Album of the week: He's 71, but Macca's more hip-hop than hip on

By Adrian Thrills

PUBLISHED: 19:20 EST, 10 October 2013 | UPDATED: 19:20 EST, 10 October 2013


Rating: 5 Star Rating

One of the cornerstones of Paul McCartney’s artistic longevity has always been the former Beatle’s refusal to rest on his laurels.

His recent tours might have been electrifying celebrations of shared memories (and, given his back catalogue, why not?). But, in the studio, Sir Paul has generally insisted on pushing forwards.

Here, on his first collection of new songs since 2007’s low-key Memory Almost Full, the 71-year-old pop legend hooks up with a crack team of relatively young producers to deliver his most enjoyable and energetic album in ages.

On his first collection of new songs since 2007's low-key Memory Almost Full, Paul McCartney hooks up with a crack team of relatively young producers to deliver his most enjoyable and energetic album in ages

On his first collection of new songs since 2007's low-key Memory Almost Full, Paul McCartney hooks up with a crack team of relatively young producers to deliver his most enjoyable and energetic album in ages

Tuneful and poppy, but with an intuitive rock ’n’ roll edge, New casts a wistful eye towards Macca’s illustrious past, but is far too  vibrant and inventive to degenerate into pastiche.

The theme of a man living in the present while acknowledging his history is reinforced by his quartet of collaborators: new kids Paul Epworth (who helmed Adele’s 21) and Mark Ronson (who won Paul over after DJ-ing at his wedding to Nancy Shevell) are joined by Giles Martin and Ethan Johns (the sons of George Martin and Glyn Johns, who both worked with The Beatles).

Echoes of the past are apparent from the off. The opening track Save Us is one of several songs - Everybody Out There is another - that nod in the direction  of Wings.

 

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The dreamy psychedelia of Alligator and the sunny, beautifully sung title track (both produced by Ronson, with the latter featuring a clever false ending) hark back to The Beatles circa Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever.

Elsewhere, On My Way To Work recalls McCartney’s early solo hit Another Day, while Early Days addresses his bugbear about those who get their Fab Four facts wrong:

‘Everybody seems to have their own opinion / Of who did this and who did that / As for me, I don’t see how they can remember / When they weren’t where it  was at.’ 

McCartney's old band, the Beatles, at a press conference in 1966

McCartney's old band, the Beatles, at a press conference in 1966

There are experimental moments, too, with Looking At Her an imaginative blend of arcane electronics and Brazilian bossa nova rhythms.

McCartney stumbles just once, with the Giles Martin-produced Appreciate an ill-advised  mixture of hip-hop loops and synthetic drums.

Sir Paul was apparently impressed when he saw Jay-Z and Kanye West in concert last year, but this is a stylistic leap too far.

It is a rare slip, however. From David Bowie’s brilliant comeback to the superb live shows put on by Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones, 2013 has been an exceptional year for rock’s  silver-haired survivors.

And now, with this touching, witty and accomplished  return, Paul McCartney has joined the party in his own,  inimitable style.

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We are still suffering the great Beatles hype from the British propaganda media after all this time.

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Everything he has done post-Beatles pretty much sucks. I know, I know... he has this much money, he has sold this many albums, he draws this big of a crowd, blah blah blah. Anyone listened to "Band on the Run" lately?

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Yes. Many people, given that the album's reissue a couple years ago charted in the top 100 in both the US and the UK.

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he looks like ken dodd without the buck teeth these days Im afraid Not a good look

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The only one of the group left worth anything was Ringo Starr, quiet, unassuming and not looking for publicity.

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This man is a British legend, when you say negative spiteful things about him, you shame yourselves. His music changed the world, yours didn't!

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Changed what in the world???

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Aye, that was then, have you heard him lately???? sounds like a strangled parrot

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You can't beat a good old geriatric silver server when it comes to music - Even if he does dye his hair.

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Another 5-star review for this album. I am really looking forward to hearing it. We all know Macca's solo work has been a mixed bag (much like John Lennon's and George Harrison's) but his late-career work has been good, especially Chaos and Creation (2005) and Electric Arguments (2008). If this New album is better than those, I'm going to be thrilled. Ram on, Paul!!

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I think his work has been very good since the late 90's, no matter what style it's in and he's tried a lot.

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"but Macca's more hip-hop than hip on" - no he's more Hip OP then Hip Hop, time to call it a day, retire now.

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Why do people who don't like him keep saying this? If it was a singer you loved would you say the same? Just Let it Be!

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You should retire, your comments.

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Ha ,still trying to make himself seem relevant,he got lucky,over a six year period a century ago and he's been living off it ever since.He's got pots of money and is still a tight-wad.Can't stand him.

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You prat.

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just because thru a glass had a different opinion you call him ' a prat' how nice what a charmer

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He couldn't sing when he was in the Beatles, and he certainly can't sing now.

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you are allowed to not apreciate his music but please don't spread lies now,he has a fantastic voice in his hey days.

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well said ttfan

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