Despite the fact that I’m an incredibly massive Beatles fan, my knowledge for the Fabs post 1970 (when they broke up) is suprisignly sparse. Though all four Beatles pursued their own solo careers after the split, each with varying levels of success (Ringo – no more movies!), I haven’t really followed these. Sure, everyone knows Lennon’s Imagine”, and Wings’ “Live and Let Die” is about as cool as a Bond theme can get, the truth is – I couldn’t ramble on about the Fab’s solo ventures nearly as much as I can about the days when they were a globe conquering, pop-collective whole.

So I’m not sure what made me want to listen to Macca’s new album (his first on Starbucks ‘Hear Music’ label), Memory Almost Full. Perhaps it was me wanting to subconsciously give him a chance, what with all the bad press associated with his recent nasty divorce? Or maybe, I just really like ordinary-tasting coffee and I’m a sucker for cross promotions? Either way, I was pleasantly surprised with what I heard. Sure, he’s not exactly re-inventing the wheel (he kind of already did enough of that in the mid 60s; see Revolver, Sgt. Pepper..), but he’s assembled a solid collection of harmless and enjoyable pop songs that show signs of proof he was once a part of the world’s best band.

The melodies are still there and amazingly, so is his voice. I challenge you to try and not tap your feet along to the infectious mandolin-based opener, “Dance Tonight” (hey, it’s good enough for Apple) or the sweet pop nature of “Ever Present Past”. What’s also worth mentioning, is that Macca somewhat attempts another stab at the ‘Side 2 medley’ romp he helped make famous on Abbey Road, by musically and thematically linking the closing group of Memory Almost Full tunes together. While the record isn’t earth-shattering, it’s a very good listen and has forced me to open my eyes and appreciate what these four men accomplished alone, post-Beatles.

Paul McCartney – Ever Present Past.mp3
Paul McCartney – That Was Me.mp3