Paul McCartney: Press to Play Revival
Press To Play
Following the recently published book by Luca Perasi on Paul’s much maligned 1986 album, “Press to Play”, there has been some discussions among fans and the album has popped up in podcasts etc. Now, Andrew from Parlogram Auctions has published a new vlog on the subject. Read our blog post about the album which we published this summer, and see Andrew’s vlog “Paul McCartney’s most misunderstood album” here. Paul doesn’t seem to be very fond of the album very much either, but then again, sadly he listens too much to his critics. But perhaps news of it being discussed may prompt him to give it the Archives treatment? Still, before that, getting the final Wings albums that treatment is long overdue.
I still think the eclectic atmosphere of the album is one of its selling points. It’s not the peak of Paul’s powers but neither is it the nadir. It could, essentially be Macca’, ‘Self Portrait’ (Dylan’s album, obvs.)
I was 17 when press to play came out. It was the Paul album I wasn’t embarrassed to play to my friends.
Andrew from Parlogram used to be a good streamer, but after receiving gifts from the record label and not doing a proper box set review of Power to the People by Lennon, he doesn’t seem to be a respectable voice on the “Beatles World”, in my opinion. He is just a collector who wants to have every Beatles related disc at the lowest possible price.
Andrew from Parlogram is fine – its a good site for a bit of recording detail and background info – but he never draws blood on any topic – accept that and he’s fine (although you have a point re Power to the People – but I suspect a revisit post will almost inevitably occur). As a bonus, his soft approach carries over to most of the comments – lots of debate, very little abuse. These daya that’s not to be dismissed lightly.
I used to like his videos, that’s why I know him. But I can’t understand a fan accepting the censorship of an album by his idol. That’s nonsense. What if they decide to omit Run For Your Life from a Rubber Soul Box set? Are we going to accept it cos there’s a lot of outtakes? or if the label send me a free copy I will say it’s great box set anyway? I don’t think so
I remember when this one came out – it seemed (then) a lot more interesting and varied than the (pleasant enough) wallpaper of Pipes of Peace. And (now) – it still does. It certainly sounds like it came out in 1986 – but then Venus and Mars couldn’t possibly be more 1975 – and I don’t hear many complaints about that (ponder a 1986 Sgt Pepper – yikes!). And it’s probably got as many good songs as that one – and significantly more than (for example) 1976’s Wings at the Speed of Contractual Obligation.
It was certainly a casualty of the overly slick 80’s tech but it seems like (as is the case with so many of his albums) time brings a reassessment and it’s true value emerges
It’s worth owning for the vastly underrated ‘Footprints’!
Footprints was a good track. I also like Stranglehold. Good bouncy rock and roll tune that was melodic. IMO, Write Away should have been included on the album as opposed to something like Move Over Busker or Angry.
While distinct, it’s another cool effort and rewards repeated listening. I think the cover seemed off at the time but I believe now that it was a tribute to the Double Fantasy cover.