How putting family first gave McCartney (and Wings) a second chance at superstardom

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WINGS: Wings (Capitol)

Verdict: Macca’s glorious second act

After The Beatles broke up in 1970, Paul McCartney felt lost and discouraged. He was dealing with legal problems and even questioned if his career was over, unsure if he wanted to continue making music. As he recalls, he faced a big decision, but ultimately decided to keep creating.

He made the right choice, even though his new job was going to be quite different from what he was used to. Having been married to Linda since 1969 and with a young family to support, he needed to make sure any new work fit with his home life.

After releasing two playful albums on his own, he started a new band called Wings. His wife, Linda, played basic keyboards, and Denny Laine, who used to be in the Moody Blues, played guitar.

From their first album, Wild Life, in 1971 until they broke up in 1981, Wings released seven studio albums and one live triple album. While they didn’t dominate the 1970s like The Beatles did the 60s, hits like “Jet” and “Live And Let Die” were hugely popular and helped define the sound of the decade.

Despite frequently changing members and having their children along for the ride on tour, the band redefined what it meant to be a traveling rock group.

It’s understandable that he’s now focused on highlighting the achievements of his lesser-known band. Over the last two years, they’ve released expanded reissues of two popular albums, Band On The Run and Venus And Mars, and officially published the soundtrack to the documentary film, One Hand Clapping.

A new book, The Story Of A Band On The Run, is being released this week and shares the band’s incredible experiences. These range from surprise, low-cost performances at British universities (where entry cost just 50p) to a dangerous robbery at knifepoint while they were in Nigeria.

This new collection, put together by Paul, showcases the band’s best work, spanning from the raw energy of their 1972 hit ‘Hi, Hi, Hi’ to the smoother sounds of ‘With A Little Luck’ from 1978. It’s available on vinyl (as a single LP for £35 or a triple LP for £90), CD (a double set for £23 or a single disc for £13), and digitally. Even though it doesn’t include any new songs, it’s a compelling blend of familiar favorites and lesser-known tracks.

Instead of presenting the songs in order of recording, these expanded 32-track versions are arranged like a Paul McCartney concert. They start with the hit “Band On The Run,” move into lesser-known tracks like “Getting Closer” and “Arrow Through Me” in the middle, and close with “Goodnight Tonight.”

Even from the beginning, the band was developing a unique sound that set them apart from The Beatles. Tracks like “Some People Never Know” (from Wild Life) and “My Love” (from 1973’s Red Rose Speedway) featured bright vocal harmonies, with Paul McCartney’s voice complemented by the sweet tones of Linda and the richer voice of Denny Laine.

The collection includes Paul McCartney’s popular songs like “Let ‘Em In” and “Mull of Kintyre,” but it’s the lesser-known tracks that truly shine. “Letting Go,” a song about giving his wife Linda some space, remains a favorite in his concerts. “Get On The Right Thing” is a high-energy rock and roll track, while “Call Me Back Again” is a powerful soul song reminiscent of The Beatles’ “Oh! Darling.”

Not all of Paul McCartney’s songs are successful. While his 1978 song “I’ve Had Enough,” from the album London Town, feels a bit weak, the album’s title track is a great example of his talent for turning everyday sadness into catchy pop music, especially with its use of strings and brass.

In the 1970s, Wings was often dismissed by dedicated rock fans, and Linda Eastman, in particular, faced criticism due to her lack of formal musical training. Comedian Alan Partridge famously quipped that they were essentially what The Beatles could have become if they hadn’t broken up.

This collection of songs reminds us just how talented they were. The Beatles were famously difficult to surpass, but Paul McCartney’s career after the band actually marked a creative revival that continues to be felt today.

 

MAVIS STAPLES: Sad And Beautiful World (Anti-)

Verdict: Gospel legend shines on

At 86 years old, gospel icon Mavis Staples continues to collaborate with up-and-coming artists. Her latest album features beautiful, mellow versions of classic songs, along with a powerful new track called “Human Mind,” which she co-wrote with Hozier and Allison Russell.

While Phoebe Staples’ timeless voice is the main attraction, the subtle work of her collaborators gives the album a modern feel. Producer Brad Cook was joined by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, who helped with mixing and even added backing vocals to the classic country song “Satisfied Mind,” originally made famous by Porter Wagoner.

This album features songs that remind listeners of Mavis Staples’ powerful involvement in the American Civil Rights movement. She truly shines on Curtis Mayfield’s “We Got To Have Peace,” and on Eddie Hinton’s “Everybody Needs Love,” she’s joined by a talented group including guitarist MJ Lenderman, the legendary Bonnie Raitt on slide guitar, and vocalists Katie Crutchfield (of Waxahatchee) and Nathaniel Rateliff.

She reimagines songs by artists like Tom Waits (“Chicago,” a bluesy track), Leonard Cohen (“Anthem”), and Kevin Morby (“Beautiful Strangers,” an anti-gun ballad).

It’s unexpected to hear Frank Ocean’s song ‘Godspeed’ on this album, but its spiritual and song-like quality actually works well with a gospel artist’s style.

Although Staples thought about retiring in 2023, her energetic performances indicate she plans to continue performing for a while longer.

 

NEW RELEASES – CLASSICAL

 DVORAK: Slavonic Dances (Pentatone)

Over the next eight years, he composed another eight symphonies, completing all sixteen by 1886-87. The Czech Philharmonic, conducted by Simon Rattle, delivers lively and energetic performances of these works.

Deeply connected to his Slavic heritage, Dvorak drew inspiration from not only the folk music of Bohemia and Moravia, but also the lively dance traditions of Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine.

Smetana was initially bothered by this, but his frustration actually benefited us. He composed his own wonderful collection of 12 Czech Dances for piano, meaning we didn’t need to choose between the two sets.

This Dvorak recording was made in the Rudolfinum in Prague, a concert hall known for its excellent sound, so listening at a higher volume will really bring out the music’s richness. Sir Simon Rattle gives the concertmaster a short solo passage in the fourth piece.

MARTIN FROST: B.A.C.H. (Sony)

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’m always amazed by artists who push boundaries! It’s fascinating to note that Bach, believe it or not, never actually composed for the clarinet – it was a relatively new instrument during his time. But that doesn’t stop incredibly talented musicians like Martin Frost from bringing his music to life with it – it just shows you what’s possible with creativity and skill!

The renowned Swedish clarinet player, along with some friends and his violist brother Goran, has created a performance program featuring 17 pieces for his instrument and a few supporting works.

Oh my gosh, you absolutely HAVE to hear this! They play the famous ‘Air’ from Bach’s Third Orchestral Suite, and it’s just… breathtaking. And then, they do this incredible version of ‘Ave Maria’ – it’s based on the First Prelude, and Gounod just transformed it into something heavenly. Seriously, it’s a dream!

The album was recorded last year in a small chapel that Frost’s wife discovered in the woods. They’ve since converted part of it into a recording studio, but it still serves as a cozy vacation home.

The two brothers perform a lovely duet, but the recording feels a bit short at just over forty-two minutes – modern CDs can hold much more music. However, the sound quality is truly captivating.

TULLY POTTER

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2025-11-06 21:54