OPINION: Macca’s first new album in six years and it’s a belter
Duncan Barkes shares his thoughts
Global musical legend Sir Paul McCartney releases his new album on Friday - and it is simply glorious. Entitled: ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane’, it takes you on a nostalgic and reflective musical trip that proves that Macca is still a major creative force.
The title of the album is a reference to a street in the neighbourhood where he and George Harrison grew up in Liverpool. Sadly, George is no longer with his, but Ringo Starr, the only other surviving Beatle is, and he joins Paul on one of the album’s tracks that looks back on the good old days of life as a teenager in Liverpool.
Sir Paul plays most of the instruments on the album’s tracks himself and for me the standout song is ‘Days We Left Behind’ which has distinct vibes of The Beatles’ song ‘Yesterday.’ The new album is available on vinyl, CD, cassette and as a download and is a must-have for any music fan’s collection.
From one Paul to another - and Paul Young will be at the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth on Monday 1 June with his ‘Songs And Stories – An Intimate Evening With Paul Young’ show. Expect candid chat about his career, along with performances of his hits that dominated the music charts in the 1980s and 1990s.
My musical gem: The Petworth Festival starts on 16 July and includes famous names from the world of theatre, comedy, literature and music. One event that will be a must-see for music fans is an evening with 10cc’s Graham Gouldman who will not only be performing the songs he co-wrote for the band – including the masterpiece ‘I’m Not In Love’ – but also the chart-toppers he wrote for The Hollies, Yardbirds and others. The gig is at Midhurst Rother College - more details are available at petworthfestival.org.uk
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