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Solo forums => Paul McCartney => Microscopes => Topic started by: Bobber on April 06, 2012, 02:08:00 PM

Title: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Bobber on April 06, 2012, 02:08:00 PM
This was the first proper McCartney album I bought from my own pocket money and therefore I have played this album over and over again in the late seventies and early eighties. However, I had not heard most of the album since long before looking through this microscope. I may not be as critical as usual as it brought back some nice memories.

London Town
Nice three voice harmony throughout the whole song. It’s a bit too soft an atmosphere to my liking, but I really do like the melody. Love the harmony at 1.47. The slide bass at 2.16 is another highlight. Nice little brass in the background here and there. The guitar solo and the change of rhythm at 3.23 is good. Co written with Denny Laine, but I don’t see where.
The video coming with the song is plain silly:
Paul McCartney and Wings- London Town (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B5HNOI7IbE#)

Cafe On The Left Bank
Rocker. I hate that semi spontaneous talk in the background, like done in the intro of the song. I understand it has to sound like pubtalk, but it annoys me. On the other hand I like the cowbell. Nice guitar throughout the song. Is this Jimmy playing or had he left by then? The song itself is not a favourite of mine, but I can bear with this song because of the great guitars.

I’m Carrying
Some critics regard this song as overrated, but I seem to like it enough. It’s the standard McCartney ballad that’s coming on most of his albums, but the acoustic guitar is delicate and I like it. The entrance of the strings at 0.39 is nice. Simple notes, but they really add something to the song. The hummed solo is a skip for me, a pity, although the cello gives a touch to it.

Backwards Traveller
The first real highlight on the album for me. Superb vocals by Paul and great harmonies. Keyboard sound, probably by Linda, are a good addition. A pity it’s a bit short. Paul should have made more of the song.

Cuff Link
Backwards Traveller merges into this instrumental. It has always sounded a bit like a jam to me, but still it’s interesting enough to give it a listen every now and then. It looks like Paul is ready to experiment with synthesizer and all that in the early days and use it in his song. Unlike most of his work from the eighties, here it is done in a tasteful way in my humble opinion.

Children Children
Through the years this has been one of the favourites of many critics. Not for me. Written by Paul and Denny and sung by Denny. It’s about children and maybe therefore it sounds childish. Denny’s voice is better than on his previous efforts and the harmonies are fine as usual, but the song in itself is not good enough to my ears. The part from 1.52 sung in semi Scottish is a painful moment.

Girlfriend
Paul wrote this song with Michael Jackson in mind. Maybe he had better left it there, instead of recording it by himself. He sings it with a falsetto mostly and it’s not bad. The harmonies are terrible to make an exception to the rule (I mean the ‘yeah’s’ after every first two lines of the verses). The guitar solo part is the strongest part of the song and I really like that. After that, it starts to get a little annoying again.
Michael’s version of the song:
Michael Jackson ''Girlfriend'' Music video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92TvK5tc40w#)

I’ve Had Enough
I have always liked this song, although listening to it now I think Paul could and maybe should have made an even heavier version of the song. Nice touch of the beatring. Strong guitar work once again and I suspect this is Jimmy playing (maybe JMF can fill me in here?). Love the little scream at 1.38. I’m not surprised it was released as a single (with Deliver Your Children), but it didn’t make it big.

With A Little Luck
The big hit on the album. Paul repeats the atmosphere of London Town here at the start of side 2. It’s a nice song, with great harmonies and all that, but it has never really worked for me. I mean, I can listen to it and enjoy it, but it doesn’t make a bad day good. Plus I think it takes too long. At the 3.40 point it’s enough for me. The rest isn’t necessary, although Paul finally shows some great basslicks here.

Famous Groupies
When I was younger, I liked this song well enough. When listening to it today once again, it was a low point for me. The best part is from 2.06 onwards, the little slide solo. Linda adds some strange sounds to the song, especially at the end. Nice touch, but not enough.

Deliver Your Children
A McCartney/Laine co-operation that’s finally working. Acoustic guitars in the Mull Of Kintyre style, but I like this song better. Great vocal harmonies by Paul to guide Denny’s weaker voice. Bass is simple but effective. Nice middle eight too (it’s longer than eight bars, I know). A spontaneous high note at 3.00 by Paul. Like that. Nice coda from 3.46 (with another high note) to the end. Great song.

Name And Address
Sounds like a semi spontaneous recording to me. Nevertheless, I like this song enough. Great bass by Paul (listen to the start of the start). Paul sounds like a fifties rocker and that’s his meaning of course. Great drumming and guitar, especially the solo’s are great and the band really rocks there. Good stuff. I’ve always liked the end as well. The sudden stop is just the best way to end the song.

Don’t Let It Bring You Down
Best song on the album as far as I’m concerned. Love love the atmosphere at the start created by the recorder (?) and guitar. Great lead guitar as well and the drums really fit in. Paul is looking for the lower ranges in his voice and it works really well. He hardly sings as low as he does at 1.17. Switching to his highest range in the part following directly. The ‘up and down’ section starting at 2.10 is wonderful. Great acoustic guitars in here and harmonies. Towards the end the guitar solo is something special. Co written by Paul and Denny.

Morse Moose And The Grey Goose
Another song credited by Paul and Denny. When I bought this album at the age of 13, I didn’t know what to think of this song. Still it’s a strange thing, but I have learned to appreciate it. Great piano and what’s that sound from 0.12 onwards. Guitar? The song sounds like a ‘grand finale’ when the drums come in at 0.50. Great vocals by Paul and his bass at 1.48 is superb. The folk part starts at 2.04 and is a bit too long for my liking. The whole seems to start all over again at 3.16. A bit too much, although the guitar solo here is wonderfully strange. Paul tries to make this song to make it sound a bit like 1985 on Band On The Run and it does sound like a proper last song on an album, but it’s a bit too much of the same thing. Plus it’s too different comparing it with the rest of the album.

All in all: was I really that positive? ha2ha
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: JimmyMcCullochFan on April 06, 2012, 02:29:06 PM
Jimmy plays on London Town, Cafe on the Left Bank, I've Had Enough, With A Little Luck, Famous Groupies, Don't Let It Bring You Down & Morse Moose that I know of. I'll ask his brother Jack when I see him in a couple weeks.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on April 07, 2012, 09:39:14 PM
Cool, another review. I'm going to break it out tomorrow and see if it still sits how it did before.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on April 07, 2012, 09:45:00 PM
Jimmy plays on London Town, Cafe on the Left Bank, I've Had Enough, With A Little Luck, Famous Groupies, Don't Let It Bring You Down & Morse Moose that I know of. I'll ask his brother Jack when I see him in a couple weeks.

Ask about Waterspout too. I think that was in '77. My review is 5 songs in, I'm listening to it again now. I really like this album. Maybe too many synths for some. I guess the crux of liking this one is whereabouts you stand on the biggies, i.e. "With A Little Luck" and "Girlfriend" if they are not to your tastes then you are unlikely to like the album as a whole. IMO. I think it flows better than any since Band On The Run, it's a little broader but still as about as concise.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Bobber on April 08, 2012, 10:07:09 AM
Jimmy plays on London Town, Cafe on the Left Bank, I've Had Enough, With A Little Luck, Famous Groupies, Don't Let It Bring You Down & Morse Moose that I know of. I'll ask his brother Jack when I see him in a couple weeks.

That's great. Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Toejam on April 08, 2012, 07:26:20 PM
A fine album for the most part.  The title track is almost sublime in it's ability to capture the mood and surreality of an everyday day maybe an everyday day smoking something illegal. Cafe on the left bank is a catchy rocker with a hint profundity that Sartre (whoever he is) himself would have appreciated. Backwards traveller is another big fat juicy melody with some cool lyrics but sadly it's only a short song. I'm carrying is nice but doesn't quite make it as a hidden Macca gem. The jam bit Cuff link is a pretty blatant rip off of Pink Floyd's Any colour you like but otherwise excellent. WALL is one of the irrisistible slow songs that seem to rock. My fav. track is Morse moose which I find very compelling. The rest aren't really very good and I only listen to this album as a playlist with the tracks I don't like edited out now.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: glass onion on April 09, 2012, 12:53:13 PM
'london town' is,i think,my favourite wings album on the whole.i really dig this album,although i do understand that others may find it ordinary.the band was one that was in transition again,with jimmy and joe bidding their farewells.i would hazard a guess that paul plays drums on a couple of tracks on the album;i would say it's definitely him drumming on 'with a little luck'.
the title track is nice,'cafe on the left bank' is very,very typical wings.'i'm carrying' is lovely,a little paul gem.'backwards traveller/cuff link' i really love,and i think 'girlfriend' is the absolute cracker on the album.i love the falsetto vocals and i think the lyrics are really top notch.a great love song.'with a little luck' is a big-hitter,'i've had enough' contains one of maccas' great vocals,very rocky.'name and address' is a top elvis rip-off although it's basically filler,but very good filler!!denny's songs are quite nice,i prefer 'children children' to 'deliver your children',i don't really rate the lyric about good eggs and hens.
mull of kintyre just around the corner,a lovely album from paul and the gang.who'd have thought they were on the final straight as a band?
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on April 09, 2012, 09:45:45 PM
Band On The Run was built on the back of a crisis of sorts, this one was too. I think the 5 piece of Paul, Linda, Denny, Jimmy and Joe was and is the best line-up of Wings. They were together the longest and developed their sound alot more over the 3 or 4 years... Had massive hits, world tours etc... This album is the best showcase of Wings...

Review nine songs in.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on April 10, 2012, 12:15:44 AM
I didnt get mine done either. It'll be a few days. Anxious to read yours Ollie.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on April 10, 2012, 10:22:51 PM
Anxious so you can blow it apart with yours?  ;D

Well mines mostly positive, but I think a couple of tunes coulda been given the chop, but even those offer alot of ideas... enthusiasm.

I'm looking forward to your review. Also the next two after it. Then can we agree to praise most of Tug Of War, damn Pipes Of Peace for being a mainly rubbish collection of B-sides and then love Press To Play for being the wonder that it is?  ;D

I got to tackle tracks 13 and 14 now. Wow.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Toejam on April 10, 2012, 10:58:31 PM
then love Press To Play for being the wonder that it is?  ;D



I love Press too. Apparenlty Paul doesn't like it.  I spent ages one night trying to find the quote where he says himself it wasn't good but to no avail.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on April 11, 2012, 01:26:23 AM
damn Pipes Of Peace for being a mainly rubbish collection of B-sides

Thankfully we already did Pipes Of Peace. I dont know if Cor will choose to revisit it, but i'll just copy and paste instead of torturing myself again.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: glass onion on April 11, 2012, 07:09:11 AM
I love Press too. Apparenlty Paul doesn't like it.  I spent ages one night trying to find the quote where he says himself it wasn't good but to no avail.
i think that was in'Q' magazine back in the late 1990s,he just said something like 'press was a poor album',he didn't go on about it a lot.i may still have the interview to be honest.if i get 5 minutes i'll attempt to dig it out.i like press too.but then again i don't mind pipes of peace......... ;)
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Bobber on April 11, 2012, 08:16:55 AM
Thankfully we already did Pipes Of Peace. I dont know if Cor will choose to revisit it, but i'll just copy and paste instead of torturing myself again.

Did we do that? I know I didn't.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on April 11, 2012, 05:55:18 PM
Did we do that? I know I didn't.


http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=11767.0 (http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=11767.0)

Its when Mr.Mustard and I were kind of disagreeing about 'Pipes' and 'Press'. Its not official so post another up. It'll be easy for me.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on April 12, 2012, 08:23:25 PM
London Town...

I cannot recall when or where I perchased this album, but it's been with me for the past 7 years and over that time it has developed into a favorite. It's only slightly lower in my estimations than Band On The Run... I think Mull Of Kintyre, Girls' School and Waterspout should've been on it too.

1. London Town
Synth intro is nice as is the bass when it kicks in, Melody is tops, words are a bit silly stoned and but I like them, "Oh where are there places to go?" is a nice hook, singing and harmonies are first rate (as they are throughout the album) to me it's indeed a soft almost hazy half-daydream of a song. Pretty and feckless aren't even the words. Toot toot toot toot.

2. Cafe On The Left Bank
Nice charge to this, I like the opening, If that's Jimmy it's great, Paul's lead vocal is spot on great, love Linda's backing toward the end it's alot of images, You can feel a high octane lifestyle of dancing after midnight and drinking Cocktails back in 1977/8, this sounds very much of it's era, maybeen a better single than "I've Had Enough".

3. I'm Carrying
The standard McCartney ballad that you've come expect from all his albums, yes, but... It's such a delicate piece, acoustic sounds incredible singing is sensational, (This is Paul's best album vocally) The melody is again the thing... It's uplifting, beautiful, it's also evocative of something or other, gives me a warm feeling anyway. Love the strings, the humming, the whole damn bit. I think George Harrison said he thought this was a good song. I agree.

4. Backwards Traveller
Again I like the images in the songs. "Ancient wool unraveller... Sailing songs, wailing on the moon..." There's a definate nautical feel to this album, I love escaping out to sea in a boat myself, Sounded like a grand time on them Yachts... I like all the synths and fx. The keyboards on this album are nothing short of stunning. On the whole this one is too short. Leads into...

5. Cuff Link
Almost. Drums stand out for me. Guitar too... Bit of jammy filler but it's in the mood of the album, somehow. Could've been a B-side. Certainly works on the back of Backwards Traveller.

6. Children Children.
McCartney/Laine is an underrated writing team. Again we have images of tiny waterfalls, Fishes racing... Sounds a good deal more acoustic, folk like, Violins and fiddles it's very well done. Joyus, youthful, a celebration of the joy and innocence and wonder of being a Child.

7. Girlfriend
I've not always gotten on with this track and I shall endevour to explain... the falsetto is cool, I don't think it was a single was it? Probably would've done well on the back of Silly Love Songs. Similar kind of Teenage bubblegum that you're gonna hear. I like the melody again... Late at night when the wind is free... I have some personal memories of this track it means something to me, it's one of them that came to me at a certain time. He's not sure of his position. He knows she's with him but she writes him letters, classic love triangle, it becomes pleading, that's actually exceptional writing in my view. Backing is exceptional. "'Till the oceans a sea of snow" You think I hit a theme here?

8. I've Had Enough
It seems a little out of place at first, but coming inbetween what it does it fits. I don't know if he's trying to sound p*ssed or if he is actually p*ssed off, anyway the band is hot, I think the mix is maybe a bit soft, but it builds nicely, the guitar turns out to be fabulous. Strong drumming. They eventually get the bit between thier teeths. Then it nearly seems that Macca apologises for it all but he's had enough of that as well...

9. With A Little Luck
I actually never got the connection with the title track until Bobber pointed it out, but yes I agree, they do sound similar, for someone who listened to the edited version I have similar love for this as I do with Girlfriend. It's stark simplicity with words, bouncing with positivity, like a precursor to Coming Up. then the Synth breakdown in the middle is a joy. I'm no expert in musical matters but it examples a gift of Counterpoint (I think). I can tell you that when the counter syth comes in at the breakdown and promptly saves the day I had to laugh so hard. Outrageous. But it's another idea from an album brimming
with them. Drums again I like the touches. Bass is suitably flourished.

10. Famous Groupies
Picks up the folky bit again, Acoustics stand out and certainly the slide. Bit bombastic, bit acidic. A mad fans' field day, was surprised to hear it was put up by Capitol to be a single. Eventually it builds and
gets tougher, Gets a head of steam on it, but it's more of a passer in my view. Still interesting though. I don't know it's a bit Punk in a way. Acid Folk Punk. There's alot of ideas on here.

11. Deliver Your Children
I like the immediate intro... Guitar work is great again. It's catchy, Funny little story, Paul backs Denny expertly in the vocal count, almost a duet, it's so good. It begins to ramble but I think it stands, I like how desperate the situation gets and the backing reflects it, almost darkly turns before the ending which goes all twee. It's a faith song isn't it? Or quasi-faith... ain't no praying man but things have gotten so desperate. Eventually leads into crime. It's the edgiest song on the album. Actually. Again McCartney/Laine turn up a gem.

12.Name and Address
It's certainly superflous, but it's a nice tribute to Elvis, who I guess died not long before Mull of Kintyre/Girls' School came about. I'll allow Paul this indulgence, because it's breif and it sounds like
something Mr. Presley would've genuinuely recorded towards the end with the screechy backgrounds mainly courtesy of Linda. It sounds at odds with the rest but again it works where it is (I think the running order is pretty much correct). Hot Guitar. I like the end very much also.

13. Don't Let It Bring You Down
I'll agree with the best song of the album tag. It's so superbly winning in every way that I can't really begin to sum this one up. I think Denny again got a good response from Paul on this one. I don't know why
 they stopped collaborating, I'm sure there were good reasons mind but there was inspiration in there. Kick drum, brushes, nice lead guitar, recorder traces the melody. Probably one of Paul's best ever vocal
performances, Denny and Linda eventually link up and the three turn into the Wings powerhouse, "Up and down your Carousel", I like the phasing on the guitars, I think used in this way it's tasteful, it starts
to roll a bit. Less of a Rocker more a Roller... Seems to be heartfelt, has a real feeling to it. Town is once again evoked.

14. Moorse Moose And The Grey Goose
It really does resemble 1985 with those big operatic notes in it. Piano is good, guitar is distorted, drums groove, Bass is outa this... Lead goes all lovely. "Way on down at the bottom of the sea..." It's a nice
 summation of this album, it brings the folky and pop elements together, it's about nothing much I'm sure, but it works as album closer, certainly works in a 'A Day In The Life" and "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty
Five" fashion as the strings flood in toward the end... That bass is still there. What a lovely load of nonsense.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Bobber on April 13, 2012, 07:28:13 AM
Great review there Ollie. Thanks for that.

On a sidenote: I've been adding my reviews to Dmitry DM's Beatles Site here. It would be nice to see the amount of reviews growing. http://www.murashev.com/dmdl/artist.php?artist=19 (http://www.murashev.com/dmdl/artist.php?artist=19)
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on April 13, 2012, 03:09:00 PM
London Town

London Town - I like how this one starts out with the piano and keyboards. Harmonies are good and Pauls voice sounds on queue. Drums are tight as usual from Joe and the horns are welcome (don’t know if they are real or a product of the keyboard). All in all though, this is a very boring song in my opinion and doesn’t offer a whole lot for the listener. The best part is the end with the trading guitars and Joes frantic drumming and that only lasts for a few seconds. I’ll pass on this one.

Café On The Left Bank - Before listening to this, I would like to point out that I like this tune and this song is one of the reasons I even bother breaking this CD out. Its on all my Paul compilations and my ipod. Love the guitar in the beginning from Jimmy. The double timed hi-hats are sweet. Cant ignore the wood block in the background either. 0:52 the tempo change has Joe going to the ride and be honest, its so awesome that it might be the real reason I like this song overall. 1:02 love the harmonies (especially Linda). Great guitar solo from Jimmy. Fantastic playing. This ones a winner and it’ll probably end up being my favorite off the album, but lets listen on to see for sure.

I’m Carrying - Like the guitar and Paul singing in the beginning. Strings are nice too. Not crazy about mumbling during a couple bars in the middle of the song. Did he have a brain fart and forget to put lyrics to it? On a whole, this song is boring as hell and every Paul album has one of these songs it seems. Nothing special at all. I’ll pass on this one too.

Backwards Traveller - This sounds like something that would have fit pretty nicely on ‘Band On The Run’ for some reason. I dig all the off beat stuff with the drums and keys and everything, but the little space sounding synth part at 0:34 almost made me puke. Sounded really silly and not needed. Great, it continues for the rest of the song. It’s a deal breaker. Another pass.

Cuff Link - Cool keyboard intro and Joe’s drums sound awesome. Reminds me of ‘Lunchbox/Oddsox’ a little. Nice little jam I suppose that doesn’t really go anywhere. Its inoffensive though so I could take it or leave it either way.

Children Children - A nice light song with some interesting instruments being played throughout. Love the harmonies (I’m a Linda fan though). Not crazy about the fiddle, but do like the French horn at the 1:40. Song is confusing me some, its almost a childrens song trying to be a country song half the time. Who sang the lead on this one? Was it Denny or Jimmy? Either way I wasn’t impressed. Wasn’t awful, but nothing I’d want to revisit.

Girlfriend - The mellow, twangy sounding stuff continues here. The huge ‘Yeah’ at 0:18 literally made me say WTF. Songs like this cause me to be embarrassed to listen to Paul sometimes. Hate the falsetto singing throughout. This song is terrible, but luckily its long as hell too (that was sarcasm by the way about us being lucky with the length of the song). Joe’s great drumming and Jimmy’s guitar playing cant save this. Awful.

I’ve Had Enough - A welcome break from the previous couple of craptastic tunes. Nice little rocker with a strong beat and a cool riff. Bass sounds cool and it’s the first time on the album that I even noticed it. Guitar playing is good as usual and I like Jimmy tone during the lead. Joe rocks too. Pauls voice is great sounding too. Good song. Nothing fantastic, but good.

With A little Luck - Of all Pauls really popular, famous songs,this is probably my least favorite. I always skip this one when I hear it on the radio or a greatest hits album. Its too sugar coated for me. Its like he took ‘Silly Love Songs’ and dumbed it down by half. Too much keyboards for my taste also. He even decides to give us a lead with the keyboards. Harmonies are top notch and the ending is pretty cool, but damn is this song brutally long. Another pass.

Famous Groupies - Like the acoustic with the electric guitar strumming in the back. I love Pauls voice although its wasted on this silly song. This song tries too hard to be cute and it fails with Pauls accents and the background voices along with the country hoedown music. Sucks and yet another pass.

Deliver Your Children - Love the guitar playing, but the lead vocals suck. Denny? Harmonies are awesome, but its Paul singing with Linda so how can they not be? The whole song is monotonous, but it doesn’t bother me for some reason. A little long, but again, the song doesn’t bother me and its better than some of the stuff I’ve heard up to this point.

Name And Address - Cool guitar sound and I dig Pauls voice that sounds like its being played through an old amp. Sounds like an old Buddy Holly or Elvis jam or something. I like this one. Great guitar solo. Drumming is solid as a rock. Good tune.

Don’t Let It Bring You Down - Nice, slower acoustic beginning with lead playing in background. Cool brushes on the drums. The flute or whatever at 0:42 is annoying. 1:25 the high voice killed the momentum for me. Eh, the whole song just plods along. I waited for something to happen, but nothing did. Plus the song reminds me of ‘We Three Kings’ at Christmas time. I’ll pass.

Morse Moose And The Grey Goose - The drums on this song are exceptional. Pauls screaming voice is a bit much and the constant chaos in the background makes the song intolerable and that’s too bad, because there’s some cool stuff happening throughout. Seriously, the constant background noise is a deal breaker for a song that I probably could listen to otherwise. Who am I kidding. Pass.

Girl’s School - A rocker that everybody seems to like except me. I don’t like the slide guitar. I hate it as a matter of fact. Eh, its not a bad song, but its just not something I want to hear even though it’s a rocker. It’s a bonus track that makes the record better, but looking back at all the songs, that isn’t something that would be hard to do.


Its official, this record is even worse than I remembered. There’s only one song on the thing that I would listen to more than once. I had high hopes going in since I liked ‘At The Speed Of Sound’, but it wasn’t to be. This album reminds me of a bad 80’s record for some reason. It must be the keyboards. Regardless, I just don’t feel the material is strong here. Thank goodness he offered up one of his better efforts next (in my opinion).

Sorry
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on April 13, 2012, 03:27:47 PM
Great reviews Cor and Ollie.

I'd almost be afraid to add my reviews to D's site. People might think I hate the Beatles.  ha2ha
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on April 15, 2012, 10:59:51 PM
I'm already listening to Back To The Egg. It's like fourteen false starts all wrapped together in one big false start. Chris Thomas makes the guitars and vocals sound a bit edgier but I'm not a fan of the Drumming. The best riff was written by Linda and the best songs aren't songs they're four sets of a couple of verses all edited together to create one big mess. But enough talk of inferior albums in this thread.

I love London Town. It's so warm and sunny and carefree... I can smell the warmth of it.

Morse Moose is a crazy storm of a sea shanty it's utterly compelling, it takes a number of outings to fully absorb.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on April 16, 2012, 12:06:47 AM
Chris Thomas makes the guitars and vocals sound a bit edgier but I'm not a fan of the Drumming.

Hmmm, I love Steve Hollys drumming on that record. Clean, powerful, and pronounced. Not sure what you dont like about it.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on April 18, 2012, 09:41:40 PM
Well I'm not too sure myself. I'm sure Steve Holly is a marvelous Drummer (I know nothing much about playing the Drums) but I shall endeaour to explain... Just seems a bit awkurd.

What's your lots take on Mull of Kintyre as a song?
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on April 18, 2012, 10:21:47 PM
What's your lots take on Mull of Kintyre as a song?

Never understood how it became so big. I'm not going to say I hate it, but I certainly dont think its anything special. Painfully average I would go with. I always skip it when it comes on.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on April 18, 2012, 10:54:17 PM
It was never a hit in your neck of the woods, you don't even like Girls' School you crazy man. You gotta admit it's a bloody good lyric... Surely?

Mull of kintyre
Oh mist rolling in from the sea,
My desire is always to be here
Oh mull of kintyre

Far have I traveled and much have I seen
Dark distant mountains with valleys of green
Past painted deserts the sunsets on fire
As he carries me home to the mull of kintyre

Mull of kintyre
Oh mist rolling in from the sea,
My desire is always to be here
Oh mull of kintyre

Sweep through the heather like deer in the glen
Carry me back to the days I knew then
Nights when we sang like a heavenly choir
Of the life and the time of the mull of kintyre

Mull of kintyre
Oh mist rolling in from the sea,
My desire is always to be here
Oh mull of kintyre

Smiles in the sunshine and tears in the rain
Still take me back to where my memories remain
Flickering embers growing higher and higher
As they carry me back to the mull of kintyre

Mull of kintyre
Oh mist rolling in from the sea,
My desire is always to be here
Oh mull of kintyre

Mull of kintyre
Oh mist rolling in from the sea,
My desire is always to be here
Oh mull of kintyre
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on April 19, 2012, 02:02:22 AM
Those are some pretty good lyrics from old Paul. I never took the time to check them out before.

Do you like the song a lot?
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on April 19, 2012, 02:46:18 AM
I like Bagpipes.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: JimmyMcCullochFan on May 05, 2012, 06:49:32 AM
(https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/294993_10150741776783649_65101928648_9726759_414963406_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405166_10150741776963649_65101928648_9726761_139310474_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562510_10150741777088649_65101928648_9726762_173429038_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Bobber on May 07, 2012, 08:22:10 AM
Great stuff!
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on September 10, 2012, 10:23:39 AM
I've had the song 'London Town' in my head for the past two days and its driving me nuts. I refuse to break out this rubbish album just to satisfy that ear worm either.

(how long does it take for it to go away?)
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: JimmyMcCullochFan on September 11, 2012, 05:52:10 AM
I've had the song 'London Town' in my head for the past two days and its driving me nuts. I refuse to break out this rubbish album just to satisfy that ear worm either.

(how long does it take for it to go away?)

Cafe on the left bank, ordinary wine...  ;D
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: jamesbjorkman on September 14, 2012, 03:21:10 AM
Review of the Wings Album London Town (1978).

SIDE ONE

London Town
Somewhat ponderous in my opinion.  The video is way too cute (this was Michael Lindsay-Hogg's final video for Paul).  The horn work in the back gives it a very staid British sound, which I'm sure is what Paul was aiming for, but doesn't translate well as pop material in the States.  Paul goes for a sparse sound which is pleasant enough, and the lyrics are actually pretty good for Paul.  However, the song sounds sad to me, I'm not sure why you would open the album with a sad ballad.  The hook is OK (though a little repetitive), the harmonies with Denny are polished, but it needs to be livened up.  A delicate song like this could have used more Linda, but she curiously only turns up at the end.  Paul finally makes an attempt to inject some energy around the 3 minute mark, but it's much too late.  Nice drumming and (when it finally appears) nice guitar work.  The song did not register with me at all when it came out in 1978 (unlike, say, the much-maligned "Let 'Em In" or "Listen to what the Man Said") and I still don't particularly care for it unless I'm in a sad mood.

Cafe on the Left Bank
This is a great song!  Certainly better than anything on "Back to the Egg."  Much livelier than the title track, with a slight Caribbean feel at the start and occasionally thereafter.  It "feels" like the Left Bank, slightly off-kilter and out of control, which is a great marriage of sound and theme.  Once again the drumming is superior, and it has a much fuller sound than "London Town."  The lyrics don't mean much to me, but this is one of those songs you can tell Paul was going for the sound, not meaning, and that's fine.  You get nice classic Wings harmonies to close it out.  I wanted it to be a bit longer, always a good sign.  If it were me, I would have put this song first and buried "London Town."  "Cafe" would be killer live, like "Wild Life" or "Maybe I'm Amazed," but I don't think he does it in any shows.  One of Paul's best album tracks, up there with "1985" and "Mrs. Vanderbilt."

I'm Carrying
One of Paul's ethereal ballads.  It is a little precious for my taste.  Paul simply sounds better to me when he keeps his voice lower, he almost sounds like he is whining at times on this tune.  Nice guitar plucking, but the backing strings are a bit heavy throughout.  This required Mr. Martin's touch, but he wasn't around.  Sounds almost like an attempt at a Christmas tune that didn't quite make it.  As so often with Paul, he has a nice thought - carrying a gift to someone - and never goes anywhere with it.  Nice enough as an album filler.

Backwards Traveler
Nice jolt after the sleep-inducing "I'm Carrying."  Heavy on the backup vocals and synthesizer/organ/whatever it is, and way, way, way too short.  One of Paul's "song fragments" that populates so many of his albums.  Great opening which reminds me of another memorable song that's not coming to my mind right now, but no follow-through.  Not itself very memorable because it feels incomplete, another minor album filler that could'a been a contender.

Cuff Link
Very '70s instrumental.  I expect to see Starsky and Hutch ride by or the SWAT team jump out of its van any minute.  Good background music, this could have gone on for 20 minutes and you'd never know it, since it all sounds the same without any variation.  Paul and the group were probably just jamming and somehow it made the album.

Children Children
Very nice child-like feel.  Denny does a fine job on vocals, but he is kind of drowned out by Linda's backing vocals and it is difficult for me to understand him.  I am old school and feel that if you have lyrics, they should be clear and distinct.  The sound is very nice, rustic and folk-ish, this would have worked well for Peter, Paul and Mary (who were touring in the late 1970s btw, I saw them in New Jersey).  Has a very English feel to me, much more than "London Town" itself.  Kind of an abrupt ending doesn't help it.  A worthy addition to side one.  Yet another one that could have been longer.

Girlfriend
Paul again goes with the higher register here - much higher, almost falsetto - and it works better than it ought, but not much.  Very feminine sound to it, and has a nice, consistent sound throughout, something that almost defines this album.  Good song to follow "Children Children" just to keep the album from getting boring.  Drumming on this is solid.  It reminds me of a song off of Lennon's "Double Fantasy," where it would have fit right in.  Unlike the other songs on side one, this one goes on a touch too long for my taste.

I've Had Enough
Wings closes out side one with a solid rocker.  This is the direction Wings was headed in as it lurched toward "Back to the Egg."  Too bad this didn't get radio play, it's one of the best songs on the album.  Has a bit of a '50s feel, with a touch of Elvis thrown in, hinting at rockabilly.  Once again, the drumming is superior.  Paul can still hit the notes on this, he is in very good voice.  Satisfying close to a very sold side one.


SIDE TWO

With a Little Luck
Just as Side One opened with a painfully slow ballad, side two has one of Paul's most laid-back songs.  "It's slow-dance time," they called out when this came on.  Everybody knows this top hit, the '70s synthesizer work makes the song (it sounds at times like Captain and Tennille got into the studio somehow).  There is a nice bass line.  Paul at his affable best, supported by under-appreciated harmonies from Linda and Denny.  I know most hard-core fans don't like his big hits and it is chic to deride them, but this was a nice contrary offering during the high-disco era.  Often came on in between "Sultan of Swing" and "I Will Survive" as a kind of rest stop.  One of the most mellow hits of a mellow decade, it will calm you right down.  A favorite of mine, but then, I also like "Let 'em In."

Famous Groupies
A true throw-away.  You can tell nobody is taking this song seriously, they are just having fun, and for that reason alone it works as a kind of free-spirited romp.  Almost a joke song, "hey, let's abruptly switch tempo here, OK mate?"  Paul does some funny voices and everybody throws in a little business here and there.  Not something to put on the radio, but a nice album filler.

Deliver Your Children
Another Denny Laine lead, though is is almost a duet with Paul, and again he does a fine job.  Paul's steady bass work supports the whole edifice.  The guitar work is the real star, somebody (Denny?  Paul?) is doing some fine picking on this tune.  Paul and Denny should have done more collaborations like this (and, of course, "Mull of Kintyre").  Paul always needed a good lyricist, though he would deny that to the death.  The song doesn't really mean anything, it's just good sounds, which is Paul's specialty.

Name and Address
Very strong Elvis sound (Paul even said this at one point in a radio interview), Elvis obviously having passed away shortly before Wings began work on this album (though Paul said he came up with it before then).  Kind of a "Blue Suede Shoes" sound, with a little "Guitar Man" thrown in.  The guitar solos in the middle almost have a Jerry Reed quality, which is paying it quite a compliment.  Paul played them. Just a very talented fellow at so many things.

Don't Let it Bring You Down 
Has a very classic and traditional feel to it, like "Greensleeves" or "Scarborough Fair" or something like that.  Sounds like something Simon and Garfunkel would have sung in 1966.  Paul goes low with his voice on this, and to my ears it sounds a lot better than his whining up high.  It can't be easy to get that traditional feel, but Paul and Denny were on a songwriting roll at this point.

Morse Moose and the Grey Goose
Disco, baby!  Nice up-tempo song to end the album on an energetic note.  "This is the rubber ducky, what's your 10-4, good buddy?"  is what this reminds me of (you have to know your '70s songs to get that one).  You can tell when Denny's contribution comes in, you get poetry rather than tone poems and meaningless repetitive phrases, a nice addition to the Wings sound.  This is a very '70s song, with all the flourishes and the dramatic disco background.  Kind of refreshing, but once again I don't think they were taking it too seriously and just threw stuff in to jumble it up.  One of the few songs that dates the album.  Goes on too long, a little undisciplined, are we?

BONUS TRACKS

Girls' School
Paul goes slightly un-pc with this song.  I have no problem with that, and he should have done it more.  It is a good rocker, my complaint is that, from the master of changes in tempo and feel within songs, this one has almost no variation whatsoever.  In that way it is very out-of-character, and reminds me of the later "Spies Like Us" in its constant beat, droning on and on.  Linda's breathy and "turned up to 11" back-up vocals give it that distinctive "Wings" sound.  It's a nice, pedestrian rocker, not one that I personally would have chosen as a single in the States, especially over "Mull of Kintyre" of all things.  More of an adequate "B" side.  Top-notch guitar playing from the master, Jimmy McCulloch, but a mediocre guitar orgy that would have fit right in with the other such offerings on "Back to the Egg."

Mull of Kintyre
Almost a national anthem for Scotland, I suppose, and they really play up that aspect on the video, which I will admit is simply brilliant.  I also must admit that this is NOT a favorite of mine, but it has grown on me over the years.  I just don't cry over how lush the scenery is, how fair the mists on dewy spring morns, or whatever.  Talk about corny and schmaltzy!  But as an appeal to national pride, it is undeniable.  You can really tell Denny's contributions in the songwriting, it is pure poetry, never mind the classic melody which was more than likely Paul's.  This was virtually unheard in the States, and believe me, it would not have fit into the top-40 playlists (or any other) of the day at all.  Paul is in awesome voice for this record, and the harmonies are superb.  Just a great marriage of sound and theme, Paul by himself usually gets one or the other, not both.  Denny helped him out on this one big time, it's a shame he had to sell his share of the songwriting proceeds to Paul in the '80s.

Best thing about the album: Linda's earrings in the "London Town" video.
Worst thing about the album: Should have included "Wanderlust" (written during this time) in place of "I'm Carrying" or "Girlfriend" or "Famous Groupie."  Also, should titled the album "Cafe on the Left Bank" and put that song first.
Most memorable aspect of the album: This ended Paul's "young" phase in my opinion.  Check out the classic Paul boyish head bobs on the "London Town" video, you won't see those much after this.  He later tried to appear more mature and lost interest in Wings, entering his true middle phase, with decidedly mixed results.
Do I Enjoy this album: Yes, this is almost as good as "Band on the Run," but not quite.  It does not have the same energy or focus.












Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on September 16, 2012, 01:38:58 AM
Nice review there James.
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: tkitna on September 16, 2012, 12:24:42 PM

Cafe on the Left Bank
This is a great song!  Certainly better than anything on "Back to the Egg." 

Quote
Do I Enjoy this album: Yes, this is almost as good as "Band on the Run," but not quite.  It does not have the same energy or focus.

No on both accounts. Sorry James, but your not allowed to have those two opinions.  ha2ha

(just joking guy. Nice review)
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: jamesbjorkman on September 16, 2012, 06:49:21 PM
LOL thanks guys.  :)
Title: Re: Microscope: London Town
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on October 27, 2012, 04:04:34 AM
Backwards Traveller (May 1977 Rough Mix) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGHaiGsXr6o#)

Wanderlust/Pound Is Sinking (1977 demos) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMTa5GlPuKQ#)