The remixed and reworked version of legendary Beatle, Paul McCartney’s 2020 album ‘McCartney III’ dropped today. Paul has enlisted a stellar cast for this “imagined” version of the album, including Damon Albarn, Josh Homme, Beck, St Vincent and many more.
Sir. Paul released the third installment in his self titled trilogy, ‘McCartney III’ towards the end of 2020. Paul had a more productive lockdown (or ‘rockdown’ as Paul aptly put it) than most, writing and recording the whole record from his home studio; the album was met with plaudits from fans and journos alike. Whilst Macca’s voice isn’t quite what it once was, you absolutely can’t fault his creative drive, Paul just keeps releasing tracks and albums that are very, very good. Take a look at McCartney’s 60’s rivals The Stones, who have been writing albums in the same style for fifty years and you’re blown away by Macca’s ability to write tracks that sound contemporary and fresh.
‘McCartney III Imagined’ takes the solid foundation of the original and runs with it. The dad-joke title of this record is easily forgiven, as the tracks more than make up for poor wordplay. The eclectic mix of guests and styles is testament to McCartney’s nouse for keeping it fresh. St Vincent’s remix on ‘Women And Wives’ gives the track a real lounge lizard feel, Damon Albarn adds a cheeky Gorillaz-esque charm to ‘Long Tailed Winter Bird’ and Josh Homme does exactly what you’d expect on ‘Lavatory Lil’, giving it a sexy, sleazy, leather jacket groove. There are contributions from Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien and a real highlight from Anderson .Paak on ‘When Winter Comes’, he gives the Beach Boys style track an infectiously catchy r&b feel.
‘McCartney III Imagined’ is getting the full works when it comes to vinyl pressing, a number of beautiful pressings are available through a variety of exclusive retailers. Vinyl’s ability to impact the charts gives ‘III Imagined’ a real chance of making a dent in the album ranking, only a number of months since he bagged the top spot with the original tracks. ‘McCartney III Imagined’, then is a love letter to Paul’s legion of dedicated fans and a chance for McCartney to show of his roster of ultra talented mates (a WhatsApp group I’d love to be in).
