This vinyl 180-gram release pre-empted the nationwide cinema release this weekend of Paul McCartney and Wings – One Hand Clapping which finds McCartney and his 1970s band making a live album in the studio.
Fifty years later, the material was recorded just four years after the split of The Beatles, you sense Paul McCartney still developing his personality away from the band. The album is a dirt behind the fingernails rock n’ roll record, particularly on the likes of Jet. The loose organic strut of Soily, written as early as 1971, is an early stand-out with a knock-out vocal.
It might not be the most familiar McCartney number but the infectious, hooky riff and playing by Denny Laine and Jimmy McCulloch make this essential listening. This is the sound of a band locked into a grove and loving every moment. It’s a far superior cut to the one included on the 1976 live album Wings Over America which lacks the same sense of edge and urgency. Scottish guitarist McCulloch was an essential player in Wings during the period, his death in 1979 at only 26 was a tragedy but his authentic rock n’ roll playing all over the album, is something of a tribute to his memory.
Maybe I’m Amazed is another case in point, a sublime ballad in its own right is only added to by his bluesy, economic lead playing. There are some magical moments with McCartney alone at the piano on Let’s Love, written for Peggy Lee and rarities such as All Of You and a solo I’ll Give You A Ring. While some might argue the versions of Live and Let Die and Band On The Run are superior; that doesn’t ring true.
Another peak moment is a run of Let It Be, The Long & Winding Road and Lady Madonna. You can feel the sense of whimsey as McCartney offers an “aye, that’s right” at the end”. You half expect one of his Beatles bandmates to jump in with an irreverent response. The loose nature and raw delivery are what make this set work.
Paul McCartney & Wings One Hand Clapping is released in Edinburgh from Friday – the vinyl version of the album is out now.
