In our Re:View section, in which our writers look back albums from the past, nick dent-Robinson, reflects on Paul McCartney's 1997 album 'Flaming Pie', which has just been-released in an updated edition.
Paul McCartney is continuing to raid the archives with an expanded version of his 1997 solo album “Flaming Pie”. The original was shaped by Britpop and Sir Paul's role in curating The Beatles' 'Anthology' series. The album is therefore relatively straightforward with several noteworthy songs and some typically clever twists. It has been attractively repackaged in an array of formats from a double CD at £13 to a triple vinyl LP at £50. 'Flaming Pie' was the solo album that signalled the start of McCartney's late-career renaissance. The production of this latest version by Jeff Lynne is smooth and slick to a point which some may feel is almost over-bearing, just a little too much. However 'Calico Skies' is a very pretty acoustic number whilst 'Beautiful Night' featuring Ringo Starr on drums shows Paul McCartney at his melodic best – which is very good indeed!