MCCARTNEY III IMAGINED
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oobu24 wrote:
Little_Willow_ wrote:
I think I can confirm that "The Kiss of Venus" is my favorite in MCCARTNEY III IMAGINED.
Me too but I like this video better:
I like this video too. It's my favourite.
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Little_Willow_ wrote:
I like this video too. It's my favourite.
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Little_Willow_ wrote:
oobu24 wrote:
Little_Willow_ wrote:
I think I can confirm that "The Kiss of Venus" is my favorite in MCCARTNEY III IMAGINED.
Me too but I like this video better:
I like this video too. It's my favourite.
That is definitely the best video and the best song, at least it’s my favorite!
Deep Deep Feeling is my newest favorite, so cool
they extended the time even more and it has that Fireman funkiness that I love too
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My early review of McCartney III Imagined
I have to say that initially I didn't like this idea like a few other regulars on Maccaboard (e.g. Yankeefan). Over the years I liked it when an artist would cover one of Paul's great Beatle tunes. For example, I loved Emmylou Harris's cover version of Here There and Everywhere and also For No One. When this wild idea started just shortly after McCartney III was released, I thought from the beginning it was crazy. Like others here, I thought it was way too soon for music artists to start covering Paul songs that have just been released.
I have to say, however, that after reading a bunch of the reviews of McCartney III Imagined over the last week, the idea apparently wasn't totally insane afterall. Early on, I thought the real danger of this type of project was that it would be "rushed" and might end up being a real clunker. And now that the album has been released and I have had a chance to listen, I have to say that McCartney III Imagined surely isn't a total disaster. At the same time, I do think it is far from perfect with several tracks in my opinion being pretty weak. Fortunately for Paul, the really good covers and remixes make up for the clunkers and might allow Paul's original album to stay in the public's eye (especially general music fans) longer. After hearing all the tracks on McCartney III Imagined a bunch of times, I do think (my opinion only) that Paul's original McCartney III album is much better and more consistent on the whole.
Here is my rundown of the "hits and misses" on McCartney III Imagined with my grades from 1 to 10
Strong LIkes
Seize the Day - Phoebe Bridgers (10) LIke Paul's original album, I think this is the best song from all the artists. I love Phoebe's vocals and she makes this cover her own song. I also love the mood she brings to the song. She gives homage to the Bealtle's Psychodelic era (Magical Mystery tour) with this version. I love the guitars in the chorus parts (the "when the cold days come and the old ways fade away" parts). I thought "Seize the Day" was the best song on the original as well as McCartney III Imagined. My original McCartney III grade (10)
When Winter Comes - Anderson Paak Remix (10) - Another great remix of one of my favorites on Paul's original. I love the intro piano part that sounds much like one of Elton John's classics. I like this piano throughtout which gives the song a great jazzy feel. It also has great drum work which makes it equal to Paul's version in my opinion. They also speed up the vocal which was a nice touch. A great version in my opinion. Original McCartney III grade (10)
Women and Wives - St. Vincent Remix (9) - This one has really grown with me after a few listens. They wisely keep Paul's original lead vocal but the back kup singing by Annie Clark is fab. I found out that she did all of this singing by herself but she sounds like a gospel girl group. Annie gives "Women and Wives" a nice soul sounding track. There is also a fantastic guitar solo in the middle as well. Annie Clark who calls herself St. Vincent is an extremely multi-talented artist. Original McCartney III grade (9)
Slidin - Ed Obrien/ EOB Remix - (9) - As soon as I heard this version prior to the release of McCartney III Imagine, I liked it. They speed up Paul's vocall and it works well. Even the guitar solo's are almost as good as Paul's version. Original McCartney III grade (10)
Lavatory LIl - Josh Homme - (9) - unlike a few of the critics who didn't like Josh's take, I really like Mr. Homme's version and he gives the song more teeth in my opinion. Like Phoebe Bridgers who sings the vocal on"Seie the Day", I love Josh Homme's voice on "Lavatory Lil". He gives the track an absolute "Doors" feel and makes it his own. It also features great guitar work. I think it actually surpasses Paul's version. Original McCartney III Grade 8.5.
Deep Down - 3D RDN Remix - (8) - initially I didn't like the "disco like" background singing on this track but it has grown with me after a few listens. I started really loving the piano once the song got into the faster parts. The group here still uses Paul's original lead vocals on "Deep Down" and the piano chords sound very close to Paul's "1985" song that I have always loved. I always thought that "Deep Down" was a weaker track on the whole (but still good) on the original. That being said, I think that Paul and his Band (along with his "horn players"would do a great "sou live" version once they can return to touring. I think this remix is still plenty good and enhance especially with the piano parts being so prevalent. Original McCartney III Grade (8)
The Kiss of Venus - Dominic Fike (8) - This track has got a lot of good reviews. I like it too but I think it kind of fizzles out in the ending portion. I like the beginning and middle parts with his "soulful and R&B"vocals. I give him a lot of credit for making "The Kiss of Venus" his own song including adding his own lyrics. original McCartney III Grade (10) Another McCartney classic acoustic number in my opinion.
Find My Way - Beck (8) I like this track but not nearly as much as Paul's original which I consider a "10" and one of the best songs on the origianl album. Beck gives it a dance friendly feel with his Hofner Baas. As a whole (and my opinion) Beck gives "Find My Way" more of a McCartney 2 synth heavy treatment than McCartney III. Original McCartney III Grade (10)
Dislikes
Deep Deep Feeling - 3 D RDN Remix (2) - After a couple of listens, i don't like this version at all. Way too long and there is no substance. It look me a little while to like Paul's original of "Deep Deep Feeling" and now it's a quasi-favorite of mine. On top of this boring 11 minute synth heavy remix, it totally in my opinion misses the mark on my favorite part of the song. At the original 2 minute and 25 second mark I love Paul's piano melody that he continues throughout the remaining 6 minutes of the song with some really nice electric guitar parts as well. To make matters worse, this version adds samples of the McCartney 2 Song "Temporary Secretary" that I never liked. This version is much more of a McCartney 2 like track and I like McCartney III better than Paul's 1980 album. Original McCaertney III Grade of Deep Deep Feeling (8.5)
Pretty Boys - Khruangbin (4) - I haven't got into this track yet either. There's some good bass and drum playing but again it is more of a McCartney 2 like track. This version of Pretty Boys is Very synth heavy while I really liked Paul's original but simple "Pretty Boys". Original McCartney III Grade (9)
Long Tailed Winter Bird - Damon Albarn (5) Again, most of this track is too synth heavy with drum machines for me. It doesn't even get into the guitar playing parts of the original I loved until half way into the song. Original McCartney III Grade (8)
Summary
As I said, the very good remixes and covers in this "Imagined" album really makes up for the 3 weak tracks in my opinion. For that reason, I think the original McCartney III is better as a whole for its consistency. I love/like all the songs on Paul's original. Even the 3 longer more jam songs on Paul's McCartney III original still has good melody parts.
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BJ and any others, can you name me any other artist that releases album and after three months is actively involved with getting other artists to do cover album of their latest record. Sorry, I don't see Springseen, Sting, Elton John or any other older artist trying to promote their just released album by having other artists do their version of it. Like I stated before, if other artists did this on their own then I would handle it a lot better. Having MPL behind this is sad commentary IMO.
I have no real desire to hear any of these cover versions although I did see and listen to the "Find My Way" cover video and hated it, the video was repetitive and boring. These people may all be talented but I will say it again, I want to hear Paul McCartney play/sing his new songs, not other artists. Once again, no problem if you and others want to listn/buy this album, just not my cup of tea.
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Yankeefan2 wrote:
BJ and any others, can you name me any other artist that releases album and after three months is actively involved with getting other artists to do cover album of their latest record. Sorry, I don't see Springseen, Sting, Elton John or any other older artist trying to promote their just released album by having other artists do their version of it. Like I stated before, if other artists did this on their own then I would handle it a lot better. Having MPL behind this is sad commentary IMO.
I have no real desire to hear any of these cover versions although I did see and listen to the "Find My Way" cover video and hated it, the video was repetitive and boring. These people may all be talented but I will say it again, I want to hear Paul McCartney play/sing his new songs, not other artists. Once again, no problem if you and others want to listn/buy this album, just not my cup of tea.
Hey Yankeefan,,,As you know, I really respect your opinion and appreciate your feelings about this project. I felt very similar early on too. And I would not buy this CD because of the tracks I dislike (see my post). One track (Deep Deep Feeling) I gave a "2" grade and others I gave a "4 or 5". MPL and Paul was very wise to make "Deep Deep Feeling" the last track on "Imagined".
One thing I liked about Paul's and MPL's approach is that they invited a bunch of artists (mostly young) to cover/remix only one track each of Paul's original. From what Paul said and I believe him, they gave no guidelines on what they should do. They gave them (and their own producer) total freedom. The end result is a mixed bag for me. Because they had total freedom, it makes the total album pretty good as a whole but also bad on certain tracks depending upon the listener's own perspective and musical taste. I was never a big fan of McCartney 2 so the songs on McCartney 3 Imagined that are too McCartney 2 oriented, I don't like to a large degree. But there are fans that really like McCartney 2 so they might just buy "Imagined". One reason I like the original McCartney III so much is because it wasn't like McCartney 2 to a large extent.
As far as other big name artists that have never done what Paul and MPL have done, I won't be surprised if Paul will be starting a new trend with this project. Reading about a few of these artists, I was surprised just how talented Annie Clark is. She's been around (she's 38 or so) but she has tremendous musical talent and versatility. She not only does the background soulful singing on "Women and Wives" apparently she did the great bluesy guitar solo too. I really like her St. Vincent Rremix on this song.
Some of the artists got criticised for following Paul's original that they covered/remixed too much. I had no problem with that because I liked the original so much anyway. Exmples are Lavatory Lil (Josh Homme) and Ed O'Brien (Radiohead). I really like both tracks even though they folllowed Paul's bleuprint more closely than others and both tracks present a unique remake in my opinion. I love Josh Homme's singing on Lavatory Lil and I love Ed O'Brien's faster pace on "Slidin". But the artises that went more McCartney 2 (too electronica, too synth heavy) as I said I didnt like. Some of the artists did a mix of both McCartney 3 and McCartney 2 and those I like a lot better.
I really like Phoebe Brigers take on "Seize the Day" as well as Andereson Paak's take on "When Winter Comes. With the former, it's Phoebe's singing while on the latter, it's Anderson's piano and drumming. Again, these may not be household hames like Bruce or Sting, but they are plenty talented. That is why this project wasn't a terrible idea. They picked very talented people and gave them the freedom to do their own thing. Finally I like the "Blood Orange" remix of "Deep Down". Even though i didn't like initially the disco-like background singing in the long intro of the song, I loved the piano in the faster parts. I always liked Paul's vocals on "Deep Down". And when they used the piano so prevalent in the middle and ending sections, I was sure that the individual producer or a member of Blood Orange is a massive Paul fan. That piano comes right from Paul's 1985 in my opinion.
Thanks Buddy.
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Hey Yankeefan...sent you a PM.
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B J Conlee wrote:
Yankeefan2 wrote:
BJ and any others, can you name me any other artist that releases album and after three months is actively involved with getting other artists to do cover album of their latest record. Sorry, I don't see Springseen, Sting, Elton John or any other older artist trying to promote their just released album by having other artists do their version of it. Like I stated before, if other artists did this on their own then I would handle it a lot better. Having MPL behind this is sad commentary IMO.
I have no real desire to hear any of these cover versions although I did see and listen to the "Find My Way" cover video and hated it, the video was repetitive and boring. These people may all be talented but I will say it again, I want to hear Paul McCartney play/sing his new songs, not other artists. Once again, no problem if you and others want to listn/buy this album, just not my cup of tea.
Hey Yankeefan,,,As you know, I really respect your opinion and appreciate your feelings about this project. I felt very similar early on too. And I would not buy this CD because of the tracks I dislike (see my post). One track (Deep Deep Feeling) I gave a "2" grade and others I gave a "4 or 5". MPL and Paul was very wise to make "Deep Deep Feeling" the last track on "Imagined".
One thing I liked about Paul's and MPL's approach is that they invited a bunch of artists (mostly young) to cover/remix only one track each of Paul's original. From what Paul said and I believe him, they gave no guidelines on what they should do. They gave them (and their own producer) total freedom. The end result is a mixed bag for me. Because they had total freedom, it makes the total album pretty good as a whole but also bad on certain tracks depending upon the listener's own perspective and musical taste. I was never a big fan of McCartney 2 so the songs on McCartney 3 Imagined that are too McCartney 2 oriented, I don't like to a large degree. But there are fans that really like McCartney 2 so they might just buy "Imagined". One reason I like the original McCartney III so much is because it wasn't like McCartney 2 to a large extent.
As far as other big name artists that have never done what Paul and MPL have done, I won't be surprised if Paul will be starting a new trend with this project. Reading about a few of these artists, I was surprised just how talented Annie Clark is. She's been around (she's 38 or so) but she has tremendous musical talent and versatility. She not only does the background soulful singing on "Women and Wives" apparently she did the great bluesy guitar solo too. I really like her St. Vincent Rremix on this song.
Some of the artists got criticised for following Paul's original that they covered/remixed too much. I had no problem with that because I liked the original so much anyway. Exmples are Lavatory Lil (Josh Homme) and Ed O'Brien (Radiohead). I really like both tracks even though they folllowed Paul's bleuprint more closely than others and both tracks present a unique remake in my opinion. I love Josh Homme's singing on Lavatory Lil and I love Ed O'Brien's faster pace on "Slidin". But the artises that went more McCartney 2 (too electronica, too synth heavy) as I said I didnt like. Some of the artists did a mix of both McCartney 3 and McCartney 2 and those I like a lot better.
I really like Phoebe Brigers take on "Seize the Day" as well as Andereson Paak's take on "When Winter Comes. With the former, it's Phoebe's singing while on the latter, it's Anderson's piano and drumming. Again, these may not be household hames like Bruce or Sting, but they are plenty talented. That is why this project wasn't a terrible idea. They picked very talented people and gave them the freedom to do their own thing. Finally I like the "Blood Orange" remix of "Deep Down". Even though i didn't like initially the disco-like background singing in the long intro of the song, I loved the piano in the faster parts. I always liked Paul's vocals on "Deep Down". And when they used the piano so prevalent in the middle and ending sections, I was sure that the individual producer or a member of Blood Orange is a massive Paul fan. That piano comes right from Paul's 1985 in my opinion.
Thanks Buddy.
Real quick. I am glad these artists are talented but personally I would rather check out their talents on doing songs they wrote or was written for them. I am not against "cover" songs/albums but not on a recently released album. McCartney has done "cover" songs very well (especially 50's rock) but the songs he did were decades old, that is the difference to me. I will say again this effort by McCartney seems to say I need younger artist to prop up my album and can't do it on my own. Just my opinion.
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B J Conlee wrote:
My early review of McCartney III Imagined
I have to say that initially I didn't like this idea like a few other regulars on Maccaboard (e.g. Yankeefan). Over the years I liked it when an artist would cover one of Paul's great Beatle tunes. For example, I loved Emmylou Harris's cover version of Here There and Everywhere and also For No One. When this wild idea started just shortly after McCartney III was released, I thought from the beginning it was crazy. Like others here, I thought it was way too soon for music artists to start covering Paul songs that have just been released.
I have to say, however, that after reading a bunch of the reviews of McCartney III Imagined over the last week, the idea apparently wasn't totally insane afterall. Early on, I thought the real danger of this type of project was that it would be "rushed" and might end up being a real clunker. And now that the album has been released and I have had a chance to listen, I have to say that McCartney III Imagined surely isn't a total disaster. At the same time, I do think it is far from perfect with several tracks in my opinion being pretty weak. Fortunately for Paul, the really good covers and remixes make up for the clunkers and might allow Paul's original album to stay in the public's eye (especially general music fans) longer. After hearing all the tracks on McCartney III Imagined a bunch of times, I do think (my opinion only) that Paul's original McCartney III album is much better and more consistent on the whole.
Here is my rundown of the "hits and misses" on McCartney III Imagined with my grades from 1 to 10
Strong LIkes
Seize the Day - Phoebe Bridgers (10) LIke Paul's original album, I think this is the best song from all the artists. I love Phoebe's vocals and she makes this cover her own song. I also love the mood she brings to the song. She gives homage to the Bealtle's Psychodelic era (Magical Mystery tour) with this version. I love the guitars in the chorus parts (the "when the cold days come and the old ways fade away" parts). I thought "Seize the Day" was the best song on the original as well as McCartney III Imagined. My original McCartney III grade (10)
When Winter Comes - Anderson Paak Remix (10) - Another great remix of one of my favorites on Paul's original. I love the intro piano part that sounds much like one of Elton John's classics. I like this piano throughtout which gives the song a great jazzy feel. It also has great drum work which makes it equal to Paul's version in my opinion. They also speed up the vocal which was a nice touch. A great version in my opinion. Original McCartney III grade (10)
Women and Wives - St. Vincent Remix (9) - This one has really grown with me after a few listens. They wisely keep Paul's original lead vocal but the back kup singing by Annie Clark is fab. I found out that she did all of this singing by herself but she sounds like a gospel girl group. Annie gives "Women and Wives" a nice soul sounding track. There is also a fantastic guitar solo in the middle as well. Annie Clark who calls herself St. Vincent is an extremely multi-talented artist. Original McCartney III grade (9)
Slidin - Ed Obrien/ EOB Remix - (9) - As soon as I heard this version prior to the release of McCartney III Imagine, I liked it. They speed up Paul's vocall and it works well. Even the guitar solo's are almost as good as Paul's version. Original McCartney III grade (10)
Lavatory LIl - Josh Homme - (9) - unlike a few of the critics who didn't like Josh's take, I really like Mr. Homme's version and he gives the song more teeth in my opinion. Like Phoebe Bridgers who sings the vocal on"Seie the Day", I love Josh Homme's voice on "Lavatory Lil". He gives the track an absolute "Doors" feel and makes it his own. It also features great guitar work. I think it actually surpasses Paul's version. Original McCartney III Grade 8.5.
Deep Down - 3D RDN Remix - (8) - initially I didn't like the "disco like" background singing on this track but it has grown with me after a few listens. I started really loving the piano once the song got into the faster parts. The group here still uses Paul's original lead vocals on "Deep Down" and the piano chords sound very close to Paul's "1985" song that I have always loved. I always thought that "Deep Down" was a weaker track on the whole (but still good) on the original. That being said, I think that Paul and his Band (along with his "horn players"would do a great "sou live" version once they can return to touring. I think this remix is still plenty good and enhance especially with the piano parts being so prevalent. Original McCartney III Grade (8)
The Kiss of Venus - Dominic Fike (8) - This track has got a lot of good reviews. I like it too but I think it kind of fizzles out in the ending portion. I like the beginning and middle parts with his "soulful and R&B"vocals. I give him a lot of credit for making "The Kiss of Venus" his own song including adding his own lyrics. original McCartney III Grade (10) Another McCartney classic acoustic number in my opinion.
Find My Way - Beck (8) I like this track but not nearly as much as Paul's original which I consider a "10" and one of the best songs on the origianl album. Beck gives it a dance friendly feel with his Hofner Baas. As a whole (and my opinion) Beck gives "Find My Way" more of a McCartney 2 synth heavy treatment than McCartney III. Original McCartney III Grade (10)
Dislikes
Deep Deep Feeling - 3 D RDN Remix (2) - After a couple of listens, i don't like this version at all. Way too long and there is no substance. It look me a little while to like Paul's original of "Deep Deep Feeling" and now it's a quasi-favorite of mine. On top of this boring 11 minute synth heavy remix, it totally in my opinion misses the mark on my favorite part of the song. At the original 2 minute and 25 second mark I love Paul's piano melody that he continues throughout the remaining 6 minutes of the song with some really nice electric guitar parts as well. To make matters worse, this version adds samples of the McCartney 2 Song "Temporary Secretary" that I never liked. This version is much more of a McCartney 2 like track and I like McCartney III better than Paul's 1980 album. Original McCaertney III Grade of Deep Deep Feeling (8.5)
Pretty Boys - Khruangbin (4) - I haven't got into this track yet either. There's some good bass and drum playing but again it is more of a McCartney 2 like track. This version of Pretty Boys is Very synth heavy while I really liked Paul's original but simple "Pretty Boys". Original McCartney III Grade (9)
Long Tailed Winter Bird - Damon Albarn (5) Again, most of this track is too synth heavy with drum machines for me. It doesn't even get into the guitar playing parts of the original I loved until half way into the song. Original McCartney III Grade (8)
Summary
As I said, the very good remixes and covers in this "Imagined" album really makes up for the 3 weak tracks in my opinion. For that reason, I think the original McCartney III is better as a whole for its consistency. I love/like all the songs on Paul's original. Even the 3 longer more jam songs on Paul's McCartney III original still has good melody parts.
Love Phoebe Bridgers. Her version of "Seize The Day" reminds of Mary Hopkin on Paul's "Goodbye" way back when....not that they are similar sounding songs, but that they are sung very well. Wish Paul had done a better version of "Goodbye" at the time. His demo captures the way he wants it to sound I guesss. But.....both songs fit the singers perfectly and are just lovely. As for Josh Homme, I think he sounds totally bored. At first I thought...the way he was singing.... he was actually making fun of the song, or sounding somewhat effeminate on purpose. (I'm not really that familiar with his work, so didn't know what to exppect.) Paul's version is vastly superior. IMO Those two are the ones that elicited more of a response/reaction from me....one positive, one negative. I am curious as to what Idris Elba will come up with on his remix....not yet available. I love his acting and like him as a person, so I am being optimistic. I did not know he had any connection with music, however, in his careet....until now.
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B J Conlee wrote:
Hey Yankeefan...sent you a PM.
I just replied back to you.
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Beatles4Ever wrote:
B J Conlee wrote:
My early review of McCartney III Imagined
I have to say that initially I didn't like this idea like a few other regulars on Maccaboard (e.g. Yankeefan). Over the years I liked it when an artist would cover one of Paul's great Beatle tunes. For example, I loved Emmylou Harris's cover version of Here There and Everywhere and also For No One. When this wild idea started just shortly after McCartney III was released, I thought from the beginning it was crazy. Like others here, I thought it was way too soon for music artists to start covering Paul songs that have just been released.
I have to say, however, that after reading a bunch of the reviews of McCartney III Imagined over the last week, the idea apparently wasn't totally insane afterall. Early on, I thought the real danger of this type of project was that it would be "rushed" and might end up being a real clunker. And now that the album has been released and I have had a chance to listen, I have to say that McCartney III Imagined surely isn't a total disaster. At the same time, I do think it is far from perfect with several tracks in my opinion being pretty weak. Fortunately for Paul, the really good covers and remixes make up for the clunkers and might allow Paul's original album to stay in the public's eye (especially general music fans) longer. After hearing all the tracks on McCartney III Imagined a bunch of times, I do think (my opinion only) that Paul's original McCartney III album is much better and more consistent on the whole.
Here is my rundown of the "hits and misses" on McCartney III Imagined with my grades from 1 to 10
Strong LIkes
Seize the Day - Phoebe Bridgers (10) LIke Paul's original album, I think this is the best song from all the artists. I love Phoebe's vocals and she makes this cover her own song. I also love the mood she brings to the song. She gives homage to the Bealtle's Psychodelic era (Magical Mystery tour) with this version. I love the guitars in the chorus parts (the "when the cold days come and the old ways fade away" parts). I thought "Seize the Day" was the best song on the original as well as McCartney III Imagined. My original McCartney III grade (10)
When Winter Comes - Anderson Paak Remix (10) - Another great remix of one of my favorites on Paul's original. I love the intro piano part that sounds much like one of Elton John's classics. I like this piano throughtout which gives the song a great jazzy feel. It also has great drum work which makes it equal to Paul's version in my opinion. They also speed up the vocal which was a nice touch. A great version in my opinion. Original McCartney III grade (10)
Women and Wives - St. Vincent Remix (9) - This one has really grown with me after a few listens. They wisely keep Paul's original lead vocal but the back kup singing by Annie Clark is fab. I found out that she did all of this singing by herself but she sounds like a gospel girl group. Annie gives "Women and Wives" a nice soul sounding track. There is also a fantastic guitar solo in the middle as well. Annie Clark who calls herself St. Vincent is an extremely multi-talented artist. Original McCartney III grade (9)
Slidin - Ed Obrien/ EOB Remix - (9) - As soon as I heard this version prior to the release of McCartney III Imagine, I liked it. They speed up Paul's vocall and it works well. Even the guitar solo's are almost as good as Paul's version. Original McCartney III grade (10)
Lavatory LIl - Josh Homme - (9) - unlike a few of the critics who didn't like Josh's take, I really like Mr. Homme's version and he gives the song more teeth in my opinion. Like Phoebe Bridgers who sings the vocal on"Seie the Day", I love Josh Homme's voice on "Lavatory Lil". He gives the track an absolute "Doors" feel and makes it his own. It also features great guitar work. I think it actually surpasses Paul's version. Original McCartney III Grade 8.5.
Deep Down - 3D RDN Remix - (8) - initially I didn't like the "disco like" background singing on this track but it has grown with me after a few listens. I started really loving the piano once the song got into the faster parts. The group here still uses Paul's original lead vocals on "Deep Down" and the piano chords sound very close to Paul's "1985" song that I have always loved. I always thought that "Deep Down" was a weaker track on the whole (but still good) on the original. That being said, I think that Paul and his Band (along with his "horn players"would do a great "sou live" version once they can return to touring. I think this remix is still plenty good and enhance especially with the piano parts being so prevalent. Original McCartney III Grade (8)
The Kiss of Venus - Dominic Fike (8) - This track has got a lot of good reviews. I like it too but I think it kind of fizzles out in the ending portion. I like the beginning and middle parts with his "soulful and R&B"vocals. I give him a lot of credit for making "The Kiss of Venus" his own song including adding his own lyrics. original McCartney III Grade (10) Another McCartney classic acoustic number in my opinion.
Find My Way - Beck (8) I like this track but not nearly as much as Paul's original which I consider a "10" and one of the best songs on the origianl album. Beck gives it a dance friendly feel with his Hofner Baas. As a whole (and my opinion) Beck gives "Find My Way" more of a McCartney 2 synth heavy treatment than McCartney III. Original McCartney III Grade (10)
Dislikes
Deep Deep Feeling - 3 D RDN Remix (2) - After a couple of listens, i don't like this version at all. Way too long and there is no substance. It look me a little while to like Paul's original of "Deep Deep Feeling" and now it's a quasi-favorite of mine. On top of this boring 11 minute synth heavy remix, it totally in my opinion misses the mark on my favorite part of the song. At the original 2 minute and 25 second mark I love Paul's piano melody that he continues throughout the remaining 6 minutes of the song with some really nice electric guitar parts as well. To make matters worse, this version adds samples of the McCartney 2 Song "Temporary Secretary" that I never liked. This version is much more of a McCartney 2 like track and I like McCartney III better than Paul's 1980 album. Original McCaertney III Grade of Deep Deep Feeling (8.5)
Pretty Boys - Khruangbin (4) - I haven't got into this track yet either. There's some good bass and drum playing but again it is more of a McCartney 2 like track. This version of Pretty Boys is Very synth heavy while I really liked Paul's original but simple "Pretty Boys". Original McCartney III Grade (9)
Long Tailed Winter Bird - Damon Albarn (5) Again, most of this track is too synth heavy with drum machines for me. It doesn't even get into the guitar playing parts of the original I loved until half way into the song. Original McCartney III Grade (8)
Summary
As I said, the very good remixes and covers in this "Imagined" album really makes up for the 3 weak tracks in my opinion. For that reason, I think the original McCartney III is better as a whole for its consistency. I love/like all the songs on Paul's original. Even the 3 longer more jam songs on Paul's McCartney III original still has good melody parts.
Love Phoebe Bridgers. Her version of "Seize The Day" reminds of Mary Hopkin on Paul's "Goodbye" way back when....not that they are similar sounding songs, but that they are sung very well. Wish Paul had done a better version of "Goodbye" at the time. His demo captures the way he wants it to sound I guesss. But.....both songs fit the singers perfectly and are just lovely. As for Josh Homme, I think he sounds totally bored. At first I thought...the way he was singing.... he was actually making fun of the song, or sounding somewhat effeminate on purpose. (I'm not really that familiar with his work, so didn't know what to exppect.) Paul's version is vastly superior. IMO Those two are the ones that elicited more of a response/reaction from me....one positive, one negative. I am curious as to what Idris Elba will come up with on his remix....not yet available. I love his acting and like him as a person, so I am being optimistic. I did not know he had any connection with music, however, in his careet....until now.
Thanks for your imput Beatles4Ever.
I love Phoebe's cover/remix of "Seize the Day". Besides her haunting voice, I also love the production. I like the fact that the song is done so Beatleque and it sounds so much like the psycholic Beatles era like Magical Mystery Tour and Revolver. I think Phoebe's version believe it or not is as good as Paul's which I think was the best song on mcCartney III. Good memory on Goodbye. I always loved Paul's demo on Goodbye.
Have you heard the St. Vincent remix. Never knew much about Annie Clark but what a talented singer and musician she is.
The Blood Orange Remix of Deep Down is also growing with me. Love the piano parts in the middle and end where the piano sounds so much like Paul's 1985 song.
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Beatles4Ever...In retrospect I wish that Paul had made a "proper" recording for "Goodbye". Maybe it was a legal thing since Paul was a Beatle when he was working and writing songs for Mary Hopkin.
I didn't know anything about Josh Homme prior to McCartney III Imagined, so I was unfamiliar with his voice. Upon first listens, I kind of like his vocal for Lavatory Lil. That's just me but I liked the "Doors" vibe to the song. The electric and bass guitars on this version are good too as is Paul's.
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B J Conlee wrote:
Beatles4Ever...In retrospect I wish that Paul had made a "proper" recording for "Goodbye". Maybe it was a legal thing since Paul was a Beatle when he was working and writing songs for Mary Hopkin.
I didn't know anything about Josh Homme prior to McCartney III Imagined, so I was unfamiliar with his voice. Upon first listens, I kind of like his vocal for Lavatory Lil. That's just me but I liked the "Doors" vibe to the song. The electric and bass guitars on this version are good too as is Paul's.
As I said, the Josh Homme voice is underwhelming.... crap, actually... nothing like Jim... but the musical interpretation definitely has a "Doors" vibe.... the vibe is definitely "Doors".... Sans the voice.... I really like it.
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Like a couple others have done, here are my FAVORITES on Mccartney III Imagined so far:
Seize the Day - Phoebe Bridgers -- This is as good as Paul's great original. Love Phoebe's haunting vocals. Love the production from the "church bells intro and closing to the psychodelic vibe of the total song that reminde me of the Beatles' psychodelic era of Magical Mystery Tour and Revolver. Love the guitars in the "When the cold days come and the old ways fade away"parts. Phoebe stays very faithful to Paul's original as I have continued to think that "Seize the Day" was the best song on Paul's Mccartney III album. Still love the "middle" section ("I bless the day when you came into my life" part. A classic McCartney song that rivals Paul's best during the Beatles in my opinion.
When Winter Comes - Anderson Paak - Again I love this version as much as Paul's original. I love the Elton John sounding piano intro. In fact, Anderson changes Paul's original from an acoustic guitar track to a beautiful jazzy piano style song. I also love Anderson Paak's druming which may I say is evern better than Paul's original. Wisely Anderson Paak kept Paul's vocal which is already great.
Women and Wives - St Vincent Remix - May I dare say that this remix is as good or slightly better than Paul's original. I love the "haunting" background music to the production. Annie Clark's soulful background singing is amazing. I also love the bass, saxaphone and the bluesy electric guitar solo that St. Vincent adds to this remix.
In my opinion, these 3 songs all enhance the originals and makes this sequel to Paul's original album worth it as a follow-up project. I didn't feel that way in the beginning. I don't think these 3 songs (or any of the "Imagined" tracks) are Top 40 Billboard tlype songs but that is a good thing. They are too sophisicated for Top 40. But I do think that some of these tracks will make various playlists and that is good for Paul McCartney. I have already heard Phoebe Bridgers "Seize the Day" on a general Easy Listening "Spotify" Playlist. That was the goal I think for this project in the first place. I hope we hear more McCartney III songs added to all the various playlists that are out there.
Honorable Mentions for Best or Favorite Remixes on McCartney III Imagined
Deep Down - Blood Orange Remix
The Kiss of Venus - Dominic Fike
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"Strong LIkes
Seize the Day - Phoebe Bridgers (10) LIke Paul's original album, I think this is the best song from all the artists. I love Phoebe's vocals and she makes this cover her own song. I also love the mood she brings to the song. She gives homage to the Bealtle's Psychodelic era (Magical Mystery tour) with this version. I love the guitars in the chorus parts (the "when the cold days come and the old ways fade away" parts). I thought "Seize the Day" was the best song on the original as well as McCartney III Imagined. My original McCartney III grade (10)"
BJ, I thought I would give two songs you really liked a listen and will comment here. Phoebe Bridgers has a lovely voice but I don't think it fits the song. IMO the song needs a "rock" type voice and someday like a Stevie Nicks or Joan Jett would be a better female voice for it. I think Ms. Bridgers voice would have been perfect for "The Kiss Of Venus". This version was also a bit slower and I like the original tempo better. This cover was well done but like most covers, not as good as the original IMO.
"The Kiss of Venus - Dominic Fike (8) - This track has got a lot of good reviews. I like it too but I think it kind of fizzles out in the ending portion. I like the beginning and middle parts with his "soulful and R&B"vocals. I give him a lot of credit for making "The Kiss of Venus" his own song including adding his own lyrics. original McCartney III Grade (10) Another McCartney classic acoustic number in my opinion."
He does a good job vocally and overall it is nice cover version. I will disagree with you and say I don't like lyrics being added or changed to the original song. Play around with the arrangement of the song is fine with me but don't mess with the lyrical content.
I will try to listen to a couple of other songs later to see if any one of them can overtly impress me. Years ago, the "Dixie Chicks" did a cover version of the classic "Fleetwood Mac" song "Landslide". They did an excellent job and their harmonies on the song were wonderful. That being said it could no match the dynamic that Nicks/Buckingham brought to the song especially when you knew this song was very personal between the both of them. In addition, Buckingham's guitar picking on this song is fantastic and hard to beat. I will also state that doing a cover version does more for the artist doing it than the original artist of the song IMO. I will conclude with saying again that nobody covers 50's rock IMO better than Paul McCartney. His version of "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" for example is fantastic but it still does not beat Chuck Berry doing the original.
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B J Conlee wrote:
Like a couple others have done, here are my FAVORITES on Mccartney III Imagined so far:
Seize the Day - Phoebe Bridgers -- This is as good as Paul's great original. Love Phoebe's haunting vocals. Love the production from the "church bells intro and closing to the psychodelic vibe of the total song that reminde me of the Beatles' psychodelic era of Magical Mystery Tour and Revolver. Love the guitars in the "When the cold days come and the old ways fade away"parts. Phoebe stays very faithful to Paul's original as I have continued to think that "Seize the Day" was the best song on Paul's Mccartney III album. Still love the "middle" section ("I bless the day when you came into my life" part. A classic McCartney song that rivals Paul's best during the Beatles in my opinion.
When Winter Comes - Anderson Paak - Again I love this version as much as Paul's original. I love the Elton John sounding piano intro. In fact, Anderson changes Paul's original from an acoustic guitar track to a beautiful jazzy piano style song. I also love Anderson Paak's druming which may I say is evern better than Paul's original. Wisely Anderson Paak kept Paul's vocal which is already great.
Women and Wives - St Vincent Remix - May I dare say that this remix is as good or slightly better than Paul's original. I love the "haunting" background music to the production. Annie Clark's soulful background singing is amazing. I also love the bass, saxaphone and the bluesy electric guitar solo that St. Vincent adds to this remix.
In my opinion, these 3 songs all enhance the originals and makes this sequel to Paul's original album worth it as a follow-up project. I didn't feel that way in the beginning. I don't think these 3 songs (or any of the "Imagined" tracks) are Top 40 Billboard tlype songs but that is a good thing. They are too sophisicated for Top 40. But I do think that some of these tracks will make various playlists and that is good for Paul McCartney. I have already heard Phoebe Bridgers "Seize the Day" on a general Easy Listening "Spotify" Playlist. That was the goal I think for this project in the first place. I hope we hear more McCartney III songs added to all the various playlists that are out there.
Honorable Mentions for Best or Favorite Remixes on McCartney III Imagined
Deep Down - Blood Orange Remix
The Kiss of Venus - Dominic Fike
Funny thing Yankeefan,,,just this morning I was doing my usual walk (Florida right now has great Spring weather) and hearing Paul's original McCartney III songs on Spotify and they sounded great. For the last couple of weeks I've been mainly listening more to the new Imagined McCartney III album. I have to say that Paul's original "Seize the Day" this morning sounded great, but at the same time, I love Phoebe's "Seize the Day". Her voice is more haunting than Paul's and I love it equally.
If you get a chance, take a listen to Anderson Paak's version of "When Winter Comes". In this case, they keep Paul's original vocal verbatim. But as I said, what I love about this Remix, is they change the track from largely an acoustic guitar song to a jazzy Elton John like piano take. And with his added and better drums it's great. I think this cover is just as good as Paul's original.
As I said, I really like/love about half of McCartney III Imagined. I love St. Vincent's remix and a few others. Tastes vary. I see here on this board that a few have stated they dislike Josh Homme's vocal on Lavotory Lil. I get that but I kind of like his uniqkue singing here. His vocal style (and I never heard him before) gives the song a classic "Doors" sound that I like. I also like other tracks that give a different feel than the originals.
The new versions I still don't particularlylove are the ones that are too McCartney 2 sounding wiht heavy use of synthesizers. As I stated earlier, so far I don't like Long Tailed Winter Bird (Damon Albarn), Pretty Boys (Khruangbin) and Deep Deep Feeling (3D RDN Remix). They are all too long but I still appreciate the musicianship. It's just personal opinion.
I do think that the songs I really like tend to be shorter and are more classic track lenghts (3-4 minutes).
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"If you get a chance, take a listen to Anderson Paak's version of "When Winter Comes". In this case, they keep Paul's original vocal verbatim. But as I said, what I love about this Remix, is they change the track from largely an acoustic guitar song to a jazzy Elton John like piano take. And with his added and better drums it's great. I think this cover is just as good as Paul's original."
I listed to both versions this morning and Paul's was first. What struck me immediately after listening to the both of them was how the acoustic version really fit the narrative of the song about winter approaching and life on a farm. It is more somber and that is probably the mood of life on a farm when winter comes. The "jazzy" version was done very well and enjoyable but I don't think set the proper mood of the lyrics of the song. Let's just agree to disagree this cover is as good as the original.
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McCartney III (Paul's original album vs. McCartney III Imagined (by other artists)
By now I have had plenty of time to absorb both new albums. This weekend I even listened to a Podcast done by 3 veteran Beatle music writers who have done a lot of work over the years covering the Beatles, Paul's Solo work etc. The 3 journalists (I'll beck to Maccaboard with their names) in general gave Paul credit for embellishing his original album with younger artists giving their interpretatlions. They also said that they realize that many long time Beatle fans won't like Paul for doing this project but all three in general were open to hearing new and younger artists (and their individual producers). Their final verdict was that they liked McCartney 3 Imagined in general but they considered this new "Imagined" album a mix bag relative to the results of the individual tracks.
Here is my rundown (just a brief summary chart) of Paul's original McCartney III vs. McCartney III Imagined by Other Artists. I am going to use Paul's original album's track by track sequence. My porsonal grades are based on 1 to 10 with 10 being the best.
Paul's Original Mccartney III Album McCartney III Imagined by Other Artists
1. Long Tailed Winter Bird 8.5 4 (Dmon Albarn)
2. Find My Way 10 7 (Beck's version)
3. Pretty Boys 9 5 (Khruangbin)
4. Womnen and Wives 9 9.5 (St. Vincent Remix (Annie Clark)
5. Lavatory Lil 8.5 8 (Josh Homme)
6. Deep Deep Feeling 9 4 (3D RDN Remix)
7. Slidin 10 8.5 (EOB Remix - Ed O'Brien)
8. The Kiss of Venus 10 8.5 (Dominic Fike)
9. Seize the Day 10 10 (Phoebe Bridgers)
10. Deep Down 8.5 8.5 (Blood Orange Remix)
11. When Winter Comes 10 10 (Anderson . Paak)
I have to admit that I'm a little biaed toward Paul but these are my honest feelings. I love Paul's Original from the start.. As far as an "Overall" album I consider it a Top 5 Post Beatles Paul album. Not saying that there aren't better Paul Albums with better individual tracks but I love the tightness of McCartney III and how all the songs flow from track to track. I love how the opening and closing tracks come full circle and even the longer jam like tracks have strong melodies.
As far as the "Interpretations" from all the individual artists i think this is a good mix as a whole. I gave extra points for how the artist made their selected song their "own" song and their own (along with their producer) creativity with the track. Again, I'm a little biased on these "interpretations" that were too McCartney 2 like tracks that were heavy in electronica and heavy on the new synths back in the beginning of the 80's. I give Paul credit for beng an espermenter and embracing the new technology at the time but the sound and resurlts weren't alway smy cup of tea. Some of thise interpretations aren't my cup of tea (e.g. tracks 1, 2, 3 and 6). I liked it better when some of the artists above mixed their individual interpretations with a combination of McCartney 2 and Paul's McCartney 3. A good example if Blood Orange's Deep Down Track. Yes, there are parts of the song that are heavy with the 1980 style "synths but they also add many other intreuments to their Remix.
My overall Grade for both albums:
McCartney 3 Album ---- 9.5
McCartney 3 Imagined ------ 7
Again, I'm admittedly biased but I think (my opinion only) is that Paul's original is the "superior" album (and one of Paul's classics IMO)but the McCartney 3 Imagined is a good album in general and is/waa a successful side project enhancing many of hte songs. Like the 3 gentlemen that were part of the New York Podcast I just listened to this past weekend) applauded Paul for geting these artists involved with these interpretatons. Lpersonally found it very interesting that their opinions varied wieth mine. A couple of them liked the tracks better that were more individual advenurous leaning more towards the McCartney 2 side. They liked tracks like 1, 3 and 6 much better than me and they weren't so keen on some of my favorite covers. Just shows you how subjective music is. I might add that these moderators in the podcast have impressive credentials. One of them was a music reviewer(classical and pop/rock music for the New York Times for example. As I said, all 3 of them realized that some fans who are stuck in their "Beatles" past and not oppened to new artists and approaches are not going to like a project like McCartney 3 Imagined.
1. Long Tailed Winter Bird
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"As I said, all 3 of them realized that some fans who are stuck in their "Beatles" past and not oppened to new artists and approaches are not going to like a project like McCartney 3 Imagined."
I would take issue with that statement as it relates to me. I have no problem with covers being done of McCartney music, I just think the timing on this was wrong IMO. You have a new album that has been released only a couple of months and then you are actively involved with doing cover version of that album. I have said it before and will repeat myself due to the above comment by doing this it seems to send message that your music needs the help of younger artists to promote it. I think that is sad commentary when you are talking about a living legend. I will also once again say that if these covers kind of happened with artists just doing it on their own, I would have been ok with that.
I have listened to a couple of the "McCartney III Imagined " cover songs and they have been fine, I just prefer the original. I am not even going to bother to try and listen to any songs that have a "McCartney II" influence because I hated that album. Very nice review BJ, interesting read even though I am not big fan of "McCartney III Imagined". And in the end (pun intended), I prefer to listen to Paul McCartney music with him singing and playing the music.
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Hey Yankeefan...thanks for your quick response.
Sorry for all the typos. I was trying to retype it but I guess I wasn't fast enough. I guess you got the gist of my post.
I found the podcast I heard this weekend very interesting. I will get their names because you might be familiar with them since they are from the NY area. One is a music writer (pop/rock and also classical) for the NY Times.
I totally get what you're saying about the timing of McCartney III Imagined as opposed to Paul waiting at least for a couple of years for artists to do their own covers. The 3 guys addressed that issue but they all felt positive about Paul being proactive. Do it now and get a bunch of artists doing it collectively as a follow-up album. One of the guys mentioned that it was Paul's own manager who originated the idea and Paul and EMI went with it.
I also found it interesting their own reviews for McCartney 3 Imagined was a mixed. bag. And 2 of them had significantly different opinions than mine. They liked the feel of McCartney 2 over the current album. They liked some of the songs from the "Imagined" Album quite a bit better than I did. And some of the covers/remixes I really liked they didn't like as much. Music is so subjectve isn't it.
I was trying to post via the charts which "Imagined" songs I liked or disliked compared to Paul's original. i think I clearly pointed out that I like Paul's orginal by and large much better.
Anyeay, thanks for the respnse so quickly. My wife travelled to California to visit her son which is one of the reasons I've been on Maccaboard so much over the last week. Judging by the reponses I'm getting on McCartney 3 Imagined, there seems to be little interest on this new album anyway. I'm surprised how much publicity it has gathered but it remains to be seen if McCaertney 3 (either Paul's original album or the new interpretations) will benefit. The only thing I've seen is Phoebe Bridgers cover "Seize the Day" was put on an Easy Listening Spotify plalylist. At the end of the day, that is what Paul and EMI were hoping for. So far with little success from what I've see. The reviews surprisingly have been generally positive.
Talke later.