Electric Arguments is the third album created by Paul McCartney under the name The Fireman. But this is the first one to feature vocals and thus will probably be the most widely listened to. But McCartney continues the anything goes spirit of the previous two and delivers one of the best albums of his post-Beatles career and one of the best albums of 2008.
"Nothing Too Much Out Of Sight"
Beginning with straight-up blues harmonica, this song proves from the get-go that McCartney, often known for his more pop fare, has some teeth. The song launches into raw blues-rock in the style of The White Stripes and The Black Keys. McCartney's vocals here are gruff and unpolished, which fits the song perfectly.
"Two Magpies"
With sparse, acoustic instrumentation and a strained falsetto, this song is reminiscent of recent Robert Plant. But "Two Magpies" could also feel at home in a jazz club with it's brushed drums. The song is very short but that doesn't hinder it.
"Sing The Changes"
This is where the psychedelia first arrives. Atmospheric slide guitar, somewhat reminiscent of "Across The Universe," provided the intro. But much of the song sounds a lot like U2. This is probably because McCartney's vocals have an earnest, emotional style and are echoed. This song has it's head in the clouds. It conjurs up images of flying through the night sky of the mind.
"Light From Your Lighthouse"
This is halfway a cover of a traditional gospel tune. The back porch acoustic blues feel here channels the version made famous by Blind Willie Johnson. The vocals are recorded in nearly a whisper and in harmony which adds to the informal jam sound. A short guitar solo is present as well.
"Sun is Shining"
There's a swirling drone in the background that provided an interesting bed for driving drums and intermittent electric guitar. All of this gives a feel of vastness and of the world music influences of Paul Simon. McCartney's vocals are clear and strong.
"Is This Love?"
This song continues the world music influences but is much more experimental. Wooden flute is a prominent instrument. McCartney's vocals swirl, warp and echo in the middle of the mix like a psychedelic choir soloist.
"Universal Here, Everlasting Now"
This song is nearly an instrumental. The vocals are quiet and nearly unintelligable. The song is driven by an insistent drum beat that has a Smashing Pumpkins feel. The rest of the instrumentation swirls around as it speeds forward. But the intro and the outro are plaintive, minor key piano lines.
The Bottom Line
It's clear that Paul McCartney made this music with little regard for record sales, hit singles or crisp production value. And because of that, Electric Arguments is a fantastic album. It proves just how creative the former Beatle is. While a couple songs are a little over-indulgent, McCartney has expertly stepped outside himself, varied his standard vocal and guitar styles and came out the other side a winner.
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