Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full
Release Date: June 5, 2007
Record Label: Hear Music
Before I start, I feel I should let you, my faithful readers, know that I am not a Beatles connoisseur in any way. I couldn’t tell you what their first ever single was, I don’t know how many albums they have, I have no idea what Ringo’s favourite food is and it would take me more than a few attempts to guess when their first album was released. That’s not to say I’m entirely ignorant about the band. Early school-bus rides and long days spent inside the tractor in the field with nothing but an AM radio (there was a time before iPods? Surely not!), ensured that I was familiar with a number of Beatles singles, if nothing else. I never understood how my bus-driver, Murray, could listen to “Yellow Submarine” every day for 40 years, yet I hated it after the fourth listen. And so, after being over-saturated with a handful of Beatles songs, I never felt the draw to listen to them in later life. Most of you are no doubt calling for my lynching, but there is a slight upside to my unfamiliarity. I’m able to look at Paul McCartney’s new album, Memory Almost Full, with much more objectivity than some Beatles expert. No “It was good, but since it’s rubbish compared to Sgt. Pepper’s, I’m giving it 3/10” or “Sir Paul’s not up to his usual form”. Not the right person to review this album, you say? Nah, I’m just a guy who is able to listen to Macca’s new album and look at it (more or less) the same way as I would any other release.
For a 65 year-old man, McCartney has written a surprisingly fresh, young sounding album. It’s hard not to smile when you hear him sing jovially about dancing, love, and his childhood. “Dance Tonight”, Memory’s first single, is heavy on the mandolin and even heavier on the hooks. This man is an absolute genius when it comes to writing melodies. Though catchy, happy, and fun, the song lacks any lyrical substance or “deepness”. But hey, most fun things in life are shallow and devoid of substance, right? Among others adding to the cheerful tone is “See Your Sunshine”. The jazzy bass-line in this song displays Paul’s ample skill with the instrument and the barbershop quartet-esque backing vocals are delish.
McCartney also belies his age by writing nostalgic songs about his past; “That Was Me”, “Feet In The Clouds”, and “Ever Present Past” (go figure). In addition, songs like “Mr. Bellemy” and “Only Momma Knows” are about fictional events. The former is a mini opera of sorts about a man perched on a ledge about to jump to his doom while a group of people are trying to persuade him to come down. Perhaps singing about the past is a way for McCartney to separate himself from his less than ideal present. Given his semi-recent divorce, Larry King being a douche, and the British tabloids; he’s got a few things he’d rather not think about. He does touch on the subject of his ex wife in “Gratitude”, but he takes the road less traveled: “I’m so grateful for everything you’ve ever given me/ How Can I explain what it means to be loved by you?/ I want to show my gratitude”.
“Gratitude” isn’t the only song that showcases McCartney’s honesty. One would think that a 65 year old man would have “the last great adventure” on his mind. And while many aging songwriters focus on their inevitable demise, it seems that McCartney would rather entertain with happy songs than sadden with some dark ones. All the same, death catches up to him on “The End Of The End”. Even here though, Paul takes an optimistic approach: “On the day that I die I'd like jokes to be told/ And stories of old to be rolled out like carpets”. Death shouldn’t be about mourning, it should be a celebration of the life that was lived.
If Memory Almost Full is one thing, it’s easily accessible. Anyone who picks up the album while waiting in a 25 minute line for their 8 dollar Venti non-fat haf-caf double cinnamon dolce latte at Starbucks (hold the whipped cream) will instantly enjoy it. If you’re not too cool to listen to what your dad listens to, sneak the CD away while he’s not looking and give ol’ Macca a shot; I bet you’ll like it. If you’re up on your high Beatles horse, and think that McCartney hasn’t released anything relevant in decades, take this album as it is – a fun release – and enjoy it.
Browse Reviews
Write a Review
Alphabetized Listing
Popular Reviews
Best New Music
View Profile Picture
Currently Playing
View Signature
Posts: 207
Share This Review
Print This Review
Subscribe to Review
More From This Author