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    Paul McCartney Puts 'Memory' in His Own Words

    • Posted on Jun 4th 2007 1:00PM by Beville Darden
    • Comments (97)
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    Paul McCartney isn't afraid to try new things. The music icon, who has been recording for 45 years, has teamed up with Starbucks for the first global release on the coffee giant's new record label -- his 21st solo album, 'Memory Almost Full.'

    The 13-track LP is full of surprises, both musically and lyrically: From spontaneously learning to play mandolin for one track to using one fan's advice to celebrate death as the inspiration for another, McCartney delivers a project that's daring and extremely personal.

    In this track-by-track commentary, he shares the intimate details behind each song.

    'Dance Tonight'

    This was the last track I recorded for the album. I was on my way into a meeting, but before I actually got there, I had a bit of a walk to experience life for a minute. There's a guitar shop that I always drop in on, and I was chatting to the guy in there. He mentioned that he had a left-handed mandolin that he wanted to show me. I ended up getting it. The great thing about it was that I didn't know how to play.It's tuned like a violin, so I had no idea what the chords were. It took me back to when I was a teenager being presented with an instrument.I had to figure out how to play it.I found one chord, then another, then a real strange chord.I still don't know what it is, but it sounded great.With this little instrument at home over the holiday, I started stomping in the kitchen, just enjoying myself, trying to find chords.I start singing, "Everybody gonna dance tonight." Every time, my little girl would come running in and start dancing, so I fell in love with this song and with the mandolin.The song kind of wrote itself. I thought I'm just gonna keep it simple. I liked it so much I ran into the studio to record it and stuck it on the album. It seemed like a good atmospheric opening.

    'Ever Present Past'

    Sometimes I just sit down and try and write a pop song. I've done it throughout my life and it's an interesting thing to do, to make something kind of catchy that might be attractive.It starts off, "I've got too much on my plate."The way I write I just follow that thought and think, "What did I mean by that? Explain yourself." So I think, "Well what I meant was ..."After I'd got the verse, this idea of my past, my 'Ever Present Past,' came about. No deep meaning in it. I think what happens with me is I just write a thing and people read into it.I like that because I think often you do things in a subliminal way you don't actually realize what you are doing. So something that I might think is a simple statement, somebody might go, "Yeah, but it means that."I like multiple meanings to these things even though I often start it off as a phrase that's really to help me write the song, to get me to the next bit.

    Continue Reading Paul's Commentary

    Take the 'Sgt. Pepper's' Quiz

    Which Beatles Song Is the Saddest?

    McCartney in Pictures

    • Filed under: New Music, Full CD Listening Parties
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    Reader Comments(1 of 5)

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    Miguel Espinosaat 2-06-2010

    I don´t know, why somebody said that the lirycs are so superfitial, I think that the major of them have a deep knowledge of life and more. Pls Don´t be so stupid.
    And pls, forgive my english if you found a mistake!! :(

    Reply
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    Markat 6-04-2007

    I think this really might be his best solo album ever. It rocks!

    Reply
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    Alexaat 6-04-2007

    Truly the most talented musician of our generation. And I love being able to read the stories behind each and every song.

    Reply
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    twofirst1at 6-04-2007

    Wings had some good songs also 1976 or 1977 Munich, Germany concert I was at with a few friends from the USA while on duty along the IRON Curtain Thanks for being there.

    Reply
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    garyat 6-04-2007

    'Paul McCartney' those 2 words just about sum it up. 1 of if not the single greatest influential people for music AND pop culture. I bow to you, Sir. I know I shall never have the opportunity to meet you 'on this earth'. Perhaps, in rock-n-roll heaven or some 'higher' plane. *****aproved

    Reply
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    Georgiaat 6-04-2007

    Paul is so talented. Even when he just goes for the pop music, he does a great job. Luv u Paul.

    Reply
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    Garyat 6-04-2007

    Ever since the Beatles came to America in 1964 I have been a fan, and my favorite Beatle has always been Paul McCartney. He is such a gentleman and an ambassador for pop music...not only in America but throughout the world. I salute you Sir Paul McCartney. You're the best!

    Reply
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    Cricket McNattat 6-04-2007


    I have the same romantic fantasy as most women my age, that I will marry Paul. Even after 40 years, that dreams is still there. But on a more realistic note, I feel that I and our generation have been so lucky to have been in the same era that saw the birth of such unique music. Thank you Paul, for giving yourself to us and for us.
    All our love
    Cricket

    Reply
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    BETTE TIPPENat 6-04-2007

    Everything this man does is with class. And with a smile. Bring it on, Paul, give us all you got and we will listen and sing with our whole hearts. Love you, Paul, in the past, the present and the future.

    Kissies

    Bette :)

    Reply
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    BETTE TIPPENat 6-04-2007

    No No No, Cricket, he's MINE LOL LOL I have been waiting over 40 years too!

    Bette :)

    Reply
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    Georgiaat 6-04-2007

    Did you see his last concert? It was great! I went to Anaheim and Inglewood. What a treat - 2 times! I was a true Beatlemaniac in the 60's and I still love them, especially Paul.

    Reply
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    mitchat 6-04-2007

    Paul is one those few musicians that strike a cord with everyone, I mean everybody can relate to "everpresent past" these days. I heard that and knew I had to have it.

    Reply
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    Romieat 6-04-2007

    I must say I have been a bit slow this time around. in other words I have not heard any of the tunes to date. I am So sorry Paul. I just moved to New Mexico and it has been very hectic. but when things calm down I shall make apoint of hanging on- to every word. as always I have no doubt. that the newest effort is just FAB! thank you Sir Paul.
    ~Romie~

    Reply
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    Celeneat 6-04-2007

    How many other musicians are still writing new material at his age? How many others can still carry it off and not seem ridiculous? Love you forever Paul!

    Reply
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    Dianaat 6-04-2007

    I friggin love you Paul!!! You are so amazing and one of a kind. Don't listen to everybody when they say your work will never be as good as The Beatles! You are a Beatle and their just jealous they can't top that themselves!! Anyway I love you and your new CD! Please do a tour soon I want to see you in Madison quare Garden so bad!! Peace and Love 3x to John and George!!

    Reply
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    Joat 6-04-2007

    I was 11 and playing 4-square in the street when i first saw picture of Paul.I knew that i was in love. I am 55 now and i still think that Sir Paul McCartney is the Greatest.
    Jo

    Reply
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    dennis Rat 6-04-2007

    Paul has been a great force in music over the years. However he has 21 solo efforts of which you can can probably find 30 out of 200 songs that are any good and would be worthy of a Beatle.

    John Lennon was by far the most talented in the group. Lyricaly and vocaly.

    Reply
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    dennis Rat 6-04-2007

    In your own words : what ever happened to the touch that use to mean so much.

    Time to say good-bye old friend. However the live shows are fantastic.

    Reply
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    Kellyat 6-04-2007

    I remember the night my parents let me stay up late to see The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. I knew then and there I had crossed into a whole 'nother world. My life was never the same. I started purchasing anything & everything Beatles but mostly Paul McCartney. The dynamic duo of Lennon & McCartney will never be duplicated. I am a lifelong fan and even though I have moved on to the Parrothead world of Jimmy Buffett my 1st musical love was, is and always will be Paul McCartney. Thank you Sir Paul for being the "other man" in my life. I have already prepared a CD to be played at my funeral. Guess whose songs are on there the most - LOL

    Reply
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    Garjayaat 6-04-2007

    Sir Paul is a great music man,and his new cd is good ,but his best song in my book has to be A Day In The Life.

    Reply
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