MEMORY ALMOST FULL marks Paul's return to a Wings-ey sound that he hasn't really dabbled in for quite some time. And it works. Rockers like "Only Mama Knows" and "Nod Your Head" sounds like they're pulled straight from a 1973 Wings live show, and the 4-song medley toward the end of the disc conjures up the RED ROSE SPEEDWAY medley, as well as the pastiche flourishes on BAND ON THE RUN and RAM. For fans of Paul's 70s material, MAF is a delight. Included in this special edition is a 2-track bonus disc, plus track-by-track commentary, which is a must for all Beatle completists.
Yes, UNDER THE IRON SEA is a touch darker than Keane's radio-ready debut HOPES AND FEARS. Even still, SEA retains all the same monster hooks that make this a must-have for any fan of BritPop. In places, the "darkness" does feel somewhat forced, but the top-notch songwriting, expert arrangements and sheer emotion all shine through. This was easily one of the most anticipated sophomore efforts in recent years, and Keane definitely rose to the occassion.
For their second full-length effort, the Kaiser Chiefs take a decidedly Beatlesque turn, but do so very successfully. Throw in their signature early-80s-inspired keyboards, and you've got a solid singalong album amongst the best of Britain's latest pop-rock offerings.