Paul Mccartney - Mccartney II

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Music reviews of Mccartney II

Music Review: Paul does new wave. Could this be an early techno record?
Rating: 3 Stars

Coming Up- The live version of this was a hit in the US. In the UK, this studio version was the hit. Bass thumping, synthesizer horns going, and echo (with higher pitched vocals by Paul and Linda) vocals abound. Paul enters the 1980's with a track either fans love or hate. I do like this one for it's novelty value. This is like "what was Paul doing in 1980?". Catchy pop tune about a brighter future. The live version is better and can be found on the US All The Best (1987) or Wingspan (2001). The tone of the brighter future is ironic given what was to follow on December 8, 1980.....

Temporary Secretary- If there is ever a McCartney track that should be erased, this should be it. The synth beginning with acoustic guitar is ok for about 30 seconds. Then come some ok vocals, but the chorus is horrible. About 0:52 into the song it become grating on the nerves. Yuck! Shoulda been shelved. This proves what Paul can do if left on his own with absolutely no one to tell him what he is doing wrong.

On The Way- The count in seems to be a take on Lennon's Yer Blues from 1968. Listen to both count ins back to back, and you may see what I mean. An echo vocal, but kinda cool blues number. Without the echo vocal, this would have sounded less dated. The track still seems to hold up after time, when you get past the echo.

Waterfalls- Ah, beautiful. Perhaps one of Paul's best ballads, up to 1980, since Yesterday. Very similar in structure. A modern day Yesterday with synths. Talking about what happens about being more careful about taking risks in life. Perhaps a metaphor to stop with the drugs and be around for his family? He sings of needing love, and perhaps holding those closest to you, even closer. Again, even more appropriate given what was to happen in December 1980......

Nobody Knows- Electro funk hoedown (there, betcha never would see that in a review). Kinds bluesy, very like track 3 (On The Way). Vocals sound like Bo Diddley, or BB King, with a severe echo effect. Good, catchy, if you listen to the lyrics.

Front Parlour- The man wrote video game music too? Sounds like my old nintendo system circa 1987. Could be missing music to Mario Brothers video games? Kinda cool in it's own fluff way. Nothing deep. More of another curiosity, than anything. Again, screams B side more than anything.

Summer's Day Song- Synth instrumental song. Nice vocals. Song about dawn. At least, that's what comes to my head. Listen to it and you will know what I mean. Mostly intrumental, with some vocals in the beginning.

Frozen Jap- Renamed Frozen japaneese when the lp was issued in Japan, so not to upset his Japaneese fans. More video game music, set to a "Japaneese" disco synth type of theme.

Bogey Music- Funny, somewhat entertaining track. Elvis with a big echo. Really, without the echo, this track would have been better. Kind of a weird synth tribute to Elvis. A 50's rock backbeat set to real early 80's synths.

Darkroom- Funky little number. Bass heavy. Almost like early rap? Don't know, but macca wants to take you to his dark room. :)

One of Those Days- Really a good song. Not dated. Simple acoustic song. Relfecting on clearing up his head. Perhaps he also means about preserving the environment when he sings of fresh air?

Check My Machine- More sound experiments begin with cartoon excerpts. Really high vocal, and synths. Funky, I like it. However, I can see where not everyone would. This was originally a B-side to a single before being added to the 1987 cd release.

Secret Friend- Vocals repeated over and over again for 10 minutes. This was done in 1970 on the Beatles (though that didn't last 10 minutes, but more like around 3-4 minutes), and would be done again on Driving Rain (to much better rocking effect) in 2001. Congas, maracas, synths and bass inter play.

Over all, not a horrible album. Certainly one of a few of Paul's weak albums. This can count as his weakest as he has many undeveloped songs. If this were a bootleg, it might be brilliant. But, we came to expect more of Paul before; and he would deliver better in the future. Get any other McCartney album first before this one. This one is for hard core McCartney fans. After John's tragic murder, the masterpiece Tug of War (1982) would result.

Description of Mccartney II

Classic Rock CDs

• Music > Styles
• Pop
• Rock