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Solo forums => Paul McCartney => Topic started by: nimrod on June 20, 2014, 03:19:44 AM

Title: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on June 20, 2014, 03:19:44 AM
Some on here who read my drivel will know Ive never been overly impressed with Beatles solo stuff

Anyway Ive just been given mp3 versions of Pauls discography, every album he's made since McCartney, inc Wings, The Fireman.....everything...... so Im gonna listen to them all and when Im done Im gonna write some more drivel and tell you which I think is best......and worst

In the meantime, can you tell me which is your favourite, and why ?
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on June 20, 2014, 03:51:00 AM
I can't say I listen a lot to Wings. Actually some of my favourite work by solo Paul have been his more recent stuff

Flaming Pie
Driving Rain
Chaos and Creation

All have things that stack up. Although all the albums have their clunkers.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on June 20, 2014, 05:56:17 AM
When you listen to them Kev let me know, maybe we can get back to the microscopes.


RAM - Closest to a Beatles album that any of the solo guys did. Fun with great song writing.
Flaming Pie - I consider this a comeback album from Paul. There's not a bad song on it in my opinion.
Chaos And Creation - Pauls mature album. An adult contemporary album instead of pop.
Back To The Egg - Pauls voice has never sounded better. I like everything on it.
Band On The Run - His classic, good album.



Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: oldbrownshoe on June 20, 2014, 06:15:35 AM
Paul's gem is 'McCartney'.

It's the one closest to the 60s (some of it was even recorded in the 60s), avoids the increasingly stodgy early 1970's production of 'All Things Must Pass' and 'Plastic Ono Band', and, as such, pretty much anything on it wouldn't sound out of place on the 'White Album'.

It also has a fabulous cover, wonderful photographs, and was released at a time (just) when vinyl LPs in Britain were still beautifully made.

If it had been made by an unknown (Nick Drake, Rodriguez, Anne Briggs etc.), on a desirable label (Harvest, Island, Deram, or even Apple!), in 1970, and not sold a bean, it would now been attracting bids of £3,000 on eBay, and wouldn't be viewed as just another 'Beatles solo' LP.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on June 20, 2014, 10:45:58 AM
When you listen to them Kev let me know, maybe we can get back to the microscopes.


RAM - Closest to a Beatles album that any of the solo guys did. Fun with great song writing.
Flaming Pie - I consider this a comeback album from Paul. There's not a bad song on it in my opinion.
Chaos And Creation - Pauls mature album. An adult contemporary album instead of pop.
Back To The Egg - Pauls voice has never sounded better. I like everything on it.
Band On The Run - His classic, good album.

Actually yeah. Back to the Egg is good. I bought it when it first came out and listened to it a lot. Except for Rockestra which was a lot of great players to no good purpose.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Ovi on June 20, 2014, 11:40:57 AM
Fantastic: Ram, Chaos and Creation In The Backyard, Venus & Mars, Band On The Run
Great: Back To The Egg, Tug of War, Red Rose Speedway
Good: Wings at the Speed of Sound, London Town
Mediocre: Flaming Pie, McCartney, McCartney II
Avoid: Press to Play, Pipes of Peace

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on June 20, 2014, 12:18:11 PM
Im listening to Flaming Pie, moog & Todd both have this highly rated

Ive never heard this album before but I do recognise a couple of tracks probably from the radio

Young Boy is a good song I like Somedays, Calico Sky  & Little Willow from first listen

My problem is they can never sound as good as say 'The Word' as the other Beatles are missing  :'(

this is always my problem, I want the others on there
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Klang on June 20, 2014, 12:43:16 PM

1. 'Ram'
2. 'McCartney'
3. 'Band On The Run'
4. 'Run Devil Run'
5. ...umm...I'll keep thing...

 :P

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Bobber on June 20, 2014, 01:18:44 PM
When you listen to them Kev let me know, maybe we can get back to the microscopes.

I will give them new input pretty soon.

Note that no one mentions Pauls latest albums. Or Driving Rain, Off The Ground.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on June 20, 2014, 01:36:34 PM
Im listening to Flaming Pie, moog & Todd both have this highly rated

Ive never heard this album before but I do recognise a couple of tracks probably from the radio

Young Boy is a good song I like Somedays, Calico Sky  & Little Willow from first listen

My problem is they can never sound as good as say 'The Word' as the other Beatles are missing  :'(

this is always my problem, I want the others on there

I think Calico Sky and Little Willow are lovely songs. Somedays and The Songs we were Singing are good ones too. Flaming Pie is a fun rave up. Probably a few to many that are perfectly ok but pass by without much spark. Like If You Wanna, Used to be Bad and The World Tonight.

Overall it's a good album. But yes, if only John and George were there for some harmonies.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on June 20, 2014, 01:43:52 PM
I will give them new input pretty soon.

Note that no one mentions Pauls latest albums. Or Driving Rain, Off The Ground.

Off the Ground was his second using collaborations with Elvis Costello wasn't it, following Flowers in the Dirt? I think there's good songs on those albums but the production being still in that glossy 80s style turns me off a bit. I preferred Costellos demo version of Mistress and Maid for instance.

Driving Rain has a couple of good songs. From a Lover to a Friend is a great ballad. Lonely Road a really good rocker.  Not sure many others off the album made a huge impression on me but overall the standard was pretty good. Comes across as professional more than inspired.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: blmeanie on June 20, 2014, 04:28:55 PM
nobody has mentioned New?
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on June 20, 2014, 05:14:33 PM
Im listening to Flaming Pie, moog & Todd both have this highly rated

Ive never heard this album before but I do recognise a couple of tracks probably from the radio

Young Boy is a good song I like Somedays, Calico Sky  & Little Willow from first listen

My problem is they can never sound as good as say 'The Word' as the other Beatles are missing  :'(

this is always my problem, I want the others on there

'Somedays' is my favorite McCartney song ever. I think its beautiful.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on June 20, 2014, 05:21:12 PM
I will give them new input pretty soon.

Note that no one mentions Pauls latest albums. Or Driving Rain, Off The Ground.

I think 'Off The Ground' is his most underrated album ever. I'll never know why it gets panned like it does. 'New' and 'Driving Rain' are clunkers so I wouldn't expect them to get much attention, but nobody mentioned 'Tug Of War' either and its one of his better albums.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Dcazz on June 20, 2014, 05:36:00 PM
I think 'Off The Ground' is his most underrated album ever. I'll never know why it gets panned like it does. 'New' and 'Driving Rain' are clunkers so I wouldn't expect them to get much attention, but nobody mentioned 'Tug Of War' either and its one of his better albums.
I really like Tug of war. I like Press to Play as well. I don't care if Paul doesn't like it it's got some different stuff there.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Klang on June 20, 2014, 05:48:44 PM
nobody has mentioned New?

I like it better than many others.

Might be my elusive #5.

 :)

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on June 20, 2014, 09:41:25 PM
I think 'Off The Ground' is his most underrated album ever. I'll never know why it gets panned like it does. 'New' and 'Driving Rain' are clunkers so I wouldn't expect them to get much attention, but nobody mentioned 'Tug Of War' either and its one of his better albums.

Yep. Tug of War is a good one I think. Very consistent with a few great songs.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on June 20, 2014, 11:09:41 PM
I really like Tug of war. I like Press to Play as well. I don't care if Paul doesn't like it it's got some different stuff there.

I never could get into Press to Play. I remember buying it on cassette and listening to it in the car a bit when I was travelling a lot for work. Kudos to Paul for trying different things and going for different styles. But I can't say there's any songs of it that I'd rate highly in Paul's overall repertoire.

Still this thread is inspiring me to check out some of Paul's albums I've neglected. And it's pretty rare he does anything completely worthless. Well ok Pipes of Peace might test that a bit.

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Mr Mustard on June 20, 2014, 11:22:04 PM
The outstanding ones for me personally (in chronological order):

Ram
Band On The Run
Tug Of War
Flowers In The Dirt
Flaming Pie
NEW (best thing he's done for years in my opinion)


Second tier/good:

London Town (if you're craving those JohnGeorge-ish harmonies try "With A Little Luck")
McCartney II
Pipes Of Peace (soooo underrated!!!)
Off The Ground
Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard

Most of the rest I can take or leave, the only one I really can't abide is Press To Play.

I take your point about missing the other three fabs on Paul's solo outings nimrod.... but I miss the others on any solo offering, whatever the permutation. It's somehow less pointed on a John or George album though, probably because I've always felt Paul likes to consciously and deliberately return to base now and then and "go all Beatley" more than Lennon or Harrison ever did (Ringo kind of remained in Beatle mode ever since the split) so you get that tantalisingly frustrating "it's nearly them" feel at times with Paul.

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on June 20, 2014, 11:33:17 PM
Can someone help

What song does the track 'Souvenir' sound very similar too ?

its a soulish song with a female vocalist, I heard it on first listen of this song

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on June 20, 2014, 11:36:39 PM
Ahh just realised

after the words 'ease the pain'

Im expecting to hear 'Cos you make me feel, you make me feel like a natural woman'....

 ha2ha
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on June 20, 2014, 11:44:18 PM
Yep seems like Paul wanted to rewrite a classic on that one. The chorus at least departs from any obvious cribbing.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Hello Goodbye on June 21, 2014, 02:35:46 AM
Some of the songs on the Flaming Pie album were recorded during a difficult time for the McCartneys.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on June 22, 2014, 12:11:34 PM
I really like Tug of war. I like Press to Play as well. I don't care if Paul doesn't like it it's got some different stuff there.

I like 'Press To Play' too. 'Stranglehold' always makes it on my Macca compilations. 'Pipes Of Peace' on the other hand is probably my 2nd most hated Macca album behind 'McCartney 2'. I can't stand it.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Badgirl66 on June 22, 2014, 03:08:33 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltGQuiFPbN4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltGQuiFPbN4)
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on June 22, 2014, 11:18:13 PM
[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltGQuiFPbN4[/url] ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltGQuiFPbN4[/url])


Sorry Paul, this version was better

Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman [1967] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEWuAcMWDLY#)
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on June 23, 2014, 12:05:22 AM
I must say Im enjoying Flaming Pie, its very familiar with me now

My favourite track is Young Boy, it sounds like a Beatle song to me except the harmonies don't sound like Lennon or Harrison. Its a great song though, it puts me in mind of Handle With Care with the rhythm and general feel of the song, I don't really care for the refrain, the repeated  'find love....find love....' a bit too sugary and poppy that particular bit, but I like the verses, George's song wins out for me though.

Used to be bad sounds more like a Steve Miller song than a McCartney song to me, just a jam sort of song really over a groove/riff.

Nice song about Lennon and him, The Song We Were Singing, nothing spectacular but decent. (I like its in Waltz time)

Little Willow could've been on the White Album I guess, I read its about Maureen Starkey who had recently died, its very touching, well crafted.

Im not keen on the title track or the one he wrote with Ringo ...'Really Love You' or 'If You Wanna'

The World Tonight is interesting in that if it had sort of ELO orchestrations it would sound like an ELO song, maybe Paul used Jeff Lynne because he helped George create a good sounding record with Cloud Nine which became a hit and one of his better albums. Anyway I can imagine Jeff singing this with all the ELO bits added. (slurpy cello's and violins)

Somedays, yes, a great song not much to say about it, just a great McCartney Ballad, not keen on George Martins stuff on there though, maybe its just me but Id have preferred more acoustic guitar than orchestrations, a touching poignant song about Linda who didn't have long at that stage.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: KelMar on June 23, 2014, 04:47:19 AM

Little Willow could've been on the White Album I guess, I read its about Maureen Starkey who had recently died, its very touching, well crafted.


That song really gets to me. When I first heard it it just seemed to address something I was going through at the time and I listened to it a lot for a while. It's a great song.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on June 23, 2014, 09:41:23 AM
That song really gets to me. When I first heard it it just seemed to address something I was going through at the time and I listened to it a lot for a while. It's a great song.

It's one that can make this old cynic mist up.

I think Little Willow is one that shows why John might appreciate some of Paul's later work. Paul is using real experience in his songs more regularly than he did back in the Beatle era.

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on June 23, 2014, 09:48:07 AM

Im not keen on the title track or the one he wrote with Ringo ...'Really Love You' or 'If You Wanna'
 

I don't mind the song Flaming Pie as a silly rave up type. Harmless fun. The ones Used to Be Bad, If You Wanna and Really Love You all pass me by. Not bad as filler but nothing great.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: blmeanie on June 23, 2014, 11:53:19 AM
I think 'Off The Ground' is his most underrated album ever. I'll never know why it gets panned like it does.

I liked it when it came out, oddly haven't heard much from it in a long time other than Biker Like an Icon.  Will pull it out and listen.  Thanks for the reminder.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on June 23, 2014, 05:39:08 PM
The World Tonight is interesting in that if it had sort of ELO orchestrations it would sound like an ELO song, maybe Paul used Jeff Lynne because he helped George create a good sounding record with Cloud Nine which became a hit and one of his better albums. Anyway I can imagine Jeff singing this with all the ELO bits added. (slurpy cello's and violins)

Probably my 2nd favorite off of the record. Love the ending where it kicks in and jams a little. I had a friend at work that really got into music and asked if I had 'Flaming Pie' just for that song. I asked her where she heard it before and she said she didn't remember but loved the song. That surprised me.

Quote
Somedays, yes, a great song not much to say about it, just a great McCartney Ballad, not keen on George Martins stuff on there though, maybe its just me but Id have preferred more acoustic guitar than orchestrations, a touching poignant song about Linda who didn't have long at that stage.

We disagree a bit with this one. I love Martins hand in this song. There's just about every kind of instrument played at one time or another and I love it (especially the french horn part).
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on June 23, 2014, 05:41:51 PM
I liked it when it came out, oddly haven't heard much from it in a long time other than Biker Like an Icon.  Will pull it out and listen.  Thanks for the reminder.

Yeah I don't listen to it very often either (well I don't listen to very much Beatles related stuff anymore anyhow) but when I throw it on, it seems pretty solid throughout to me. Nothing earth shattering on the album, but nothing bad either. Just a pretty decent record from start to finish in my opinion.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on June 30, 2014, 11:35:03 AM
Ive been listening to Off The Ground this last couple of days, I agree with Todd its quite a good album, I absolutely love Golden earth Girl, cant stop humming it actually, also very fond of Wine Dark Open Sea and I Owe It All To You (although I dont like the echo on his voice on this one)

Its great to find these gems, I much prefer these albums Ive heard up to now than the Wings stuff, which Im not fond off

Theres a couple of fillers but overall Im enjoying thsi record.

I could make a great album with this and Flaming Pie
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on July 02, 2014, 08:49:06 AM
Ive been listening to Off The Ground this last couple of days, I agree with Todd its quite a good album, I absolutely love Golden earth Girl, cant stop humming it actually, also very fond of Wine Dark Open Sea and I Owe It All To You (although I dont like the echo on his voice on this one)

Its great to find these gems, I much prefer these albums Ive heard up to now than the Wings stuff, which Im not fond off

Theres a couple of fillers but overall Im enjoying thsi record.

I could make a great album with this and Flaming Pie

I'm going to have to give Off the Ground another listen.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on July 02, 2014, 08:59:32 AM
No ones putting forward Flowers in the Dirt as a fav. I've not listened to the whole album but it seems to be one that gets a lot of good critical press. More so than it's follow up Off the Ground.

Anyone like it?
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: blmeanie on July 02, 2014, 10:31:13 AM
No ones putting forward Flowers in the Dirt as a fav. I've not listened to the whole album but it seems to be one that gets a lot of good critical press. More so than it's follow up Off the Ground.

Anyone like it?

Fantastic album for me, enjoy it top to bottom.  The collab with Elvis works and the songs resonated with me when it came out.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on July 02, 2014, 12:59:02 PM
No ones putting forward Flowers in the Dirt as a fav. I've not listened to the whole album but it seems to be one that gets a lot of good critical press. More so than it's follow up Off the Ground.

Anyone like it?

Its never been a favorite of mine. Its only OK in my book. The two singles off of it are kind of bland ('Figure Of Eight' & 'My Brave Face'), while the rest never moved me much except for 'Put It There'. Funny how the simplest song on the album is the one I like the most.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Bobber on July 02, 2014, 01:27:28 PM
Funny how the simplest song on the album is the one I like the most.

Is that a rule?
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on July 02, 2014, 01:29:30 PM
No ones putting forward Flowers in the Dirt as a fav. I've not listened to the whole album but it seems to be one that gets a lot of good critical press. More so than it's follow up Off the Ground.

Anyone like it?

I havent got to that yet   ???
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Dcazz on July 02, 2014, 09:59:46 PM
I like Flowers in the Dirt! I think Figure Of Eight could easily be a Beatles hit!  Good album all around. I have it on cassette and don't listen to them anymore. :-[
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on July 02, 2014, 10:16:23 PM
FitD seems to be getting some good wraps. I have some long trips coming up so looks like it and Off the ground might be added to my iPhone for listening.

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on July 02, 2014, 11:51:26 PM
Is that a rule?

Not usually, but it sure is for that album.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on July 02, 2014, 11:54:41 PM
I have 3 CD copies of 'Flowers In The Dirt' and have no idea how I've accumulated them. (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/nixweiss.gif)
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Mr Mustard on July 03, 2014, 12:08:38 AM
I absolutely love "My Brave Face" - very refreshing and bounces along like an early Lennon/McCartney Beatles number. Costello is obviously no match for Lennon but he certainly helped McCartney raise his game.

Some nice stuff on "Flowers In The Dirt". The above plus "Figure Of Eight", "This One" and "Put It There" stand out for me.

Quite a Beatley feel to the album which is no bad thing!  ;)

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Dcazz on July 03, 2014, 11:59:06 AM
I have 3 CD copies of 'Flowers In The Dirt' and have no idea how I've accumulated them. ([url]http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/nixweiss.gif[/url])
Your shopping habits must be like Dejavu all over again! ;D
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on July 03, 2014, 11:30:09 PM
Your shopping habits must be like Dejavu all over again! ;D

I swear that I can only remember ever buying just one copy though. The other two remain a mystery. I must have snatched them from other peoples collection during a drunken stupor thinking they were mine or something. Its not like 'Flowers In The Dirt' is a great party CD though. I may never know.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on July 03, 2014, 11:33:06 PM
I just looked today and have two copies of 'Driving Rain' also. (http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/eek7.gif)

Heaven forbid there be multiple copies of his good albums.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on July 13, 2014, 11:48:06 PM
I really like Tug of war. I like Press to Play as well. I don't care if Paul doesn't like it it's got some different stuff there.

I was giving Tug of War another listen. It was a favourite of mine at the time. While the Stevie Wonder colabs are major downsides I'd have to rate the title track, Take it Away, The Pound is Sinking and Wanderlust right up there with the best of McCartney's solo stuff. Of the remaining songs only Dress me up as a Robber would I completely skip.

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on July 13, 2014, 11:53:23 PM


My favourite track is Young Boy, it sounds like a Beatle song to me except the harmonies don't sound like Lennon or Harrison.

I've never liked Paul's post Beatle harmony sound. There's something too clinical and bland about them.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on July 13, 2014, 11:58:01 PM
I've never liked Paul's post Beatle harmony sound. There's something too clinical and bland about them.

Yeah agreed, a lot of good songs on these solo albums but let down by the harmonies, not my cup o tea
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Mr Mustard on July 14, 2014, 12:54:37 AM
I just looked today and have two copies of 'Driving Rain' also. ([url]http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/eek7.gif[/url])

Heaven forbid there be multiple copies of his good albums.


I've just realised I have four CD copies and two vinyl copies of "Band On The Run" (all differently packaged re-masters/re-issues or whatever but still the same album for God's sake!!!)
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Mr Mustard on July 14, 2014, 01:07:39 AM
I was giving Tug of War another listen. It was a favourite of mine at the time. While the Stevie Wonder colabs are major downsides I'd have to rate the title track, Take it Away, The Pound is Sinking and Wanderlust right up there with the best of McCartney's solo stuff. Of the remaining songs only Dress me up as a Robber would I completely skip.

Apart from "Ebony And Ivory" I'd find it difficult to skip anything on "Tug Of War", Paul's best solo album in my opinion. "Dress Me Up As A Robber" is the second best song on the album for me (only bettered by the truly superb "Take It Away"). "Somebody Who Cares", "Ballroom Dancing" and "The Pound Is Sinking" are my other favourites.

I've always felt "Wanderlust" has a very "Back To The Egg" feel to it. Always reminds me of "Winter Rose/Love Awake".
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on July 14, 2014, 01:39:50 AM
Quote from: Mr Mustard link=topic=15993.msg31 ;)4166#msg314166 date=1405300059
Apart from "Ebony And Ivory" I'd find it difficult to skip anything on "Tug Of War", Paul's best solo album in my opinion. "Dress Me Up As A Robber" is the second best song on the album for me (only bettered by the truly superb "Take It Away"). "Somebody Who Cares", "Ballroom Dancing" and "The Pound Is Sinking" are my other favourites.

I've always felt "Wanderlust" has a very "Back To The Egg" feel to it. Always reminds me of "Winter Rose/Love Awake".

It is a very good album and yes has claims to being his best. It has  a great balance between rockier songs, medium paced  tunes and ballads. And aside from E&I there's no complete clunkers. Dress Me Up just isn't my thing. It sounds like some disco/Latin pop pastiche.  What's That You're Doing is no way as bad as E&I.  But it also doesn't grab me.

The rest ranges from good to excellent .

Wanderlust is basically a good power ballad but I find the quodlibet (thanks to HG I know what to call it now  ;)) elevates it.

And Here Today is a touching ballad that Paul does so well.

The album benefits from having George Martin producing. Again showing Paul is at his best with a strong collaborator or producer.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on July 14, 2014, 02:39:47 AM
Apart from "Ebony And Ivory" I'd find it difficult to skip anything on "Tug Of War", Paul's best solo album in my opinion. "Dress Me Up As A Robber" is the second best song on the album for me (only bettered by the truly superb "Take It Away"). "Somebody Who Cares", "Ballroom Dancing" and "The Pound Is Sinking" are my other favourites.

I feel practically the same way (except for the best solo album part). There's nothing here to skip except for the dismal 'Ebony and Ivory'. I love 'Dress Me Up As A Robber Too'. Especially the guitar solo. I'm not a huge fan of 'Whats That Your Doing', but its doable. 'The Pound Is Sinking' has always been my favorite.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on October 14, 2014, 03:35:33 AM
Ok

I have now finished listening to all his solo and Wings albums, Ive digested each for a week or so so its taken a while and Ive decided on my favourites;

1) McCartney

2) Flaming Pie

3) Chaos & Creation

4) Off The Ground

5) Tug Of War

6) Band On The Run

There are of course individual tracks on others that I admire but these are my favourites (in that order), for me his (kitchen sink) first solo album was his best, a truly wonderful album

Its funny that in my opinion none of them surpassed theyre first solo effort (Its just an opinion remember)  ;D
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on October 14, 2014, 04:31:44 AM
Those are great choices.  I would replace McCartney with RAM, but we've been over that before.  Flaming Pie would be my 2nd choice too.  Glad you enjoy C&C, but I think I'm happiest to see Off The Ground mentioned.  I feel its his most underrated album.

Good stuff Kev.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: oldbrownshoe on October 14, 2014, 06:16:55 AM
'McCartney' is far and away my favourite Paul LP and, whisper it, the only one I kept on CD after a clear-out this summer. If it had been made by an unknown singer-songwriter on Harvest, Island or Dawn it would now be worth a small fortune.

Ironically, 'Maybe I'm Amazed', often the only thing said in its favour, doesn't really fit in with the general vibe of the other tracks.
I've always thought that it would have worked better as a stand-alone single, but then that probably would have irked the other Beatles even more as it would presumably have been competing with the 'Let It Be' 45!
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on October 14, 2014, 09:27:57 AM
Those are great choices.  I would replace McCartney with RAM, but we've been over that before.  Flaming Pie would be my 2nd choice too.  Glad you enjoy C&C, but I think I'm happiest to see Off The Ground mentioned.  I feel its his most underrated album.

Good stuff Kev.

Off The Ground nearly came higher Todd

Golden earth Girl, Cmon People, I Owe It All To You & Wine Dark Open Sea are truly wonderful songs imo
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Mr Mustard on October 14, 2014, 09:52:28 AM
Ok

I have now finished listening to all his solo and Wings albums, Ive digested each for a week or so so its taken a while and Ive decided on my favourites;

1) McCartney

2) Flaming Pie

3) Chaos & Creation

4) Off The Ground

5) Tug Of War

6) Band On The Run

There are of course individual tracks on others that I admire but these are my favourites (in that order), for me his (kitchen sink) first solo album was his best, a truly wonderful album

Its funny that in my opinion none of them surpassed theyre first solo effort (Its just an opinion remember)  ;D

Yeah some fine choices there Kev - I'm glad you seem to have opened up a bit to Macca's post Beatles stuff at last!  ;)

Like Todd I think there should've been room for "Ram" but hey it's all down to personal tastes of course. I am rather intrigued as to the lack of Wings on there though. What is it about them you can't take to? Just curious!
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on October 14, 2014, 11:53:45 AM
Yeah some fine choices there Kev - I'm glad you seem to have opened up a bit to Macca's post Beatles stuff at last!  ;)

Like Todd I think there should've been room for "Ram" but hey it's all down to personal tastes of course. I am rather intrigued as to the lack of Wings on there though. What is it about them you can't take to? Just curious!

Theres just something I cant get over with the whole Wings period Mr M, I always feel Paul was not being himself, but he was acting out this kind of silly teeny pop star, there were some great songs of course, My Love, Tomorrow I liked but he always seemed be making these twee cringeworthy songs like Cmoon, Mary Had A Little Lamb, Silly Love Songs , Let em in, Goodnight Tonight ..........I never liked Linda's backing vocals, she was no singer.

I dont know, at the end of the Beatles during Let It Be, I thought Paul was magnificent, sat at the piano like a serious songwriter and writing serious songs I had very high hopes for him as a solo musician, all I can say is I didnt like his metamorphosis into a giggly cutsy pop star that seemed to be aimed directly at teenage girls with the above songs and albums like Ram. Its like he craved to be No 1 on the charts again and would release any catchy poppy shmaltz to get there.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on October 14, 2014, 12:01:28 PM
Ok

I have now finished listening to all his solo and Wings albums, Ive digested each for a week or so so its taken a while and Ive decided on my favourites;

1) McCartney

2) Flaming Pie

3) Chaos & Creation

4) Off The Ground

5) Tug Of War

6) Band On The Run

There are of course individual tracks on others that I admire but these are my favourites (in that order), for me his (kitchen sink) first solo album was his best, a truly wonderful album


I like all of those. I tend to rate Tug of War higher. And I still have to admit that the production on Off the Ground gets to me a bit. Despite the good quality songs

Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on October 14, 2014, 12:04:33 PM



Its funny that in my opinion none of them surpassed theyre first solo effort (Its just an opinion remember)  ;D

Oh I don't know. I'd rate Ringo over Sentimental Journey  ;)
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: nimrod on October 14, 2014, 12:18:59 PM
Oh I don't know. I'd rate Ringo over Sentimental Journey  ;)

Sorry mate I wasnt including Ringo, Ive never even heard one of his albums, dont like his singing and he's no solo artist, just living on his being an ex Beatle imo
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on October 14, 2014, 07:03:54 PM
Sorry mate I wasnt including Ringo, Ive never even heard one of his albums, dont like his singing and he's no solo artist, just living on his being an ex Beatle imo

Wow.  I had no idea.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Ovi on October 14, 2014, 08:13:00 PM
2) Flaming Pie

I must admit I've never understood the love for Flaming Pie. I find the ballads too backward-looking (hey, let's keep this simple and maybe another YesterdayIWillBlackbird will come out!) and faceless, while the rockers are just bland mid-tempo dad-rock. I do like Beautiful Night and Somedays and admit to not having heard the album in a while. Oh, and "I used to be bad, but I don't have to be bad no more" is quite possibly the greatest lyric ever written.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Moogmodule on October 14, 2014, 09:02:35 PM
Oh, and "I used to be bad, but I don't have to be bad no more" is quite possibly the greatest lyric ever written.

 ha2ha

I like Flaming Pie a lot. But have to agree on that song. 
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Hello Goodbye on October 14, 2014, 09:38:30 PM
Sorry mate I wasnt including Ringo, Ive never even heard one of his albums, dont like his singing and he's no solo artist, just living on his being an ex Beatle imo


Oh my my!


Oh My My // Blast From Your Past // Ringo Starr (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH6JDksPXGo#)



 ;D
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: tkitna on October 15, 2014, 01:03:57 AM
I must admit I've never understood the love for Flaming Pie. I find the ballads too backward-looking (hey, let's keep this simple and maybe another YesterdayIWillBlackbird will come out!) and faceless, while the rockers are just bland mid-tempo dad-rock. I do like Beautiful Night and Somedays and admit to not having heard the album in a while. Oh, and "I used to be bad, but I don't have to be bad no more" is quite possibly the greatest lyric ever written.

'Somedays' is my favorite song that he's ever done.  I just think its beautiful.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Dcazz on October 15, 2014, 02:42:23 AM
Oh my my!


Oh My My // Blast From Your Past // Ringo Starr ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH6JDksPXGo#[/url])



 ;D
Very "Get Back" drumming!
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Hello Goodbye on October 19, 2014, 03:57:30 AM
Very "Get Back" drumming!

And that's Billy Preston on keyboards!
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Dcazz on October 19, 2014, 11:25:23 AM
Interesting quote from a local gynecologist!
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Ovi on October 19, 2014, 04:19:38 PM
'Somedays' is my favorite song that he's ever done.  I just think its beautiful.

It is a good one, I can understand that. But wouldn't you say a good part of the album is just mediocre and dull?
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Mr Mustard on October 19, 2014, 09:04:40 PM
Hope you don't mind me butting in here Ovi, but I don't think dull or mediocre are words that could be applied to the "Flaming Pie" album. Most tracks have something to commend them, and several (including "Somedays") really are very good indeed. For me, only "Heaven On A Sunday", "Souvenir" and "Really Love You" fall short; those I do feel are a bit turgid but that's just three tracks from fourteen. But then of course we all hear these things differently.
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: fanofthefab4 on January 24, 2016, 05:15:32 AM
Theres just something I cant get over with the whole Wings period Mr M, I always feel Paul was not being himself, but he was acting out this kind of silly teeny pop star, there were some great songs of course, My Love, Tomorrow I liked but he always seemed be making these twee cringeworthy songs like Cmoon, Mary Had A Little Lamb, Silly Love Songs , Let em in, Goodnight Tonight ..........I never liked Linda's backing vocals, she was no singer.

I dont know, at the end of the Beatles during Let It Be, I thought Paul was magnificent, sat at the piano like a serious songwriter and writing serious songs I had very high hopes for him as a solo musician, all I can say is I didnt like his metamorphosis into a giggly cutsy pop star that seemed to be aimed directly at teenage girls with the above songs and albums like Ram. Its like he craved to be No 1 on the charts again and would release any catchy poppy shmaltz to get there.



This is so inaccurate! Please read this great,fair,accurate reviews of Paul's solo and Wings albums by music reviewer George Starostin,he debunks common myths about Paul's solo music!

http://starling.rinet.ru/music/paul.htm (http://starling.rinet.ru/music/paul.htm)
Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: fanofthefab4 on January 24, 2016, 05:46:50 AM
 
This is from my review of Venus and Mars on amazon.com


For anyone to say or think that Venus & Mars is not a good album (and thank God that by the majority of great reviews on here where it gets a well deserved 5 stars out of over 100 reviews for this album,they are very clearly much in the minority!) has to be deaf & dumb! This is one of the *GREATEST* solo/Wings Paul albums he ever did! It's great and it's Beatles quality because every song is very good or great & if anyone wants to know what a true music genius Paul really is,just listen to the *music* in the great Letting Go!

 My mother only liked classical music,Beethoven,Bach & Mozart,no rock & she played their music on the piano.When I was playing this album and she came into the room when Letting Go was on,she asked me is that Paul McCartney and I said yes and she said Oh that music is brilliant,he's a music genius like Beethoven!


 And my sister who is 4 years older than me and had a big diverse music collection since she was a mid teen,bought Venus and Mars when it came out,and I remember listening to it with her,and her friend and my best friend and we all loved it! My sister still says years later that Venus and Mars is one of the best rock albums she ever heard and that it's unique and she knows no album like it!She always said his 1971 Ram album was a very good album too,although I like this album much better and I really don't understand all of the love everywhere for his Ram album I think it only has 3 great songs on it,the great rocker Too Many People,Uncle Albert and Back Seat of My Car. Paul's best post Beatles sounding music was from 1970-1975,with this being his last true great album.After this he wrote some good music but he never wrote the same great quality music again for some reason.

 His first solo album McCartney where he played every instrument by himself (and he played them all great) is very good,Red Rose Speeday and Band On The Run are very good albums too,and he produced all of these great albums by himself and co-arranged the music on Venus and Mars by himself.




 



 


 


 
























 

 





Title: Re: Paul's albums
Post by: Pothos on January 24, 2016, 10:31:40 AM
This might surprise people and I am sure I have written this before but James Dean Bradfield of The Manic Street Preachers loves and even interviewed McCartney about Tug of War and Pipes of Peace. Paul is still respected.