The Greatness of Wings Over America (WOA)
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I'm sure most of us are getting very antsy for Oct. 14/15 to arrive. Afterall, we have a new Macca album on the way. The dates can't come soon enough. What's getting me by is almost every time I get into my car. I've been playing WOA over the last few months and I still am not tired of it. To me, it is a 5 Star Album (out of 5) and one of the greatest "live" albums over the last 50 years. I am 64 years old so I have heard quite a few of the good ones in my time. Technically, I guess you can't include a "Live" album in an artist's Best Albums (studio, I mean) but in my mind, WOA is among Paul's Best 5. I say that because, in almost every case, the songs exceed the studio versions. This lineup, as Paul said was special. Jimmy was truly a great lead guitarist and Joe English was such a great drummer that even Jon Bonham would love to attend Wings' shows. I also think I underestimated Denny Laine as an "all-around" player and gifted vocalist. Denny's voice blended very well with Paul whether in harmony or as in Spirits of Ancient Egypt trading vocals within various parts of the song. Finally, the main aspect of WOA is that you had Paul at his absolute peak as a vocalist and bass player. And not to forget you had the live horns. The combination of all of these factors had the potential for greatness and man did they deliver. There isn't a clunker in the entire set and I like Side 1 and 2 equally depending on my mood. Side 2 is more the "rocking" side but then you have the greatness of Side 1 with that incredible opener, acoustic set etc. If you have a friend that just doesn't get Post-Beatle Paul or thinks he is too soft/Pop, this is the album to recommend. After a few listens, they will surely get the multi-dimensional talents of Macca. Hopefully, more and more of the younger generations (born in the 70's or later) will get into WOA and understand the genius of Paul in the broad Pop-Rock field. While we are waiting for the "New" Album, I invite fellow board members to list a track or two of WOA that you love. I will start with 3: * Venus and Mars/ Rock Show / Jet Has to be one of the greatest openers to any Rock Show in the modern era. Obsessive moment in a Song - The is 10 plus minutes of Rock and Roll Heaven but when those horns come in at the beginning of Jet, the audience goes wild * Listen to What the Man Said Paul makes this version faster and I like the piano intro and ending Obsessive Moment in the Song - Love the "wonder of it all" section at the end with Thadeus' horn solo's and Paul's vocal ad libs *Letting Go This is among by absolute favorites on WOA. All the players shine including those live horns. Paul's bass is off the charts. This song as well as most on WOA are born to be played live I could go on and on but I'm interested in what others think and what songs blow your mind. Include the "obsessive moment" for you if you wish.
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Soily - I know it has kind of ridiculous lyrics, but they perform the heck out of this song, and to present an unreleased song like this and get such a great response shows Paul's immense ability to entertain. I know this album was "fixed up" a bit in the studio, but still, as you say, he was at the height of his powers, and it captures some great performances. The live horns add such a powerful dimension, and I really wish he would tour with them one more time.
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I'm in a minority here, but while I loved the V&M/RockShow/Jet opening when I saw Wings in San Diego in '76, I never liked the version on WOA. To me, Paul sounds like he's singing with a mouthful of potatoes, most notably on "RockShow." On most of the album he sounds great, even if a bit hoarse in places. But I will treasure this album for what I consider the definitive version of "Long and Winding Road" and an absolutely kick-ass "Hi Hi Hi."
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I've always loved Magneto and Titanium Man! (love the entire album!!)
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"Maybe I'm Amazed" is an obvious choice, but this version was the first Paul single I bought while it was still current. It was actually quite some time till I heard the original, and for a while I couldn't get over how tame that sounded in comparison. I do agree on "Magneto" and "Hi Hi Hi" as well!
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As much as I enjoy "Soily" I wish the version from Rockshow was included. That version kicks ass!!!
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WOA was the first LP of Maccas I bought aged 14yrs. I loved it then and still love it now....all of it
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I would only make one change...I think the version of "Call Me Back Again" from Rockshow was better that the version released on WOA. Paul's vocals (on Rockshow) are nothing short of amazing!!
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Totally agree this is one of the greatest live albums ever, and hands down some of the best versions Paul ever recorded. Of particular note, The Long and Winding Road, Maybe I'm Amazed, Soily, Silly Love Songs, and my favorite Beware My Love. Classic! So glad to have this finally remastered!
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beatlesfanrandy:
Totally agree this is one of the greatest live albums ever, and hands down some of the best versions Paul ever recorded. Of particular note, The Long and Winding Road, Maybe I'm Amazed, Soily, Silly Love Songs, and my favorite Beware My Love. Classic! So glad to have this finally remastered!
Randy, I love Beware My Love also. When I'm in a "rocking" mood, I love the last 5 songs on WOA starting with Beware My Love. Then you have Letting Go, Band on the Run, Hi-Hi-Hi and Soily. What an ending and every song rocked. Just think that the entire Side 2 of WOA contains no Beatles' numbers. It just shows how much confidence Paul had at the time and how big Wings had become in 1976. I love the Bonus Section part on Rock Show (DVD) when it shows Paul and Linda looking at the TV where the commentator is stating how far Paul had come from leaving the Beatles and then starting this new little Band (I'm paraphrasing). The look of pride on Paul's face was priceless. He had gotten so much criticism from the critics (and his fellow Beatles). At this point, he had the biggest tour in the planet, was getting great reviews and # 1 records. He really accomplished everything he sought out to do and considering he left the Beatles and started from scratch, it was an amazing feat.
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beatlesfanrandy:
Totally agree this is one of the greatest live albums ever, and hands down some of the best versions Paul ever recorded. Of particular note, The Long and Winding Road, Maybe I'm Amazed, Soily, Silly Love Songs, and my favorite Beware My Love. Classic! So glad to have this finally remastered!
Randy, I love Beware My Love also. When I'm in a "rocking" mood, I love the last 5 songs on WOA starting with Beware My Love. Then you have Letting Go, Band on the Run, Hi-Hi-Hi and Soily. What an ending and every song rocked. Just think that the entire Side 2 of WOA contains no Beatles' numbers. It just shows how much confidence Paul had at the time and how big Wings had become in 1976. I love the Bonus Section part on Rock Show (DVD) when it shows Paul and Linda looking at the TV where the commentator is stating how far Paul had come from leaving the Beatles and then starting this new little Band (I'm paraphrasing). The look of pride on Paul's face was priceless. He had gotten so much criticism from the critics (and his fellow Beatles). At this point, he had the biggest tour in the planet, was getting great reviews and # 1 records. He really accomplished everything he sought out to do and considering he left the Beatles and started from scratch, it was an amazing feat.
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I agree. WOA is a great album, one that I never get tired of. My view is that the Venus and Mars/ Rock Show / Jet opening is one of the best (if not the best) openings to any concert I've seen. There is not a weak track on this album and the band are in great form. Also the more I see Rockshow the more I enjoy it.
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stephencornish:
I agree. WOA is a great album, one that I never get tired of. My view is that the Venus and Mars/ Rock Show / Jet opening is one of the best (if not the best) openings to any concert I've seen. There is not a weak track on this album and the band are in great form. Also the more I see Rockshow the more I enjoy it.
, Stephen, You're right about not a weak track on WOA. I think it really is the definitive Wings album since it covers 3 albums right at their peak. Just sad that this Wing's line-up lasted for only a short time. Playing live, they were able to put new energy in the big hits (singles) while making the album cuts (Beware My Love, Letting Go, Time to Hide, Magneto, Spirits of Ancient Egypt, Medicine Jar, Call Me Back Again) sound even better than the studio versions. WOA will be an active seller for years as new generations will discover it.
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So right. This was the best line up. I saw them when they came to Australia in 1975. Best concert I've seen. The band was in fine form and being pre Speed of Sound the set was a bit different.
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I am just loving the Wings Over San Francisco CD from the recent WOA release. Why didn't Paul release the GREAT Lady Madonna version from SF. The additional verse 'for the people back home' was simply superb. I absolutely love the Let Me Roll It version from the Cow Palace; rocking, noisy, messy, and absolutely superb. I always loved WOA, but thought it didn't capture the grittiness of the summer of '76. After attending both shows in DC, I thought Wings was nastier (?) than Zeppelin, Kiss, etc. WOA just does not capture the raw version of the shows I saw in DC and Fort Worth in 76.
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Bruce M.:
I'm in a minority here, but while I loved the V&M/RockShow/Jet opening when I saw Wings in San Diego in '76, I never liked the version on WOA. To me, Paul sounds like he's singing with a mouthful of potatoes, most notably on "RockShow." On most of the album he sounds great, even if a bit hoarse in places. But I will treasure this album for what I consider the definitive version of "Long and Winding Road" and an absolutely kick-ass "Hi Hi Hi."
You know, I agree with you. It even seems a bit sluggish than usual, especially when compared to the version on Rockshow. Was the speed changed? It always sounded slower to me on the LP than in the film.