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.