WINGS AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

WINGS AT THE SPEED OF SOUND :  This one comes hot on the heels of "Venus And Mars" and before that the universally acclaimed "Band On The Run." How can any groups keep up the memento. For sure, Wings couldn't but this is not to say this is a bad album. It was not as immediate as the previous two albums. Takes time to grow on you. There are some fillers to be found here but there are also great songs and two top hits to boot. This was also the only Wings album that contains a solo from all the band members. The best tunes comes naturally from Paul as were the two singles. When I first played this album, only four songs were essential to me, namely' Let 'Em In', Wino Junko', 'Silly Love Songs' and 'Must Do Something About It'. I only played this four songs but of course through the passage of time, I've learned to appreciated them all. There are really no bad tracks here just less great materials. I don't know how it happened but I ended up with two copies of this album. I managed to sell one off to my cousin. This was the time of the disco invasion.

Let 'Em In ( McCartney ) : Here Paul goes personal as he called out the names of those he knows among those families and friends. A slow starter that grows on you. The second single from this album.

The Note You Never Wrote ( McCartney ) : A Paul composition with vocal by Denny Laine. Surprised that this was the second track on the album for this was one of the weaker track here. Rather boring saved only by the fine production and musicalship.

She's My Baby ( McCartney ) : Paul's sounds like he's not really trying. A bouncy track that don't really go anywhere. Not bad enough for me to press the skip button though.

Beware My Love ( McCartney ) : One of the highlights here and a fine rocker in the best McCartney tradition. A favourite with most critics and mine too after much listening.

Wino Junko ( McCulloch / Allen ) : The second and final contribution from Jimmy McCulloch in the Wings canon and one of my favorite here. While 'Medicine Jar' was more rock oriented, this was more pop sounding and my favorite of the two.

Silly Love Songs ( McCartney ) : The biggie here and one of the biggest hits of 1976. Here Paul takes a snipe at his critics who was always belittling him on being light weight and his silly love songs. The bass is enough to die for.

Cook Of The House ( McCartney ) : Seen more as a novelty track than for Linda's vocal powress. Mercifully it's quite short so before you think of reaching for the skip button, it's over. A nice gesture I think for your lady love. Hard to imagine Mick Jagger ever doing anything like that even remotely for his old lady.

Time To Hide ( Laine ) : Denny Laine's turn to shine. Here he flared better than on the earlier McCartney's composition. A rocker that I only learn to appreciate in later years.

Must Do Something About It ( McCartney ) : One of Paul's better ballad ably sung by their drummer Joe English. Another highlight.

San Ferry Anne ( McCartney ) : Another tune probably made up to fill up the album space but it's not by all means bad. Just not memorable.

Warm And Beautiful ( McCartney ) Hidden on this last track is another of those Paul McCartney's great ballad that he so excel at. Again I only learn to appreciate this song years later. Beautiful.

BONUS TRACKS

Walking In The Park With Eloise ( James McCartney ) :  A song written by Paul's father and performed under the name of The Country Hams, this was actually Paul McCartney and Wings in disguise. This is one wonderful instrumental. Clearly you can see where Paul inherited his talents from. A foot tapping great.

Bridge On The River Suite ( McCartney ) : The B side to the above, this is slightly lesser in quality than the A side, naturally.

Sally G ( McCartney ) : I have always loved this country and western song. which was the B sides of their single 'Junior's Farm' which curiously was not included here or any other albums. I would have bought the whole album just for this track.

DOP : 31st December 1996.

VENUS AND MARS

VENUS AND MARS : Their third straight winning album in a row. Somehow I prefer this album much more than "Band On The Run." Maybe it was due to over exposure of the former. I just couldn't get enough of this album when I first got it. Together with the album, there were two black and white posters, stickers and what's not which implied that Paul's baby face look does not just rest on his face alone. I never ever like to lend nor borrow anybody's album but when a relative asked to borrow this, I meekly broke my own rule and against my better judgement lend it to him. When I finally got it back after asking for it times and times again, I was almost in tears. It was all so badly scratched that I couldn't even bear to look at it. In the end, I just gritted my teeth and bought another copy. What was a lad of 16 supposed to do. I can't for the life of me remember what happened to the original album. So now there's no way
in hell anybody's gonna borrow my CD, not even on bended knees.

VENUS AND MARS / ROCK SHOW ( McCartney ) : This slow charmer ( Venus And Mars ) was for many years the starter for Paul McCartney's concerts and for good reason. It acts as a teaser and gives the audiences a chance to warm up to the awesome sight of the man in person. Paul singing in his clearest of voice and his voice is one of the finest in rock history that has few equal. Then it merged into this fantastic awesome fine rocker ( Rock Show ) that only Paul can come up with. It's written with the sole purpose of engaging the audiences and watching the videos of his performance of this song, it did just that.

Love In Song ( McCartney ) : The mood slow down with this fine ballad. One of Paul's best and one of my favorite. Don't know why he never includes this in his live show.

You Gave Me The Answer ( McCartney ) : Paul goes back to the 30's type of music for this delightful little song that his father or another guys' fathers would surely approve.  John Lennon called this 'Grannies' music. Don't know about the rest but I sure find his grannies music appealing. My brother does too from his constant whistling of this tune.

Magneto And Titanium Man ( McCartney ) : The fifth song and things are still going strong. This time Paul gets his inspiration from the Marvel Superhero's comics which he obviously was a fan of. A fine rocker.

Letting Go ( McCartney ) : Due to the superb songs that goes before it, this one seems a little bit lower on the rack but nevertheless this was still released as a single so you tell me what you think.

Venus And Mars [ Reprise ] ( McCartney ) : A longer version of this track which is more satisfying then the former shorter version.

Spirits Of Ancient Egypt ( McCartney ) : Like the first version of 'Venus And Mars', this one merges into this song which for a good many years, I thought was Paul singing. It was actually Denny Laine who was singing. Another fine track.

Medicine Jar ( McCulloch / Allen ) A great anti drug which was also a non - Paul's song sung by their lead guitarist Jimmy McCulloch. I loved this track and I wish Paul have allowed Jimmy a few more songs to sing. .

Call Me Back Again ( McCartney ) :  One of those songs that grows on you the more you listen to it. Initially I always skipped this song but now I don't. Like one record reviewer said " It's a worthwhile track" and I agreed. Paul recalled his 'Lady Madonna" kind of vocal.

Listen To What The Man Said ( McCartney ) : The smash hit of the album. If somehow or other you don't like this song, then you should stop here and now. You shouldn't be reading all these stuffs. This was Paul doing everything just right to a T. Crystal clear vocal, right riff, right lyric and with a killer hook and it went No.1 naturally.

Treat Her Gently / Lonely Old People ( McCartney ) : The kind of double medley of songs that Paul is so fond of doing. Paul have lots of this spread out on all his albums but this track is somewhat weaker. The melody was not bad but somehow something is missing that makes a medley from good to great. Still, I wouldn't trade this song for any other.

Crossroad Theme ( Hatch ) : A short instrumental to one of those TV theme songs. No idea why Paul's doing it but it's yet another one to fill up the short empty space in your cassette.

BONUS TRACK

Zoo Gang ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Band On The Run" album.

Lunch Box ' Odd Sox ( McCartney ) : There's even an instrumental medley. There's so much melodies in Paul that if he don't do this, he'll never get all the melodies out. This turns up as the B side of the single 'Coming Up.'

My Carnival ( McCartney ) : A Mardi Gras inspired track from the same sessions. It eventually ended up on the B sides of the single 'Spies Like Us."

BAND ON THE RUN

BAND ON THE RUN : This album released in 1973 was Wings' third and became their most celebrated and successful album. This was the album that made even his harshest critics sit up and listen, that Paul McCartney was not a spend force. Coming so soon after "Red Rose Speedway", clearly I didn't expect it to be so good. But I was blown away the firs time I head it. Every tracks was a winner all the way. Even my father who hated The Beatles during their reign loved this album and got his friend to tape it down onto a cartridge for him to listen to in the car. Meanwhile I was playing it almost everyday for a few months, at home in the car whenever I could. Yet another case of buy and sell. I was lucky I have a guy who loves The Beatles and who was not too particular of what albums he was listening to. This was a 3 CD set with 2 CD's worth of music and 1 DVD.

REMASTERED ALBUM

Band On The Run ( McCartney ) : One of Paul's most instantly recognisable songs. Put it on a few seconds and most people will tell you it's 'Band On The Run'. Made up of three songs, this was Paul at his finest moment. One of my favourite Paul McCartney's songs.

Jet ( McCartney ) : A rocket in the best traditional of The Beatles that shows that Paul clearly still got it and that he could rock and roll with the best of them if he wanted and effortlessly too.

Bluebird ( McCartney ) : After two rockers, the pace was slowed down a bit on this reggae type gems.

Mrs. Vanderbilt ( McCartney ) : Another rocker and another classic. This is the kind of songs that you expect from Paul. The kind of songs that hits you right in the eye and never let go. A firm favourite. Even one of our local group released this song and have it out as a single.

Let Me Roll It ( McCartney ) : Said to be a sly dig at John Lennon, he haven't learn his lesson after John's notorious 'How Do You Sleep' but still as the flip side of 'Jet', this was considered the stronger song but I disagreed. Neither were my favourite thought neither were dispensable as well.

Mamunia ( McCartney ) / No Words ( McCartney / Laine ) : The pace slowed down again here. The first song is not a favorite with me but I much prefer the second track. A riff driven song that shared composing credits with Denny Laine. It's short and straight to the point.

Pissaco Last's Word ( McCartney ) : Said to be an on the spot dare to actor Dustin Hoffman and a first hand display to him on how to write a song. This was another winner and the link with 'Jet' and 'Mrs. Vanderbilt' was awesome to say the least.

Nineteen Hundred And Fifty Five ( McCartney ) : This was another favourite with the critics but not for me though. It was a tab too loud and too long for me. Usually I skipped this when I play this record. The refraining note from was cute though.
'Band On The Run'

CD 2 BONUS AUDIO TRACKS

Helen Wheels ( McCartney ) : The first single from 'Band On The Run.' This track was not on the UK version of the album and was only available as a bonus track. The kind of song that Paul could toss off in the middle of a meal. Run of the mill stuff from the great Paul McCartney.

Country Dreamer ( McCartney ) : I like this flip side better. Paul ventured into country territory. It's amazing that Paul can come up with this kind of gems and then tossed it away as a B side. It's a shame too that not many people are aware of most of his B sides which I assured you it's pretty good most of the time.

Bluebird [ from One Hand Clapping ] ( McCartney ) : The version from the television special. I sure would love to get my hand on this special and watch it in its entirety. A good version but without the percussion though.

Jet [ from One Hand Clapping ] ( McCartney ) :  I loved this version more probably because it was less loud than the original.

Let Me Roll It [ from One Hand Clapping ] ( McCartney ) : Another version that I like due to it's softer approach. Clearly there are may ways to enjoy a Paul McCartney's song.

Band On The Run [ from One Hand Clapping ] ( McCartney ) : This version however is softer in pace and lacked the punch and intensity of the original.

Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five [ from One Hand Clapping ] ( McCartney ) : Another track that benefited from the less is more approach. The original was way too loud. Here, at least I don't have to cover my ears.

Country Dreamer [ from One Hand Clapping ] ( McCartney ) : Never tired of this delightful little ditty and hearing another version of it is always a welcome. It's a sort of informal performance with Paul's forgetting part of the lyrics. Don't know whether it's an act or not but it sure endears him to the audience including yours truly. Love it and this version too.

Zoo Gang ( McCartney ) : Paul's contribution to a short lived British TV show during the 1970's. The show survived but the show did not. Always loved this track. It first appeared as the flip side of the single of 'Band On The Run.'

DVD BONUS FILM

Band On The Run Music Video : This song came out during a time when an accompanying video was not the norm. So this video was made much later. Made up of cartoons and landscapes with images of  The Beatles and their friends, here there and everywhere. Clearly Paul haven't forgotten his Beatles roots.

Mamunia Music Video : Another cartoon video. Me, I much rather see Paul McCartney performing his songs.

Album Promo Featuring Band On The Run, Mrs. Vanderbilt,
Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five, Bluebird. : The advertisement for this album, as if it needs any. Seems more like a musical "Making of the Band On The Run album." Great fun watching those people on the album cover comes to live.

Helen Wheels Music Video : Though I don't particularly like the song. it was always good to see Paul McCartney & Wings in action. Visually this one rocked. If I was watching the video the first time I heard the song, I would certainly have regarded this song differently.

Wings In Lagos : Wings arriving in Logos and holidaying like any other s except this was Paul McCartney. Accompanying the video is Paul singing a somewhat unsettling and slower laid back version of 'Band On The Run.'

Osterley Park : Paul McCartney & Wings and the rest of their friends preparing to posh for the cover. After having had this album since forever, it seems so surreal to see the people in the cover actually comes to life and moves about. It's like seeing a statue moves. The atmosphere looks more like a lesser version of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band," although the success of the album could hardly be call lesser.

One Hand Clapping : This was a documentary originally made for TV featuring studio performances filmed and recorded at Abbey Road Studio, London in August 1974. Most of the songs featured here were often seen performed live in front of hugh audiences so it's a kind of  strange watching them performing in a studio.

a) One Hand Clapping Theme

b) Jet  ( McCartney ) : Paul proving that he was far and away the most visually arresting of the four. Love this performance.

c) Soily ( McCartney ) : Never really paid much attention to this track which first surfaced as the very last track on "Wings Over America." Here it sounded much better.

d) C Moon ( McCartney ) :  A short version of this delightful little reggae number.

e) Little Woman Love ( McCartney ) : A rather short version of this song which could have been better had it been longer.

f) Maybe I'm Amazed ( McCartney ) : The third showing of this song here and I declared this is the best of the three.

g) My Love ( McCartney ) : Paul shows that he still got it to make it good.

h) All Of You ( McCartney ) : 'Bluebird' ( McCartney ) was the next song that followed before it moves onto this nice little song. Paul playing and singing on a piano was always a majestic sight.

i) I'll Give You A Ring ( McCartney ) : Another of this songs that Paul probably make up as he sings along. Fairly good melody.

j) Band On The Run ( McCartney ) : A rather softer version that lacked the power of the original. Still a nice alternative to this rather over played song.

k) Live And Let Die ( McCartney ) : A sober version of this fine James Bond Theme which usually gets all full blown and explosive with beaming lights and everything but the kitchen thrown in on the stage. Rather a change to see everything in order here.

l) Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five ( McCartney ) : The melody of this song is much more prominent now with less instrumental. As I've said before there are may aspects to a Paul McCartney's song. You may not like it at first hearing but you can never tell on second hearing.

m) Baby Face ( Akst / Davis ) : This was probably a rehearsal take for this oldie. Playful, short and nice.

DOP : 6th February 2011.

ROSE ROSE SPEEDWAY

RED ROSE SPEEDWAY : This first time I heard this album was from a pirate record sold by a neighbor. The sound was horrible and it was speeded up making Paul McCartney sounds like a parrot. This didn't deter me one bit. I asked my brother to help get this album for me from the city where he was stuyding in and this was also the first and only album that I've asked my brother to buy for me..He wouldn't take my money which I wanted to give him back of course. This was a vast improvement after the universally panned "Wildlife" album. There was really not a bad track here. From this point on, Paul was on a roll. He was just putting out hit albums after hit albums. This album were lavishly packaged too with gate folded sleeve and a few pages of generously filled pictures of Paul McCartney & Wings in concert, and with lyrics too. The CD version which I bought have one page of nude girls omitted. Not surprising 'cos I bought this from conservative Singapore.

Big Barn Bed ( McCartney ) : A good starter for any album. This rocker was heard briefly nearing the end of 'Ram On [ reprise ]' from "Ram". One of those songs that you just have to play out loud or much of the impact will be lost.

My Love ( McCartney ) : Paul's monster hit of 1973 and one of my all time favourite. I loves singing this in karaoke and I really can reach the high note too.

Get On The Right Thing ( McCartney ) : Like in the days of The Beatles, a straight contrast with this rocker right after the gentle ballad. A worthwhile track
.
One More Kiss ( McCartney ) : One of my favourite track. I used to sing this song softly to myself while I was cycling to town.

Little Lamb Dragonfly ( McCartney ) : Another song that I used to sing while cycling to town, which means I know the lyrics pretty well. One of those songs that only Paul McCartney could have written. A song I suspected made up of three different songs.

Single Pigeon ( McCartney ) : A rather short number that can be consider a throw away by Paul's standard but nevertheless still have its charm.

When The Night ( McCartney ) : One of the slightly uptempo track that impressed. The rhyming is impeccable and impressive. Awesome.

Loup [ The First Indian On The Moon ] ( McCartney ) : The only instrumental track here. Rather long but still listenable.

The missing page

Medley :

a) Hold Me Tight ( McCartney ) : I couldn't get enough of this track when I first heard it. The lyric is simple and kept to a minimum but the melody is a killer. Paul have a similar titled song with The Beatles but this was clearly the superior version..

b) Lazy Dynamite ( McCartney ) : A slower number but no less enjoyable. Unmistakably Paul, the one continued the medley along splendidly.

c) Hands Of Love ( McCartney ) : You just got to hand it to Paul. He got these melody that just sticks on your mind and stayed there for days. Another winner.

d) Power Cut ( McCartney ) : Perhaps the slightly lesser track here due to
the Roll Royce standard of the previous three. Still a good track and a great end to a great album.

BONUS TRACKS :

C Moon ( McCartney ) : The flip side of their banned single 'Hi, Hi, Hi', this was arguably the better track but then again these are two different kettle of fish. This one is reggae while the other was rock. This was made the A side when 'Hi. Hi. Hi' was banned.

Hi, Hi, Hi ( McCartney ) : The controversial banned Wing's single. A good track by any standard.

The Mess ( McCartney ) : The flip side to 'My Love'. The was the only place you can find this track and a good track too.

I Lie Around ( McCartney ) : The flip side to 'Live And Let Die', this one have vocal by Denny Laine. Not a bad track.

DOP : 1st November 1996.

WILD LIFE

WINGS WILD LIFE : Coming out after the wonderful "Ram", this was a big disappointment. The critics was still at his throat and Paul seems contented in giving them a chance to tear him apart. And this time, they have good reasons to.This was Wings first ever album and all the materials here sounded substandard and the things seems like a big rehearsal.. Hardly the stuffs that you expect from the guy who gave us 'Yesterday', Hey Jude' and 'Let It Be' not too long ago. I didn't buy this when it first came out due to the bad reviews. I only got it quite a few years later when I was in Hong Kong. The only song I was familiar with was 'Bip Bop' which I had taped onto a cassette tape from a record shop. The rest were new to me. Listening to it now, it didn't sound as bad as when I first heard it. Nothing memorable here but there are still charms abound. There are still a truly awful Paul McCartney album further down the line.

Mumbo ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Quite a lengthy track that borders like a jam but saved by find production. If this have sounded muffed, I wouldn't even have bothered.

Bip Bop ( McCartney / McCartney ) : 'Bip Bop, Bip Bop Bop....'. Paul is a master at this kind of delightful little ditty that is a joy to sing to your kids. Pure rock fans will hate this but if you have kids, you will learnf Beatles songs that includes 'All Together Now' which I've only just discovered too during that time.
to love it. I can't remember how I got to hear this track but somehow I have it taped onto a cassette o

Love Is Strange ( Baker / Smith ) The Beatles were not known to do covers so this reggae remake of Mickey & Sylvia's oldie sounds rather strange and possibly the best track here. At one time it was considered to be a single release but thankfully they let the idea drop.

Wild Life ( McCartney / McCartney ) : As a rule, the title track was supposed to be good but this sounds rather light weight. Meant as a statement for animal lovers, Paul was never as good as John Lennon in statement songs.

Some People Never Know ( McCartney / McCartney ) : A lost opportunity, this rather infectious track does have the melody to be a great song had Paul taken more time to flush it out. As it is, it's a nice song but not memorable. One of my favourite track though.

I Am Your Singer ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Same as the above. Another lost opportunity.

Bip Bop Link ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Another song to add to the end of your cassette of songs.

Tomorrow ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Paul trying to write a sequence to his mammoth hit but didn't quite make it. Who could ?

Dear Friend ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Paul's attempt at reconciliation with his once best friend, John Lennon. Not his best but his heartfelt attempt cannot be denied.

Mumbo Link ( McCartney / McCartney ) : And with this short acoustic refrain, we came to the end of the album.

BONUS TRACKS :

Give Ireland Back To The Irish ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Wings' first single. I've have this and I've always loved this song. The flip side which was an instrumental version of this song was even better instrumentally. Have been searching for it for years and only in recent years managed to find it online as an MP3. It was the inclusion of these few bonus songs that raises the value of this otherwise rather weak album.

Mary Had A Little Lamb ( McCartney ) : A children's nursery rhyme that Paul effortlessly turned into a cute singalong. I once bought this single too but as the record was scratched, I had it changed for another one.

Little Woman Love ( McCartney ) : The B side of 'Mary Had A Little Lamb', this was another charming little song that Paul seems to churn out endlessly and effortlessly.

Mama's Little Girl ( McCartney ) : A fine Wings recording that was unissued until it turned up on the 'Put It There' single.

DOP : 9th November 1996.

RAM

CD 1 -  REMASTERED ALBUM

RAM : I bought this album when it first came out in 1971 and it was a pirated record. It was a top rated album showing Paul McCartney in all his splendour. and the genius that we all knew him to be. Pop have never sounded so good before or since and it was all on one album. I've always maintain that this was a rock master giving his popish best. Ironically, it was panned universally by the critics when it first came out. The critics were out for blood and actually blamed Paul for the demise of The Beatles and they just refused to listen to the music. A lesser artist would have been killed off but Paul proves that he have the talents and charms to outdo these critics. The years have finally given this album it's due. Critics have finally begin to appreciate this fine album. This was also the first solo Beatle CD that I've bought which started off my whole solo Beatles CD collection. I got the first CD in Singapore and when the Paul McCartney Archive Collection came out in 2012, again I have to sell off my original to get this version. The maker of this CD again applied the same tactics, adding a bonus CD with addition tracks which could easily have fitted onto the whole CD. Still, this was the first truly great Paul McCartney album although it was credited to Paul & Linda McCartney.

Too Many People ( McCartney ) : A great opener. Only recently Paul have started singing this song at his concert. Perhaps the harsh treatment of this album from the critics initially really got to him. This was also the song that started his feud with his former band mate, John Lennon.

3 Legs ( McCartney ) : A fine second track with daft lyric. Well, you don't really go deep in the lyrics on any Paul McCartney's songs. The melody is sufficient.

Ram On ( McCartney ) : Paul using the ukulele on this one. Not terribly great thought it was the title song but still good enough to listen on.

Dear Boy ( McCartney / McCartney ) : I used to dislike this track due to my impatience to listen to the next track. Over the years, I've learnt to include this as one of the great one here.In those days, you can't just click on the skip button like we do nowadays.

Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Paul's smash hit in America and a firm favourite on this album. The melody is so infectious that it stays in your mind for days. Paul of course was a master of melody and he have so many melodies up his sleeves that he can effortlessly string any songs into a medley as he was so fond of doing and this was his first.Of course, we have the Abbey Road medleys but then, that was in another band..

Smile Away ( McCartney ) : The only track here that I tended to skip when I was playing this album. Not a bad melody by any means but a wee bit too noisy for my tender ears in those days.

Heart Of The Country ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Another favourite. This is country territory and Paul shows he is a master in this genre as well.

Monkberry Moon Delight ( McCartney / McCartney ) : A fine rocking number with nonsensical verses. John Lennon he is not but the music is top notched.

Eat At Home ( McCartney / McCartney ) : The single that should have made it but didn't. The riff is awsome. If this have been released under The Beatles banal, it would have leaped straight to No.1 but since it wasn't, well.....

Long Hairy Lady ( McCartney / McCartney ) : The longest track on the album. This one apart from 'Monkberry Moon Delight' have Linda's backing vocal at it's most prominence. A good and enjoyable track nevertheless.

Ram On ( McCartney ) : A short reprise of the original track. This one ends with a snippet of 'Big Barn Bed' which starts off his "Red Rose Speedway" album.

The Back Seat Of My Car ( McCartney ) : The supposed centrepiece of the album but since there are so many goodies on the album, this does not sounds like it. I find this a bit too long. Still. a worthwhile track and a good way to close a brilliance album.

CD 2 - BONUS AUDIO.

Another Day ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Paul's first No.1 single. I remember going to the music store almost everyday looking for this single but somehow it was never available. I only got to owe this track when I bought the "Wings Greatest" album years later. This was Paul still having The Beatles feel in him.  Loved this song.

Oh, Woman, Oh Why ( McCartney / McCartney ) : The flip side of 'Another Day'. Not a total wash out but as with everything Paul McCartney during this time, it was quite listenable.

Little Woman Love ( McCartney ) : A simple little ditty that appears on one of his many singles.

A Love For You [ Jon Kelly Mix ] ( McCartney ) : A nice little discovery for me when I got this CD. Nice but not terrible memorable. Usually I don't care much for all those various mixes. I like my music in their original form.

Hey Diddle [ Dixon Van Winkle Mix ] ( McCartney / McCartney ) :  This is another gem that have never seen the light of day until this release. It was feature as a medley with ' Bip Bop' on the "Hits And History" CD.

Great Cock And Seagull Race [ Dixon Van Winkle Mix ] ( McCartney ) : This one sounds like a jam seasons. Another of those instrument piece that he seems so delighted in churning out.

Rode All Night ( McCartney ) : If the above sounds like a jam session, this one is definitely it. At almost 9 minutes long, this is definitely way too long but still it is much better than 'Revolution 9.'

Sunshine Sometime ( McCartney ) :  Yet another instrumental. I used to made an instrumental CD featuring all The Ex Beatles and Paul, not surprisingly have the most track. I could have made a whole CD of just his instrumental recordings.

DOP : 12th August 2012.

McCARTNEY

McCARTNEY :  This record was given to my brother as a gift by his soon wife to be when it first came out. My brother was a great fan of Paul and even named himself after him. So I was quite familiar with all the songs on this album. This was mostly a home recording affairs with Paul playing all the instrumentals himself with a little harmonising help from his wife, the lovely Linda and lots of family pictures that you would expect to see on a family album rather than a record album. But amidst all these demos and unofficial recordings, there are quite a few gems to be found here. He is after all not just another recording artist, he is Paul McCartney, ex Beatles and soon to be the greatest recording artist in the world as declared by Guinness Book Of World Record. He was to sell more records than all the other three ex Beatles put together. I first got this CD while I was holidaying in Hong Kong, but I have to sell it eventually when this newly reissued double CD came out. It was a scam. The bonus CD can easily fitted onto a single disc and we would have been charged less. Paul McCartney sure as hell don't need the money.

The Lovely Linda ( McCartney ) : A short delightful little ditty dedicated to his newly wedded wife, Linda. Always wondered how Paul could just tossed away such a lovely little melody. Lasted only mere seconds, it was over no sooner has it begin Frustration have never been this bad.

That Would Be Something ( McCartney ) : Not terribly great, it have the lyric keeps repeating itself again and again. Keeps the interest going for more anticipated goodies.

Valentine Day ( McCartney ) : The first of 5 instrumentals here. This one is not bad.

Every Night ( McCartney ) : The first classic from this album and it sounds more like The Beatles than a Paul McCartney solo recording. Song books published during this time listed this as a Beatles songs and not as was obvious. Love this.

Hot As Sun / Glasses ( McCartney ) : Another instrument, this one sounded fun and as the titled implied 'Hot As Sun'. 'Glasses' was just a snippet of a whole song which was found on the bonus CD.

Junk ( McCartney ) : This one started life as a Beatles song but somehow it was never given proper due but it was eventually elated to Beatles songs status on The Beatles Anthology CD. This is what Paul McCartney does best. Serenading us all with one of his best ballad.

Man We Was Lonely ( McCartney ) : The most pop and happy sounding song here. Paul's sound like he was enjoying himself and it clearly shows. One of my favourite and due to it's inclusion on his "Hits And History"'s CD, Paul's too.

Ooh You ( McCartney ) : A riff laden song, this song only grew on me through the years. Worthwhile track.

Teddy Boy ( McCartney ) : Yet another song that started life as a Beatles' song but got that status years later. This was not as good as 'Junk" but still listenable.

Singalong Junk ( McCartney ) : Seems Paul loved the song 'Junk' so much that he recorded an instrumental version of it. Usually, I don't really care much for instrumental version of an already available vocal songs, but I can make an exception on this 'cos it's so awfully sweet.

Maybe I'm Amazed ( McCartney ) : Paul's tour de force here. The one that got everybody raving and salivating. Not me though. I rather prefer the live version particularly the "Wings Over America"'s verson.

Kreen - Akrore ( McCartney ) : Paul showing his mastery on the drums.This one's a slight downer. Saved only by the great lead guitar that comes after each drumming. An able drummer he may be but still he is no Ringo Starr when it comes to the skin.

DISC 2 BONUS AUDIOS

Suicide [ Out-take ] ( McCartney ) : Memorable 'cos we were so familiar with the first verse of the song nearing the end of the instrumental 'Glasses.' After this, there doesn't seems to be any connection with the rest of the song. Not a bad song though.

Maybe I'm Amazed [ from One Hand Clapping ] ( McCartney ) : Just because this song was originally from here, they shouldn't have broke up this song from the rest of the songs from "One Hand Clapping.' This is call bad editing.

Every Night [ Live At Glasgow, 1979 ] ( McCartney ) : A live version of my favourite song. It couldn't go wrong and it didn't.

Maybe I'm Amazed [ Live At Glasgow ] ( McCartney ) :Yet another version of this. This could very well brings this song dangerously close to over exposure like many of The Beatles' songs did.

Don't Cry, Baby [ Out Take ] ( McCartney ) : Apart from the chattering from Paul, this one serves as an instrumental version of 'Oo You.' A nice additional to Paul's instrumental outputs which is slowly but surely growing.

Women Kind [ Demo ] { Mono } ( McCartney ) : As of everything McCartney during this time, this one is not bad at all.

DOP : 18th March 2012.

PAUL McCARTNEY

PAUL McCARTNEY : The cute one. The one the girls lusted most after and arguably the most musically talented of the four. Paul along along with John Lennon was always my favourite Beatles. With his good look and tons of charms to boot, it's not hard to see why. Still, ironically, to say Paul was vastly underrated was an understatement. Unfairly, he will always be under the shadow of John Lennon. His fault I suspected was that he lived while John died. He was always being compared unfavourably with John and frankly how do you complete with a dead man. Even the music pirates neglected him, for crying out loud. While there are tons of John Lennon's pirated CD on the market, there were none on Paul. The closest I get on a pirated CD of Paul was one where he shared top billing with John. I suspected the day when Paul finally leave us, he will be in a better position to rival John Lennon as who was the most talented.


Musically, Paul's solo outputs was the one that I listened to most as compared to the other three. John's solo releases was too adventurous and sometimes leaves one frustrated at what he could gave fulfilled but didn't. George Harrison's albums could be quite depressing at times and Ringo Starr actually have only one truly great album all of his own, the one with which he got more than a little help from his friends. Paul's was the most radio friendly. Even my father who hated The Beatles throughout their career loved "Band On The Run". Of course Paul went on to become deservedly far and away the most successful ex Beatle of all, esclisping the sales of the three Beatles combined. I admire him for his hard works and his superb sense of melody which he haven't quite lost even after all these years. The three just couldn't keep up with him. Who could ?


I will always love Paul for the numerous joys that he have given me with his music during my growing up years. I couldn't quite get into his latter music but I still buys them. Truly, the single greatest recording artist ever to grace the earth. He was recognised by Guniness World Of Record as the most successful recording artist ever and his 'Yesterday' was the best selling and most recorded music of all time. As of today more than 40 years after the break up of the greatest band of all time, he is still rocking with a new album every few years.