Electric Arguments
Paul McCartney's 2008 album with producer Youth. Each track written,recorded and sung in the space of one day with Paul McCartney, playing all instruments. 'The album's opener is classic rock and an instant attention grabber. A heavy guitar riff with loud drums and souring vocals, it's like nothing The Fireman have ever done before.' The Fireman are back after a ten-year break. Electric Arguments is their third and brand new studio album and it's not the album people might expect from the mysterious duo.'
2008-12-01 -- 5/5:: Really wonderful....
The more I listen to it, the more I like it. It's such a fresh sound from a man who's help define what "sound" is, so I don't know what more we could want. "Highway" rocks harder than any of his recent rockers, "Sun is Shining" just melts beautifully. Melodies just burrow themselves inside your brain and you can't help but hum them throughout the day, even if your initial opinion is unfavorable. I wrote it off thinking, "If it doesn't say Paul McCartney on the cover, it must be his lesser stuff." So wrong. Electric Arguments is one of his best.
2008-12-01 -- 4/5:: Experimental and Exciting, ranging from Good to GREAT
The best tracks on this new album make it worth the cost. Listening to it front-to-back, I heard echoes of many stages of Macca's career, from Revolver, through Sgt. Pepper psychedelia and White Album experimentalism, into some of his best singles work post-Beatles.
If you enjoy Paul McCartney for more than bubble-gum pop, and most people do, you'll enjoy this surprisingly different album. If you are looking for a syrupy pop record, avoid this one. Macca just keeps pushing the envelope of his musical instincts, and the resulting successes are breathtaking while even the misses are pretty darn good.
A very enjoyable listen.
2008-12-01 -- 5/5:: A Masterpiece from 'The Master'
There is no question this album is one of McCartney's most unique. However, it finds him up to some of his usual tricks: Backwards masking and messages, unusual instruments, clever harmonies, brilliant melodies, wicked bass & guitar work, and all the elements that made his contribution to the Beatles so powerful. Listen to this album with headsets on and marvel at the creativity in the production and all of the unique elements going on in the mix. There are sound effects and wildly bizzare elements going on all over the place. What makes McCartney such a brilliant composer is that he paints his portrait with his music... Melodies flow from him like a waterfall and those who know what it takes to make a good record are left wondering how one man could have accomplished such a large body of work in one lifetime. This is a must have album for all Macca fans...or those looking to hear something different that changes from song to song and sounds like nothing you've ever heard before. Prepare to be shocked...in a very good way.
2008-11-29 -- 1/5:: The Emperor's New Clothes
I have defended Paul McCartney against all critics for years but this time he has lost me. Apart from a couple of "not too bad" tracks, this album is the greatest load of codswallop I've ever heard. I have played it once and will never play it again. Even Homer nods!!
2008-11-28 -- 5/5:: Alter Ego
Is this Paul McCartney trying to not sound like Paul McCartney? Or is this Paul McCartney's alter ego? Either way, it's Paul McCartney sounding fresh, alive, and better than ever. A departure from the two previous Fireman CDs and quite different from his last two, yet fabulous, solo releases. I say buy it.