
