Tag Archives: Paul McCartney

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “Little Woman Love” by Wings (Paul McCartney)!!!

For as long as I’ve been on the radio, and definitely for as long as I’ve been writing a blog, I will occasionally make a reference to a song being “One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!” (GSER)

I would usually follow that by saying that I would eventually start a category for it, but then never get around to it.

Well, now I’m getting around to it!

It will pretty much follow the pattern of The Most Awesomest Song of the Day.

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

My radio show, “Theme Attic,”  is on Wednesdays 2PM-4PM ET.

Even though I always emphasize new music and artists, it’s always fun to take a short drive through the legendary artists, since they influenced those other artists!

But a song doesn’t have to be old or done by a legendary Theme Attic Hall of Fame member to be thus honored.

I can think of several songs that are only a few years old or less that I could identify as One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded.

This will be fun, and hopefully you will join me on my journey!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ 

In the early years following The Beatles breakup, FM radio was establishing itself as the best medium for songs and information for decades to follow.

AM radio was pretty much unlistenable except for a couple of songs, because everything of substance was still available on FM.

Albums ruled the music world, but Paul McCartney chose to release a series of disconnected singles.

In May 1972, McCartney–performing as Wings, released an innocuous single: “Mary Had a Little Lamb” b/w “Little Woman Love.”

Hopefully, I’ll write about “Lamb” some other day.

I bought the single within the first week of its release. My initial response was that I liked it and…I mean, come on! It was Paul McCartney!

Since The Beatles had taught us several years ago to always listen to the B side, I have to admit that I was stunned listening to “Little Woman Love” for the first time!

What a brilliant little gem!

It opens with a barrelhouse piano riff that’s sticks better than Super Glue!

That forms the foundation of the song.

Everything else is triggered off the piano groove, which undergoes subtle changes throughout “Little Woman Love.”

In my mind, I have an image of Paul being some kind of madcap chef making one of his signature dishes, but he seems to have lost his recipe. So he ends up adding flourishes of “spices” where he thinks he needs it: A splash of slap back bass over here! A pinch of conga drum over there!

McCartney has plenty of jazz “sous chefs” in the kitchen helping him out: nimble Dave Spinozza and studio musician Hugh McCracken on guitars, and Milt Hinton on the previously mentioned bass–who gets a nice solo in the process!

Future “Winger” Denny Seiwell does a nice job staying in the pocket on drums and percussion!

This group really knows how to cook, and the “Little Woman Love” gumbo is actually very tasty!

The music is so good that it masks, possibly the worst middle eight that McCartney ever wrote, complete with a couple of minor augmented chords:

“Oh, yeah, oh, yeah.

Woah oh oh unh unh unh.” (Repeat)

However, the music is so good, you can’t help but sing along without giving it a thought!

It’s absolutely Beatle worthy to me!

One last thought:

I’ve read that the song was left off of Paul’s “Ram” album. When that album was released on CD years later, “Little Woman Love” was issued as a bonus track.

Ironically, when the most recent version of “Red Rose Speedway” was released, It also appeared on that one, too!

Another interesting aside is that because of the slap back solo, the song is often categorized as a “rockabilly” tune. Interesting because of the jazz musicians playing on it!

Regardless, it is two minutes plus of pure magic! Like most great songs, it’s over before you realize it!

It is a song that sounds like everyone was having a good time contributing and making music for music’s sake!

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Little Woman Love” by Wings!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

#Wings #LittleWomanLove #PaulMcCartney #PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Do It Now” by Paul McCartney!!!

Here’s a link to the complete list: https://philmaq.com/most-awesomest-songs/

I want to emphasize mostly, relatively newer music, just like on my Monday night show, “Prime Time Theme Attic.” (Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET when it returns.)

Here’s the link for when that day comes: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu )

But I can promise this: I will not force my selections. If something doesn’t hit me, I won’t post one.

Everything I do has always been about shining a spotlight on the artist and their music.

Now I will have the potential to shine 365 more spotlights if I want to!

Please share the post to help spread the word!

Regardless of everything going on in the world that is way more important than my daily post, I will continue, nonetheless, in case someone is looking for a few minutes of respite.

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Paul McCartney released his 17th solo album, Egypt Station,” in 2018.

It followed a similar pattern that has been in place pretty much since his first release: It’s loaded with a ton of songs of various quality.

Some tracks automatically stuck out as brilliant while others not necessarily so.

And then through repeated plays, the familiarity of the songs showed that most of the songs were of great quality and everything was right in the music world.

I mean, it has to be quite difficult to put out music, and no matter how hard you try to keep it separate, it would always be compared to The Beatles canon, which most fans won’t even talk about any song being subpar.

And I’m always amazed when some of my music friends will comment after a new release, “Why does he keep putting music out? He must have enough money. Why does he do it?”

Seriously?

He’s been creative his whole life, why would he stop?

An artist is an artist forever?

I mean, did anyone ever ask Picasso to quit putting out works?

So, on Sir Paul’s birthday, I would like to emphasize a fairly unknown recent track, “Do It Now.”

I have no idea how long it took him to write, but it sounds simple–in a Beatleish way.

In a McCartneyish way!

Beautiful melody and harmonies.

Mostly simple, elegant chords.

It sounds like a lullaby–a slow version of “Golden Slumbers.”

It’s comforting, but with a purpose!

“Do it now while the vision is clear!”

I hope Paul continues to release new music!

I love it when legends create!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Do It Now” by Paul McCartney!!!

Happy Birthday, Paul!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq and by sharing this post!

#PaulMcCartney #DoItNow #EgyptStation #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay #HappyBirthdayPaul

George Martin: The Fifth Beatle and Beyond

George MartinAs I stayed up and waited for the final results of the Michigan State Primary, I received word from someone on Facebook that George Martin had passed. I have learned over time that one has to verify whether someone has really passed, but I knew in my heart that it was all too true. And even though he hadn’t been able to do anything work related for a number of years because of deteriorating hearing, it still seemed very sad.

When someone artistic passes on, the accomplishments of that person are often exaggerated to such extremes of hyperbole that if that person were alive, they may not have even recognized the impact of their works. The memories recalled are just so vivid and important. A little time has pass to fully assess the artist and put their work into some kind of perspective. With George Martin, his hyperbole may be understated.

George Martin had been moving through life as a successful producer when he intersected paths with The Beatles. They had been brought in to audition for Parlophone Records, pretty much a label that hadn’t made too much of a mark in the world of music, mainly concentrating on comedy albums and classical music. This background may have indirectly led to his best traits as a producer–being patient enough to let the work develop. The music industry at the time was more interested in novelty songs and one hit wonders versus thinking in terms of longevity. The Beatles themselves were still trying to figure out where they fit into the scene—if at all. In the end it turns out that they each needed each other but didn’t know it yet.

Once The Beatles were signed to the label, there was evidence that they hadn’t really sold their talents to Martin. He brought along a song for them to record that he felt would be a hit. And he was correct. It just wouldn’t be for them. I’m referring to “How Do You Do It” which became a monster hit for Gerry and The Pacemakers. They didn’t know what to do because they wanted to record songs they had written, but they also didn’t want to hurt their new producer’s feelings. The Beatles halfheartedly attempted to do a version of the song. The only thing that the song had of value was a soulful solo vocal by John Lennon.

https://youtu.be/lInetLDrl_Y

Another example that showed that George Martin wasn’t sure how to handle the group was when he had studio drummer Andy White sit in for Ringo Starr on drums on “Love Me Do.” Now they had a chance to do one of their own songs, but it still didn’t feel right because the band still wasn’t complete. This must have been very frustrating for The Beatles because they had gone through such personal turmoil to replace longtime drummer Pete Best with Ringo Starr, and now Martin didn’t think he was good enough to play in the studio!

George Martin also had to rearrange the vocals on “Love Me Do.” It was John’s song, but he couldn’t sing and play harmonica at the same time, so Martin gave the “Love me do” line to Paul McCartney to sing. Paul has said in interviews that he wasn’t sure how John would take it giving up his line. McCartney says that when he hears the song that he can still hear the nervousness in his voice.

But that’s what a producer does—especially with a novice recording band. From those humble beginnings, they eventually developed into a world wide recording team at warp speed. The next break that Martin was “instrumental” in creating a masterpiece was when “Please Please Me” was brought to him. Lennon wrote it as a Roy Orbison type of ballad. It was Martin who suggested recording it at a faster tempo. When the band scored their first Number One hit with the recommendation, they truly never looked back as Beatlemania broke in England over the brand new sound!

The Beatles drew on Martin’s vast knowledge of music and had him play on several songs—most notably the Bachian piano solo that Martin sped up to sound like a harpsichord on “In My Life.” If there ever was an argument as to who was “the fifth Beatle” that alone has to settle the argument. Brian Epstein and Murray the K never provided a musical track for any Beatles song.

 

As the band achieved more success, George Martin did, too working with other artists. Gerry and The Pacemakers, Cilla Black, Jeff Beck, Elton John, and Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas.

To me, one of the greatest musical achievements he ever did was melding two different takes of “Strawberry Fields Forever” in different keys and tempos. A flippant John Lennon threw it to Martin when he couldn’t figure it out for himself. It was and still may be my favorite Beatles song. George Martin said that he could always detect where the two tracks were spliced at approximately the 1:00 mark. He felt that it sticks out like a “sore thumb.” I have listened to the song for decades and even knowing that it’s there, I never feel that it’s ever different than what it’s supposed to sound like.

 

Over time, the individual Beatles grew less fond of George Martin’s influence and techniques. Lennon felt that he wasn’t getting his voice quite right. George Harrison was pretty much ignored as a writing talent. Paul McCartney felt so motivated that he conducted the orchestra for the string track on “She’s Leaving Home” one day when Martin couldn’t do it, but McCartney wanted it done. Ringo Starr felt so unappreciated by “The White Album” that he quit the band for a while. It was not so easy being a producer for a band that had outgrown their own heads.

The magnificence of George Martin’s genius took place on The Beatles final and possibly best record, “Abbey Road.” They wanted to do one more album like they had done in the old days. They had to convince him that they were willing to hand control over to him so that he could become a producer again instead of “detention teacher for spoiled kids.”

After the band and Martin had parted ways, George continued to do excellent work with other bands and artists. Some of the best music America had ever recorded took place under the watchful eye of George Martin as he produced several of their albums. Little River Band also revived their career under Martin’s talents. One thing that I found out after he passed was that Dire Straits had George Martin do the lush string arrangement for a song called “Ticket to Heaven” for their last album “On Every Street” in 1991. I always have thought that was one of Dire Straits’ best songs!

George Martin was not without flaws. He has apologized for snubbing Ringo on “Love Me Do” or ignoring George Harrison’s talents. But in the same breath he also has stated that he was working with two of the greatest writers in musical history, so you can’t blame him too much for arriving late to catch up to Harrison.

So, as I look back to that birthday when I first received my copy of “Meet the Beatles,” and noticing the very plain unassuming name for producer, George Martin, and then seeing it appear over and over again on subsequent releases over the years, you had to respect the talent. Even with the incredible songs on each record, they always had an incredible sound quality. Ringo’s drums always sounded sizzling. Harrison’s guitar distorted or clear for just the right effect. The vocal harmonies were so crisp!

I don’t think that under the circumstances of the musical industry at the time that The Beatles would have made it without George Martin. He was willing to let the band evolve and explore with him at the helm. Another producer may have just crushed them and we might still be listening to novelty songs and one hit wonders. But The Beatles wanted a career. They were wed to their music. A common question during Beatlemania was what would everybody do once the bubble burst. Through the work of George Martin, that bubble has never burst and probably never will with young people discovering the band every day. Thank you, George Martin! You helped make some of the best music ever made!

The Beatles First Ed Sullivan Appearance: A Personal Rememberance!

It’s finally here! Sixty years ago, the United States (and since the U.S. considers itself the center of the universe), and the world was visually introduced to The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. Seventy-three million people were exposed to what England had seen for the previous two years, and fell in love.

It wasn’t supposed to happen that way. Many viewers tuned in to witness a musical farce or to see the band fall flat on its face. Who doesn’t slow down at a traffic accident and gawk or at least sneak a peek. The hype had been there for the past month as I Want to Hold Your Hand rose to #1. Who were these guys usurping our record charts?

I was a witness and remember comments from my family about their long hair. (Really? Look at the haircuts. They were just touching their ears!) Someone said that John Lennon resembled a “singing golf ball with hair.”(??!!) And, of course, there were plenty of comments about the crazy screaming girls in the audience. (“What are they screaming about? They can’t even hear the music!”)

I can honestly say that I wasn’t totally won over by The Beatles from that first appearance. Even as a child, I was skeptical. I think it was my unfamiliarity with some of the music. That soon changed. But I returned the following weeks to witness those incredible moments. And man, Ringo Starr could sure rock those cymbals–and drums! But I stayed well clear of the ongoing discussion amongst my sister and her teenage female friends on who was cuter: John Lennon or Paul McCartney? That was so annoying! I just wished I didn’t have to hear it!

And when I visited New York City in 1985, before the age of home-owned video tapes, I went to the Museum of Television and Radio (now known as the Paley Center for Media). The first thing I wanted to see was that first Ed Sullivan appearance. I wasn’t the only one.I found out that that show was the number one requested viewing item. It seems everyone wanted to relive those magical moments when The Beatles changed the world!

Nowadays, I can just post it on my blog. What a wonderful world!:
http://youtu.be/CqrauzHPpwE

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

My radio show, “Theme Attic,”  is on Wednesdays 12PM-4PM ET.

The show can be heard on WHFR 89.3 FM in the Dearborn-Detroit area of Michigan, or it can be streamed with this link: https://www.whfr.fm/streamer/!

I have other musical areas to explore:

I occasionally will add to The Most Awesomest Song of the Day!

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

Here’s a link to have a look at “The Greatest Songs Ever Recorded”: https://philmaq.com/the-greatest-songs-ever-recorded/!

Occasionally, an “awesome song” crosses over to become a “Greatest Song!”

My somewhat unusual Hall of Fame can be explored here: https://philmaq.com/hall-of-fame/!

Lastly, but most importantly, is my Philby Awards link! A Philby is my annual award for brilliant musical achievement! https://philmaq.com/philbys/!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

Mark Your Calendars – February 9th

Now, I know that on February 9th many of us will be wrapped up in the WInter Olympics, but true Beatles fans will be tuning in to CBS from 8-10 p.m. for their special, “The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute To The Beatles.” It was taped immediately following The Grammy Awards broadcast this week.

27399_32_e_retouch_2

The two-hour presentation will include tributes by a number of remarkable performers including John Legend, Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Pharrell Williams.

Of course, we just want to see Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr working our favorite tunes! Word is that Dhani Harrison joined in on one song.

Seventy-three million people tuned in to The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. How many people will tune in this time around?

Peace and Love,

Bitsy

Congratulations, Paul!

Well, I’m just a bit overcome by the amazing Grammys presentation on Sunday. Such a great mix of performers! But, I have to say, what brought a tear to my eye was watching Ringo play with Paul. OMG! What a moment!!!

Our esteemed Beatles were awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to popular music. Well deserved, I must say. And, as it’s coming up on the 50th anniversary of their coming to America, very timely.

Not all the Grammys are awarded during the prime time broadcast, so you might not be aware that Paul walked away with five Grammys this year! In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of The Beatles, he also was nominated for and won the following four Grammys:

*  ‘Best Rock Song‘ for ‘Cut Me Some Slack‘ which he co-wrote with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear.
*  ‘Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package‘ for last year’s ‘Wings Over America‘ re-issue.
*  ‘Best Surround Sound Album‘ for ‘Live Kisses‘.
*  ‘Best Music Film‘ for ‘Live Kisses‘.

Congratulations, Paul!

Peace and Love,

Bitsy

Paul McCartney nominated for Five Grammys Tonight!

With the 50th anniversary of The Beatles first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show coming at warp speed–about the only thing taking my mind off the “polar vortex,” is tonight’s Grammy Awards. It has plenty of anxious anxiety for Beatle fans: Will Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr perform together again? They are both scheduled to perform, but it hasn’t been officially stated that they will do something together.

Oh. well, at least this year’s Grammys should be better than last year’s with both of them on the bill. But I don’t see how it could beat that killer performance of the Abbey Road Medley when Paul traded guitar licks with Bruce Springsteen, Joe Walsh, and Dave Grohl. But I hope it does.

The show should keep McCartney fans riveted since Paul is nominated for five Grammys for his work on Cut Me Some Slack–the song he did with Nirvana’s remaining members, Live Kisses–the DVD version of his standard covers album, Kisses on the Bottom, and the Deluxe reissue packaging for Wings Over America. I have my fingers crossed…………….

Summer’s Last Gasp: “The Sun Is Shining” Soundcheck by The Fireman (Paul McCartney)!

Near record heat made me think of one of my favorite songs from “Electric Arguments” by The Fireman (Paul McCartney). Here’s Paul at a sound check giving it a run through:

“NEW” Paul McCartney Single Released!

 

New

The first new track from Paul McCartney’s next album, “New,” has just been made available. The album is set for release in the UK on October 14th and the U.S. October 15th. Sounds very “Beatleish!”

Wings First Live Performance 41 Years Ago Today!

Paul McCartney started his post-Beatles performing career with his new band 41 years ago today. While his new band, Wings, started slowly, they evolved into an incredibly successful band on their own. I thought it would be interesting to look back at the very minor beginnings of the band as Paul reflects on those early tours: