More new McCartney

lennonon · Post by **lennonon** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 4:44 pm

I think (perhaps) one essential ingredient being overlooked here is Paulie's singing. The man's voice sounds withered and wasted...it sounds as if he could barely hold a good melody when they do come his way...(Jennie Wren being a good example of just flat out lousy singing, imho)

Well, maybe that is an exaggeration, but his incredibly formidable vocal prowess is so diminished it's hard to get into the material. He's got the low, croaky old man thing going.

Why he insists on playing drums and doing it all himself is a mystery. I really hoped for more out of his working with Nigel Godrich, who has done phenomenal things w/Radiohead.

Maybe it will all wash out in High Fidelity....

lowendbob · Post by **lowendbob** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 3:19 am

I'd rather hear more old McCartney.
Sad to say, I haven't heard one decent song yet from the three.

It was interesting to see Paul using finger style on the bass in the video. I haven't seen him play without a pick very much.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 5:10 am

It's not surprising after 40 plus years his voice has suffered, like Dylan or countless others. These guys weren't trained to use their voices "properly", they just belted it out with feeling. Accept that he's aged, he's no longer writing with John, and he might have given us his best a while ago. Perhaps compare him to other 60 plus years olds who are writing and singing pop and rock. We know we can't compare him to his '60's glory days. I'm happy he's still rocking and putting out product. He's still a talented guy. Long may he

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 5:11 am

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jonpaul · Post by **jonpaul** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:05 am

I find it interesting that a lot of people expect Macca to sound (singing) like he did 20 to 40 years ago. Any of us that are over 40 realize that our vocal quality & range can change as we grow older, especially after mid 40's. Quite honestly I think his vocal ability has held up very well (he's 63 years old - come on all). Listening to his new songs (vocals) sounds very consistent to his past efforts to me. There have been many songs that he has performed in the past that have that semi-falseto vocal style like Jenny Wrenn. It has never been one of my favourite Macca styles, but I have heard much worse. However, I think his vocals sound great on Fine Line. I think one thing that we may forget is that most of Macca's songs (w/ Beatles or Solo) are not the easiest to sing. You must have great vocal control and range. I was watching Rock Star INXS last night and one of the better singers attempted to do Live & Let Die. It was OK, but he had a very hard time with the change of speeds and range that the vocals require. I truly believe that Macca is still one of the most versatile singers/performers out there today. He may not hit every note just perfect anymore, but he still has better chops than the majority of the today's popular performers - JMO.

lowendbob · Post by **lowendbob** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:15 am

Hey I agree with you Dave. I think he still sounds as good as ever. For me his new release is a big let down so far. I just hope he won't be doing a bunch of new stuff with the tour this year.
He needs to break out that 4001 and do some Wings stuff.

revolver323 · Post by **revolver323** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 4:27 pm

If you sign up for the McCartney web site, you can hear samples of a couple of more songs and download CD versions of "Fine Line." Unfortunately, I didn't like the other two songs much, either. Too much piano for my taste. That said, I think it is remarkable that Paul's range is still as good as it is, especially on the screamers like "Helter Skelter." And if Paul never wrote another decent song, I still owe him my livelihood as a bass player for much of the past 40 years. He changed my life (and countless others) forever. May not like all his material, but I love the guy.

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 5:37 pm

Bob, I think the chances of McCartney breaking out the 4001 are slim to none. If he follows true to his most recent tours I would imagine he will play 5/6 new songs. I bought his single yesterday. It sounds better than it does on the computer. It has a hint of ELO to my ears. Maybe Jeff Lynne rubed of on him.

revolver323 · Post by **revolver323** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 2:48 am

I think Paul has the idea that most of his audience "Expect" to see the Hofner. Plus, he likes it. Plus plus, it plays in tune now. I guess those are reasons enough to play it.

bottom4 · Post by **bottom4** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 3:59 pm

The Hofner is iconic to days gone past. As we grow older we get more sentimental and this is just a place where he’s at. I don’t think we’ll ever see the Rick ( which is unfortunate IMO) unless there is a major failure on stage with the Hof.

I'm beginning to warm up to the new stuff… find myself humming the melody and saying what is that – oh yeah… Really liking the ride in Jenny… not sure what that instrument is but for me it’s becoming classic Paul. The album on a whole may be very interesting.

Given that he is 63 I think his vocals are “spot on”…

And yes, I owe it all to him…

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 4:54 pm

I think if the Hofner takes a dump, we'll see the WAL 5 string. I don't think the RIC goes on tour.

revolver323 · Post by **revolver323** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 4:55 am

WAL, maybe not. Macca complains about the weight of the WAL in many interviews. I think he feels comfotable with the Hofner, and the scale, weight, etc. make it an easy switch from guitar. I sure wish we could coax Paul into becoming a member here so we could end all this speculation.

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 12:29 pm

His backup for the past two tours has been his WAL 5 string bass. At least according to his program gear list. Too bad about the RIC. I'll bet he doesn't realize how many people would like to see her.

wayang · Post by **wayang** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 1:35 pm

Perhaps, if Paul's voice takes a dump, he's got Leo Sayer waiting in the Green Room...

britye · Post by **britye** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 3:28 pm

"When I need you...."