Paul McCartney – Memory Almost Full
As with most things, the sum is greater than the parts. The Beatles were a perfect example. Perhaps the greatest band of all time, yet individually they were never able to reach the same heights. I know you think I’m nuts for saying that, since Paul McCartney is recognized as one of most successful musician/composers in popular-music history. Yet any true Beatles fan will agree that John, Paul, George and Ringo will always be measured by the group’s achievements. As with most things, the sum is greater than the parts. The Beatles were a perfect example. Perhaps the greatest band of all time, yet individually they were never able to reach the same heights. I know you think I’m nuts for saying that, since Paul McCartney is recognized as one of most successful musician/composers in popular-music history. Yet any true Beatles fan will agree that John, Paul, George and Ringo will always be measured by the group’s achievements. Compared to that benchmark, the lads from Liverpool will always fall short. Don’t get me wrong, there have been some terrific solo albums by the Fab Four such as Ringo by Ringo Starr, All Things Must Pass by George Harrison, Double Fantasy by John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s Ram. And after over 40 years in the business, Paul McCartney continues to churn out music. On his latest, Memory Almost Full, Paul explores his past, present and future through charming and poignant songs. I’ve been let down by some of McCartney’s solo albums before. Most recently Driving Rain and Chaos and Creation in the Backyard failed to satisfy my musical appetite for more Beatles-like sounds. However, I was pleasantly surprised upon my first listen of his recent work. My satisfaction continued to grow after a second and third time through the material.
It seems that as Paul expounds on his different life stages, he also transforms his music to relate to three separate periods in his fabulous career. As you listen to the album, you’ll hear vintage solo Paul (“Dance Tonight” and “Vintage Clothes”), classic Wings (“Mister Bellamy” and “That Was Me”) and vintage Beatles (“Only Mama Knows” and “End of the End”).
All of this variety makes for an enjoyable listening experience. McCartney is still in fine voice and plays all the instruments (except for strings) on the album. Through these 13 tracks, McCartney delivers one of his best solo efforts ever. McCartney proves that he still has some incredible songs left to sing. Listening to these gems will take you on a musical journey that has evolved over four decades and one unforgettable career. Job well done, Sir Paul.
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