Paul McCartney: Press To Play - 1986

Many artists put out albums in this period that are subsequently regarded as poor -  The Rolling Stones’ Dirty Work, Elton John’s Leather Jackets and several Rod Stewart albums spring to mind - this one suffered in the same way. It is not surprising, as it is from a musical period which was uniformly pretty abysmal. 

That said, it still has a few good points. Stranglehold is an appealing, shuffling mid-pace rocker enhanced by some fine saxophone and a general overall catchy, upbeat feel. It is one of the album's best cuts. Good Times Coming-Feel The Sun has a breezy, summery light reggae-ish feel to it that many may find too lightweight but I actually find it gently pleasant. 

When Talk More Talk finally gets going after an odd beginning full of funny noises it is a solid enough McCartney rocker, albeit with a very mid-eighties synthy pop sound. Footprints is one of those very recognisable McCartney songs that are often considered a bit wishy-washy. I know what people mean, but again it is inoffensive enough. Some say they expect better, however, and they have a point. The same applies to the plaintive, piano-driven ballad Only Love Remains. Press is a very mid-eighties piece of radio-friendly pop. It is very synthy and programmed-sounding, but again it’s ok. 

Pretty Little Head has some interesting rhythms to it and lots of eighties percussion sounds. Move Over Busker rocks in a very McCartney way. Angry has one hell of a groovy, almost Northern Soul-esque bass line and is a great rocking little track, probably my favourite on the album. However Absurd is an ok but ultimately unmemorable closer, a  microcosm of the album itself.

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