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    Tug of War--Almost Thirty Years On

    NOT SUCH A BAD BOY
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    • J
      John Mackintosh last edited by

      I checked the official release date on the site and it has it down as April 26, which would be for the UK, so please forgive me for starting this thread now but this album is very important to me, for very personal reasons as you will read. I remember it coming out in late April here in the States, just days before my wife and I were married, so it is strongly associated in my mind with that happy event. Ebony and Ivory came out a month or so earlier, I believe, and I remember one of my hardcore Beatle friends NOT liking it,, which mystified me. That song is linked to my driving her and her best friend up to my hometown on a Saturday for a wedding shower and it came on the radio for the first time. Critics hailed Tug of War as either his best post-Beatles album ever or on par with BOTR. I thought what we called Side 2 on vinyl was especially strong especially the last three tracks that get moving with Dress Me Up as a Robber. I put it way up there but since those days it seems to be somewhat overlooked by those who look back on Paul's career and it may no longer be considered in his upper echelon of albums, its place probably taken by Ram which the critics damned to hell in 1971, I hated them for it. As for the album being forgotten, I remember in 2002 when he first did Here Today live, he had to explain to Katie Couric (I think it was) where the song came from as she thought it was totally new! Tug of War came out with Reagan in the White House, Thatcher at 10 Downing Street, the Falklands War and Europe divided between east and west. So much has changed. My funniest memory--my wife getting tired of me playing it everyday. She, of course, knew I was a big fan but she thought that was a bit much. I just said, hey, it's a great album. Thirty years on, we are still married and I still think it was a great album.

      New York City-1989; Boston-1990; Raleigh, N.C.-1990, 2002; Columbia, S.C.-1993, 2015 Charlotte, N.C.-1993, 2010; Toronto-2010-MULL OF KINTYRE AT LAST!!   Cincinnati-2011; Washington, D.C.-2013; Atlanta-1990. 1993. 2002, 2005, 2009, 2014. Knoxville-2022

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      • A
        admin last edited by

        The recording history of that album is a saga on it's own. It's also the album that more or less killed Wings.

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        • J
          John Mackintosh last edited by

          BertoneBeatle:

          The recording history of that album is a saga on it's own. It's also the album that more or less killed Wings.

          Wasn't some of it originally planned to be included in a Wings release? I know Denny Laine is on there on some tracks.

          New York City-1989; Boston-1990; Raleigh, N.C.-1990, 2002; Columbia, S.C.-1993, 2015 Charlotte, N.C.-1993, 2010; Toronto-2010-MULL OF KINTYRE AT LAST!!   Cincinnati-2011; Washington, D.C.-2013; Atlanta-1990. 1993. 2002, 2005, 2009, 2014. Knoxville-2022

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          • A
            admin last edited by

            I'm not a big fan of this album and I think it's partly the production. Sorry, George, but it just sounds old-fashions. It sounds too tame and too much verging into adult contemporary mush. And I hate to say it but some of the songs don't work for me because of the backing vocals. Like that corny moment in the song Tug of War where Linda sings "pushing, pulling." It just ruins the song for me. I don't know, maybe I'll change my mind or maybe someone can explain what I'm missing. But I just have never warmed to this one.

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            • beatlesfanrandy
              beatlesfanrandy last edited by

              It was Paul's first album after John died. It was also Paul's first solo album with George Martin producing. It was emotional for both of them, and I see it as a tribute to John. Paul was really pushed to come up with something great, and the excellence shines on the whole album.

              Wings Over America - Cow Palace SF - June 1976. New World Tour - Anaheim Stadium - 4/17/93. Driving USA - Oakland Arena - 4/1/2002. US Tour - HP Pavilion - San Jose - 11/08/05. An Evening with Paul McCartney - The Joint at Hard Rock - Las Vegas - 4/19/09. Up & Coming Tour - Hollywood Bowl - 3/31/10. Walk of Fame Star Presentation - Hollywood - Feb. 2012. CBS-TV taping - The Night That Changed America (with Ringo!)  - L.A. Convention Center - Jan. 2014. Out There Tour -Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles - Aug. '14 and Petco Park - San Diego - Sept. '14. Petco Park - San Diego - June 2019.  Got Back Tour - SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles - May 2022

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              • SusyLuvsPaul
                SusyLuvsPaul last edited by

                I've always considered this a magnificent album, one of his greatest One of his masterpieces.

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                • CMackbird
                  CMackbird last edited by

                  One of his many masterpieces. An absolute gem of an album that works from start to finish. Imagine the emotions that would have been felt/involved in making this album.

                  Sir Paul McCartney....Thank You!!

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                  • A
                    admin last edited by

                    I love this album from beginning to end. One of my very favourite albums. Wanderlust on it's own is melodic genius.

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                    • J
                      John Mackintosh last edited by

                      To me, Wanderlust, Tug of War, Dress Me Up as Robber and the Pound is Sinking are outstanding. Perhaps because of hearing it live a number of time and then reproduced on liva albums, Here Today has lost some of its power. Especially interesting to hear The Pound Is Sinking in which currencies like the Greek Drachma are named as these have been replaced by the Euro. Of course, many feel Greece will eventually have to go back to the Drachma so the perception of this song's lyrics might have a strange evolution. The Pound is still around and was holding steady on this morning's foreign exchange quotes!

                      New York City-1989; Boston-1990; Raleigh, N.C.-1990, 2002; Columbia, S.C.-1993, 2015 Charlotte, N.C.-1993, 2010; Toronto-2010-MULL OF KINTYRE AT LAST!!   Cincinnati-2011; Washington, D.C.-2013; Atlanta-1990. 1993. 2002, 2005, 2009, 2014. Knoxville-2022

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                      • kapoo
                        kapoo last edited by

                        Michelley:

                        I'm not a big fan of this album and I think it's partly the production. Sorry, George, but it just sounds old-fashions. It sounds too tame and too much verging into adult contemporary mush. And I hate to say it but some of the songs don't work for me because of the backing vocals. Like that corny moment in the song Tug of War where Linda sings "pushing, pulling." It just ruins the song for me. I don't know, maybe I'll change my mind or maybe someone can explain what I'm missing. But I just have never warmed to this one.

                        Good call on that 'pushing pulling' bit, I never think about it but that it sort of cheesy, just the way it sounds anyway wanted to say I darn near agree with you about TOW Michelley, sometimes it is a bit easy listening. but mainly that is because of the production, and for me most of the time I can hear enough cool sounding stuff and rocking coming from Paul to make the production work alright. its definitely really clean, but the layer and orchestrational blending that takes place on that album is really actually quite amazing, to think someone (George Martin/Paul) actually did that and made those sounds. sonically its got some really cool moments. and along with some good songs it can make for a reasonably breath taking listen 🆒 I like Tug of War, in my top 10 Paul reckids. I actually do love the CD of TOW because you get the straight though Here Today > Ballroom Dancing run. very sad, and then washed away by fun McCartney rockin. for some reason thats a really impactful 2 song line up for me. on the vinyl I need to flip for it. still works though

                        its like trying to catch the sun on the water..
                        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka06CWHRYFI

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                        • BOYCIE
                          BOYCIE last edited by

                          Michelley:

                          I'm not a big fan of this album and I think it's partly the production. Sorry, George, but it just sounds old-fashions. It sounds too tame and too much verging into adult contemporary mush. And I hate to say it but some of the songs don't work for me because of the backing vocals. Like that corny moment in the song Tug of War where Linda sings "pushing, pulling." It just ruins the song for me. I don't know, maybe I'll change my mind or maybe someone can explain what I'm missing. But I just have never warmed to this one.

                          For me it's the general strength of the songs that make Tug Of War one of Paul's more consistent albums. I do think the production is probably slicker than i'd prefer, but the overall quality of the songs override this minor quibble. The title track is one of Paul's best solo songs and shows when he puts his mind to it he can write brilliant lyrics. Wanderlust is another highlight with again beautifully apt lyrics, again one of his best solo songs. I can't say i'm keen on the Stevie Wonder duets, especially Ebony And Ivory, i think they don't really fit the feel of the album, but most of the rest is top notch Macca.

                          1979 UK TOUR
                          1989/'90 WORLD TOUR
                          1993 NEW WORLD TOUR X 2
                          2003 BACK IN THE WORLD
                          2004 SUMMER TOUR
                          2010 UP AND COMING
                          2010 HAMMERSMITH
                          2011 ON THE RUN
                          2012 ALBERT HALL
                          2013 OUT THERE
                          2015 OUT THERE X 2

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                          • dance-tonight
                            dance-tonight last edited by

                            Great album. "Wanderlust" is one of the best songs ever, "Tug of War" a great song in every way, "Take It Away" very catchy. "Dress Me Up as a Robber" is the only song on this record I don't like, but all the other ones are great. Paul at his best in the 80s.

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                            • J
                              John Mackintosh last edited by

                              I agree with you on at least one of the Stevie duets, "What's That You're Doing" is the weakest track on the entire album.

                              New York City-1989; Boston-1990; Raleigh, N.C.-1990, 2002; Columbia, S.C.-1993, 2015 Charlotte, N.C.-1993, 2010; Toronto-2010-MULL OF KINTYRE AT LAST!!   Cincinnati-2011; Washington, D.C.-2013; Atlanta-1990. 1993. 2002, 2005, 2009, 2014. Knoxville-2022

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                              • jonh81
                                jonh81 last edited by

                                Love this album very easy on the ear, like the way TOW blends into Take it Away. A classic from Macca.

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                                • J
                                  John Mackintosh last edited by

                                  dance-tonight:

                                  Great album. "Wanderlust" is one of the best songs ever, "Tug of War" a great song in every way, "Take It Away" very catchy. "Dress Me Up as a Robber" is the only song on this record I don't like, but all the other ones are great. Paul at his best in the 80s.

                                  Listened to Wanderlust short time ago when out in the car. That is one outstanding song. If I had to pick one favorite from the entire album, always hard to do, that would be it. It is also an offspring of the Londontown sessions, one of my favorites from the 1970s. As for Dress Me Up as a Robber, that song is so intriguing as it really doesn't have melody, or at least one that is easily accessible, which is unusual for Paul. Trying to whistle it is impossible!

                                  New York City-1989; Boston-1990; Raleigh, N.C.-1990, 2002; Columbia, S.C.-1993, 2015 Charlotte, N.C.-1993, 2010; Toronto-2010-MULL OF KINTYRE AT LAST!!   Cincinnati-2011; Washington, D.C.-2013; Atlanta-1990. 1993. 2002, 2005, 2009, 2014. Knoxville-2022

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                                  • BOYCIE
                                    BOYCIE last edited by

                                    John Mackintosh:

                                    Listened to Wanderlust short time ago when out in the car. That is one outstanding song. If I had to pick one favorite from the entire album, always hard to do, that would be it. It is also an offspring of the Londontown sessions, one of my favorites from the 1970s.

                                    I'd love Paul to ditch The Long And Winding Road and put Wanderlust in it's place in the live show. The only downside to this proposition is whether Paul could sing it well as it's in a very high range.

                                    1979 UK TOUR
                                    1989/'90 WORLD TOUR
                                    1993 NEW WORLD TOUR X 2
                                    2003 BACK IN THE WORLD
                                    2004 SUMMER TOUR
                                    2010 UP AND COMING
                                    2010 HAMMERSMITH
                                    2011 ON THE RUN
                                    2012 ALBERT HALL
                                    2013 OUT THERE
                                    2015 OUT THERE X 2

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                                    • CMackbird
                                      CMackbird last edited by

                                      BOYCIE:

                                      John Mackintosh:

                                      Listened to Wanderlust short time ago when out in the car. That is one outstanding song. If I had to pick one favorite from the entire album, always hard to do, that would be it. It is also an offspring of the Londontown sessions, one of my favorites from the 1970s.

                                      I'd love Paul to ditch The Long And Winding Road and put Wanderlust in it's place in the live show. The only downside to this proposition is whether Paul could sing it well as it's in a very high range.

                                      I think that would be a real concern Boycie. Tbh I find it hard to think he has neglected it completely since 89 on wards. IMO It really is one of his finest songs, one of my all time faves EVER.

                                      Sir Paul McCartney....Thank You!!

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                                      • Nancy R
                                        Nancy R last edited by

                                        CMackbird:

                                        BOYCIE:

                                        John Mackintosh:

                                        Listened to Wanderlust short time ago when out in the car. That is one outstanding song. If I had to pick one favorite from the entire album, always hard to do, that would be it. It is also an offspring of the Londontown sessions, one of my favorites from the 1970s.

                                        I'd love Paul to ditch The Long And Winding Road and put Wanderlust in it's place in the live show. The only downside to this proposition is whether Paul could sing it well as it's in a very high range.

                                        I think that would be a real concern Boycie. Tbh I find it hard to think he has neglected it completely since 89 on wards. IMO It really is one of his finest songs, one of my all time faves EVER.

                                        (and Boycie's and John's too!)

                                        Omni, Atlanta, GA May 18, 1976, Feb. 17, 1990

                                        GA Dome, Atlanta, GA May 1, 1993

                                        Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA May 12, 2002

                                        FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN May 26, 2013

                                        Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA Oct. 15, 2014

                                        Infinite Energy Center, Duluth, GA July 13, 2017

                                        Bon Secours Arena, Greenville, SC May 30, 2019

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                                        • BOYCIE
                                          BOYCIE last edited by

                                          CMackbird:

                                          BOYCIE:

                                          John Mackintosh:

                                          Listened to Wanderlust short time ago when out in the car. That is one outstanding song. If I had to pick one favorite from the entire album, always hard to do, that would be it. It is also an offspring of the Londontown sessions, one of my favorites from the 1970s.

                                          I'd love Paul to ditch The Long And Winding Road and put Wanderlust in it's place in the live show. The only downside to this proposition is whether Paul could sing it well as it's in a very high range.

                                          I think that would be a real concern Boycie. Tbh I find it hard to think he has neglected it completely since 89 on wards. IMO It really is one of his finest songs, one of my all time faves EVER.

                                          I agree it's a classic if ever i've heard one. The galling thing is Wanderlust and Tug Of War are two of Paul's best post Beatle songs, but they're virtually unknown unless you're a Paul fan. I'd love for Wanderlust to have been issued as the first single off TOW instead of the lame Ebony And Ivory then it might have got some recognition.

                                          1979 UK TOUR
                                          1989/'90 WORLD TOUR
                                          1993 NEW WORLD TOUR X 2
                                          2003 BACK IN THE WORLD
                                          2004 SUMMER TOUR
                                          2010 UP AND COMING
                                          2010 HAMMERSMITH
                                          2011 ON THE RUN
                                          2012 ALBERT HALL
                                          2013 OUT THERE
                                          2015 OUT THERE X 2

                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote
                                          • J
                                            John Mackintosh last edited by

                                            BOYCIE:

                                            CMackbird:

                                            BOYCIE:

                                            John Mackintosh:

                                            Listened to Wanderlust short time ago when out in the car. That is one outstanding song. If I had to pick one favorite from the entire album, always hard to do, that would be it. It is also an offspring of the Londontown sessions, one of my favorites from the 1970s.

                                            I'd love Paul to ditch The Long And Winding Road and put Wanderlust in it's place in the live show. The only downside to this proposition is whether Paul could sing it well as it's in a very high range.

                                            I think that would be a real concern Boycie. Tbh I find it hard to think he has neglected it completely since 89 on wards. IMO It really is one of his finest songs, one of my all time faves EVER.

                                            I agree it's a classic if ever i've heard one. The galling thing is Wanderlust and Tug Of War are two of Paul's best post Beatle songs, but they're virtually unknown unless you're a Paul fan. I'd love for Wanderlust to have been issued as the first single off TOW instead of the lame Ebony And Ivory then it might have got some recognition.

                                            It's a real shame he didn't do Tug of War and Wanderlust during the 1989-90 tour that was closest in time to the album and. as pointed out, his voice was in a higher range back then It would have been sort of like how he did Flaming Pie and Calico Skies in recent years since Flaming Pie, like TOW, wasn't accompanied by a tour coinciding with the album's release. TOW and Wanderlust are just too good to have never been played live.

                                            New York City-1989; Boston-1990; Raleigh, N.C.-1990, 2002; Columbia, S.C.-1993, 2015 Charlotte, N.C.-1993, 2010; Toronto-2010-MULL OF KINTYRE AT LAST!!   Cincinnati-2011; Washington, D.C.-2013; Atlanta-1990. 1993. 2002, 2005, 2009, 2014. Knoxville-2022

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