Paul McCartney Press To Play CD

 Macca still had it, even when he "slumped".
One thing that many people never liked about Paul McCartney is that he wrote such sweet songs. In their minds, they hear one great song after another great song, and they think, "there's no way anybody could ever possibly write all of those great songs in his lifetime." It's partly a product of jealousy, and partly a product of reality. Paul McCartney was by far the most visual and the most popular Beatle, so it's no wonder that his writing style for songs is so sweet. Thus, when he enters into a (supposedly) creative slump in the middle of the disillusioned eighties, people look at those albums and say, "See! We were right!" However, in hindsight, this is one of Paul McCartney's best melodic albums. From the bluesy shuffle of "Stranglehold" to the melodically complex "Good Times Comin'/Feel The Sun", to the silly pop of "Press" to the pseudo-mystic wanderings of "Pretty Little Head" to the British whimsy of "Move Over Busker" to the soft ballad "Only Love Remains", just to name a few songs, Paul McCartney creates an album that is varied, different and overall good. Many artists get swamped in strange sounds and ideas, but Paul just blends all of that junk together and applies his "sweet" formula to it. Overall, it's good, however there are a few missteps, such as the barreling "Angry" and the stomp-infected "It's Not True" and "Tough On A Tightrope". If you are a Paul McCartney fan, then here you can find some of his stuff that very few people have ever heard before, because at the time nobody wanted to hear it because he was stuck with the label "has-been", which was unfair and in the case of this record, untrue. Give it a try, and you won't be disappointed. That's my opinion.
Submitted by Galen (Anchorage, AK, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 Macca meets Townshend meets Gabriel
Press to Play is a concept album which is heavily influenced by Pete Townshend (All the Best Cowboys) and Peter Gabriel (pick one). Townshend actually plays on the album, as does Gabriel's former bandmate, Phil Collins. The concept involves the struggles of an aging rock superstar (Macca) to remain artistically relevant to a cynical public (and an even more cynical Press). (McCartney ultimately concludes that relevance, without love and happiness, is completely Absurd.) Although, the concept may be a bit too egocentric, and the music a bit too 80s, there is a lot going on here. One of McCartney's most complex albums. The original album contained only ten songs, but the original CD tacked three more on the end. This CD adds two more bonus tracks - "Spies Like U.S." is fun; "Once Upon a Long Ago" is gorgeous.
Submitted by Paul (Little Rock, AR)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 to your consideration...
this is far from macca's best...but on his albums there is always something worth of attention, just that here you have to pay some extra attention. "Only love remains" must be one of his finest ballads ever written, and "angry" a fine rocker considering the 80's production that now is embarrasing for the album. But soince we have now 5 bonus track, you have to reconsider everything: 2 of them are great: tough on a tightrope (used to be hard to find) and the excellent "once upon a long ago" a masterpiece. Considering all this, this album now might seem more interesting to buy. Anyway, enjoy it.
Submitted by polo gallagher (america)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 Pass on this one
Macca is my favorite. This album is next to the worst (Wings Wild Life wins that battle). Its not worthless, however. "Stranglehold" is one of the coolest grooves Paul's ever produced. This album might be okay with less glitter-pop cheese production.
Submitted by Keith (Paris, TX USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 Ooh, sh-weet!
THIS ALBUM IS DA BEST OF DA BEST OF MCCARTNEY! HE RULES ALL THE WAY
Submitted by waldin007 (Detroit, Michigan)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

Have you heard this album?