One of his most underrated albums
5
By Chris McKenzie
Press To Play will forever be associated with the Eighties sound because of those drum machines and synths, but anyone dismissing it out of hand because of this is missing one of Paul’s best records. Stranglehold is a solid pop-rock ballad, followed by the wistful Good Times Coming/Feel The Sun. Talk More Talk is an experimental tour de force. Footprints is one of his most beautiful character studies; Only Love Remains is an equally lovely ballad. Press doesn’t quite work with its quirky arrangement, but is still a fun rumination about desire. (The single remix, not included here, is much better.) Pretty Little Head is dated in its viewpoint as well as its production, but it’s still a great African-influenced number pointing out some truths about where white people’s wealth originates. Move Over Busker is another fun “people” song. Angry is a rare look at Paul’s darker side, with Pete Townshend on guitar. However Absurd is another experimental number. The bonus songs are fine as well.
Give Press To Play a try. It’s not Paul’s best solo record, but it’s definitely my favorite.
