Paul McCartney, at 83, is looking back with his 18th solo LP, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, a collection that delves into formative flirtations, family singalongs, and even his own birth. The album, rich with sonic details like skylarks and train whistles, is an adventurous take on guitar music rather than a syrupy exercise in nostalgia.
Early Memories and Influences
Sitting in his office overlooking Soho Square, McCartney reminisces about the earliest sounds he can remember. He muses on the possibility of recalling his own birth, though he admits it is likely an imagined memory. He recalls the white tiles and chrome instruments, and the forceps delivery that brought him into the world.
He remembers sounds from infant school, running indoors with classmates, and at age 10, living on Western Avenue in Speke, where he heard a girl comment on his eyelashes. Family singalongs of songs like Carolina Moon and Red, Red Robin are vivid, as is a joke whose punchline was simply "Repartee."
The Power of Radio
Radio played a crucial role in McCartney's development. He recalls listening to classical pieces and the names in the end credits, such as "Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz." Radio also brought him rock'n'roll, including Ray Charles' What'd I Say? on David Jacobs' show. He first heard himself on the radio in 1963, driving past the Grafton in Liverpool when Love Me Do came on.
Collaboration and Loss
McCartney reflects on his partnership with John Lennon, whom he calls "one of the best writers of the century." Even after Lennon's death, McCartney feels he can gauge his reaction when writing about shared places. He also misses George Harrison, and the album includes songs like Down South that recall hitchhiking trips with Lennon and Harrison.
Producer Andrew Watt, who worked with McCartney on the album, encouraged specificity in lyrics. When McCartney hesitated to mention Forthlin Road, Watt assured him that everyone has a similar place. The album's opener, As You Lie There, began with a wonky chord McCartney discovered on a left-handed guitar Watt had prepared.
Modern Inspirations and Challenges
McCartney was inspired by Oasis's loud sound, telling Watt to turn the amps up to 12. The album also features guest appearances by Chrissie Hynde and Sharleen Spiteri. McCartney draws parallels between the hardships of his childhood and current global conflicts, expressing hope in humanity's resilience.
He admits to ignoring much of modern technology, rejecting cookies and disliking constant software updates. However, he enjoys emojis, particularly the thumbs up and cowboy face. The Boys of Dungeon Lane is out now via MPL/Capitol.
