Search - Paul McCartney :: Press to Play

A "Lost" McCartney Classic

LP Quagmire | Canada | 10/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's a McCartney album so underrated even Macca himself has seemingly forgotten it. PRESS TO PLAY, McCartney's return to Capitol after several indifferently received releases for CBS, finds the former Beatle in an experimental mood, which makes this overlooked gem of an album one of the most adventurous and interesting detours in his catalog. The snare-cracking rocker "Stranglehold" opens the proceedings in fine style, with McCartney's nimble bass adding an infectious bounce to one of his best post-Beatle kickers. Macca also hits hard on the album's other choice rocker, "Move Over Busker," one of those Fats Domino-style homages McCartney has done so well over the course of his career. In between these engaging numbers, we're treated to the whimsical nonsense of "Talk More Talk," and the playful single, "Press," but it's the gorgeous ballad "Footprints" that leaves the most lasting impression on the listener. A moody, atmospheric tale of longing and regret, "Footprints" may be the most unjustly overlooked gem in the entire McCartney songbook.



Rounded out by the aggressive, stripped-down garage rock of "Angry" and the classy balladeering of "Only Love Remains," PRESS TO PLAY never stumbles and is destined to be rediscovered as a lost McCartney classic."