"There's more than "hits?"" [1999-2008]

Herewith find the third and final installment of my guide to Paul McCartney's best overlooked work.  Of course it's all very subjective, but again, more than anything, the purpose is just to turn someone on to a great song.

With a catalogue as large as Sir Paul's, it's tough to make a short list:  he simply has too many albums to do that.

Feel free to let me know what you think.

Peace,

Reg


1999.  Run Devil Run.

Everybody knows:  possibly No Other Baby

What you should know:  Lonesome Town and especially Movie Magg

Comment:  Coming a year after longtime wife Linda's death, another back-to-basics excursion seemed natural.  While the album is pleasant enough, and a decent listen, it certainly doesn't try for greatness.  As a result, none is achieved.  Kudos, however, for his authentic rockabilly hiccup on Movie Magg.  It's worth the price of admission.

2001.  Driving Rain.

Everybody knows: Freedom, maybe From A Lover To A Friend

What you should know:  Heather, Rinse The Raindrops and Magic

Comment:  Perhaps inspired by his romance with peg-leg, McCartney sounds more adventurous than he has in years.  Not everything works, but it's fun to hear him try.  Another good, but not great album, this one initiates a major late career renaissance.  Ever since this album, Paul has been far more willing to avoid formula: and we're all the better for it.

2005.  Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard.

Everybody knows:  Fine Line, maybe Jenny Wren

What you should know:  English Tea, Too Much Rain, Riding To Vanity Fair, This Never Happened Before and I've Only Got Two Hands

Comment:  Very nice.  Most thoroughly satisfying album by Paul in ages.  From what I've read, producer Nigel Godrich twisted McCartney's tit somewhat on this set and Paul, as he usually does, rises to a challenge.

2007.  Memory Almost Full.

Everybody knows:  Dance Tonight and maybe Ever Present Past

What you should know:  End Of The End

Comment:  Perhaps inspired by his break-up with peg-leg, McCartney sounds more adventurous than he has in years.  Not everything works, but it's fun to hear him try.  Yes, that is a cut-and-paste, with a tweak, from two albums ago.  I lot of people like this one a lot.  I'm ok with it, though it seems pretty dense to me.  One thing I hate about it is an apparent production choice leaving lots of what I refer to as digital "swish" in it.  And no, I'm not listening to a shitty pirated download copy, I have the damn disc.  Swish.

2008.  Electric Arguments.

Everybody knows:  Sing The Changes

What you should know:  Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight, Two Magpies, Travelling Light, Light From Your Lighthouse and Dance 'Til We're High,

Comment:  Wow, this is a great album.  That it comes at this juncture in his life makes it all the more special.  The third CD release under his Fireman alias, this is the first one to deviate from the ambient/dance blueprint laid out previously.  Continuing his experimentation of the past decade, McCartney effortlessly mixes the best qualities of his music in creating something that sounds completely like himself and yet, unlike anything he has attempted before.  A must have.