The writer Henry James once said (and I'm paraphrasing here) that one must approach an artist according to his metier. In other words, judge them by the artistic goals and intentions they set for themselves. Judging McCartney's _Run Devil Run_ in terms of his previous work (i.e., wanting another _Band on the Run_ or _Flaming Pie_), then, would be a false expectation. Yet some in this review list (the "One Star Trio": Kirk, Mark, and the mysterioso phruffner@sundyne.com) want to do just that. Apparently, they want Paul to do the same thing he had been doing. But Paul's intentions, if these "critics" had taken the time to read his liner notes, was not to reproduce well-worn ground, but to try to bring new life to '50s classics and obscure pieces. That was his intentions, and he came through with more than flying colors. Another comment for the One Star Trio: what the devil is wrong with 1950s music? Please keep in mind, had it not been for the likes of Paul's '50s heroes, there wouldn't be a Paul McCartney, there wouldn't be a Beatles...hell, I don't know what there'd be without those wonderful pioneers.

More than anything, what made Lennon so special to me was his ability to communicate his feelings through song and have you know that he meant what he sung- that it was real. Despite his very uneven solo career, I remained a loyal Lennon fan. Not so with McCartney, whose immense talent I felt was channelled into well crafted songs that make people feel good. Now there's nothing wrong with silly love songs and few have ever done them better, but its not my cup of tea. McCartney had not moved me since Let It Be-that was 30 years ago. There is a reason why this album has over 200 reviews posted. It is a masterpiece. It is so bold, so pure and in your face that some long time McCartney lovers are dismissing it with two stars as "Not Paul." What it is- is another part of Paul, a part that has been held in restraint until the tragic emotional upheavel that disrupted his life forced him to turn to his art again, not as a craft but as survival, an expression of his deepest feelings. It is a deeply moving experience to those who are listening. Paul's mask in Run Devil Run is that for the most part he hides behind the covers, but his grief is evident. He is using the covers he and John first cut their teeth with and he is using technically the best male voice in Rock (Paul's)but finally singing like the best male singer in Rock (as recently voted in a widely publicized international poll-none other than John Lennon). Now why would anyone ever vote John's thin voice the best in Rock? -Because he sang from his heart and soul, which is what McCartney does here. He takes no prisoners. John would be proud,(is he channelling him on Honey Hush?) and any true Lennon fan will be moved by Paul's honesty. McCartney's singing and his three superb originals are an inspiration not only to the healing power of Rock and Roll but to anyone who thinks they're too over the hill to play it. He is 56 and sounds as good or better than he ever has. It's been worth a 30 year wait. In my mind this is the truest art he has ever done. Long live Paul McCartney-and you better run devil run. Rock and roll still has the power to chase even the most evil of demons away. This album is medicine for the wounded soul. It is a timeless treasure. Bravo!

With over 200 reviews listed, this is a favorite of many folks. Paul opens hard with "Blue Jean Bop" putting the 50s rock right out there. He keeps up the pace with "She Said Yeah" and the Elvis classic "All Shook Up" with David Gilmour's buring lead guitar. The title tune sounds most like Wings with the backing vocals, "angels having fun." "No Other Baby" slows the pace; and I always expect to hear Chris Isaak! We remain in low gear for "Lonesome Town" "where the broken hearts stay." "Try Not to Cry" is one of my favorites, a great rocker with a full-band sound and Paul's breathing punctuating the vocals. Carl Perkins' "Movie Mag" seems a bit trite, but is a good bit of fun. The simple but catchy "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man" has a bit of the cajun thrown in. "What It Is" has a driving bass line underscoring just what a great bass player Paul is. "Coquette" is a nice homage to that era. The band blasts on the 50s "I Got Stung." Did Elvis sing that? "Honey Hush" keeps the throttle turned up; and Paul makes "Shake a Hand" shine. CD wraps with the call to arms of the era, let's have a "Party"! If part of you is still a kid who likes the beat of rock & roll, you'll flip over this CD!

Paul McCartney has really scored big with this one. Recorded in just a weeks time, and with each song only rehearsed (quote) "15, 20 minutes top whack". Paul and band mates have created what may be the greatest Rock n' Roll tribute album ever. This; after a year of mourning his late wife Linda. I was amazed at the intensity of Paul's vocals. At 57 years old (when this was made), his voice is as strong as it was in 1963. This guy has one of the worlds greatest rock n' roll voices ever; and he rips it up on every cut. The selection of songs are a real treat as well. With the few new originals Paul wrote for this record, he has covered some of the fifties best songs. Some; well know, like "All Shook Up" and "I Got Stung", and some more obscure yet vital songs such as, "No Other Baby", "Movie Maggie", and "Brown Eyed Handsome Man". Always the innovator; McCartney makes each song his own with his unmistakable style. He has some rather impressive help here as well. David Gilmour on guitar, Ian Paice on drums, Mick Green on guitar,(just to name a few); all give extraodinary performances. The originals here are in much the same vain as the oldies, and blend in as if they were actually written in the fifties. This is a great party record, and blows the "Russian Album" away.

Forget the comparison that Lennon did the very same type of LP back in the 1970's (his "Rock 'N "Roll" album). Here we have Paul doing what he doesn't do too often these days and that's flat out rock. McCartney takes a trip down memory lane and covers a bunch of 1950's rockers that inspired him when he was a younger lad. The production is a bit on the over polished side (it could have sounded a little more raw) but the songs are loud and fun nonetheless.