CD Roundup — Paul McCartney and Silver Swans

“Kisses on the Bottom”

Artist: Paul McCartney

Label: Hear Music

Paul McCartney’s latest release is the musical equivalent of a friendly wink from an elderly neighbor: a well-meaning but anachronistic show of affection. “Kisses on the Bottom” is a collection of jazzy standards with two originals thrown in.

McCartney hands us this bouquet with the knowing smile of a man who probably has more experience with love than any non-former Beatle ever will. And it shows — he croons with care, gently and calmly.

The highlight of this album is McCartney’s cover of “It’s Only a Paper Moon.” In his hands, the Gershwin favorite is equal parts earnest and whimsical. Throughout the entirety of his 15th solo studio album, McCartney’s voice is a cup of English tea — simple and warm, with no need for fancy flourish.

Eric Clapton is the tea-time biscuit, joining McCartney for some succinct strumming on “Get Yourself Another Fool” and one of the two original creations, “My Valentine.” Stevie Wonder and Diana Krall make appearances as well.

The problem with “Kisses” is that it feels effortless to the point of self-indulgent. It’s the ultimate cake job — McCartney sings his favorite songs, the ones he grew up listening to. He must know how good he sounds singing these tunes, and he must know there’s a market for it. There’s no way McCartney could have lost out on this one, because he didn’t take any risks.

In spite of the flagrant show of stagnant musicality, McCartney shows us how young-at-heart he is, over and over again. His optimism shines through each cover. On “The Glory of Love,” he sings, “We’ve got the world / and all its charms / But when the world is through with us / we’ve got each other’s arms.”

2 out of 4 stars

“Forever”

Artist: Silver Swans

Label: Twentyseven Records

If you’re looking for a good Lana Del Rey cover, skip the YouTube amateurs and look up Silver Swans’ rendition of “Video Games.” Vocalist Ann Yu expels her velvet voice over deejay and producer Jon Waters’ sensual drum machining, putting an electro spin on Del Rey’s hit.

The duo, whose name is inspired by the bad guys in the Wonder Woman comics, didn’t include the “Video Games” cover on their newest album. But “Forever” is stacked with songs in its same emotional vein: disaffected yet infatuated, morose yet carefree.

Listening to the thudding rhythms and twinkling synth on this album is like listening to the beeping of an alarm clock you’re allowed to ignore. You can go back to your dream land, you can be sad about wanting somebody, and you don’t have to be Wonder Woman.

In spite of its poetic feel, there’s something missing from “Forever.” Sonically, it lacks a smooth flow. Between the reverb and the haze, there’s no thread tying the songs together. It’s nothing to worry about if you add the tracks to your music library and hit shuffle. But if you’re into appreciating albums as objects, these misty jams may feel a little disjointed for you.

3 out of 4 stars