Albums by this artist

Run Devil Run (1999)

Paul McCartney

Run Devil Run

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» TROY CARPENTER | CO-DIRECTOR

Paul McCartney Run Devil Run Capitol, 1999 RiYL: Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, 'Backbeat' soundtrack, early Beatles

In which the "cute" Beatle gets back to his roots at Abbey Road studios, playing old rock tunes by some of the greats, and a few originals in line with the old-school mood.

Being bereft of Linda, his wife of almost 30 years, Paul McCartney seems to be finding great solace in his first love -- rock and roll. Run Devil Run is a fun trip back to rock's early years, when a melody, a simple bluesy progression, and some raw energy equaled musical bliss.

Paul gathered a tight little band in March 1999, including Pink Floyd maestro David Gilmour, and convened in London for some rockin'. Songs by Elvis, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry and Larry Williams, as well as a Fats Domino b-side, and classic tunes first made popular by the likes of Gene Vincent and Ricky Nelson, found their way onto the setlist.

Run Devil Run doesn't try to be something it's not. It's a celebration of rock's glory days and the invigorating feeling of the backbeat that makes your feet tap on the floor. There's not much in the way of originality or innovation on the record, but it's nice to see Paul shed any trace of pretentiousness and just rock out. And it will definitely get you moving.

TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.