Usually when we use the phrase "music as memory" here, it's a reference to the way certain songs transport us immediately back to a place and time. We originally coined it in a post that celebrated three amazing records all released on September 24, 2011. (For what it's worth, that's one of the best posts ever committed to electrons on this here blog, and I don't (just) say that because I'm one of the authors.)
Today, though, a new take on music's memorial properties. Last week, Sir Paul McCartney dropped a new single. Entitled, "Days We Left Behind", it's a gauzy look back at the beginning of his musical career.
There's no question that McCartney is one of the giants of the game, and the fact that he's still putting out new music more than 60 years after The Beatles exploded onto the scene is damn well remarkable. The dude is 83! So I'm not one to criticize. Though I do wonder: is this a sweet and melancholy walk down musical memory lane? Or do you find it all a bit maudlin?
I'll hang up and listen.
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Haven't had a chance to listen yet, but Sir Paul has been making maudlin tracks for many moons now, including some of his Beatles songs.
ReplyDeleteI jumped into the comments to say precisely what Rootsy said. Macca has been the maudlin one since the start. From "Yesterday" to "Silly Love Songs," so many of his songs are often a combo of sad, sappy, and sweet.
ReplyDeleteThat said, Paul McCartney is just wow. 83 and still doing it when he's had no obligation to do so -- beyond passion for it -- for over 50 years. And his body of work is just unreal.
did not have "drop 5 large on a new water heater" on my schedule today, but here we are nonetheless. adulting is dumb.
ReplyDeletea great coping mechanism Rob, imagining how it could be worse...it's helpful! for example, we moved into a new house last summer....discovered we had some water damage. fairly benign at the time but required some fixes, costs, and inconvenience. that turned into the discovery of some larger issues, including some mold. at that time, my "could be worse" scenario included lots of mold, requirement to replace ac ducts, further water damage, roof repairs, more $'s. well, every new scenario presented a new "could be worse" scenario which inevitably came to fruition. at this moment, we've got about 15 people at our house - replacing a roof; replacing ac units; spray foaming; fixing other shit in the house....it's been a lot of fun. all happening in unison with a thing or two at work which are equally fun; taxes!; kid going to college next year (auburn) which is great but had you asked me two years ago if we'd be paying for his school, i'd have told you no. all first world problems. could be worse, right? everyone healthy, we don't live in iran or palestine, so there's that.
ReplyDeletethere is that
ReplyDeleteSorry, boys, that's rough. Hope insurance or home warranty cover some of it.
ReplyDelete12 non-maudlin Paul McCartney songs (Beatles & Wings/solo):
ReplyDeleteHelter Skelter
Back in the USSR
I’m Looking Through You
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
Lady Madonna
Paperback Writer
Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five
Let Me Roll It
Live and Let Die
Junior's Farm
Band on the Run
Jet
Since we’re talking home problems. New AC and duct work last year.
ReplyDeleteComplete repiping of the house this year. Which, of course, led to a need for new flooring, for the third time, and still in progress. Did I mention I work from home? Not great, Bob.
Hey Dan, forgive my ignorance but when you were in process of moving, how come home inspectors didn't see or flag moisture and water damage that became your current indigestion and costly shitfloppery?
ReplyDelete