In appreciation of...No. 7 - Back Seat of My Car

Can be found on: Ram

This was a single and amazingly a flop, the first of his career. It just scrapped the UK Top 40. Amazing really as it is one of the best pieces he has ever released.

Well known by most big McCartney fans but certainly not by the general public or even some McCartney fans. This song started life during the last Beatle sessions and found its way onto the RAM album.

The harmonies, vocals, arrangements and different sections of this song are outstanding. The song just builds and builds and then rocks out. I can't think of anyone else would could write, sing and arrange a song like this. A vision in his head perfectly realised.

Should have been massive and should be appreciated by the masses. Share with all you know.

RAM Album Review

Release date: May 1971

Artwork: All created by Paul with pics by Linda. Fits perfectly with the fun and clever nature of the album. Lots of little bits to look at too. Another one of his best covers.

General Comments: Wrongly slated at the time. This is just as much a work of genius as John's Plastic Ono Band album was, if not more so. The vocals on this album are possibly the best put to vinyl by anyone, anywhere, ever! The album just has a wonderful feel to it. After you have listened to it you feel blessed, chilled, exhausted but a better and happier person.

Track by Track:

1. Too Many People

A great opener, great riff, great verses, great chorus, great outro. Angry lyrics. Lennon should be proud that he inspired Paul to write some of this track. This is one of the tracks I always point anti Paul listeners to. It normally works. 10/10

2. 3 Legs

A pretty fine track. I love Paul's voice changes on this and it just gets better and better and heavier. After a few listens Linda's vocals really do add to the track. Another song John took exception too. Hugely enjoyable. 7/10

3. Ram On

Pure, simple, fun and addictive. Ram on indeed! 7/10

4. Dear Boy

This track is amazing. I do not think that there are many people who could produce a track like this. It is creative, clever but simple. Vocals, again are perfection. This is a track that just says genius. If you have not heard this track, find it and play it loud with headphones on. You will be lost in it. 10/10

5. Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey

I hate to call this a Paul novelty record but it is a fun song. However, it is charming, clever and keeps you interested. It is actually quite emotional, but not corny. The second half is a great sing-a-long. Paul, again shows his vocal talents and I must say I do rather like the results. 9/10

6. Smile Away

Another fun track, with funny lyrics. Very catchy if a little dated, however it works as part of the album. Not a fav of mine played in its own right though. 6/10

7. Heart of the Country

Effortless song about domestic bliss up in Scotland. Very melodic. A joy and does not outstay its welcome.  8/10

8. Monkberry Moon Delight

WTF was Paul on when he wrote this?!! Wacky, wonderful lyrics that make sense even though they make no sense! I want to meet Billy Budapest too! If ever anyone was in any doubt about his vocal talents then play this loud. He sings the arse off it. One of the highlights! Inventive, clever and fun - like most of the album. 9/10

9. Eat at Home

Effortless guitar riff. Brings a smile to the face. A little dated I guess, but like Smile Away works perfectly within context of the album. Love the middle 8. Very well crafted. 7/10

10. Long Haired Lady

Linda's most prominent vocal on the album and it makes the track. Does take a few listens though, but then it gets you. 7/10

11. Ram On (reprise)

A welcome return for this little ditty. 7/10

12. The Back Seat of My Car

Why this was not a massive hit I will never know. Possibly the best track on the album. Harmonies to die for, changes in structure to keep you interested and rocks towards the end. Lyrics that you want to follow too. Builds and builds. Wow! 10/10

Overall score: 97/120

Overall score indexed: 81%

Advice: MUST BUY AND NO EXCUSES!

There are two Paul McCartney's!

'There are two Paul McCartney's' is a quote from Paul himself, although he was referring to the private self and then the pop/rock star. However in my mind I would say that it was more apt for the pop/rock star - where there are two Paul McCartney's!

Firstly the creative, talented, writer of wonderful music who is funny, challenging and subtle in everything he does. A man that makes all the right creative choices, with actions and decisions that are beyond reproach. A man who is private and dignified.

The other is the polar opposite, the one that wants popular and constant adoration - when if he really looked at it carefully he would realise he already has it and would have it more just doing what he does best. This Paul compromises his own integrity, sells out and tarnishes his past. Long term it is why in many eyes he is not as credible as John. This is not being a snob and I do not just mean doing things like the Frog Chorus - which actually has it place.