Kisses on the Bottom Hear Music****

The title comes from a lyric on the first track, I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, and refers to what you might put at the end of a letter and not anything else you may be thinking. Described as a "kiss to Hollywood", this endearing collection is mainly covers of tunes that McCarntney and John Lennon enjoyed while growing up. McCartney relaxes his vocal to really caress these beautiful old love songs. He doesn't attempt any crass sonic updating, and he captures the 1940s feel poignantly on I t's Only a Paper Moonand More I Cannot Wish You. There are two originals ( My Valentineand Only Our Hearts), which display McCartney's effortless talent for melody and arrangement. There were fears this labour of love would be a cloying affair, but it is, mostly, a stunning and affecting piece of work. paulmccartney.com

Download tracks: I'm Gonna Sit Right Down, More I Cannot Wish You, My Valentine, Always