Memory Almost Full by Paul McCartney (CD, Jun-2007, Hear Music (Starbucks))

Being a child of the 60's, I remember when the Beatles were at the top of their game, and top of the charts. Being a self admitted STARBUCKS' junkie, I stumbled into a preview of the 12 tracks, at the STARBUCKS website. So, while it may not be fair, not yet having listened to the entire group of full tracks; if STARBUCKS didn't put their best foot forward- why bother placing these sample tracks on their website?
I'll update this shortly, and expand on my thoughts, as STARBUCKS will be playing these tracks, in their Canadian, and US stores, for the entire day of June 6th.

Here goes McCartney's song list, followed by my humble opinions:
1) Dance Tonight- Please stop the whistling, and just dance!
2) Ever Present Past- Derivative but as close to the original Beetles' sound.
3) See Your Sunshine- A song that shouldn't have seen the light of day.
4) Only Mama Knows- If she smokes Camels, and drives a Harley!
5) You Tell Me- Another vintage Beetles' sound flashback.
6) Mr. Bellamy- McCartney just being McCartney.
7) Gratitude- Should have been the last song, being grateful it's over. Certainly the worst song of the lot.
8) Vintage Clothes- "Don't Ask, & I Won't Tell" would have been a better title. I'll keep my raspberry beret.
9) That was me- Our beloved iMac absolutely refused to play this. Maybe it knows something we don't ?
10) Feet in the Clouds- VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY VERY, you'll find out how.......VERY, VERY, VERY......
11) House of Wax- OK, I'll admit to liking this one.
12) The End Of the End......At least it's over. However, it certainly SOUNDS LIKE A SEQUEL'S COMING !!!!

All, in all, it is a listenable album. Nothing sparkles, but nothing falls so flat as to offend the ear. (maybe the whistling though...) After hearing these songs overplayed on the radio, maybe in a month or so, one or two, may still be around. However, nothing is memorable enough to become that instant classic many of McCartney's original creations became.

If you can afford to purchase a beverage at STARBUCKS; the cost of the music is a pittance. So, pity the poor fool, buy an album, and try to remember what is was like when the Beatles were at the top of the charts, and STARBUCK was still just a coffee loving character in a Herman Melville's Moby Dick.

Oh yeah! Don't forget to get your own LIMITED EDITION "Paul McCartney- Memory Almost Full" STARBUCKS Gift Card- The one with McCartney's image on it. Considering how useful these STARBUCKS Gift Cards really are, you may actually WANT to use it! (COLLECTORS MAY CRINGE HERE !!!) And besides, It kind of fills some of the void in your wallet, where your money used to be !!!

AN UPDATE: Today's Toronto STAR 2007/06/05 (Canada's most widely read newspaper) Pop Music Critic Ben Rayner, rated the ALBUM with THREE SOLID STARS (out of five). I think I was being generous with my FOUR STAR rating. Visiting MANY STARBUCKS locations today, and seeing so many absolutely untoutched, and full displays of the MEMORY ALMOST FULL CD's; sales here in Canada are obviously not 'brisk'. In discussions with many Baristas- who have been inundated all day listening to the album- it certainly appears to have appeal only to a much older crowd. How many SENIORS out there will be buying the CD, or downloading it to their iPods, remains to be seen.

We can talk all day and night about how Paul's lyrics lack depth... that aside, this is another nearly flawless collection of songs by McCartney. Now in the twilight of his career he seems more focused on his strengths. He writes kick-ass tunes! The melodies are what always carried his songs and on this album he is chin deep in catchy, memorable tunes.

'Only Mama Knows' rocks like anything Wings ever did. 'Mr. Bellamy' is another in the long line of characters like 'Eleanor Rigby' or 'Lovely Rita'. 'House of Wax' is grand as 'Live and Let Die'. 'Nod Your Head' though too short kicks the album shut. And if a track like 'See Your Sunshine' seems trite, just listen to the bass line... your eyes will open. 'Gratitude' is another that doesn't seem like much on the first few listens but grows deeper on repeat plays and 'Feet in the Clouds' has layers in Paul's grand tradition of Brain Wilson envy(which isn't a bad thing).

Paul is far from dead... he's more like a artist hitting a creative come back.

This CD is great! I hung out at a Starbucks's the day this CD was released so I could listen to IT. There was also a local Radio Station promoting the occassion with a listening party! Coffee, treats and free give-aways too! What a way to welcome the NEWEST Paul McCartney music into my life. I've always been a Beatles fan and especially a MAC fan since he continued on with the traditional Beatle-type music over the years.

The music on this CD is great for several reasons but the most important reason is the lyrics. Paul's' music is always good for listening to no matter who you are which makes him very appealing to the masses. The music has his charming hooks, danceable tracks and of course his emotions placed throughout IT making it an EXCELLENT CD to purchase.

I recommend this CD because it's beautiful sounds AND more importantly the lyrics! Paul created this music in his 60's and in particular "When he's 64". Which is why the TITLE of the CD is so appropriate. Looking over the titles of the songs doesn't reflect what is inside the music BUT several titles do give you a hint as to what to expect when listening... such as these tracks:

2. Ever Present Past (think about the Beatles days and who he is today)
5. You Tell Me (I find this one rather funny, you remember how IT was right?)
7. Gratitude (Thankful for being Paul)
8. Vintage Clothes (60's and now)
9. That Was Me (Paul let's you know what his memory was then)
12. The End of The End (Paul describes how he would like it all to end)
** A somewhat sad but truthful message for the end of the CD **

In my personal opinion this CD is worth buying. I hope you ENJOY "IT" like I did!

AdventureIT2

Whether you grew up with the Beatles or just like Paul McCartney's music, Memory Almost Full has something for everyone. From the upbeat Dance Tonight to the more reflective You Tell Me & The End Of The End, this uniquely appealing album is a pleasant blend of a Wings & Beatles style that ages well. I like it more every time I listen to it, and I think you will, too. Paul McCartney may have just turned 65, but his music is ageless.

What a relief! Paul's last album both infuriated and depressed me-I was angry because he had the audacity to sound old and I was depressed because I realized I was getting old too. Perhaps it was Heather or a second wind but 'Memory Almost Full' had my foot tappin' and feeling ten years younger. His use of electric guitar and orchestra is brilliant, somewhat reminiscent of some of the Wings material. The vocals are real, live Paul-truly excellent. Again, he plays a variety of instruments on these cuts and plays them well. And as always, on EBAY, the price was great. He's back!