I' ve always been a Beatles, Wings, and McCartney fan, but recently, I’ve discovered how accomplished Sir Paul McCartney really is.
I know many people may thing the 69 year old former Beatle is overrated, but you may still find some of things I have to say interesting.
First, for you who know nothing about him, Paul McCartney was a forming member of the Beatles while in his early 20s (writing close to half the songs, ex: Yesterday, The End) and has been pumping album after album and hit after hit for many years a member of his band The Wings (Ex: Live and Let Die, Band on the Run), as well as many successful years as a Solo artist (ex: Maybe I’m Amazed, Jenny Wren); he also has made a few successful duos (Ex: Say Say Say). He even sometimes plays all the instruments in his songs (Like Phil Collins, but more). He has the Guinness Book world record for “Most successful musician in popular history” as 60 of his records have gone Gold. 60! Most artists are lucky to pump out 10 albums in their career, much less have many go Gold.
But today I’d like to introduce you to Paul’s versatility.
The Fireman
The experimental band emerged in 1993 as an Ambient Eletronica form of rock. Many tracks where Dance or Trans music, and it wasn’t very clear at first who really was the writer and producer. Turns out McCartney was the composer and producer for all three albums, as well as the singer (the first two albums were instrumental, the third featured Paul singing).
He and his friend, Youth, worked together on these albums, the most recent is Electric Arguments receiving very good reviews (some critics stating it one of the best albums of 2008). For a classic rock/pop hero, this surely is different but very creative. Please listen to the Fireman’s most recent single: Sing the Changes.
Classical
Sir Paul McCartney has also jumped into classical music. Although the reviews are not as impressive as his other endeavors, he certainly is a decent composer. His has recently composed the entire score for a Ballet performed by New York City Ballet (the reviews were not the best though). He has written some very good symphonies and oratorios; here is a movement from his album Ecce Cor Meum Gratia.
Jazz/Traditional Pop
Although he can practically write music in his sleep, this good signer has recently released an album of old jazzy covers called Kisses on the Bottom. He directed his own music video for his single My Valentine. It features Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman sombrely signing the song in ASL. The very un-expressive facial expression of the performers contrasts the usual very dynamic sign language; it is somewhat mesmerizing. While their performances are not perfect –especially Depps- (I’m currently taking
ASL courses) I admire the attention it has drawl to the culture; besides, I think Natalie Portman’s performance is very beautiful, as is the whole video.
Watch it here : My Valentine.
I have seen Paul live, and it is impressive how a man his age can play over 2 hours without breaks. I saw him play mandolin, bass, guitar, and piano at that concert, all which he played well.
He certainly is a very creative and versatile performer. What do you think?
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