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Paul McCartney - When Winter Comes (Official Music Video)

I love this song from Paul McCartney's new album, McCartney III. "When Winter Comes" hearkens back to some of his early solo material, and watching the video makes me think of "Mull of Kintyre."

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My thoughts on eugenics and Bill C7

Normally I don't like to engage in discussions about the politics behind things making the news (e.g. COVID-19). I will make an exception for Bill C7. This proposed bill, if passed, will make it easier for people with disabilities to end their lives. This may please right-to-die advocates, but not those of us who believe our lives are of value. I am a person with a disability who opposes eugenics. I also believe that every person with a disability deserves to live, and have access to the same opportunities as anybody else. I also find it strange and disappointing that a party that passed a disability act in parliament is also in favour of a euthanasia bill. This worries me greatly. All this energy would be better spent removing societal barriers instead of passing a bill that says our lives are expendable. #nothingaboutuswithoutus

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Mark Dailey, the voice of Citytv, died 10 years ago today. I enjoyed meeting him more than a decade ago. I believe his spirit is EVERYWHERE. 

My 7th nomination for best Beatles solo album released between 1981 and 2020

My 7th nominee in my 2nd Beatles Solo Project is Ringo’s Vertical Man album from 1998. Like with Paul’s Flaming Pie album from 1997, Ringo’s 11th solo effort borrows inspiration from the Beatles’ Anthology releases. Paul and George even make guest appearances.

Among the tracks on Vertical Man is Ringo’s solo cover of “Love Me Do”! Though he performed on the Beatles’ original, the recording most fans know has Ringo relegated to playing the tambourine and not the drums. (The original “Love Me Do” has Ringo on drums, but it was withdrawn in 1962. It was recovered and is now on the Beatles’ Past Masters compilation.) Of the new songs, “La De Da” is most associated with Ringo’s easygoing persona. Other highlights include “What in the World” with Paul, and “King of Broken Hearts” with George on slide guitar. Another highlight is a spirited cover of Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away,” featuring Tom Petty, Alanis Morisette and Steven Tyler. Ringo’s other guests on Vertical Man are Joe Walsh, Ozzy Osbourne, Nils Lofgren, Van Dyke Parks, Brian Wilson, Timothy B. Schmit, Scott Weiland, Sir George Martin, wife Barbara Bach and daughter Lee Starkey.

Vertical Man is the first of five studio albums Ringo subsequently co-produced with Mark Hudson. They first worked together in 1992 when Ringo recorded the Time Takes Time album. The other albums they produced together are I Wanna Be Santa Claus (Ringo’s Christmas album in 1999), Ringo Rama (2003), Choose Love (2005) and Liverpool 8 (2008).

Trivia: The album’s title (and song) comes from a quote from a book Ringo's stepdaughter Francesca Gregorini won at school (i.e. ”Let's hear it for the vertical man, there's always so much praise for the horizontal one.”).

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My 6th nomination for best Beatles solo album released between 1981 and 2020

After a month-long hiatus, I am back writing about more nominees in my 2nd Beatles Solo Project. Today I am spotlighting my 6th nominee, Paul’s Flaming Pie.

Flaming Pie was released in 1997. It is the solo album Paul released after completing and promoting the Beatles’ Anthology albums and mini-series, with surviving ex-bandmates George and Ringo. Flaming Pie has Paul sounding invigorated. (Paul’s personal favourite from this album is “Heaven on a Sunday.”) “Calico Skies” is a strong number that alternates between a love song and a protest song. “The World Tonight” is one of the heavier-sounding songs, courtesy of his son James and his powerful guitar riffs. On “Beautiful Night," which is nothing short of beautiful, Ringo performs the drums. Former Beatles producer George Martin produced the string arrangements (this song may be my personal favourite track). “Great Day,” the closing number, is Paul’s duet with wife Linda. Guests on Flaming Pie include Jeff Lynne (also co-producer), Ringo (also co-writer of “Really Love You” with Paul), Steve Miller, and James and Linda McCartney. (Sadly, this was Linda’s last album before she died of cancer in 1998.)

A quick note on the album title and title track: according to Paul, "John (Lennon) joked that the name Beatles came in a vision from a man on a flaming pie, coming unto us…”

The Flaming Pie album was reissued in July 2020 and is worth seeking out. 

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Week 8 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project

Week 8 of my Beatles Solo Project began yesterday. The three most recent albums are being played this week: Ringo's Give More Love (2017), Paul's Egypt Station (2018) and Ringo's What's My Name (2019).

This was originally going to be the final week of the project, until Paul confirmed this week that he will be releasing McCartney III at the end of this year.

Will it be included in the project? After giving it some thought, my answer is yes.

Since I'm still behind in blogging about my other nominees, I've decided to profile one (or two) of the remaining noms per week until that new album comes out December 11.

Perhaps it is for the best since McCartney III is the only new solo album being released in 2020. (Hopefully 2020 won't completely suck with this new album.)

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Remembering Sandra Carpenter - Disability Rights Pioneer and IL Visionary (1954 - 2020)

On a personal note, 2020 began on the wrong foot before the pandemic came to Canada. Back in January, and just two days after one of my friends lost his mom, one of my greatest colleagues and life coaches died suddenly. Sandra Carpenter to me is one of the best disability advocates/activists I ever got the chance to know. Her life was celebrated Friday night at the virtual Annual General Meeting hosted by the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT). Here is the montage that was shown that night. I learned so much from her that I apply her teachings to my everyday life. Her wisdom and example has improved the quality of life for many people with disabilities in Toronto and elsewhere.

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Week 7 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project

Week 7 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project began on Tuesday. It began with Ringo 2012. It hasn't aged as well as Ringo 1973.

Paul's Kisses on the Bottom (2012) is a good album of jazz standards, with cameos from Diana Krall, Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder. "My Valentine" is an original song Paul wrote for his third wife, Nancy. It ranks well alongside the older songs covered on this collection.

New, Paul's follow-up from 2013, and Ringo's Postcards from Paradise from 2015, round out the week.

I have fallen behind with my write-ups on the albums I've nominated for the project. Because of my busy schedule and the anxieties that sometimes come with it, I haven't been able to write as much lately. I hope to catch up in the next few days.

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A short Thanksgiving note

In these stressful times, I remind myself frequently that I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my family, friends, PSWs, my health (no COVID-19). a place to live, my place of employment and the continued ability to learn new things. I also realize that not everybody has all these things. I would be lying if I said that I haven't taken any of these things for granted. Now I choose to enjoy living in the moment and not obsess or worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow. We can only control what is happening in the present. Yesterday can never be changed. Remember to appreciate what you do have, and live one day at a time. I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, even those of you who aren't in Canada.

My 5th nomination for best Beatles solo album released between 1981 and 2020

My 5th nominee in my 2nd Beatles Solo Project is Ringo's Time Takes Time from 1992. This is Ringo's 10th solo album, and his first after nine years of limited activity. On board as producers are Jeff Lynne, Peter Asher (of Peter & Gordon), Phil Ramone and Don Was. The songs are well-written, and the production is tight throughout. "The Weight of the World," its opening track, got some airplay and attention, along with a slick music video. Other highlights include the autobiographical "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go," the nostalgic "After All These Years," and the timely "Don't Know a Thing About Love." Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson and Andrew Gold make guest appearances. It is unfortunate that despite the strong production and song selection, Time Takes Time was mostly met with indifference when initially released. It is an underdog of an album that I believe is one of Ringo's best. He put a lot of hard work into this album, and I sometimes wonder why it is not always apparent on some other albums he has made.

Trivia: Time Takes Time is the first Ringo album with musician and producer Mark Hudson (he is the uncle of Kate Hudson). On this album, he is credited as a percussionist and backing vocalist. Hudson would co-produce five Ringo albums between 1998 and 2008.

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Week 6 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project

Week 6 of my Beatles Solo Project has begun!

From this point on, unfortunately, only two Beatles remain: Ringo and Paul. I will listen to their remaining albums up to Ringo's recent release from 2019.

Three Ringo albums this week: Choose Love (2005), Liverpool 8 (2008) and Time (2010). Two Paul albums this week: Chaos and Creation in the Backyard (2005) and Memory Almost Full (2007).

My 4th nomination for best Beatles solo album released between 1981 and 2020

My 4th nominee in my 2nd Beatles Solo Project is Paul's Flowers in the Dirt album from 1989. Its strange title derives from a line in “That Day is Done,” one of four tracks co-written with Elvis Costello. “My Brave Face” is their best-known collaboration that begins the album, and the biggest hit of their songwriting partnership. The two other songs they wrote are “Don’t Be Careless Love” and “You Want Her Too” (their duet, and the weakest song of the four). Other highlights include “This One,” “Put it There,” “We Got Married” (co-produced by David Foster) and the gospel-influenced “Motor of Love.” Paul worked hard to make Flowers in the Dirt stronger than its predecessor, Press to Play (1986). That album suffered from weak material and an awkward attempt to adapt to ‘80s new wave. Flowers, on the other hand, is musically tighter, and Paul sounds more confident. Paul went on a lengthy and successful tour with this album. (I saw him live at the old Skydome in late 1989. It was the first time I had seen any of the Beatles live.)

Trivia: another song he wrote with Elvis Costello, but left off the album, is “The Lovers That Never Were.” Costello says the original demo has one of Paul’s finest performances. The song was later reworked and included on Paul’s subsequent release, Off the Ground (1993).

Remembering Helen Reddy

Tonight I'm sad to learn that Helen Reddy died. I remember the Australian singer from her appearances on Sesame Street, The Muppet Show and Pete's Dragon. I later heard her famous hits like "I Am Woman," "You and Me Against the World" and "Angie Baby." Two weeks ago I saw her biopic named after her iconic hit, I Am Woman. May she Rest In Peace.

Week 5 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project

Week 5 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project has begun!

Vertical Man (1998) is Ringo's first album in six years. His follow-up, Ringo Rama (2003), includes a poignant tribute to George Harrison, called "Never Without You."

George, who had been living with cancer for several years, died on November 29, 2001. Brainwashed is his posthumous final album released in 2002.

Run Devil Run is a rock covers album Paul recorded in 1999. It is the first album he recorded after losing his wife Linda to cancer in 1998. Three originals are included. Driving Rain from 2001 was released after the 9/11 attacks.

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My 3rd nomination for best Beatles solo album released between 1981 and 2020

My 3rd nominee in my 2nd Beatles Solo Project is George’s Cloud Nine album from 1987. It was his first album in five years after the disappointing Gone Troppo. Cloud Nine was a remarkable return to form, and possibly his best solo album since All Things Must Pass (1970). I love all the songs on this one, including his #1 cover of James Ray’s “Got My Mind Set on You,” and “When We Was Fab,” “This is Love” and the title track. It also includes two songs rescued from Shanghai Surprise, the infamously bad movie he co-produced in 1986. (The 2004 reissue includes two other songs from the movie, including the title theme.) Unlike on his previous album, George sounded energetic throughout, jamming with his famous friends. Guest musicians included Ringo, Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne, Elton John and Gary Wright. Not known to get nostalgic in public, “When We Was Fab” was George’s affectionate nod to his Beatles days, with Ringo on drums. “Got My Mind Set on You” was an obscure R&B number from 1962 that George always loved. Another track that deserves a mention is “Devil’s Radio,” his indictment on gossip and cynical talk radio shows. Cloud Nine was the last solo album released during George’s lifetime. His next two releases were as front man of the Traveling Wilburys supergroup.

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Week 4 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project

Week 4 of my Beatles Solo Project has begun! Four solo albums to listen to this week, plus George's final Traveling Wilburys effort.

Paul's Flowers in the Dirt, Off the Ground and Flaming Pie dominate this week's playlist. The Flowers album from 1989 includes collaborations with Elvis Costello, resulting in some of Macca's strongest '80s material.

Flaming Pie (1997) was recently reissued, and is one of Paul's most popular solo albums released after the Beatles' Anthology and partial reunion.

Time Takes Time (1992) is Ringo's first album in nearly a decade. He spent most of the 1980s dealing with personal addictions that kept him sidelined. His recovery began with this album and the launch of his first All-Starr band. 

My 2nd nomination for best Beatles solo album released between 1981 and 2020

 

My 2^nd nominee in my 2^nd Beatles Solo Project is Milk and Honey, by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It is John’s posthumous final album. Released in January 1984, it is a follow-up to their Grammy-winning Double Fantasy album. The album’s title, Milk and Honey, is lifted from several passages found in the Old Testament of The Bible (e.g. “the land of milk and honey”). It also refers to a slang expression made for when a Caucasian marries an Asian. Milk and Honey includes “Nobody Told Me,” a song originally intended for Ringo. This leadoff single peaked at #5 in the US. This song reflected John feeling more at peace and enjoying more of the simple things in life as a resident of New York City. John’s contributions to the album are low-key compared to the answer songs recorded by Yoko. Two songs directly influenced by the poems of Robert and Elizabeth Browning – “Grow Old with Me” and Yoko’s “Let Me Count the Ways” – showed how deep their love continued to be going into the ‘80s. Ironically, and painfully, “Grow Old with Me” is one of the last songs John recorded before he was killed on December 8, 1980.

Trivia: Another song Ringo intended to record by (and with) John was called “Life Begins at 40.” This and “Nobody Told Me” were going to be part of Ringo’s 1981 album, Stop and Smell the Roses. Both songs got shelved following John’s death. (John’s demo recording of “Life Begins at 40” was released on the Lennon Anthology box set in 1998.)

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My 1st nomination for best Beatles solo album released between 1981 and 2020

 

My 1^st nominee in my 2^nd Beatles Solo Project is Paul’s Tug of War album from 1982. It is regarded by many as one of his best solo albums. I believe it is also the best of a trilogy of albums to come from his reunion with Beatles producer Sir George Martin. Recording began for this album a few days prior to John Lennon’s assassination in 1980. There was a recording session scheduled the day after his death (Dec. 9), and some of the material reflected Paul mourning the loss of his friend and former collaborator. The song “Tug of War” metaphorically depicts the complex relationship between Paul and John. “Here Today” address their musical partnership more directly by way of a fictional conversation between them. “Somebody Who Cares” was a song Paul wrote for John’s sons, Julian and Sean, who were still adjusting to life without their dad. The two biggest hits from the album are “Take it Away” and “Ebony and Ivory,” one of two duets with Stevie Wonder. “Ebony and Ivory,” a song calling for racial harmony, spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Take it Away” is one song by Paul that he has never performed live (I wish he would). Ringo Starr, Wings guitarist Denny Laine and Carl Perkins are guest musicians on the album (Paul and Carl do a fine duet called “Get It”).

Pipes of Peace (1983), the follow-up to Tug of War, was recorded concurrently and unfortunately is not as strong or as memorable. Paul’s “Say Say Say” duet with Michael Jackson and the title track are the two best cuts. Then George Martin produced the soundtrack to Paul’s box-office and critical flop, Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984).

Week 3 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project

Week 3 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project has begun! Today I revisited Paul's Give My Regards to Broad Street, the soundtrack to his almost-forgotten movie from 1984. The soundtrack is the best part of the film, featuring mostly remakes of Beatles and Wings songs. "No More Lonely Nights" is the best of the three originals on the soundtrack.

Paul's Press to Play from 1986 is next. The 1993 reissue includes "Spies Like Us," the title theme to the 1985 comedy movie (and his last top 10 hit to date).

George's Cloud Nine from 1987 is an album I've always loved. After its release, he formed the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys with Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, the late Roy Orbison and the late Tom Petty. Both of their albums are included in the project playlist.

The last album this week is the most obscure, an album of rock 'n' roll oldies Paul recorded for the Russian market in 1988. Known as The Russian Album, it became more widely available globally in 1991, just weeks prior to the fall of the Soviet Union.

RIP Dame Diana Rigg

I loved Dame Diana Rigg. Many remember her as Emma Peel on the UK Avengers TV series. I remember her from films On Her Majesty's Secret Service, The Great Muppet Caper and the ITV production of King Lear. She was also great on Extras and Game of Thrones. RIP Diana. ❤️

Week 2 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project

Week 2 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project has begun! Only four albums are being played this week, one per member. It is unfortunately the only week where all four Beatles are represented equally. John Lennon's one posthumously-released album, Milk and Honey, was released in January 1984, just over three years after he was killed. Milk and Honey is going to be one of the nominees for my final top 10 list.

Another album up for consideration is Paul McCartney's Tug of War. One of Paul's best post-Wings albums, it includes "Here Today," his personal tribute song about John.

To elaborate on this listening project, the format for this second one is much like the first. One difference is that I'll be listening to 34 studio albums instead of 32. The two Traveling Wilburys albums with George are included, even though they aren't officially considered solo albums.

Week 1 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project

Week 1 of my 2nd Beatles Solo Project began yesterday. Like with the first era of solo albums, this series begins with George Harrison. I listened to his Somewhere in England album from 1981 yesterday afternoon. This is the album that has "All Those Years Ago," his tribute to John.

The other two albums I'm listening to this week are Ringo's Stop and Smell the Roses and Paul's Tug of War.

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The top 10 Beatles Solo Albums (1968-1980) and more!

My Top 10 Beatles Solo Albums / 1968-1980

1. All Things Must Pass (George)

2. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band

3. Band On The Run (Paul/Wings)

4. Ringo

5. Imagine (John)

6. Ram (Paul & Linda)

7. Thirty Three & 1/3 (George)

8. Venus and Mars (Paul/Wings)

9. Beaucoups of Blues (Ringo)

10. Double Fantasy (John & Yoko)

Honourable Mentions: Ringo's Rotogravure, George Harrison 1979

John Lennon

Best Album: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band

Worst Album: Some Time in NYC

Favourite Song: "Mind Games" (from Mind Games)

Least Favourite Song: "Sunday Bloody Sunday" (from Some Time in NYC)

Paul McCartney

Best Album: Band on the Run (w/ Wings)

Worst Album: Wild Life (w/ Wings)

Favourite Song: "Band on the Run" (from Band on the Run)

Least Favourite Song: "Mumbo" (from Wild Life)

George Harrison

Best Album: All Things Must Pass

Worst Album: Electronic Sound

Favourite Song: "What is Life" (from All Things Must Pass)

Least Favourite Song: "Bye Bye Love" (from Dark Horse)

Ringo Starr

Best Album: Ringo

Worst Album: Ringo the 4th

Favourite Song: "Photograph" (from Ringo)

Least Favourite Song: “Can She Do it Like She Dances" (from Ringo the 4th)

The Best Beatles Solo Album / 1968-1980

My choice for the best Beatles Solo Album released between 1968 and 1980 is... George Harrison's All Things Must Pass (1970).

Coming to this decision was a close one. It was between this album and John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band album (also from 1970). They are both equally strong albums both worthy of the top spot. I chose George's All Things Must Pass in the end because its more upbeat and less dark tone has a broader appeal.

Even though this seven-week project is now over, I have more to post.

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My 16th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 16th and final nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is Double Fantasy, the album from 1980 that John Lennon shared with Yoko Ono. It was the last John solo album released during his lifetime.

The concept behind Double Fantasy is a musical dialogue, or 'heart play,' between them as a married couple. Many of the songs he wrote for the album were written during his five years away from music. "(Just Like) Starting Over" is an excellent opener that (posthumously) went to #1. "Watching the Wheels" was his attempt to explain why he left the limelight for five years. "Beautiful Boy," written for his son Sean, showed how much he loved being a devoted dad to him. John demonstrated that he had grown and matured during his retirement, while maintaining a sharp wit (e.g. "Cleanup Time"). "Woman" is a love song to Yoko, and about his respect for all women. While he may have failed to achieve world peace, he managed to find peace within himself. Yoko herself declares at the end of the album, "Hard Times Are Over."

Double Fantasy holds deep meaning for me as it was the first John Lennon album I ever heard. It was released on November 17, 1980. I first heard it three weeks later, on December 9, the day after John was assassinated. My mom rushed out to the nearby record store and bought it as soon as she learned he had died. It got played a lot over the next few weeks. I had heard some Beatles songs prior to this album's release. I gradually got to know more of their music, both together and individually, partly due to Double Fantasy.

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My 15th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 15th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is George’s 1976 album Thirty Three & 1/3, his first in the Dark Horse catalogue. I call this one a comeback album even though he had not stopped performing. George was not in the best of health when he recorded his two previous albums (Dark Horse and Extra Texture), and Thirty Three & 1/3 was a return to form. Released when he was 33 and a third years old, the album showed George to be in a happier and less sullen mood. The worst thing to happen to him was that he was sued for plagiarism over his hit, “My Sweet Lord,” because it sounded similar to The Chiffons’ hit, “He’s So Fine.” George's “This Song” is a cheeky response to the whole court case (featuring a cameo from Eric Idle). “Crackerbox Palace” is another highlight, written about the estate of eccentric American comedian Lord (Richard) Buckley. “Pure Smokey” is dedicated to Smokey Robinson, and “Dear One” is dedicated to Paramahansa Yogananda, author of The Art of Yogi. George wrote “Learning How to Love You” for Herb Alpert when Alpert sued him for not delivering the album on schedule. (When Alpert’s A&M label stopped distributing the Dark Horse catalogue, it was transferred over to Warner Bros.) A major reason why George sounded upbeat was because during this period he met Olivia Arias, the woman who would become his second wife.

My Beatles Solo Project - Week 7

The 7th and final week of my Beatles Solo Project begins today. I have enjoyed taking the time to listen to The Beatles' solo albums more deeply. This project only covers the 32 solo albums released between 1968 and 1980. Though things would profoundly change after the tragic death of John Lennon in 1980, the three (now two) remaining members would continue to make solo recordings with varying degrees of success. I may examine these albums in the future. Stay tuned.

The final four albums I'm listening to include Back to the Egg, Paul's swan song with Wings. The last album I'll listen to will be John's Double Fantasy with Yoko Ono. This one will be the hardest one for me to write about since this was the last album John released before his life and career ended abruptly. Since Double Fantasy is one of the 16 nominees for my top 10, I will write more about it soon.

My 14th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 14th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is Wings at the Speed of Sound. Paul's 5th album with Wings turned out to be the most commercially successful album of their time together when released in 1976. It is the home of "Let 'Em In" and "Silly Love Songs." Paul was accused by critics at the time of morphing into Engelbert Humperdinck, the romantic crooner. “Silly Love Songs” was written in response to these criticisms, and it became North America’s #1 song of 1976. “Let ‘Em In” is Paul’s ode to beloved friends and family members. (‘Suzy’ is his wife Linda, who once recorded as Suzy and the Red Stripes.) “Beware My Love” is another highlight, and the 2014 reissue includes a bonus version with Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham on drums. Wings at the Speed of Sound is the only time Paul gave equal time to each band member, by having them sing lead on at least one song. Denny Laine has his finest moment on a Wings album, with “Time to Hide.” (His performance of “The Note You Never Wrote” is also good.) This is the only Wings album to feature American drummer Joe English, who is heard singing “Must Do Something About It.” It is also the final Wings album with guitarist Jimmy McCulloch. Wings at the Speed of Sound was released to coincide with their successful tour of America, as documented on their live album, Wings Over America.

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My 13th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 13th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is Venus and Mars, Paul's 4th album with Wings. Released in 1975 as the follow-up to Band on the Run, V&M wastes no time in opening with a two-part barnstormer, the title track paired with "Rock Show." The “Rock Show” part features new recruits Jimmy McCulloch on guitar, and Geoff Britton on drums. (McCulloch takes the lead vocal on “Medicine Jar.”) The album's biggest hit is the fun and lively "Listen to What the Man Said." Another hit is "Letting Go," which Paul has recently made a staple of his live concerts. “Magneto and Titanium Man” (another personal favourite) draws on Paul’s love of comic books, including the Marvel superheroes created by Stan Lee. V&M was recorded entirely in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. Wings even recorded tracks related to New Orleans that are now bonus tracks of V&M reissues. My favourite bonus track on the 2014 reissue is the song Paul wrote for Peggy Lee, "Let's Love." Paul's demo was recorded in 1974, and Peggy Lee's version was released later that year. The strange instrumental that closes the original release, “Crossroads,” is the theme to an old British TV soap opera.

Trivia: this is the first Wings album issued by Paul’s MPL (McCartney Productions Limited) label and not by Apple Records.

My Beatles Solo Project - Week 6

Week 6 of my Beatles Solo Project has begun! There's a whole lotta Ringo this week, building up to his 80th birthday this Tuesday (July 7). He released three albums between 1976 and 1978 after leaving Apple Records. Ringo's Rotogravure is notable for being John Lennon's final guest appearance on a Beatles solo album. The obscure Bad Boy album includes songs that Ringo performed on a TV special that aired in 1978. It would be the last album Ringo would release in the 1970s.

My 12th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 12th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is Ringo's Goodnight Vienna album from 1974. The album's title is a Liverpool expression meaning, 'it's all over.' Many of his pals return for his 4th album, including Billy Preston, Harry Nilsson and Robbie Robertson. Elton John (co-writer of "Snookeroo") and Dr. John also perform. John Lennon is the only other ex-Beatle on the album, as backing singer and composer of the title track. Nilsson gave him a song (“Easy For Me”) and can also be heard singing backup, including on the hits “Only You” and “No-No Song.” Ringo doing the “No-No Song” is interesting because it is about a man swearing off vices like drugs and alcohol. Ringo’s addictions to these would hamper his career for much of the next decade. I believe he was still in peak form on Goodnight Vienna, and recommend it to anyone who may question Ringo’s talents as a performer and musician.

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My 11th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 11th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is John Lennon's Walls and Bridges album. It was released during a tumultuous period in his life and career, which he referred to as his Lost Weekend. He and Yoko Ono separated in 1973, and he stopped doing political material after releasing the panned Some Time in New York City album. The songs on Walls and Bridges explore his depression and gradual acceptance of the single life. The album's biggest hit was "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" (performed with Elton John). The lyrics came to John while watching late-night sermons on TV made by prosperity preacher Reverend Ike. "Nobody Loves You When You're Down and Out" was described by John as his Lost Weekend anthem. John's personal favourite, however, according to friends, was "#9 Dream." It is based on a dream he had that put him in a peaceful state. In regards to the album's title, John said, "Walls keep you in either protectively or otherwise, and bridges get you somewhere else." The cover art is a collage of drawings John made as a child. Shortly after the album reached #1 in 1974, John and Yoko reconciled.

Trivia: Julian Lennon, John's son from his first marriage, is the drummer on "Ya Ya." John would record a more polished cover of the Lee Dorsey song on the follow-up album, Rock 'n' Roll, in 1975.

Kevin's Isolators

Last night I appeared on the final episode of Kevin's Isolators, a nightly web series hosted by Kevin Frankish. This is the same Kevin Frankish who used to host the Toronto edition of Breakfast Television (BT) on CityTV. Isolators ran for 100 episodes, and I hope it will return in some form because it was a great comfort for those of us experiencing depression and/or anxiety during this pandemic.

My segment appears around the 38:12 mark. Here is the link to this episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tlTPwp_bUc

I actually met Kevin a couple of times back when he co-hosted the Easter Seals Ontario Telethon. I believe he is the real deal. Other episodes of his Isolators series are available to watch on his YouTube channel.

My Beatles Solo Project - Week 5

Week 5 of my Beatles Solo Project has begun! Another four albums on the listening schedule this week. John Lennon begins the week with Rock 'n' Roll, his 'covers' album from 1975. It is the last album he would release until 1980. Wings' two #1 albums from 1975 and 1976 will be examined. George Harrison's final album for Apple Records, Extra Texture, will also be played.

My 10th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 10th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is Band on the Run, Paul McCartney’s third album with Wings. Released at the end of 1973, it became the group’s most successful album and Paul’s biggest post-Beatles work. The title track and “Jet” are from this album. Paul and wife Linda, and Denny Laine comprised the group after two of its founding members left (i.e. drummer Denny Seiwell and guitarist Henry McCullough). The trio had written and recorded many of the songs while in Lagos, Nigeria. Just as they were wrapping up, Paul and Linda were robbed at knife-point. Having lost their demos, they quickly re-recorded songs for the album. Putting that extra time may have contributed to the album’s enduring quality. I like all the songs, apart from one weak track (“Picasso’s Last Words”). It is interesting to note that Paul wrote the “Band on the Run” song about his early years in The Beatles, and not about Wings. (It was George Harrison who inspired the lyric, “if we ever get out of here” said during a business meeting.) For years I was confused as to what “Jet” is about. Apparently, Paul wrote it about his dog! Thankfully, the album is no dog. It is the best album Wings ever made.

Trivia: a few notable celebrities appear on the album cover with Wings, including Muhammad Ali!

The realities of being black in Canada in 2020

My Beatles Solo Project - Week 4

Week 4 of my Beatles Solo Project has begun! I'm only (re)listening to four albums this week - one by each Beatle! Paul McCartney's best-known album with Wings, Band on the Run, kicks off the week, followed by John Lennon's Walls and Bridges. Both of these albums were #1 on Billboard in 1974. Then, it's Ringo Goodnight Vienna, and George's Dark Horse. Interestingly, Dark Horse would later be the name of George's record label after he left Apple in late 1975.

My 9th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 9th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is Paul's debut solo album, McCartney. He released it in April 1970, a month before The Beatles' final album, Let it Be. People didn't know what to make of his first album initially because most of it sounds radically different from his Beatles work. It was likely intended to be that way. Paul's mix of conventional pop songs and avant garde instrumentals have a homegrown feel, despite its lack of polish. "Maybe I'm Amazed" is still one of his best solo songs 50 years later. "Junk" and "Teddy Boy" were composed while he was still a Beatle. "Every Night" is another highlight. The best instrumental, "Kreen-Akrore," is adapted from music he heard while watching a documentary about indigenous people in a Brazilian rain-forest. Though Paul would go on to make better albums, this one topped the charts in 1970.

My 8th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 8th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is George's Living in the Material World album from 1973. The album found him continuing to articulate and meditate on his Hindu faith journey, and his ongoing quest for inner peace (and peace on earth). The opening track "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" was a #1 hit. During this time he struggled to shake off his Beatles identity and knew he was competing with his past. "Sue Me, Sue You Blues" showed his fatigue, while the title track criticized John and Paul "in the material world." The most peaceful songs are the contemplative numbers, and its messages aren't confined to just one religion or faith (e.g. "The Light That Has Lighted the World" and "Be Here Now"). Living in the Material World was the first album George released after headlining his Concert for Bangladesh in 1971. Interestingly, and thankfully, his studio version of "Bangladesh" is included as a bonus track on the 2014 reissue of Living in the Material World.

My 7th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 7th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is Red Rose Speedway, Paul's second album with Wings. A #1 album when first released in 1973, it also has a reputation of being both panned and misunderstood. 

I didn't think much of it when I first heard it on cassette back in the early '90s. "My Love" was the album's only major hit, but that wasn't enough to convince me of how underrated it is. The version of RRS I actually recommend is the original double-album that Macca and his band-mates proposed, but rejected by their label, EMI. 

It has a stronger song selection and it shows that this was intended to be an ensemble band effort. On their first album, Wild Life, they were hungry but not ready. RRS changed that. The reconstructed original (the cover with the white background) is available on vinyl, or can be downloaded on iTunes. If you can't afford buying the single CD version on the RRS box set, downloading it is just as good. You can read more about the original RRS at https://www.paulmccartney.com/news-blogs/news/red-rose-speedway-the-double-album.

My 6th nominee for Best Beatle Solo Album/1968-1980

My 6th nominee in the Beatles Solo Project is Ringo's third solo album, simply titled Ringo. Released near the end of 1973, this album marks a recurring format that allows for many guest stars and celebrity friends. This album is also notable for having all four Beatles on it after their breakup! Relations with John, Paul and George were healthy enough by then that they could work together again without reforming as a group. John wrote and sang backing vocals on "I'm the Greatest," George sang with Ringo and co-wrote "Photograph" (plus wrote 2 other songs) and Paul contributes to "Six O'Clock" and to the cover of Johnny Burnette's "You're Sixteen." Canadians will note that four of the five members of The Band also performed on the album (e.g. Robbie Robertson). "Photograph" and "You're Sixteen" were both #1 hits on Billboard. The album flows so well it is like listening to a Ringo solo concert, with good vibes all around.

A note about the Beatles' solo albums that reached number one between 1968 and 1980

Beatles Solo Project update: all the solo albums that charted at the #1 spot between 1968 and 1980 are nominees for my top 10 list.