McCARTNEY 2

McCARTNEY 2 : After the loud noisy mess that was "Back To The Egg,' Paul McCartney went back to basic. As with his first solo album "McCartney," ten years ago, this was purely a one man show album. As an experimental album based on the use of synthesisers on most of the tracks, Paul should be credited for going against the grain but as a record judged solely by it's music, it was not so good, less appealing than his debut "McCartney.". At first hearing, the whole album was atrocious. I can't believe that my childhood idol could be capable of producing such a dreadful album. But continued listening of the album, seems to lesser the first impression of the record. I loved the album cover though. Probably loved the cover more than the songs. As with most McCartney album. there's bound to be a few gems hidden here and there and this album is no exception. I could at least tolerate the whole album as opposed to his last album "Back To The Egg" which I tended to hit the skip button more often. This was yet another reissue with an additional CD. As the original CD was no great shake, it really was no big deal on the bonus tracks but then I am a sucker for anything Beatles or ex Beatles. 

CD 1 REMASTERED ALBUM


Coming Up ( McCartney ) : The most commercial and accessible track on the album. Interestingly the hit version released was a live version and not this version. This was the Paul that we've come to expect from him. Incidentally this song was also credited for getting John Lennon out of his 5 years self imposed exile and back to the recording studio.

Temporary Secretary ( McCartney ) : On first hearing, this track could drive you crazy. Sounds like a robot that's gone havoc but it does have Paul singing in his clearest of voice and that I suspect somehow saved the track. This was released as a single too.

On The Way ( McCartney ) : A blusy track that's quite good but considering the rather less than stellar songs here, that's not too great praise.

Waterfalls ( McCartney ) : Paul in ballad mode and one of the better track here.

Nobody Knows ( McCartney ) : A rather fun song but doesn't escape the notion of a throw away.

Front Parlour ( McCartney ) : One of two instrumentals here and this is the lesser one.

Summer Day's Song ( McCartney ) : Paul experimenting with synthesisers and a serious contender to the sleeping pills.

Frozen Jap ( McCartney ) Just as I was about to doze off, this one comes on. A lively and as the title implied Japanese styled instrumental, this one's a winner.

Bogey Music ( McCartney ) : Experimenting in silliness, this is not a complete loss. At time can be quite a guilty pleasure.

Darkroom ( McCartney ) : A short rather cute little experimenting song that I like.

One Of These Days ( McCartney ) : For the last track, Paul put aside his synthesiser toys and goes back to the good old guitar. Not exactly a classic but still quite a good track.

CD 2 : BONUS AUDIO

Blue Sway [ with Richard Niles Orchastration ] ( McCartney ) : Don't quite know what to make of this. A nice song to sleep to.

Coming Up [ Live At Glasgow, 1979 ] ( McCartney )  This was the version that was actually released as a single and not the album version. A nice version but I preferred the studio version.

Check My Machine [ Edit ] ( McCartney ) : The song title said it all. Paul's checking his machine but he sure takes a long time doing it. Quite cute but rather long even though it was edited.

Bogey Music Wobble ( McCartney ) : Really, only Paul McCartney could have got away with something like this. There was a reason that this wasn't released originally. It should have stayed that way.

Secret Friend [ Full Length Version ] : Another wash out but this one is 10.30 minutes long. Seems Paul is trying to outdo The Beatles' 'Revolution 9' and he sure is getting there.

Mr. H Atom / You Know I'll Get You Baby ( McCartney ) : This one flared a teeny weeny bit better but after more than 10 minutes of gross invasion on our ears, this is hardly saying much. Honestly Paul, don't you care for your fans anymore.

Wonderful Christmastime [ Edited Version ] ( McCartney ) : After the mindless muzak, this one sounds like 'White Christmas.'. Nevertheless a fine Christmas song from Paul McCartney that can be heard year in year out.

All You Horse Riders / Blue Rider ( McCartney ) : At least this one sounds remotely like music. The album proper was at least tolerable but this bonus addition was a total let down and we have to pay good money to find out about it. Shame on you Paul.

DOP : 30th January 2012.