Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

It is a peculiar sense of events in which the world of Paul McCartney, one of the absolute legends of popular music, can be seen as a divisive figure, the music being torn one way, lovingly respected the other; both sides claiming victory, both sides swaying the argument that Time has either been kind, or has started to wane down the years, like a clock that was always on show on a mantlepiece, always keeping the owners alert to the day’s events.

Empires fall, democracies hopefully flourish, or at least make strides in the way that they seek out new ways to be relevant to the population, to those that always support them. If empires crumble then we can all expect the falseness of Time to play the part in our own eventually downfall, for some though Time suggests otherwise, some may have motives that are questionable in wishing the worst of opinions on anyone, that they plan to derail the steam train that has chugged along for years.

Time though is crucial in deciding just how history unfolds in anyone’s favour and whilst Paul McCartney’s latest album, Egypt Station, is not his best work as a solo artist, or even in a group dynamic, it still has heavy influence, it still passionately displays just what made the man in the first place, what brought him to the attention of John Lennon, what made even his debut solo album such a ride.

Time moves on, to understand that some will seek to inflame the fires of age, of demeanour, and of relevance, is too know that you are still a threat to their upward stride, or at least to the fact that they have designs against the way you still command an audience, that you have the bearing of longevity and honour.

All to easily in like the knives will come out of the hidden draw and become sharpened, ready to be utilised in a savage attack on cultural impact, it is the sound of knives that are being sheathed as songs such as Come To Me, People Want Peace, Dominoes, Despite Repeated Warnings and Hunt You Down flow with normality, of undisguised anger, hope and realisation that life still is able to throw a curve ball your way in which you can do nothing but create art of the impact it has created on your skin and soul.

Paul McCartney has tuned in to a new location on the dial, it might not be the Paul McCartney you want, remember, or believe you need, but it is nonetheless the one who will still cause your pulse to quicken as you realise Time is respectful to those who have served their time with pleasure.

Ian D. Hall