Who are the best songwriters? There are many to choose from. There are some great songwriting teams, but I am only going to talk about individuals who write both music and lyrics. These are in no particular order. Bob Dylan – Bob has been at it for nearly 60 years. He is not a great … More Best Songwriters
I hesitate to write about this album, it is one of my least favorite Paul McCartney/Wings albums. But since I started, here goes. Mr. McCartney was a bit rudderless in 1971, adjusting to being an ex-Beatle, and the cute one at that, was harder than it seemed. He had released his first solo album before … More Wild Life (1971): Paul McCartney & Wings
George Martin will forever be linked with the Beatles, and deservedly so. Besides the eight years with the Beatles, and his other Beatles projects, he produced many artists before and after the Beatles. Here are a dozen favorite projects, some of my favorites, out of the many he did. “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You … More George Martin: Other Works
During the 1970s, Paul McCartney’s band Wings changed membership with every album. Wings was his post-Beatles band for those who are late to the game. After the Beatles, McCartney released several solo albums before deciding he needed a group of musicians around him, especially to take his new material out on the road. Including wife … More Venus and Mars: Wings
In the past three parts, we looked at the origin of the album, the recording and artwork, and the original songs. Now, we get to see the anniversary set and enjoy the the remixed songs and the unreleased working versions. The wait is over! The Remixed Album First, the remixed version of the 1969 … More Abbey Road at 50: (part 4)
Abbey Road always sounded good, the engineering work was superbly done. However, I always thought the analogue tape had a lot of background hiss. The remaster for CD was better. Now, the disc undergoes more cleanup, plus some additional tracks from the vault. Let’s look at the songs. Side A Come Together Written and recorded … More Abbey Road at 50 (Part 3)
Beginning in July 1969, the Beatles returned to work at a familiar location, EMI studios, home to their best recordings. The Beatles had finished their work on Let It Be and went on holiday. The Lennons were involved in an automobile accident while traveling. Yoko would continue her presence in the studio with Lennon, as … More Abbey Road at 50 (part 2)
This is a story that needs more than one installment. The story of Abbey Road the album is quite a tale. Full disclosure: My favorite Beatles album and in the discussion for best album ever. Everything about this album is iconic, from the cover, to the use of synthesizer to the second side medley. It’s … More Abbey Road at 50 (part 1)
Paul McCartney will forever be known as the man who broke up the Beatles. McCartney will say differently, but he was the one who instituted legal paperwork to bring the world’s greatest band to an end. After manager Brian Epstein died in 1967, The Beatles cohesiveness began to dissolve. Although they set their own record … More Paul McCartney: Keeper of the Flame
Paul McCartney is a successful guy. Former Beatle, billionaire, one of the top songwriters of all time, a British Knight, beloved by millions (or billions). In his 70s, McCartney is enjoying a career peak, with a new album and an endless tour around the world and back again. Yet, in the years immediately after leaving … More Paul McCartney: The Lean Years
