14 replies to this topic

[mccartney007]

The press release:

PAUL McCARTNEY SET TO RELEASE FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN FOUR YEARS "CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACK YARD" IN RECORD STORES SEPTEMBER 12TH "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard," Paul McCartney's 20th studio recording since The Beatles, marks an end to a nearly four-year hiatus since his last studio recording, 2001's platinum certified "Driving Rain." The new 13-track album is co-produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Travis and Beck) and McCartney, and was recorded in London and Los Angeles over the course of the past two years. Its release coincides with the September 16th launch of McCartney's all new 37-city "US" Tour, his fastest selling concert tour ever. "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" is a return to the basics for McCartney. The album successfully fuses his undeniable song writing talents with his unparalleled musicianship. In fact, McCartney is credited with playing the majority of the instruments on the album, which is somewhat reminiscent of "McCartney" (1970) when he was credited with playing all of the instruments. They include the drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, as well as many of the less traditional instruments such as block flute, harmonium and flugelhorn. "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" is a mix of up-tempo piano driven McCartney instant classics such as 'Fine Line' and 'Promise To You Girl' and more introspective darker tracks such as 'At The Mercy,' 'Too Much Rain' and 'Riding To Vanity Fair.' One of the many highlights is a track entitled, 'Jenny Wren,' which Paul describes as "daughter of Blackbird," as well as 'Follow Me,' which McCartney debuted at The Glastonbury Festival, while on his '04 Summer European Tour. But "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" would not have been either if not for the suggestion of now legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin. Familiar with Nigel's credentials and with his published desire to work with an established artist, Paul made the call that finally put the two together in the studio. The collaboration seemed an unlikely one and thus the rumors began. What type of album was McCartney making? "I did not want to rush this album," said McCartney, who despite repeated inquiries, touring commitments and pressure from his record label, managed to maintain his focus. "I think it was worth the wait though. The music became more interesting over time and I'm really proud of what we did." The results are evident throughout. The songs are sonically robust, the instrumentation and orchestration first rate and the chemistry between Paul and Nigel apparent. The album has an organic feel reminiscent of Paul's first solo release, "McCartney," (1970) and some of The Beatles later recordings. "We really made a lot of it up as we went along," added McCartney. "I'd try something and if it didn't work I'd try something else until it did. It was like making a go-cart in the backyard." "When Paul and I got together we had a common goal," said Godrich. "We wanted to make a great album that was true to Paul. I think that's exactly what we did." Full Tracklisting - "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" Fine Line 3:05 How Kind Of You 4:47 Jenny Wren 3:47 At The Mercy 2:38 Friends To Go 2:43 English Tea 2:12 Too Much Rain 3:24 A Certain Softness 2:42 Riding To Vanity Fair 5:07 Follow Me 2:31 Promise To You Girl 3:10 This Never Happened Before 3:26 Anyway 3:50 Total Running Time: 46:54 www.paulmccartney.com

[ACE]

Cool - McCartney is my favourite Paul solo record.

The title is rather appropriate considering recent events even though even Paul could not have known.

Did you see Macca at Live 8 last week. It was very cool to him sing Sgt Pepper with U2.

ACE

[Righty007]

Cool!

[mccartney007]

I'm pretty excited about this album. The albums in which he plays most of the instruments himself are almost always my favorite. If Nigel Godrich was as strict with McCartney as I've been reading, this promises to be an excellent album. He does his best work when he's challenged.

I did catch him at Live 8 and he sounded good. Can't wait to catch him this fall in Denver and Vegas.

[ACE]

The albums in which he plays most of the instruments himself are almost always my favorite.

Agree. Ram was also good for the same reasons.

If Nigel Godrich was as strict with McCartney as I've been reading, this promises to be an excellent album. He does his best work when he's challenged.

Godrich needs to bring something out of Macca. That "simplicity" thing sometimes does not work. Mind you, listening to Trevor Horn had to say about producing some Macca tracks, it seems Macca is a whirlwind in the studio. The discipline should be in the writing.

Thumbs aloft

ACE

[mccartney007]

test

[mccartney007]

For those interested: Paul McCartney's new single Fine Line is available for download on AOL Music's First Listen website.

[zerozeroseven]

Glad to hear he's still recording. With the right focus, he can do anything. I saw him in concert on his 89/90 tour. Fantastic. I can't wait until he puts out the eventual dual-disc follow-up to Wingspan, which strangely only covered up to his Broad Street album.

[rogermoore007]

Yay a new mccartney album....I'm going to see him at the garden next month

[tdalton]

It's good to hear that McCartney's got a new album coming out. It's been a while since we've gotten any new material from him. Can't wait.

[mccartney007]

Just bumping this back to the top as the album is out next Tuesday.

Anyone interested can find some free tracks in the Members section of PaulMcCartney.com.

I've already heard the album and I think it's an excellent piece of work musically and especially lyrically. One of his top five solo albums, I'd say.

[ACE]

Saw the video of Fine Line yesterday.

Nice, simple - set in a recording studio (Abbey Road) with Macca playing all the instruments. A low key thing - not Coming Up!

Nice song. Lyrically strong yet simple, nice late Beatles/early McCartney solo vibe about it.

My favourite recent Macca track was The World Tonight.

Good stuff. I love to see the return of Macca. Gives me an emotional response.

ACE

[VOODOO007]

Just picked up Chaos and Creation a couple of days ago. I'm happy to say it's a great return to form for Macca after the mediocre Driving Rain.

The album deserves all the praise it has been getting. It's a troubled/moody record (along the lines of Coldplay or Radiohead)that has some of McCartney's best work in years on it. It's quite understated.

I find it amazing that even in his mid 60's Paul McCartney can deliver an album as vital as Chaos and Creation.

While not quite on par with his best solo work (Band on the Run, Flowers in the Dirt, Tug of War)I'd say (imho) it's in the same league as Flaming Pie,Ram and McCartney. Which in my book would make it close to being a modern classic.

Who would have thought 40 plus years into the game McCartney would have the #6 album in the USA and the Rolling Stones would have the global #1 album (the tremendous A Bigger Bang)to go along with the two biggest tours of the year. Bands a third their age aren't playing venues a fifth as big as the Stones and McCartney. As a matter of fact the Stones in the last month have played to sold out crowds of 85,000 and 70,000 in the US and Canada. These guys are a freak of nature.



PS: What a sin it is that John Lennon and George Harrison are no longer with us. Could you imagine what The Beatles could charge for a ticket in 2005. Nevermind all the great music we didn't get to hear because of their early passing.

Enjoy these legends while we still have them. There will never be another Beatles or Rolling Stones.

[ComplimentsOfSharky]

PS: What a sin it is that John Lennon and George Harrison are no longer with us. Could you imagine what The Beatles could charge for a ticket in 2005. Nevermind all the great music we didn't get to hear because of their early passing.

Hey, I'd pay...it would be very well worth it. Considering how much more talented even Ringo is nowadays, I can only imagine what John would be like and George's last album was amazing.

[Righty007]

I bought this album a few days ago. It's good stuff.