Memory Almost Full by Paul McCartney (CD, Jun-2007, Hear Music Starbucks)

Being a child of the 60's, I remember when the Beatles were at the top of their game, and top of the charts. Being a self admitted STARBUCKS' junkie, I stumbled into a preview of the 12 tracks, at the STARBUCKS website. So, while it may not be fair, not yet having listened to the entire group of full tracks; if STARBUCKS didn't put their best foot forward- why bother placing these sample tracks on their website?
I'll update this shortly, and expand on my thoughts, as STARBUCKS will be playing these tracks, in their Canadian, and US stores, for the entire day of June 6th.

Here goes McCartney's song list, followed by my humble opinions:
1) Dance Tonight- Please stop the whistling, and just dance!
2) Ever Present Past- Derivative but as close to the original Beetles' sound.
3) See Your Sunshine- A song that shouldn't have seen the light of day.
4) Only Mama Knows- If she smokes Camels, and drives a Harley!
5) You Tell Me- Another vintage Beetles' sound flashback.
6) Mr. Bellamy- McCartney just being McCartney.
7) Gratitude- Should have been the last song, being grateful it's over. Certainly the worst song of the lot.
8) Vintage Clothes- "Don't Ask, & I Won't Tell" would have been a better title. I'll keep my raspberry beret.
9) That was me- Our beloved iMac absolutely refused to play this. Maybe it knows something we don't ?
10) Feet in the Clouds- VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY VERY, you'll find out how.......VERY, VERY, VERY......
11) House of Wax- OK, I'll admit to liking this one.
12) The End Of the End......At least it's over. However, it certainly SOUNDS LIKE A SEQUEL'S COMING !!!!

All, in all, it is a listenable album. Nothing sparkles, but nothing falls so flat as to offend the ear. (maybe the whistling though...) After hearing these songs overplayed on the radio, maybe in a month or so, one or two, may still be around. However, nothing is memorable enough to become that instant classic many of McCartney's original creations became.

If you can afford to purchase a beverage at STARBUCKS; the cost of the music is a pittance. So, pity the poor fool, buy an album, and try to remember what is was like when the Beatles were at the top of the charts, and STARBUCK was still just a coffee loving character in a Herman Melville's Moby Dick.

Oh yeah! Don't forget to get your own LIMITED EDITION "Paul McCartney- Memory Almost Full" STARBUCKS Gift Card- The one with McCartney's image on it. Considering how useful these STARBUCKS Gift Cards really are, you may actually WANT to use it! (COLLECTORS MAY CRINGE HERE !!!) And besides, It kind of fills some of the void in your wallet, where your money used to be !!!

AN UPDATE: Today's Toronto STAR 2007/06/05 (Canada's most widely read newspaper) Pop Music Critic Ben Rayner, rated the ALBUM with THREE SOLID STARS (out of five). I think I was being generous with my FOUR STAR rating. Visiting MANY STARBUCKS locations today, and seeing so many absolutely untoutched, and full displays of the MEMORY ALMOST FULL CD's; sales here in Canada are obviously not 'brisk'. In discussions with many Baristas- who have been inundated all day listening to the album- it certainly appears to have appeal only to a much older crowd. How many SENIORS out there will be buying the CD, or downloading it to their iPods, remains to be seen.