McCartney (Deluxe Version) [Remastered]

iTunes Review

Released just as the Beatles were officially breaking up, McCartney is a lighthearted collection of songs recorded with the Beatle bassist playing all the instruments himself at home. Many songs are instrumentals (“Valentine Day,” “Hot As Sun/Glasses,” “Momma Miss America,” “Singalong Junk,’ “Kreen-Akrore”). “The Lovely Linda” is a little ditty McCartney used to test out the equipment. “Maybe I’m Amazed” is a masterwork and became a hit. However, tucked inside this loose framework are charming songs where simplicity is strength. “That Would Be Something,” “Every Night,” the exquisite “Junk” and “Oo You” are too good to be throwaways. McCartney had yet to completely find his footing, but leaving one of history’s greatest musical groups can do that to a person. The Deluxe Edition features the raw, unfinished outtake “Suicide,” a performance of “Maybe I’m Amazed” from a 1974 TV special, three tracks recorded live in Glasgow in 1979, an early version of “Oo You” called “Don’t Cry Baby” and a playful raw demo of “Women Kind.”