Run Devil Run

by

Paul McCartney

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More than anything, what made Lennon so special to me was his ability to communicate his feelings through song and have you know that he meant what he sung- that it was real. Despite his very uneven solo career, I remained a loyal Lennon fan. Not so with McCartney, whose immense talent I felt was channelled into well crafted songs that make people feel good. Now there's nothing wrong with silly love songs and few have ever done them better, but its not my cup of tea. McCartney had not moved me since Let It Be-that was 30 years ago. There is a reason why this album has over 200 reviews posted. It is a masterpiece. It is so bold, so pure and in your face that some long time McCartney lovers are dismissing it with two stars as "Not Paul." What it is- is another part of Paul, a part that has been held in restraint until the tragic emotional upheavel that disrupted his life forced him to turn to his art again, not as a craft but as survival, an expression of his deepest feelings. It is a deeply moving experience to those who are listening. Paul's mask in Run Devil Run is that for the most part he hides behind the covers, but his grief is evident. He is using the covers he and John first cut their teeth with and he is using technically the best male voice in Rock (Paul's)but finally singing like the best male singer in Rock (as recently voted in a widely publicized international poll-none other than John Lennon). Now why would anyone ever vote John's thin voice the best in Rock? -Because he sang from his heart and soul, which is what McCartney does here. He takes no prisoners. John would be proud,(is he channelling him on Honey Hush?) and any true Lennon fan will be moved by Paul's honesty. McCartney's singing and his three superb originals are an inspiration not only to the healing power of Rock and Roll but to anyone who thinks they're too over the hill to play it. He is 56 and sounds as good or better than he ever has. It's been worth a 30 year wait. In my mind this is the truest art he has ever done. Long live Paul McCartney-and you better run devil run. Rock and roll still has the power to chase even the most evil of demons away. This album is medicine for the wounded soul. It is a timeless treasure. Bravo!