Electric Arguments

by

The Fireman

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Electric Arguments is indisputably the most surprising and inspiring CD of the year. Paul McCartney surfaces with a masterpiece of experimental music and great vocals that fuse ambient, hard rock, blues, trance, ballads and electronic music. Producer Youth was integral to this CD. It contains arguably the greatest medley of Paul's songs ever commencing with "Sing The Changes," "Travelling Light," "Highway", " Light From Your Lighthouse," "Sun Is Shining," and "Dance 'Till We're High,". MACCA and Beatles fans will love this trippy and psychedelic CD becuase it has vintage tracks similar to great songs off the White Album, Ram and Paul's other masterful Fireman CD the cosmic"Rushes" wherein he expertly played several guitars, cymbals and resplendent keyboards. MACCA'S roaring, soaring and refined vocals and ambient virtuosity at age 67 are priceless. This is the most vindicating CD of MACCA'S career because it showcases his virtousity as a vocalist, musician, composer and lyricist ! It's safe to say that Lennon would have been impressed by this amazingly creative CD.

'Electric Arguments' is not your father's McCartney, but that may not be all bad. While the album suffers from an overdose of echo and reverb which appropriately reflect the title, there's a tremendous amount of originality left in Sir Paul and he displays it to good effect. This album reminds me a great deal of 'Revolver' and the latter sound of the Beatles, with a few extra sound effects added. Of course, any pop album that uses Native flute in it can only be good too, but as one who plays it I'm very partial.

On hearing Paul's voice during the 'Good Evening New York' special on PBS, it's apparent to me that time is taking its toll on it, which is only to be expected. His quality of range isn't what it once was but McCartney manages to get us close with some studio help on this album. His bass has lost none of its punch with age and anyone who thinks Paul only plays simple music has obviously not listened to this great album. Even with the overwrought studio gimmicks, I'd recommend 'Electric Arguments' to anyone. It seems that musically speaking, Paul's journey lags far behind his age and this effort gives us good reason to believe that his best may yet be in the future.