Paul McCartney - The Pound is Sinking

Paul McCartney only recorded with the Beatles for eight years, but it inevitably overshadows his 50 year solo career. A pity, because he didn't simply lose his magic in 1970, and there are so many great tracks to discover. His 1980s output is particularly neglected (even by McCartney himself as he rarely includes them in concert), surprisingly, as there were regular hit singles and albums in this era. Maybe the shadow of Broad Street looms too large.

A common accusation is that his solo albums are indulgent or lack focus without a strong producer, is evidently wrong, as "Band on the Run" was not too shabby. However bringing back the more demanding George Martin for the "Tug of War" album was always a welcome  move.

The first solo album to be released after my Beatles mania started in 1982, so it has a retains a fond memory for me.  He had dispensed with Wings, and invited guests like Stevie Wonder, Chet Atkins and even Ringo Starr, plus recording on the Caribbean island of Montserrat must have been fun too.

There are some excellent tracks, even a number 1 single, but probably my personal favourite is  the quirky and underrated "The Pound is Sinking". Effectively melds three earlier songs fragments to form something fresh and unusual, a trick from the Beatles (Abbey Road medley) and Wings ("Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey").

The first part riffs on the absurdity of the financial market reporting ("The lira's reeling / And feeling quite appalling") years before Chris Morris and "The Day Today".  A quick jump leads to an unrelated part about a disappointing progeny ("you don't seem to have inherited many of his mannerisms").

A  return to the first theme is more positive, currencies are improving, reflected by the more urgent music. Then on to the final part, as he pleads that something didn't occur as the only met briefly (maybe a pregnancy?). A brief reprise of the title completes a classic McCartney mysterious tale of  whimsy.   

Paul relishes the vocals from the mock upper class of the second section to the rock 'n roll holler at  2 minutes 10 - a true delight. He also contributed most of the instrumentation, a superb lead guitar part, and I love the coin sound effect.

"The Pound is Sinking" is a hidden McCartney gem (one of many), a reminder of his seemingly effortless song construction and great vocals.  We are lucky to have him, and should never take him for granted.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnxk0UkVQa4

Hear Next -  "Tug of War" and its companion "Pipes of Peaces" are the best examples of the 1980s McCartney.


** The book of "Song from a Quarantine" is now available  on all Amazon sites in paperback and ebook formats - https://tinyurl.com/y43mbr2b