It's a stretch to call this album conceptual, but it functions in a similar fashion to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The vibe you get listening to this is clean, sparse, and smooth. Somehow the sound itself is persistent enough to vouch for its theme stronger than the lyrics would. More than ever before these tracks present electric pianos, acoustic guitars, and playful songwriting. The only song you’ll know off this is “With A Little Luck”, which offers a taste of Macca’s refreshing optimism (though you may recognize "Girlfriend" as well from Michael Jackson's cover). “I’ve Had Enough” is the only belter to be found, and even that track is pretty chill, pretty groovy. I have to plug the instrumental jam that is "Cuff Link". Oh, and in case you forgot, Denny Laine is still here. I can't help but wonder what the vibe was like with him third wheeling it through these sessions. "Deliver Your Children" is a strong composition from him but as always, McCartney outshines him vocally and instrumentally. Linda's presence in the music is similar to her placement on the cover: observing the two dudes do their thing, with one of them standing taller than the other. And you can’t go wrong with that crisp bass, the ethereal synths, or the sublime sound of electric piano floating along like the boat where London Town was recorded. Acoustic guitars serve as the body of water, and the vocals sort of decide the weather for us. The harmonies on “Don’t Let It Bring You Down” feel like rain coming down on you, but in the best way possible. Then the closer comes down on you hard enough that you have to take shelter. The folk-influenced melody, familiar harmony, groovy bass and the abrasive organ sound put together create something you haven't heard before and haven't heard since. I love the weird stuff offered here because it’s a sign Macca is still experimenting without being conceptual, trying new things without making so much noise.
I’m not sure exactly why this album has fallen under the cracks over the years. Critics may have mistook McCartney’s laid-back effort for complacency. Or maybe they were getting impatient with his low-key releases, waiting for him to enter his phase of over-producing everything. If one day I can meet the man, I’ll have to ask him a few favors: One, release London Town next for your archive series, and release “Waterspout” as an extra track. And, while we’re at it, where is that book Denny Laine was writing" Until then, hit the play button, sit back and relax.
Tracklist for London Town:
1. London Town
2. Cafe On The Left Bank
3. I'm Carrying
4. Backwards Traveller
5. Cuff Link
6. Children Children
7. Girlfriend
8. I've Had Enough
9. With a Little Luck
10. Famous Groupies
11. Deliver Your Children
12. Name And Address
13. Don't Let It Bring You Down
14. Morse Moose And The Grey Goose
Stream Album
I’m not sure exactly why this album has fallen under the cracks over the years. Critics may have mistook McCartney’s laid-back effort for complacency. Or maybe they were getting impatient with his low-key releases, waiting for him to enter his phase of over-producing everything. If one day I can meet the man, I’ll have to ask him a few favors: One, release London Town next for your archive series, and release “Waterspout” as an extra track. And, while we’re at it, where is that book Denny Laine was writing" Until then, hit the play button, sit back and relax.
Tracklist for London Town:
1. London Town
2. Cafe On The Left Bank
3. I'm Carrying
4. Backwards Traveller
5. Cuff Link
6. Children Children
7. Girlfriend
8. I've Had Enough
9. With a Little Luck
10. Famous Groupies
11. Deliver Your Children
12. Name And Address
13. Don't Let It Bring You Down
14. Morse Moose And The Grey Goose
Stream Album