EGYPT STATION
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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!
Great review , I agree with much of it - love Dominoes and people want peace ( classic McCartney middle 8 )
You know , if you want to say it’s his best album then it’s your prerogative ! Don’t let anybody tell you differently
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stuartshire wrote:
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!
Great review , I agree with much of it - love Dominoes and people want peace ( classic McCartney middle 8 )
You know , if you want to say it’s his best album then it’s your prerogative ! Don’t let anybody tell you differently
Thanks Stuartshire. Sometimes you think that you may be getting carried away since it's his latest,but this review really helped me see just what a great album it is. It has so many different songs and styles, yet so many are really good to great.
I'm very happy for Macca but I really want him to play most of it live. He should be very proud and anxious to have the world hear it. The best way to reach that goal is to play it live. Too many people just think he was only great as a Beatle. Egypt Station proves just how great of a songwriter he has been for almost 60 years and that ES as an album is definitely Beatlle worthy.
Paul when you have some good breaks from the tour, get the band together for serious rehearsals and do 8-10 songs. To borrow one of your titles on ES....DO IT NOW.
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I know he's proud and wants a lot of people to hear it. What about the newspaper thing he did before and that Prince did...to slip copies of ES in a Brit daily one day...I think he did that with MAF? Or Chaos? Did something like that
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SusyLuvsPaul wrote:
I know he's proud and wants a lot of people to hear it. What about the newspaper thing he did before and that Prince did...to slip copies of ES in a Brit daily one day...I think he did that with MAF? Or Chaos? Did something like that
It was with MAF, Susy. Despite the usual first week high chart placing, it soon fell down the charts. When Paul realised that most people weren't interested in buying it (which wasn't surpring as its not particularly good), he had to effectively give it away.
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Some have complained "Despite Repeated Warnings" (at first I wrote "Warmings," which is appropriate, too) is "too political" and some even swore off ES because of that song (they must be Cheeto fans?). Others hail it as an "epic masterpiece" of Macca's (another one). I feel quite fond of it, but need to listen more to truly grasp what I think of it and feel from it and make of it. I approve that it's genteel and understated, refined, for a protest type ditty, far from a Sex Pistol or Green Day type rant. (Though I can dig that too as in a recent "Gimme Some Truth" remake I heard by a young band.) I've still got a bit of the romantic in me; which renders his love ballads sweeter and more pleasant to my ear, while protest anthems go down more like bittersweet medicine which is very important but doesnt taste as good as something sweeter, and more tender. It's more sophisticated musically for lack of a better term, more complex, than the campfire seeming more simple "Hope of Deliverance" and "Freedom" folk songs. The lyrics tell the cautionary tale of a Captain Queeg/Madness of King George sort of leader/character. There's a mournful quality to his singing, a sadness, befitting the story Paul tells in this new song. One can feel his deep love of nature, Mother earth, and flora and fauna and all. He conveys that sentiment very well, in "Despite Repeating Warnings." It's a beautiful song, even though not a romantic love song about lovers.
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Beatles4Ever&Ever wrote:
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.
C'mon. You know he doesn't sing wonderfully on "Confidante." Had he sung it the way he did on the acoustic "Walk With You," that would be singing it wonderfully. His voice on "Confidante" is very frail. He and the producer should have waited to record the vocal when the voice was ready. To "complain" about it is not heresy, it's honesty. We shouldn't be sent to our room to listen to his earlier work with his crystaline voice should we decide to voice our opinions on his current output. Having said all that, ES is his strongest album in ages...it stands up with his very best. "Despite Repeated Warnings" is a classic song. He tells the full story brilliantly. the music is top notch, as is that on the final medly on the album....and indeed on virtually every other song on the album. It ends very strongly and leaves a great impression. I'm thrilled for him. To comment about shaky vocals on one or two songs that were easily fixable is simply an irritant...one that didn't have to exist....which makes it troublesome. Nobody is complaining about "his current vocals," most of which are excellent.
I don't think the vocal on Confidante is from lack of rest or not being ready. That's one of few tunes on the album where is voice is unprotected by multilayered production, not bathed in backing vocals and studio tricky. I've performed enough, including musical theater, to know the difference between temporary hoarseness and weathered vocal cords. This is the latter.
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Bruce M. wrote:
Beatles4Ever&Ever wrote:
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.
C'mon. You know he doesn't sing wonderfully on "Confidante." Had he sung it the way he did on the acoustic "Walk With You," that would be singing it wonderfully. His voice on "Confidante" is very frail. He and the producer should have waited to record the vocal when the voice was ready. To "complain" about it is not heresy, it's honesty. We shouldn't be sent to our room to listen to his earlier work with his crystaline voice should we decide to voice our opinions on his current output. Having said all that, ES is his strongest album in ages...it stands up with his very best. "Despite Repeated Warnings" is a classic song. He tells the full story brilliantly. the music is top notch, as is that on the final medly on the album....and indeed on virtually every other song on the album. It ends very strongly and leaves a great impression. I'm thrilled for him. To comment about shaky vocals on one or two songs that were easily fixable is simply an irritant...one that didn't have to exist....which makes it troublesome. Nobody is complaining about "his current vocals," most of which are excellent.
I don't think the vocal on Confidante is from lack of rest or not being ready. That's one of few tunes on the album where is voice is unprotected by multilayered production, not bathed in backing vocals and studio tricky. I've performed enough, including musical theater, to know the difference between temporary hoarseness and weathered vocal cords. This is the latter.
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 was still blown away in 2002 when I saw him right before his 60th birthday!
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B J Conlee wrote:
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.
Great review as always BJ. Really, you should be rock journalist with your in depth analysis of each song. I have always considered CHAOS the gold standard of McCartney solo albums and "Egypt Station" after a few listens is right there with it and may surpass it IMO down the road. Like you said, there are no clunkers on both albums and I think the only difference is style/tone. CHAOS is a much more somber album and "Egypt Station" for the most part is very upbeat .
As for "Egypt Station", I pretty much agree with you almost song by song. "Who Cares" was my favorite from the start and as I have stated several times it beats me why it is not a single !! "Despite Repeated Warnings" is a razor thin close 2nd and I agree with you about it being album cut ( DJ's back in the old days on WNEW FM in NY would have loved it). The music is just wonderful, love the tempo change as you mentioned and it is good lyrically. I think in years to come it will go down as a McCartney classic. "Confidante" is great acoustic song and it reminds me of "How Kind Of You" from "CHAOS" in sentiment. The vocal could have been better but it does not ruin the song for me. "I Don't Know" is the song that has really grown on me, was not a big fan in the beginning and my mind changed the more I listened to it on the album. "Come On To Me" is good rocker and I am sure will go over pretty well live. I was one of those that kind of enjoyed "Fuh You" from the start. It is catchy and makes you want to dance. I believe I posted what my daughters did the moment they heard it - lol. "Hunt You Down/Naked/C9" is a great way to close the album with guitars on fire Finally, I even enjoyed the brief opening/closing bits (Station I & II), sounded very much like it belonged on Fireman album.
Very cool that "Egypt Station" came in at #1 and even in the second week still was in the top 10 at #8. This album really deserves to be played live and while it would be cool to hear 8 songs from it like you mention I would settle on 5-6. I really believe he has a good shot at Grammy award nominations and maybe even a potential win for album of the year. People may scoff at Grammy awards but getting nominations does help sales and it is something that will go down in the history books.
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Yankeefan2 wrote:
B J Conlee wrote:
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.
Great review as always BJ. Really, you should be rock journalist with your in depth analysis of each song. I have always considered CHAOS the gold standard of McCartney solo albums and "Egypt Station" after a few listens is right there with it and may surpass it IMO down the road. Like you said, there are no clunkers on both albums and I think the only difference is style/tone. CHAOS is a much more somber album and "Egypt Station" for the most part is very upbeat .
As for "Egypt Station", I pretty much agree with you almost song by song. "Who Cares" was my favorite from the start and as I have stated several times it beats me why it is not a single !! "Despite Repeated Warnings" is a razor thin close 2nd and I agree with you about it being album cut ( DJ's back in the old days on WNEW FM in NY would have loved it). The music is just wonderful, love the tempo change as you mentioned and it is good lyrically. I think in years to come it will go down as a McCartney classic. "Confidante" is great acoustic song and it reminds me of "How Kind Of You" from "CHAOS" in sentiment. The vocal could have been better but it does not ruin the song for me. "I Don't Know" is the song that has really grown on me, was not a big fan in the beginning and my mind changed the more I listened to it on the album. "Come On To Me" is good rocker and I am sure will go over pretty well live. I was one of those that kind of enjoyed "Fuh You" from the start. It is catchy and makes you want to dance. I believe I posted what my daughters did the moment they heard it - lol. "Hunt You Down/Naked/C9" is a great way to close the album with guitars on fire Finally, I even enjoyed the brief opening/closing bits (Station I & II), sounded very much like it belonged on Fireman album.
Very cool that "Egypt Station" came in at #1 and even in the second week still was in the top 10 at #8. This album really deserves to be played live and while it would be cool to hear 8 songs from it like you mention I would settle on 5-6. I really believe he has a good shot at Grammy award nominations and maybe even a potential win for album of the year. People may scoff at Grammy awards but getting nominations does help sales and it is something that will go down in the history books.
Thanks Yankeefan. It took some time so I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I agree with everything you said.
I love "Who Cares" too. Should be the new single and I'm now really liking "People Want Peace" and "Do It Now". That's the thing with ES...almost every other day I'm finding other songs that are becoming my favorite.
Would love it if Macca finally won the Grammy for "Album of the Year". It would cement the fact that he has had a very good Solo Career.
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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....
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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????
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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" !!
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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!
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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
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"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.
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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)...
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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.