FLAMING PIE

FLAMING PIE : Paul McCartney's new album just after the enormously successful "Beatles Anthology" seems to woken him up significantly from slumber land which prompted him to produce this stellar album. An album that I truly enjoyed since quite a while. Here Paul went back to basis and recorded the songs the way The Beatles used to do. He was rewarded with the album receiving the best reviews since 1982's "Tug Of War." Here Paul sounded relaxed and not under any pressured to release any album. At this point in his life, he probably could continue living like a king without ever recording again, but as he have admitted, he enjoyed his work. This was mainly an acoustic driven album and his most Beatles sounding yet. Ringo Starr was on hand to help out on a few tracks and even enjoyed a writing credit on a song.

The Song We Were Singing ( McCartney ) : A nice start to a great album. Paul sounded relaxed and laid back. Paul doing what we know he is capable of all along.

The World Tonight ( McCartney ) : One of the first single. A fairly uptempo track and a damn fine one. Incredibly, Paul sings it as casual as can be.

If You Wanna ( McCartney ) :  Another nice acoustic driven track. The melody is nice too. Steve Miller guest starring acoustic and harmony vocal.

Somedays ( McCartney ) : The first Paul McCartney obligatory ballad and for once since quite a while, this one sounds convincing and not forced. 'Distraction' anyone.....

Young Boy ( McCartney ) : Another one of those songs that struck you immediately as familiar but nope, it's a new song by Paul McCartney. Awesome that at this stage in his life, he can still comes up with the goods.

Calico Skies ( McCartney ) : The sixth song and not a sign of waning. Clearly Paul is on a roll here. A nice and rather short ballad. The strumming is great too,

Flaming Pie ( McCartney ) :  Amidst all the great songs here, the title track here seems slightly out of mark. Only slightly mind you. Still doesn't warrant pressing the skip button.

Heaven On A Sunday ( McCartney ) : James McCartney, Paul's son made his debut here on electric guitar. Jeff Lynn is on board too playing acoustic guitar. Pleasant like a stroll on a Sunday.

Used To Be Bad ( Miller / McCartney ) :  I love this. The lyrics are not overly great but I am not complaining 'cos the music is good. Paul McCartney and Steve Miller are two bad asses who make good music together. Great fun.

Souvenir ( McCartney ) : I don't know if I am biased but I just can't find a bad tune here. This though not totally great does maintained your attention.

Little Willow ( McCartney ) :Supposed to be about the death of Maureen Starkey, Ringo Starr's former wife, The melody and vocal are poignant and heartwarming. On par with hit tribute to John Lennon a few album back 'Here Today.'

Really Love You ( McCartney / Starkey ) : How appropriate. Right after his song for Ringo Starr's ex wife, we have Ringo himself here playing drums on this fine foot tapping rocker. The first ever McCartney / Starkey composing credits on any songs.

Beautiful Night ( McCartney ) : Ringo guest here again. A nice song with a nice melody but the ending is slightly long. 

Great Day ( McCartney ) : I can't believe it. The last song and not once did I feel bored. Truly Paul was in his element here. My hero's back.

DOP : 14th June 1997.