Burning The Ground Exclusive
In July 1986, Paul McCartney returned to the pop charts with “Press”, the lead single from his sixth solo studio album, Press to Play. Released on July 14, 1986, the song marked a distinct step into mid-80s production for McCartney, pairing his classic songwriting style with glossy, synth-driven textures and a bright pop sheen.
Produced by Hugh Padgham, who was well-known for his work with Genesis, The Police, and Phil Collins, “Press” blended jangly guitars, drum programming, and layered keyboards to create a contemporary sound. The song’s lyrics are a lighthearted metaphor, comparing love and communication to the simple act of pressing a button.
Chart Performance
“Press” had a modest chart run compared to McCartney’s earlier hits. In the U.S., it reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to #10 on the Adult Contemporary chart, while in the U.K., it stalled at #25 on the Singles Chart. Though not one of his biggest successes, it remains a curious and charming entry in his catalog, capturing McCartney’s willingness to experiment with the evolving sounds of the 1980s.
Music Video
The “Press” music video by Paul McCartney was filmed entirely on the London Underground. Specifically, McCartney takes the tube from South Kensington to Piccadilly Circus. The video, directed by Philip Davey, features McCartney singing the song while traveling on the Jubilee line.
✨ While “Press” may not hold the same iconic status as McCartney’s earlier solo hits, it stands as an underrated gem from his 80s output—playful, catchy, and very much of its era. For fans of 12-inch singles and synth-infused pop, it’s a fun one to revisit.
SIDE A:
Press (Video Soundtrack) 4:44
It’s Not True 5:47
SIDE B:
Hanglide 5:16
Press (Dub Mix) 6:29
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Press | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #21 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – V-15235, MPL (2) – V-15235
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: US
Released: Jul 16, 1986
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Lacquer Cut By – Wally*
- Mixed By – Bert Bevans (tracks: A1, B2), Julian Mendelsohn (tracks: A2), Matt* (tracks: B1), Mac* (tracks: B1), Steve Forward (tracks: A1, B2)
- Producer – Hugh Padgham
- Producer, Written-By – Paul McCartney
NOTES:
Tracks A1 and B2 are different mixes from the album version.
Track A2 was issued as a CD bonus track.
Track B1 was issued as a non-album track.
Buy the 12″ from DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
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Great fun track off an underrated album but Pretty Little Head is the scene stealer, genius piece of pop. Certainly a candidate for a post, with the excellent extended and dub versions?
That note on Discogs about the first track not being the album version was only half right. I fixed it just now. It is the video version, which became the US album version. In the UK, it was only on certain pressings of the 12″ and album.
Thank you Paul for this Paul post. I just love this song and the whole album
if you have the “press to play” album now in your mind maybe you can find the “mole mix” of “no more lonely nights” too. and please try to find “heavens children” by culture club. the 12” and 7” test pressings and the 10″ acetate of “come clean” are very very rare and would be shining diamonds in your creative vinyl-reconstruction-work.
Woo hoo!! I love this, such a fun pop single! Even artists of Paul McCartney’s stature now and then want to just release a single of pure pop confection without carrying the gravitas of a “serious” song. This was certainly one of them. I love how on this album he worked with Hugh Padgham and Eric Stewart. I respect him wanting to experiment out of the status quo, or what was expected from him. This single really gives us our money’s worth, with two mixes of Press and two exclusive B-sides. I’m excited to add this to my ‘Paulography’ (both… Read more »
Retro Hound, I love the way you put that—sometimes it’s just about having fun and putting out a slice of pure pop, and “Press” definitely fits that bill. McCartney didn’t always have to be “serious” to make something memorable, and this single is a great reminder of that. I also really appreciate that you pointed out the Padgham/Stewart connection—it’s such a cool part of what makes Press to Play unique in his catalog. And you’re right, the single truly delivers with the multiple mixes and those exclusive B-sides. A real treat for collectors and fans alike. I’m so glad you’re… Read more »
Love seeing a Paul McCartney post pop up! Thanks a ton Paul!~
You’re welcome, Grant 🙂
I think Paul was experimental in a positive sense on this album. Following the success of the perfect pop rock single “Spies Like Us,” I also love this song, which he chose as his first single. It is true that it did not achieve much success in terms of chart rankings. However, he chose the more experimental “Pretty Little Head” as his second single and “Stranglehold,” which followed the classic rock style, as his third single. “Only Love Remains” is a song that has been greatly underrated in the charts. I think it should have been released as the first… Read more »
Great comments!
I really like the way you put that—McCartney was definitely being experimental in a positive way here. After the success of “Spies Like Us,” it’s interesting that he led with “Press” as the first single, even though it wasn’t the safest choice chart-wise. You’re absolutely right about the follow-ups too—“Pretty Little Head” pushed the envelope even further, while “Stranglehold” nodded back to his more traditional rock roots. And I agree with you on “Only Love Remains.” It’s such a beautiful ballad and deserved far more recognition. Like you said, though, McCartney has never played it safe or followed the ordinary… Read more »
Thank you very much Paul.
You’re welcome, Jason 🙂
I remember this charting in the UK and i was surprised it didn’t do better in his native country.
Would it be possible of a remastered rip of Spies Like Us 12” in future? I remember you posting it some years ago, but it was before i stumbled across your site.
Thanks for all you do, Paul 🙂
Hey Paul! So great having you back because we missed you! I hope you had a very nice time off! Today’s post was an unexpected surprise. It was new to my ears, but I really got into it! Mr. Paul McCartney is a world treasure. He’s my favorite Beatle, too, and I love that he had hits from all through the past decades. And Paul, thanks for giving us the 80’s tunes that aren’t on every 80’s radio station and/or CD compilations. Because of you and your “Paul-ography” it’s these musical treasures I listen to most. I load up a… Read more »
Jeff, your comment absolutely made my day! I’m so glad you enjoyed today’s post and that “Press” was a fresh listen for you. McCartney really is a world treasure, and it’s always fun to shine a little light on those 80’s gems that don’t get played on the usual compilations or retro stations. It means so much to hear how much you connect with the music I share. Knowing you’re loading up a flash drive and carrying these tracks with you—that’s exactly why I do this. Your enthusiasm keeps the heartbeat of this project alive. And yes! You caught that… Read more »
‘Paulography’ 🤣
Perfect!
😃
Greetings to all.
I honestly didn’t know this Paul McCartney song and on 12″ inches less, it seems that one only cares about each artist’s hits and not their discography.What a shame.
“Press to Play” is not Paul McCartney’s best album, but we are talking about the man who, in my humble opinion, is the most relevant and influential musician of the 20th century. With this album, McCartney had the courage to embrace new sounds, try new formulas, and, ultimately, take risks, which resulted in moderate chart success and less-than-favorable reviews. Any popular singer would have given anything to have been able to write, play, and sing all these great songs, which, in McCartney’s case, are considered “minor works.” While it’s said that many artists of the 60s and 70s succumbed to… Read more »
Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful perspective. I completely agree—Press to Play may not be held up as McCartney’s finest work, but it really shows his willingness to step outside of the expected and experiment with the sounds of the era. Even when the reception wasn’t glowing, he was still pushing forward, trying new things, and refusing to rest on past glories. You’re absolutely right that what some consider “minor works” would be the crown jewels of another artist’s career. McCartney’s ability to continually reinvent himself while staying true to his musical instincts is what has kept… Read more »