Flowers In The Dirt - Paul McCartney

It seems that whenever there's a national event that requires some musical gravitas we call upon Macca. Not that there is anything wrong with this - yes it's a little predictable but who else have we got?

It's a worrying thought. I hope that McCartney will be performing for many years to come but we need, nationally that is, to start thinking about a successor. And it's a very short list. Very, very short. In fact I can't think of a single suitable alternative;

Elton John - too flamboyant
Kate Bush - too reclusive
Peter Gabriel - too unpredictable
Noel Gallagher - too gobby
Bono - too Irish
Phil Collins - too Phil Collins
Eric Clapton - too boring

....you can see the problem.

'Flowers In The Dirt' was, when it was released, something of a return to form from Macca. He previous albums had been somewhat lacklustre, especially by his standards. So, with the help of Elvis....Costello that is, this 1989 pop 'come back' was created.

'My Brave Face' is the true standout track on offer but there are some others worthy of a listen. 'We Got Married' is a great pop rock song with yet another David Gilmour solo, 'That Day Is Done' is a nice bluesy kinda track and 'This One' is a rock-pop song with a melody that only McCartney could've written.

But there is a problem with this album, and one that has plagued him ever since he left The Beatles .... and that is that it's just too nice. The strongest songs are those which had an Elvis influence - knocking off the smoothness and adding some much needed edginess.

There's no doubting, however, the creativity of Macca. He's unique.

Which brings me nicely back to my opening premise. What on earth are we to do when he's no longer on call to round off our signature events? We're getting desperate... does anyone have Phil Collins phone number?....