EGYPT STATION
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Great to see 'Confidante' getting some love.
The line 'Unlike my other so-called friends, you stood beside me as I fought' is probably one of my favourites on this album.
From the first time I listened to it, it left me thinking about how Paul's music was (and is) always there with me as a companion, unlike others so-called friends.
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FC15 wrote:
Great to see 'Confidante' getting some love.
The line 'Unlike my other so-called friends, you stood beside me as I fought' is probably one of my favourites on this album.
From the first time I listened to it, it left me thinking about how Paul's music was (and is) always there with me as a companion, unlike others so-called friends.
If only I could get past his vocal....yeah, sorry to bring that up.... I just can't listen to him struggle to pronounce words as if his tongue is tied up. I love the instrumentation on the song. It would be my favorite with a better vocal. I can't believe he would release a song sounding like that. He has some great vocals on the album, so he could have done it with a rested voice. There was no cutoff date to finish the album, so.....but that's my problem.
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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. As with last week, only Press to Play (2.76), Kisses on the Bottom (2.78) and Pipes of Peace (2.96) have less votes. As a comparison, Paul's most popular albums are Ram (3.94), Band on the Run (3.89) and Chaos and Creation in the Backyard (3.72). Its very early days though and Egypt Station may be a slow burner which will gain popularity over the coming months and years.
Rateyourmusic site is only one music site among so many, though. And Egypt Station is presently Number One ! So many different opinions of ES abound and many of those are likely to change from less positive to more positive with repeated listenings, if they give the album a chance. If it grows on them and sinks in. I loved some on ES immediately, which is rather rare with any artist. I've come to love others after not noticing them much at first, such as Hand in Hand and Confidante. I haven't heard the songs all that much as yet. "Dominoes" has fallen just a bit from favor presently, but that's liable to change. "Despite Repeated Warnings" has become more poignant and pithy and touching with each hearing. "Back in Brazil" sparkles and delights; "Fuh You" now strikes me as insanely catchy ! A real treat. "Naked" lyrics are mystifying, appealingly enigmatic, and it's grown more fetching, its sound, intriguing. I love the heavenly chorus sounds which bookend the album. The album boasts an effortless quality, a graceful fluidity showing Paul's songwriting prowess, his musical mastery after decades of experience built on his original talents.
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Beatles4Ever&Ever wrote:
FC15 wrote:
Great to see 'Confidante' getting some love.
The line 'Unlike my other so-called friends, you stood beside me as I fought' is probably one of my favourites on this album.
From the first time I listened to it, it left me thinking about how Paul's music was (and is) always there with me as a companion, unlike others so-called friends.
If only I could get past his vocal....yeah, sorry to bring that up.... I just can't listen to him struggle to pronounce words as if his tongue is tied up. I love the instrumentation on the song. It would be my favorite with a better vocal. I can't believe he would release a song sounding like that. He has some great vocals on the album, so he could have done it with a rested voice. There was no cutoff date to finish the album, so.....but that's my problem.
Beatles4Ever, his "Confidante" vocal strikes me as similar to that of "Early Days" which to me sounds rich, warm and comforting, lived in. It's not exactly the voice of his earlier youth, when he sounded utterly divine, true. Perhaps he's smoked too many ciggies and drank too much or something over the years, and does so now sometimes, not taken good enough care of his vocal instrument... but part of it stems from his many years he's spent on earth, his long experience and so much singing, too much without resting his voice during some periods. Partly it can't be helped, but we can appreciate his voice now. Just as we don't want to hear only his Beatles classics. And long for new and different original songs.
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Back in Brazil
When I read the lyrics I'm convinced these are actually about Paul and Linda. Read them. Thoughts?
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Beatles4Ever&Ever wrote:
FC15 wrote:
Great to see 'Confidante' getting some love.
The line 'Unlike my other so-called friends, you stood beside me as I fought' is probably one of my favourites on this album.
From the first time I listened to it, it left me thinking about how Paul's music was (and is) always there with me as a companion, unlike others so-called friends.
If only I could get past his vocal....yeah, sorry to bring that up.... I just can't listen to him struggle to pronounce words as if his tongue is tied up. I love the instrumentation on the song. It would be my favorite with a better vocal. I can't believe he would release a song sounding like that. He has some great vocals on the album, so he could have done it with a rested voice. There was no cutoff date to finish the album, so.....but that's my problem.
It's funny. Both here and on the Steve Hoffman board I've had little tolerance for the "Paul's voice is just fine" cheerleaders. Of course it's not fine, it's deteriorated considerably, and Confidante is probably the tune on ES where that's most apparent. And yet, for me at least, somehow it works. It's the song of an older person reflecting on things that are long past, and I actually don't think it would work with Paul's sweet 1970-era voice. In my fantasy world, he'd sing this with his voice from roughly the Flaming Pie era, but barring invention of time travel, I suppose that's not an option.
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Bruce M. wrote:
Beatles4Ever&Ever wrote:
FC15 wrote:
Great to see 'Confidante' getting some love.
The line 'Unlike my other so-called friends, you stood beside me as I fought' is probably one of my favourites on this album.
From the first time I listened to it, it left me thinking about how Paul's music was (and is) always there with me as a companion, unlike others so-called friends.
If only I could get past his vocal....yeah, sorry to bring that up.... I just can't listen to him struggle to pronounce words as if his tongue is tied up. I love the instrumentation on the song. It would be my favorite with a better vocal. I can't believe he would release a song sounding like that. He has some great vocals on the album, so he could have done it with a rested voice. There was no cutoff date to finish the album, so.....but that's my problem.
It's funny. Both here and on the Steve Hoffman board I've had little tolerance for the "Paul's voice is just fine" cheerleaders. Of course it's not fine, it's deteriorated considerably, and Confidante is probably the tune on ES where that's most apparent. And yet, for me at least, somehow it works. It's the song of an older person reflecting on things that are long past, and I actually don't think it would work with Paul's sweet 1970-era voice. In my fantasy world, he'd sing this with his voice from roughly the Flaming Pie era, but barring invention of time travel, I suppose that's not an option.
Yes I agree his voice has really gone downhill and lets face it he has never really taken care of it. He never really hydrates while performing and every vocal coach in the world will tell you that is not good. He has smoked for many years and his constant touring has not helped his voice. The man basically sings for almost 3 hrs without a break which is great for the audience but does not help his voice. I wish he did sound better but I am more into the quality of his songwriting and he still is a wonderful musician.
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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.
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Been listening to Egypt Station tracks on Youtube and I have totally fallen in love with this exceptional album.
I have ordered the LP but the wait is too long- October!
I've ordered the CD also now as it will be here tomorrow and I can listen at home and on my car journeys to my heart's content.
Egypt Station is outstanding and the album getting to number one really shows how relevant and 'fab' Paul always is.
I am so fond of Paul and his music that it is hard to express really. Just hoping that he adds an extra date to the London shows as I couldnt get tickets and my husband and children, 10 and 11 are also really keen to see him. Fingers crossed.
We only ever call him 'Our Paul' when referring to him in this house as we briefly met him once (all too brief) and so now conceitedly consider him our friend ha ha.
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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 hear you. And agree....mostly. The fly in the ointment, however, is that we're not being critical of his 76-year-old voice. We know it can't compare with the voice from decades ago, but that voice on the majority of the songs on ES sounds just fine. No complaints. No problems. It's the unrested voice of a man that age that we are upset about. We know that "Confidante" and "I Don't Know" could and would...and should...have sounded better...his voice not so very frail...had he recorded the vocals on a rested voice. That is somewhat true of "Hand In Hand" as well. I would be interested in finding out the dates vocals were laid down on those songs versus those on the other songs on the album. I would venture the guess that the dates for them were on days immediately after a heavy touring schedule with a very tired voice...versus most of the other vocals, which are fine. That's why I am upset with what he seems content with for those two...maybe three...songs. They are going to be around forever. I can't imagine how he could seemingly think those vocals were fine. George Harrison released "Dark Horse" with a hoarse voice. He had to get the album out for his tour. That was a mistake, but he had a deadline. Paul was not under that kind of deadline. I mean he was already going to be 5 years past his last album. Why not take the necesary time? I can't imagine how he could be happy with those songs sounding the way they do. His producer should have insisted he lay down decent vocals..or was he too in awe of Paul's resume to state his honest opinions? Has anyone ever asked Paul about the state/fragility of his voice? Surely he must know, or is he in complete denial? We can listen to Bob Dylan croak his way through songs, but he has never been a great singer, so one really doesn't expect much better from him. Paul? Different story. (And please stop singing "Maybe I'm Amazed" in concert, Paul. Maybe it's for Linda, but you just can't sing it anymore. Sorry, to come across so negative here. It just saddens me to feel this way.)
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Paul sings "I Don't Know" wonderfully on "Egypt Station," and all the rest of them wonderfully, in my opinion. All the Debbie Downers in here endlessly lamenting his current vocals really bring me down at times. There's a world of recordings with his sublime earlier singing voice for your listening pleasure. Turn to those when desired, while also appreciating what we have of him now. That's the healthy, optimistic, sunny attitude.
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SusyLuvsPaul wrote:
Paul sings "I Don't Know" wonderfully on "Egypt Station," and all the rest of them wonderfully, in my opinion. All the Debbie Downers in here endlessly lamenting his current vocals really bring me down at times. There's a world of recordings with his sublime earlier singing voice for your listening pleasure. Turn to those when desired, while also appreciating what we have of him now. That's the healthy, optimistic, sunny attitude.
Spot on Suzy !
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Beatles4Ever&Ever 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 hear you. And agree....mostly. The fly in the ointment, however, is that we're not being critical of his 76-year-old voice. We know it can't compare with the voice from decades ago, but that voice on the majority of the songs on ES sounds just fine. No complaints. No problems. It's the unrested voice of a man that age that we are upset about. We know that "Confidante" and "I Don't Know" could and would...and should...have sounded better...his voice not so very frail...had he recorded the vocals on a rested voice. That is somewhat true of "Hand In Hand" as well. I would be interested in finding out the dates vocals were laid down on those songs versus those on the other songs on the album. I would venture the guess that the dates for them were on days immediately after a heavy touring schedule with a very tired voice...versus most of the other vocals, which are fine. That's why I am upset with what he seems content with for those two...maybe three...songs. They are going to be around forever. I can't imagine how he could seemingly think those vocals were fine. George Harrison released "Dark Horse" with a hoarse voice. He had to get the album out for his tour. That was a mistake, but he had a deadline. Paul was not under that kind of deadline. I mean he was already going to be 5 years past his last album. Why not take the necesary time? I can't imagine how he could be happy with those songs sounding the way they do. His producer should have insisted he lay down decent vocals..or was he too in awe of Paul's resume to state his honest opinions? Has anyone ever asked Paul about the state/fragility of his voice? Surely he must know, or is he in complete denial? We can listen to Bob Dylan croak his way through songs, but he has never been a great singer, so one really doesn't expect much better from him. Paul? Different story. (And please stop singing "Maybe I'm Amazed" in concert, Paul. Maybe it's for Linda, but you just can't sing it anymore. Sorry, to come across so negative here. It just saddens me to feel this way.)
Fair enough , I understand your point , but I’ve read many posts, and the ones that annoy me are the ones that are constantly bringing down Paul’s voice now full stop . Prople that “ find it hard to listen to his album “ .. that’s such a bizarre concept to me .
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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.
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It's ok - no party spoiled ! still delighted with what this album has done I must have looked at the wrong week ..
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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!
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Now that I have been listening on and off to Egypt Station (ES) for almost 3 weeks now, I'm ready to give (sorry to say...ha ha) my quasi amateur analysis of ES including a "track by track" review.
First, let me cut to the chase and I don't think I'm getting carried away with the fact that this is Paul's latest album. Flat out, I believe that ES just might be Paul's greatest SOLO album. I'll see as more time goes by but it is definitely a very good album. I find it difficult to compare ES with Paul's best albums from the 70's like BOTR, Ram and Venus & Mars. Paul was much younger in those days. I do find it easier to compare something like ES to Tug of War and onward. In my opinion, Paul's finest Solo Albums starting with the 80's have been Tug, Flowers, Flaming Pie, Chaos, MAF and New. I do believe at this point that ES compares very favorably to most of them and possible all of them.
I believe that ES has the consistency of Chaos and Tug (not a clunker on the album). At the same time, it has the music diversity, adventureism, eccentricity (in a good way), experimentation etc. of MAF (with far better production) or even Ram if you want to go way back. All in all, ES is the late era Macca album I was hoping for and it will have legs down the road. For the most part the music production and arrangements are superb and the lyrics when needed are quite intelligent. Generally, the vocals are good and what you would expect from the 76 year old artist that has been touring for many years. There are a couple of tracks that I wished Greg Kurstin and Paul himself would have demanded a better and/or later vocal take. Even with many great albums you can find certain faults and that is the case here on a couple of vocal takes but in general, ES to me is a later period great Album by Mr. McCartney.
One reason that I like many of Paul's Solo albums is that on many tracks his lyrics have improved. As he has gotten older, his lyrics have become more mature, poignant and meaningful and ES continues that trend. Let's hope Paul continues his craft for many more years.
Here's my ES track by track summary (1 to 10 Grading System with 10 being the best)
I Don't Know (10) - This soulful piano ballad has a great melody with tempo changes throughout the record. The lyrics convey a sense of self-doubt and vunerability which is unusual for Paul. I love the opening piano and the into lyric..."I Got Crows at my Window, dogs at my door...". Also like the initial bridge..."But it's alright sleep tight" section and when the choir joins in the "Now what's the matter with me" part. Overall the production is great. You hear Paul's older voice on ES immediately and I like it here.
Come On To Me (9) - While this track is quite modern sounding, it is still a vintage Macca"stomping rocker" in my opinion. It is repetitve but it is so infectious that you like it better with repeated listens. Part of the likeability is the production and variety of instruments (in unison or as solo) that keep it interesting. I love the drum, guitar, piano, bass and horn sections a lot. Also Paul's vocals is one of the best on the album. Like the "Yes I will" ending section where Paul sings the "Yeah, Yeah,Yeah parts and the guitars and Muscle Shoals "horns" come back full circled.
Happy With You (10) - Hard to believe that you can give a perfect score to a melody so simple but this is a vintage acoustic Macca honest love song. Love Paul's vocals and lyrics. Lyrically, this is the older statesman passing on advice. His message is to not waste time on pointless things like alcohol, drugs or being angry. His counter message is looking at life's miracles like nature and good people. A small thing but I like Paul's "knee slaping" that he has done on past acoustic songs. A message for Paul...you need to do this one live!
Who Cares (10) - One of my favorites on ES the first time I heard it. It Rocks but also has a great message relative to internet bullying and believing in yourself. Love the verses where Paul shouts "Who Cares what the idiots say..." At the same time he closes the verse with a clever twist..."I Do". I also love the middle bridge "Cas your worth much more, of that you can be sure..." And I love the creative beginning and ending guitars solos. Keep singing it Paul as it is a classic.
Fuh You (7) - This is a tough track for me as I'm not fond of the title and lyrics in general. Also, I initially didn't like the "too modern sound". But I have to admit that it is very catchy and it has grown with me. It doesn't marr the album for me in the least. I also like the fact that it is ony a little more than 3 minutes. On a few other top tier albums, Paul throws in a clunker that goes on for 5-6 minutes. On the other hand, Fuh You is just a fun, catchy and danceable song on the album that you don't take too seriously.
Confidante (8.5) - Another great acoustic folk song that reminds me a little of Bob Dylan. Love Paul's guitar work throughout and the creative lyrics. I like the "unlike my other so-called friends, you stayed beside me as I fought"line. I would have given "Confidante" a higher grade except for Paul's shaky vocal in various parts. The worse vocal on ES in my opinion. Don't know why Greg and Paul didn't demand a better and/or later vocal take. Judging by the previous acoustic track (Happy With You) or later similar tracks (Like People Want Peace) I would think that Paul would have given a better performance. Hopefully, Paul will add "Confidante" to his live shows and we will possibly get a "better" vocal Confidante.
People Want Peace (10) - This track just continued to grow with me with each listen. Love Paul's vocal and the overall arrangement and instrumentation of the song. I also love the intellgent yet simple lyrics. Not a trite message song that Paul has sometimes been guilty of in the past (think Freedom or Ebony and Ivory). Another great bridge in the "Nothing in life is as sad as a lonely old soul searching for peace..." part. Another song that Paul needs to be doing live. Sometimes a potential "classic can only become a classic if people hear them. The "People want Peace" chant at the end is easy for people to sing and it is a beautiful melody. By the way, Paul's vocal on here compared to the previous track is great.
Hand In Hand (9) - Another love song that has really grown with me. Love the melody and lyrics. Personally my fiance and I are getting married in about a month (second marriage for us) and we can really relate to the words. Another great bridge..."We can make this dream come true, only if we want it to"part. Again, I might had given the song itself a 10 if Paul's voice was a little stronger but still a great song in my opinion. Hint: If someone younger with a great voice would cover "Hand in Hand" (e.g. Michael Buble) it could become a future "Wedding classic".
Dominoes (10) - A great mid-tempo Paul song that to me has an ELO or Traveling Willbury's feel. Love the title's meaning and how it can be symbolic of life. It also has a great bridge ..."And lines of dominoes are falling into place, ignoring everything in their way..." I also like the inventive backward guitar sounds at the end and the last line "In time we'll know, it's all a show, It's been a blast". Please Paul, add Dominoes to your Setlist!
To be Continued!
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It will be interesting to see if Sunday's "60 Minutes" interview helps. I hope they talk about the album a bit and include some bits of the new songs. And I hope Capitol buys some ad time like they did for Carpool Karaoke.
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B J Conlee wrote:
Now that I have been listening on and off to Egypt Station (ES) for almost 3 weeks now, I'm ready to give (sorry to say...ha ha) my quasi amateur analysis of ES including a "track by track" review.
First, let me cut to the chase and I don't think I'm getting carried away with the fact that this is Paul's latest album. Flat out, I believe that ES just might be Paul's greatest SOLO album. I'll see as more time goes by but it is definitely a very good album. I find it difficult to compare ES with Paul's best albums from the 70's like BOTR, Ram and Venus & Mars. Paul was much younger in those days. I do find it easier to compare something like ES to Tug of War and onward. In my opinion, Paul's finest Solo Albums starting with the 80's have been Tug, Flowers, Flaming Pie, Chaos, MAF and New. I do believe at this point that ES compares very favorably to most of them and possible all of them.
I believe that ES has the consistency of Chaos and Tug (not a clunker on the album). At the same time, it has the music diversity, adventureism, eccentricity (in a good way), experimentation etc. of MAF (with far better production) or even Ram if you want to go way back. All in all, ES is the late era Macca album I was hoping for and it will have legs down the road. For the most part the music production and arrangements are superb and the lyrics when needed are quite intelligent. Generally, the vocals are good and what you would expect from the 76 year old artist that has been touring for many years. There are a couple of tracks that I wished Greg Kurstin and Paul himself would have demanded a better and/or later vocal take. Even with many great albums you can find certain faults and that is the case here on a couple of vocal takes but in general, ES to me is a later period great Album by Mr. McCartney.
One reason that I like many of Paul's Solo albums is that on many tracks his lyrics have improved. As he has gotten older, his lyrics have become more mature, poignant and meaningful and ES continues that trend. Let's hope Paul continues his craft for many more years.
Here's my ES track by track summary (1 to 10 Grading System with 10 being the best)
I Don't Know (10) - This soulful piano ballad has a great melody with tempo changes throughout the record. The lyrics convey a sense of self-doubt and vunerability which is unusual for Paul. I love the opening piano and the into lyric..."I Got Crows at my Window, dogs at my door...". Also like the initial bridge..."But it's alright sleep tight" section and when the choir joins in the "Now what's the matter with me" part. Overall the production is great. You hear Paul's older voice on ES immediately and I like it here.
Come On To Me (9) - While this track is quite modern sounding, it is still a vintage Macca"stomping rocker" in my opinion. It is repetitve but it is so infectious that you like it better with repeated listens. Part of the likeability is the production and variety of instruments (in unison or as solo) that keep it interesting. I love the drum, guitar, piano, bass and horn sections a lot. Also Paul's vocals is one of the best on the album. Like the "Yes I will" ending section where Paul sings the "Yeah, Yeah,Yeah parts and the guitars and Muscle Shoals "horns" come back full circled.
Happy With You (10) - Hard to believe that you can give a perfect score to a melody so simple but this is a vintage acoustic Macca honest love song. Love Paul's vocals and lyrics. Lyrically, this is the older statesman passing on advice. His message is to not waste time on pointless things like alcohol, drugs or being angry. His counter message is looking at life's miracles like nature and good people. A small thing but I like Paul's "knee slaping" that he has done on past acoustic songs. A message for Paul...you need to do this one live!
Who Cares (10) - One of my favorites on ES the first time I heard it. It Rocks but also has a great message relative to internet bullying and believing in yourself. Love the verses where Paul shouts "Who Cares what the idiots say..." At the same time he closes the verse with a clever twist..."I Do". I also love the middle bridge "Cas your worth much more, of that you can be sure..." And I love the creative beginning and ending guitars solos. Keep singing it Paul as it is a classic.
Fuh You (7) - This is a tough track for me as I'm not fond of the title and lyrics in general. Also, I initially didn't like the "too modern sound". But I have to admit that it is very catchy and it has grown with me. It doesn't marr the album for me in the least. I also like the fact that it is ony a little more than 3 minutes. On a few other top tier albums, Paul throws in a clunker that goes on for 5-6 minutes. On the other hand, Fuh You is just a fun, catchy and danceable song on the album that you don't take too seriously.
Confidante (8.5) - Another great acoustic folk song that reminds me a little of Bob Dylan. Love Paul's guitar work throughout and the creative lyrics. I like the "unlike my other so-called friends, you stayed beside me as I fought"line. I would have given "Confidante" a higher grade except for Paul's shaky vocal in various parts. The worse vocal on ES in my opinion. Don't know why Greg and Paul didn't demand a better and/or later vocal take. Judging by the previous acoustic track (Happy With You) or later similar tracks (Like People Want Peace) I would think that Paul would have given a better performance. Hopefully, Paul will add "Confidante" to his live shows and we will possibly get a "better" vocal Confidante.
People Want Peace (10) - This track just continued to grow with me with each listen. Love Paul's vocal and the overall arrangement and instrumentation of the song. I also love the intellgent yet simple lyrics. Not a trite message song that Paul has sometimes been guilty of in the past (think Freedom or Ebony and Ivory). Another great bridge in the "Nothing in life is as sad as a lonely old soul searching for peace..." part. Another song that Paul needs to be doing live. Sometimes a potential "classic can only become a classic if people hear them. The "People want Peace" chant at the end is easy for people to sing and it is a beautiful melody. By the way, Paul's vocal on here compared to the previous track is great.
Hand In Hand (9) - Another love song that has really grown with me. Love the melody and lyrics. Personally my fiance and I are getting married in about a month (second marriage for us) and we can really relate to the words. Another great bridge..."We can make this dream come true, only if we want it to"part. Again, I might had given the song itself a 10 if Paul's voice was a little stronger but still a great song in my opinion. Hint: If someone younger with a great voice would cover "Hand in Hand" (e.g. Michael Buble) it could become a future "Wedding classic".
Dominoes (10) - A great mid-tempo Paul song that to me has an ELO or Traveling Willbury's feel. Love the title's meaning and how it can be symbolic of life. It also has a great bridge ..."And lines of dominoes are falling into place, ignoring everything in their way..." I also like the inventive backward guitar sounds at the end and the last line "In time we'll know, it's all a show, It's been a blast". Please Paul, add Dominoes to your Setlist!
To be Continued!
Track by Track Review (Continued)
Back in Brazil (9) - Initially I didn't care for this track but like a few others it really has grown with me. Musically, the Latin and Jazz styling also gives ES diversity. The overall music on this song is terrific. Lyrically, it's an imaginary story that follows a couple's initial meeting to the trials and tribulation of everyday life. The variety of music is so good that I even got used to the "Ichiban" chants. Another track where Paul's older voice is terrific in my opinion.
Do It Now (10) - Another great soulful piano song that to me evokes the hymn like music of "Let It Be". The lyrics and specifically the title is a phrase that Paul's Dad used to say and the sentiment is similar to Paul's "Here Today"...don't put things off and procrastinate because you'll never get the time back. Love the song's lines..."If you leave it too late, it could all disappear, so do it now while your vision is clear". Paul's aging voice is again really good and I love the background "Do do doo's". Another song that Paul should be singing on tour.
Caesar Rock (9) - Normally this is a type of song that I wouldn't like...Paul just playing in the studio and making up lyrics on the spot. It made me think of the song "Really Love You" on 5 minute jam session with Ringo on Flaming Pie which really marred the album for me. But after a few listens I really love the music and Paul's singing. It really rocks! Love the She's a, She's a, She's a singing at the end and his "matching teeth" line. This is "wacky" Paul at his best. And it's only a little more than 3 minutes which is the length it should be.
Despite Repeated Warnings (10) - In my opinion and overall, this is the best song on ES. Just an epic and orchestral in style. Some of the reviews compare it to epic classics like Band on the Run, Live and Let Die or Uncle Albert but this is not a Pop-Rock classic single in my mind. It is a great, great album cut with very intelligent lyrics. It follows an imaginary Captain (or any leader) at Sea who is not listening to repeated warning that will put his crew in life threatening danger. It makes me think of the Titantic movie. The song's lyrics are political and based on Paul's strong belief that "Climate Change" is real and that certain leaders believe that it is a hoax. Obviously, Trump and Brexit come to mind. But I look at the story and its images as "universal". The lyrics are general enough that it could stand up in any political era. I love the music changes thoughout this classic piece. It starts out as a slow piano piece but continues to build to a faster pace. Another thing that I really like (compared to other unsuccessful, similar Paul songs) is that he finishes the story. At the very end, the engineer and his people have the courage to overthrow the captain..."So we gather around him, Now the ropes that have bound him, prove that he should have listened...to the Will of the people. Just a great song from beginning to end in my opinion. Right now and just looking at individual songs, I think this track may just go down as a Top 10 in Paul's Solo career.
{to be continued)
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Egypt Station Track by Track review (continued)
Sorry, I didn't realize that my previous post had picked up these last two tracks so I am repeating myself accidently.
Caesar Rock (9) - This is the kind of song that I normally wouldn't like where Paul goes into the studio and just makes up stuff. Initially I didn't like it because it seemed like just a jam session. I made me think of another song "Really Love You" with Paul and Ringo jamming during the Flaming Pie Sessions. That 5 minute plus song made the cut and in my opinion really marred the overall album. After a few listens however, I love the music on Caesar Rock. Pardon the pun, it really rocks and was a good change of pace for ES. I love the ending here where Paul is shouting in his rock voice..." She's a, She's a, She's a and then finishes with "She's got matching teeth". Another example of the "wacky" Paul just having fun.
Despite Repeated Warnings (10+) - After listening to ES for about a week, I came to the conclusion that this is the best song on the album. It is an epic, long story song but with very intelligent lyrics. Some of the reviews were comparing it to other epic Paul classics like Band on the Run, Live and Let Die and Uncle Albert. But thoses were classic Paul Pop-Rock singles whereas this is a much more of a great album cut that "completes" an great album in my opinion. Similar to Day In the Life on Sgt. Pepper. Lyrically Paul conveys a story about a deranged Captain who is so set on his agenda that he fails to listen to repeated warnings that would put his crew in danger. It made me think of the great Titanic movie. What I love about this track first of all is the music. It starts out as a slow piano ballad but continues to build in tempo with a full orchestra. Love the "What We Can Do", "Those Who Shout the Loudest", "How Can we Stop Him", "Yes we an do it" sections. The lyrics are very symbolic and while it is natural to think of current people/events like Trump and Brexit, I think it is general enough that it could stand up in any political era. To me it is a universal message from the past and present and will hold up for the future. Paul has stated the origin was based on his strong belief that "Climate change" is not a hoax like some politicians believe. I love the fact that Paul finishes the story something he hasn't always done in past story songs. Not mentioned much in other reviews I've read, but in the end, the engineer/crew overthrow the captain (the leader) with the lyrics..."So we gather around him/ Now the ropes that have bound him/ Prove that he should have listened/To the Will of the People"
What a great epic and as I said, with intelligent lyrics. Personally, I think that "Despite Repeated Warnings" will probably go down as one of Paul's best Solo songs (certainly in the top 10).
Hunt You Down/Naked/C-Link (9) - If the previous track wasn't enough, Paul finishes the proper album with another multi-part extravaganza. The first part is a great rocker which as Paul says is "blues complaining lyrics". He then links this guitar based blazing rocker with a slow piano, crowd swaying melody and finally with an bluesy electric guitar solo. What a way to finish the album in my opinion.
Looking at this tracklist, you can see how much variety and experimentation ES has. It is a great album in my opinion and you can see why some us on this board were so disappointed that Paul only did 3 ES songs on his initial "Freshen Up" Tour. Hopefully, Paul himself will get that this is a very special album and that He and His Band will do some serious rehearsing for the back end of this tour. If I had my way, he should do at least 8-10 ES songs. Anyway, let's hope.