EGYPT STATION
-
Beatles4Ever&Ever wrote:
maccasfangirl30 wrote:
Well Im just happy it made up to number one for that week at least. Maybe it will go back to number one again who knows. But as for me Egypt Station will stay number one on my list for a long time! I love it!
Console yourself in knowing that if this were mid-70"s it would have made #1 and stayed there for several weeks. (Even now getting there is a major achievemt.) It's a different time. Paul is passe'. If frank Sinatra had released an album in the Beatles' heyday, it might have created a brief stir....but it then would have disappeared. His time had passed. It would not have been about him...or any lack of respect. That's where Paul is now....it's no reflection on his artistic ability...it's just that......well....
Exactly. It is the era of people like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Drake etc.
-
That won't fly, in a way; surely Paul McCartney is often made to feel that he's special and beloved in a timeless way, in many ways. He gets treated as if he's the even the best musician and songwriter of all time ! The Beatles story has been called "the greatest music story ever told." Can these flighty bubblegum pop stars of today hold a candle to this enduring legacy? Justin Beiber and his ilk, Taylor Swift and Ed Sherran too seem like wussies compared to all that. Even a lot of the cool young big city hipsters have enough sense to appreciate McCartney. The Beatles, and Paul in his own right. I think "Egypt Station" might win Album of the Year. It will certaintly get nominated. Various acolades are showered on it already--It seems a near perfect album. A real gem. It merits a follow up pretty soon as there's not all that much time to dilly dally now. Remember Lennon's people rushed out a sequel to his last album called "Milk and Honey," I think. ES isn't Paul's last album, by a long shot; he's not lost his musical gift and could come out with several more jewels in his crown like Leonard Cohen and B.B. King and Chuck Berry did right up to the end, and theirs earned critical acclaim. One feels Dylan will. I don't feel like Paul is near the end and think he should live in the "now," in the present--and his present is quite sensational, and should inspire him to produce still more creatively and professionally ! He's still got a public avid for more ! And yet more music fans will discover him on the heels of the acclaimed "Egypt Station" and another big spectacular successful tour. I think some posters here underestimate Paul McCartney and his exalted place in music. They compare previous early glory to the present, as if a lot of stars could have gone on and topped all that. Few could. But Paul's certainly still got him a nice little music career going (understatement) and doesn't rest on his laurels. He still has great fun with it. He loves being a big star, and why shouldn't he? He appreciates it. He shouldn't feel bad in any way about himself and his talent and career. "It's been a blast," as he sings. He could feel like he towers above today's crop and be all conceited and arrogant about it, but he doesn't come across that way. He lives in the moment creating. He's got one hell of a period of glory days to reflect on and remember, but he's still living the dream. He's got a lot of stage presence and charisma which his band shares in, and many who've been to his concerts recently say he sounded good and made a strong impression on them. He isn't "past it." And he's still writing new songs ! Going strong.
-
Nancy R wrote:
Yeah, the people who keep saying he should have rested his voice and not toured so much during the recording fail to realize that no amount of rest is going to bring back the sublime singing voice Paul had even through his 50s!
I think that's very true. Paul's voice (spoken and sung) is damaged beyond any repair or rest and that he's been effectively told that he may as well carry on doing what he's doing as the damage can't be reversed. Personally I don't mind his more husky vocal style but the problem comes mainly when he sings his older songs as that's when fans make unfair and unrealistic comparisons.
-
Kestrel wrote:
Nancy R wrote:
Yeah, the people who keep saying he should have rested his voice and not toured so much during the recording fail to realize that no amount of rest is going to bring back the sublime singing voice Paul had even through his 50s!
I think that's very true. Paul's voice (spoken and sung) is damaged beyond any repair or rest and that he's been effectively told that he may as well carry on doing what he's doing as the damage can't be reversed. Personally I don't mind his more husky vocal style but the problem comes mainly when he sings his older songs as that's when fans make unfair and unrealistic comparisons.
I would agree, except he can sound quite good...witness "Happy With You," a lovely acoustic ballad. "Confidante" could have sounded that good as well. Why didn't it? I can only conclude that he came into the studio with a tired and hoarse voice. Why not wait and lay down the vocal when the voice is ready for it? True, he will never have the voice he once did....but he can sing very well when he prepares himself. That he and his producer would be content with that vocal on that song defies any kind of logic. (It's not so great on "I Don't Know" either....or "Hand In Hand.") He should be embarrassed because he has to know it all could have been so much better. He's a consummate perfectionist, so...how can he not wince when he hears himself on "Confidante?" I half way hope someone on 60 Minutes will ask him about his voice and that song in particular. And, yes, the singing of older material.....he can't sing "Maybe I'm Amazed." Why does he stick it in there tour after tour after tour? He has to know....... Isn't there someone who can or will tell him.....someone he will listen to????
-
So many would kill to have the career he has now. It's funny when some here even sound sorry for him, (LOL) "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" !!
-
SusyLuvsPaul wrote:
That won't fly, in a way; surely Paul McCartney is often made to feel that he's special and beloved in a timeless way, in many ways. He gets treated as if he's the even the best musician and songwriter of all time ! The Beatles story has been called "the greatest music story ever told." Can these flighty bubblegum pop stars of today hold a candle to this enduring legacy? Justin Beiber and his ilk, Taylor Swift and Ed Sherran too seem like wussies compared to all that. Even a lot of the cool young big city hipsters have enough sense to appreciate McCartney. The Beatles, and Paul in his own right. I think "Egypt Station" might win Album of the Year. It will certaintly get nominated. Various acolades are showered on it already--It seems a near perfect album. A real gem. It merits a follow up pretty soon as there's not all that much time to dilly dally now. Remember Lennon's people rushed out a sequel to his last album called "Milk and Honey," I think. ES isn't Paul's last album, by a long shot; he's not lost his musical gift and could come out with several more jewels in his crown like Leonard Cohen and B.B. King and Chuck Berry did right up to the end, and theirs earned critical acclaim. One feels Dylan will. I don't feel like Paul is near the end and think he should live in the "now," in the present--and his present is quite sensational, and should inspire him to produce still more creatively and professionally ! He's still got a public avid for more ! And yet more music fans will discover him on the heels of the acclaimed "Egypt Station" and another big spectacular successful tour. I think some posters here underestimate Paul McCartney and his exalted place in music. They compare previous early glory to the present, as if a lot of stars could have gone on and topped all that. Few could. But Paul's certainly still got him a nice little music career going (understatement) and doesn't rest on his laurels. He still has great fun with it. He loves being a big star, and why shouldn't he? He appreciates it. He shouldn't feel bad in any way about himself and his talent and career. "It's been a blast," as he sings. He could feel like he towers above today's crop and be all conceited and arrogant about it, but he doesn't come across that way. He lives in the moment creating. He's got one hell of a period of glory days to reflect on and remember, but he's still living the dream. He's got a lot of stage presence and charisma which his band shares in, and many who've been to his concerts recently say he sounded good and made a strong impression on them. He isn't "past it." And he's still writing new songs ! Going strong.
Well, we can comfort ourselves knowing he recorded numerous other songs during the ES sessions, so they can come out as an album. They will be released at some point. The extra cuts on ES...on the version of the album Target sold...are catchy as all get out. I inserted both"Get Started" and "Nothing For Free," into ES proper, where I thought they best fit. They strenghten the album even more. The album has great variety!
-
Beatles4Ever&Ever wrote:
Kestrel wrote:
Nancy R wrote:
Yeah, the people who keep saying he should have rested his voice and not toured so much during the recording fail to realize that no amount of rest is going to bring back the sublime singing voice Paul had even through his 50s!
I think that's very true. Paul's voice (spoken and sung) is damaged beyond any repair or rest and that he's been effectively told that he may as well carry on doing what he's doing as the damage can't be reversed. Personally I don't mind his more husky vocal style but the problem comes mainly when he sings his older songs as that's when fans make unfair and unrealistic comparisons.
I would agree, except he can sound quite good...witness "Happy With You," a lovely acoustic ballad. "Confidante" could have sounded that good as well. Why didn't it? I can only conclude that he came into the studio with a tired and hoarse voice. Why not wait and lay down the vocal when the voice is ready for it? True, he will never have the voice he once did....but he can sing very well when he prepares himself. That he and his producer would be content with that vocal on that song defies any kind of logic. (It's not so great on "I Don't Know" either....or "Hand In Hand.") He should be embarrassed because he has to know it all could have been so much better. He's a consummate perfectionist, so...how can he not wince when he hears himself on "Confidante?" I half way hope someone on 60 Minutes will ask him about his voice and that song in particular. And, yes, the singing of older material.....he can't sing "Maybe I'm Amazed." Why does he stick it in there tour after tour after tour? He has to know....... Isn't there someone who can or will tell him.....someone he will listen to????
Short answer: No
-
"Maybe I'm Amazed" is obviously very special and meaningful to him, a tribute to Linda, he's still in love with Linda. Could he perform a touching poignant acoustic version, bringing out the beautiful melody of the song? Sort of a folk ballad version? Sitting beside a big, glowing highlighted portrait of Linda ? Kind of brisk and sprightly, not a slow one but not too fast in tempo. A lighter, softer rendition. Just him and his acoustic guitar. Just a suggestion.
-
Or he could strum it on a Uke like George did "Something," with, why does it have to be so hard rocking (Maybe I'm Amazed)...
-
Bruce M. wrote:
So, now that we've all had some time to process, what's everyone's favorite song?
Hi all! Not posted for quite a while! I've only had new album a few days. I was slightly disappointed first listen but it's grown on me a lot since then.
I think DESPITE REPEATED WARNINGS has to be my favourite. Echoes of some of my faves like Uncle Albert or The Pound Is Sinking and it's fun. I can't help wondering too whether Paul had Brexit in mind when he wrote it!!
I DON'T KNOW sounds gorgeous too, esp. the opening.
-
In the latest UK album chart, ES is down to #35 after 3 weeks on the chart.
-
Kestrel wrote:
Every week I check the rateyourmusic site to see how Egypt Station is progressing. Currently with 606 votes (and 27 reviews) , ES still only has a rating of 3.05 (out of 5.00), and is one of Paul's least popular post-Beatles albums,with or without Wings.
Update. Having now attracted 655 votes, ES has ever so slightly lost ground and now stands at 3.04 (out of 5.00).
-
I'm afraid once you've heard Back in Brazil as the "itchy bum" song there may be no going back!!
-
Bruce M. wrote:
stuartshire wrote:
No 1 for a 2nd week ?! Fantastic
Thinking about this great achievment it would be great to come on here and not have Pauls 76 year old voice being dissected.
In response to an earlier poster, for me it is "just fine " actually. My 10 year old son feels exactly the same . he often remarks how great a singer Paul is - now . He doesn't feel the need to make constant comparrisons to his earlier career vocals.
It's easy to be an expert about vocal health , but no one on here actually knows what Paul does to care for his voice, except for maybe not drinking enough water !
Yeah he smoked- show me a rock star that didn't ....
He also had to suffer around 7 years of singing without monitors , and half that time was in front of an audience which George Martin described as the same as a jet airliner taking off.
My band didn't have monitors for years, and I could barely speak the next morning.
Then take into account that hes been a proper working - live performing musician for the best part of 60 years. He's not like many of his conteporaries who dip their toe into the odd live appearance in between semi retirement stints.
On that basis i think he should be cut some slack on how he looks after himself!
I can honestly say hand on heart I love how his voice sounds both live and on the new album . To me , it does sound "just fine". I know he's not 25 and pampered, and I'm fine with that.
If the way Paul sounds now , is actually ruining some peoples experience of listening to his album (which is beyond me personally) then theres an easy solution ...
I looked at The Billboard chart today and felt the world was imediatley a better place. Truly inspiring.
I'm so grateful that upwords of 150 000 people don't seem to have a problem with Pauls voice.
I hate to spoil the party but no, Egypt Station is not no. 1 for a second week, it dropped to no. 8. Entirely expected for an older artist, but at least it's still in the top 10.
I’ve just seen someone on a Paul forum on Facebook congratulating Paul on his 2nd week at no 1!
Seems im not the only one who was confused by the chart listings !
What no is he at week 3 ?
-
stuartshire wrote:
Bruce M. wrote:
stuartshire wrote:
No 1 for a 2nd week ?! Fantastic
Thinking about this great achievment it would be great to come on here and not have Pauls 76 year old voice being dissected.
In response to an earlier poster, for me it is "just fine " actually. My 10 year old son feels exactly the same . he often remarks how great a singer Paul is - now . He doesn't feel the need to make constant comparrisons to his earlier career vocals.
It's easy to be an expert about vocal health , but no one on here actually knows what Paul does to care for his voice, except for maybe not drinking enough water !
Yeah he smoked- show me a rock star that didn't ....
He also had to suffer around 7 years of singing without monitors , and half that time was in front of an audience which George Martin described as the same as a jet airliner taking off.
My band didn't have monitors for years, and I could barely speak the next morning.
Then take into account that hes been a proper working - live performing musician for the best part of 60 years. He's not like many of his conteporaries who dip their toe into the odd live appearance in between semi retirement stints.
On that basis i think he should be cut some slack on how he looks after himself!
I can honestly say hand on heart I love how his voice sounds both live and on the new album . To me , it does sound "just fine". I know he's not 25 and pampered, and I'm fine with that.
If the way Paul sounds now , is actually ruining some peoples experience of listening to his album (which is beyond me personally) then theres an easy solution ...
I looked at The Billboard chart today and felt the world was imediatley a better place. Truly inspiring.
I'm so grateful that upwords of 150 000 people don't seem to have a problem with Pauls voice.
I hate to spoil the party but no, Egypt Station is not no. 1 for a second week, it dropped to no. 8. Entirely expected for an older artist, but at least it's still in the top 10.
I’ve just seen someone on a Paul forum on Facebook congratulating Paul on his 2nd week at no 1!
Seems im not the only one who was confused by the chart listings !
What no is he at week 3 ?
Not sure, Stuartshire, but I went to my local Target store today, to buy another CD of Egypt Station for a friend, and the store clerk said I bought the very last copy. He said so many people are buying it that they have to restock (reorder new shipments) about every 7-10 days, they keep running out! That's a good sign I think!
-
It LadyLeslie wrote:
stuartshire wrote:
Bruce M. wrote:
stuartshire wrote:
No 1 for a 2nd week ?! Fantastic
Thinking about this great achievment it would be great to come on here and not have Pauls 76 year old voice being dissected.
In response to an earlier poster, for me it is "just fine " actually. My 10 year old son feels exactly the same . he often remarks how great a singer Paul is - now . He doesn't feel the need to make constant comparrisons to his earlier career vocals.
It's easy to be an expert about vocal health , but no one on here actually knows what Paul does to care for his voice, except for maybe not drinking enough water !
Yeah he smoked- show me a rock star that didn't ....
He also had to suffer around 7 years of singing without monitors , and half that time was in front of an audience which George Martin described as the same as a jet airliner taking off.
My band didn't have monitors for years, and I could barely speak the next morning.
Then take into account that hes been a proper working - live performing musician for the best part of 60 years. He's not like many of his conteporaries who dip their toe into the odd live appearance in between semi retirement stints.
On that basis i think he should be cut some slack on how he looks after himself!
I can honestly say hand on heart I love how his voice sounds both live and on the new album . To me , it does sound "just fine". I know he's not 25 and pampered, and I'm fine with that.
If the way Paul sounds now , is actually ruining some peoples experience of listening to his album (which is beyond me personally) then theres an easy solution ...
I looked at The Billboard chart today and felt the world was imediatley a better place. Truly inspiring.
I'm so grateful that upwords of 150 000 people don't seem to have a problem with Pauls voice.
I hate to spoil the party but no, Egypt Station is not no. 1 for a second week, it dropped to no. 8. Entirely expected for an older artist, but at least it's still in the top 10.
I’ve just seen someone on a Paul forum on Facebook congratulating Paul on his 2nd week at no 1!
Seems im not the only one who was confused by the chart listings !
What no is he at week 3 ?
Not sure, Stuartshire, but I went to my local Target store today, to buy another CD of Egypt Station for a friend, and the store clerk said I bought the very last copy. He said so many people are buying it that they have to restock (reorder new shipments) about every 7-10 days, they keep running out! That's a good sign I think!
It is indeed a good sign !
-
Yankeefan2 wrote:
Beatles4Ever&Ever wrote:
maccasfangirl30 wrote:
Well Im just happy it made up to number one for that week at least. Maybe it will go back to number one again who knows. But as for me Egypt Station will stay number one on my list for a long time! I love it!
Console yourself in knowing that if this were mid-70"s it would have made #1 and stayed there for several weeks. (Even now getting there is a major achievemt.) It's a different time. Paul is passe'. If frank Sinatra had released an album in the Beatles' heyday, it might have created a brief stir....but it then would have disappeared. His time had passed. It would not have been about him...or any lack of respect. That's where Paul is now....it's no reflection on his artistic ability...it's just that......well....
Exactly. It is the era of people like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Drake etc.
Actually, Frank Sinatra had a no. 1 album with "Strangers in the Night" in 1966. Sinatra had a single in the U.S. Top 40 as late as 1980, when "New York, New York" hit no. 32.
-
illwobble wrote:
Bruce M. wrote:
So, now that we've all had some time to process, what's everyone's favorite song?
Hi all! Not posted for quite a while! I've only had new album a few days. I was slightly disappointed first listen but it's grown on me a lot since then.
I think DESPITE REPEATED WARNINGS has to be my favourite. Echoes of some of my faves like Uncle Albert or The Pound Is Sinking and it's fun. I can't help wondering too whether Paul had Brexit in mind when he wrote it!!
No, he said he wrote it well before Brexit and that it was about Trump.
-
For the past three weeks I have been in New Bern, NC with the Red Cross as a volunteer for Hurricane Florence Relief. Finally, things are slowly getting back to somewhat normal. Anyway, last week I visited 99Brewery in New Bern which had just opened on a very limited basis. I had a great conversation with the owner and we talked about music. I was surrounded by 10 -12 people, mainly in their mid 20's and asked them all what was the #1 album in country. They were all stunned when they learned it was EGYPT STATION! The owner immediately downloaded the album and it started playing in the bar. Very, very cool. And man, did it sound great. After the last chords of C-Link, I asked for opinions. Most were very, very supportive. One of the young people was a music producer from Raleigh, NC; he loved the production of the songs, even the ones he wasn't too fond of. The songs that this group really dug were "Fuh You", "Caesar Rock", and "Dominoes". Several of these young people suffered from this awful storm, so it was wonderful for me to share some time with them, have a few laughs (and a few adult beverages), and listen to some fine music.
-
illwobble wrote:
I'm afraid once you've heard Back in Brazil as the "itchy bum" song there may be no going back!!
Now that will be stuck in my mind.......that's okay! I don't know what ichiban is anyway. It might as well be something I know about, er, I mean have heard about...the bum thing! I kind of wish I was still unsure of what was being said at the end of Caesar Rock...Now that I know it's....she got matching teeth I get a bit antsy and queasy. TMI. At first I thought it was someting about.....her majesty!! Sadly, wasn't. I don't want to know about the state of someone's teeth!!