I love hearing and learning virtually out-of-the-blue about special signed and numbered limited editions of books that are written by special authors like the prolific and talented, Luca Perasi. Special Beatle fan and chief editor of the fantastic Paul McCartney magazine entitled Maccazine, Edward Eikelenboom, worked out an arrangement and collaborated with Luca Perasi in order to issue a special 30 copy only signed and numbered edition of his latest book about the various recorded works of the legendary Paul McCartney. Being a collector sometimes means being at the right place at the right time. For example, when I learned of this special edition by email, I quickly requested to purchase the last signed and numbered copy for my collection. With special limited edition signed and numbered books you often need to act very quickly to ensure getting a copy. I always try to obtain the last numbered copy as it is far more difficult to acquire copy #1 of any limited edition book. I am not always successful in attempts to get the last numbered copy, but in this circumstance I was fortunate to be able to acquire copy #30. With a small limited edition amount of copies, you also need to be very lucky or happen to be around when the books become available from the source that you acquire the book from. Putting the signed and numbered aspects of the book aside, Luca Perasi is an author whose work I admire and his research skills are excellent and without parallel, it is the best of both worlds.
Paul McCartney: Press to Play. That Unmistakable 80s Sound (Milestones) Hardcover – June 4, 2025
by Luca Perasi (Author)
The book is also available in a softcover edition Published by L.I.L.Y.
Back cover of the book:
Links to find the book:
AMAZON US:
AMAZON UK:
AMAZON’s Description of the book:
“As divisive an album it might be within McCartney’s artistic journey, Press to Play touches the hearts of many fans — including a new, younger generation that was then shaping — and offers many points of interest for music historians and musicians. Released in the summer of 1986, the album was an interesting – although commercially unsuccessful – attempt to update McCartney’s vocabulary, with which he firmly planted both feet in the realm of the Eighties.
With its wide range of sonic influences, from synth-pop and video game music to simple rock ‘n’ roll; its imagery and surrealism; its themes of romance and sexual fervour; and its mix of mellow and harder tracks, Press to Play is an album split in two. There is a certain penchant for glossy perfection, but also a sound research and experimentation that never becomes obvious.
Enriched by coloured images, the volume Press to Play. That Unmistakable 80s Sound tells the story of one of McCartney’s most obscure records and misunderstood periods (1985–86). In its detailed analysis of the album’s sonic wonders, based on contemporary sources and in-depth interviews by the author with key figures such as Hugh Padgham, Jerry Marotta and Carlos Alomar, the book guides readers through the many fascinating aspects of the record (the new Hog Hill Mill Studio, the recording equipment and tricks, the instrumentation, the effects used, the coexistence between analogue and digital). The abundance of instrumentation – which combines modern sounds from the era (DX7 synthesisers, sequencers, emulator, LinnDrum) and vintage pieces such as Hammond organ, Moog, Fender Rhodes – makes it one of the most multilayered albums of Paul McCartney’s career.
The volume covers the supposed “production misunderstanding” with Eric Stewart, the songwriting partnership with the ex-10CC leader, the timeline of the sessions, the stories behind the songs (including B-sides, unreleased material and the single “Spies Like Us”), their harmonic and rhythmic inventions, and lyrical analysis. The many factors that undermined McCartney’s confidence at the time are also explored, including the unfortunate Live Aid performance and Michael Jackson’s acquisition of The Beatles’ song catalogue, leading to discovering what went wrong and why and there’s also a chapter devoted to the insecurity showed during the promotion of the album, offering a new psychological and human insight into Paul. Has Press to Play stood the test of time? An unprecedented and incredibly rich historical look at one of Paul McCartney’s most forgotten albums.“
Copy #30 of the signed Press to Play, Luca Perasi book
Luca presents a strong and convincing case in his book about the merits of this McCartney release. I must admit though, that I was never a big fan of Press to Play prior to reading his piece and Luca has successfully made me return to the release and appreciate it far more than I originally did when it became a part of our McCartney archives! Well done, Luca!
A Little Fun to end the post
Though McCartney may appear to have a clear Stranglehold on the gift of melody. He has the good instincts to know that Good Times Coming is a distinct possibility for humankind, but only if we just take the time to Feel the Sun and to simply Touch your Pretty Little Head when contemplating the situation. He knows the Footprints in the snow give him the early warning signs and permission to say Move Over Busker to his competition. That may make them Angry but it may Press them into creative action knowing that Only Love Remains when you play the right cards and improve your musical skills. However Absurd this may sound to you, if you Talk More Talk and say all the right things you will realize I was just having a little fun with discussing Luca’s new book and Paul’s song titles from the Press to Play LP.
Be healthy and be happy!
Buzz
I bought the book, but without a signature. I still have to read it. I’m very excited.
I may be in the minority here, but Press to Play is one of my favorite McCartney albums. I especially enjoy all of the alternate versions of the some of the songs and additional tracks on associated releases available. Very underrated album!