Paul McCartney gets his freak on

The Fireman is Paul McCartney getting his freak on. Do not be alarmed.

This collaboration with Youth allows McCartney to have fun in the studio without feeling the burden of being Sir Paul.

There's ambient noise, electronica, a dog barking behind tinkling piano and a rocker even more disorienting than "Helter Skelter." Weird and self-indulgent? You bet, especially the last quarter of "Electric Arguments," which will sorely test your patience.

But this is Paul McCartney, remember? He dreams three or four good melodies a night, and he's had a little experience using a music studio as his canvas. In spots, this music recalls the grandeur of Arcade Fire and -- if you hadn't seen Mac's name on the credits -- you might think some hot new alternative rock band had hit the scene.

CHECK THIS OUT: One of Paul's old mates, George Harrison, had great success with a song welcoming a new day ("Here Comes the Sun"). The shimmering "Sun is Shining" here is worthy competition.