Paul McCartney: Flaming Pie CD Review

This is probably one of Paul McCartney's slicker CD's. If you like strong non-throw-away songs this is the one for you. For the historians out there, the album is in the same vein as "McCartney" (1969) and McCartney II (1980) and fans of these two will definitely be pleased with "Flaming Pie" as on some tracks Paul returns to playing all the instruments in the band. Moreover, there seems to be a hint of The Beatles 1968 The Beatles: the White Album in terms of sound production, thanks to Geoff Lynne and George Martin, and in the immense variety of the songs.

Understandably then, the album probably owes its variety to three key personnel line-ups:

1. McCartney mostly Solo (e.g. Calico Skies, etc.); 2. McCartney and in a band line-up (e.g. Flaming Pie, The World Tonight); 3. and guest spots make up the remainder with Ringo Starr and George Martin (Beautiful Night), Geoff Lynne (If You Wanna), and Paul's son James (Heaven On A Sunday), to name a few.

Anyone who loved the simplicity and directness of McCartney II, as I did, will really love "Really Love You". So the combination of good songs, intelligent production, contributions from former Beatles, a fair vocal effort - perhaps not in the same league as a younger Paul - and some well-produced vocals from Linda this wins my vote any day for one of the best Paul McCartney CD's on the market.

Dale Harris, copyright 2009. All rights are reserved.