Paul's Solo (Post 1980) more visability
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Since Paul is not going to apparently give his Solo Catalogue any exposure through his "live" tours, there is something that would make sense for him to do. In my opinion, he needs a new Compilation CD to cover the years from the early 80's to let's say 2010. Wingspan basically covers the 70's to the early 80's but he hasn't done any compilation to cover the 80's to 2010. By making a big Marketing splash like he did with Wingspan, he can give his unappreciated Solo gems some visability they really need. He has so many good to great songs that could be included. I would do a 2Cd Compilation calling it...Paul McCartney Solo Songs A to Z from 1980 to 2010. By doing the A to Z format, the songs would be intersperced from all the albums in this time period. No covers; all songs should be written or co-written by Paul. If you think about it, most people would agree that the various Solo CD's are generally reviewed per tracks like this: *very good *good *average *below average (especially for Paul) This compilation should be strictly the top 2 tier tracks...very good and good. We might quibble about individual songs as I realize this is subjective but I think that generally most agree which songs by and large are in the top 2 tiers per album. Regardless, I think most Paul fans would agree that this missing CD compilation is necessary for Paul's full career. The Remasters would continue as far as they go but an A-Z Compilation would certainly fit well on top of Wingspan and All the Best. The A to Z breakdown would work in this time span as an alternative to the "Hits and History" division of Wingspan that was more apparent in the 70's. The Industry and Technology has drastically changed towards the younger demographics so the aging music artists like Paul just don't have hits anymore. In my opinion, however, Paul's quality of material in this timespan hasn't diminished at all. Thus the A to Z breakdown would really work. Here is my Tracklisting: CD # 1 About You (Driving Rain) At the Mercy (Chaos) Beautiful Night (Flaming Pie) Calico Skies (Flaming Pie) Dance Till We're High (Fireman) Ever Present Past (Memory Almost Full) Feet in the Clouds (Memory Almost Full) Figure of 8 (Flowers in the Dirt) Flaming Pie (Flaming Pie) Friends to Go (Chaos) Golden Earth Girl (Off the Ground) Hope of Deliverence (Off the Ground) House of Wax (Memory Almost Full) Jenny Wren (Chaos) Little Willow (Flaming Pie) Lonely Road (Driving Rain) Mistress and Maid (Off the Ground) Mr. Bellamy (Memory Almost Full) My Brave Face (Flowers in the Dirt) No More Lonely NIghts (Broad Street) Once Upon Long Ago (Single) One of These Days (McCartney 2) Only Love Remains (Press) Disc 2 Only Mama Knows (Memory Almost Full) Put It There (Flowers in the Dirt) Pipes of Peace (Pipers of Peace) Riding to Vanity Fair (Chaos) Sing the Changes (Fireman) So Bad (Broad Street Somedays (Flaming Pie) Souvenir (Flaming PIe) Sun is Shining (Fireman) Take It Away (Tug of War) The Lovers that Never Were (Off the Ground) This Never Happened Before (Chaos) This One (Flowers in the Dirt) Through Our Love (Pipes of Peace) Too Much Rain (Chaos) Tug of War (Tug of War) Vintage Clothes (Memory Almost Full) Wanderlust (Tug of War) We Got Married (Flowers in the Dirt) What It Is (Run Devel Run) Winedark Open Sea (Off the Ground) Young Boy (Flaming Pie) Your Loving Flame (Driving Rain) Hopefully Paul's people can see this and see its viability for putting some punch to all of these generally unknown songs that in many cases are gems. I know this idea has been put forward before but here it is again. When is Paul going to do a compilation that really puts forward his best works for the period. What do you think? What song/songs that have been excluded that you strongly think should be included and vice versa. Remember the time period we're talking about here. I thought the NEW tracks were just too new. Maybe they would start a new compilation for future CD's.
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I think the short answer to your question is: Never. "Wingspan" had obvious commercial potential. Many of the records were huge hits, and there was a compelling story to tell in the TV special: What do you do for a second act in your career when your first act was the effing Beatles? Those ingredients simply aren't there for a post-1980 compilation. Most of the records were not major hits (and the handful of '80s hit singles were mostly -- inexplicably -- on "Wingspan." It would be very, very hard to make such an enterprise a commercial success, and Paul clearly does not like flops. Don't get me wrong: I'd love to see a collection, and I agree with a lot of your suggestions, but I don't think either Paul or his record company would see it as commercially feasible.
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Bruce M.:
I think the short answer to your question is: Never. "Wingspan" had obvious commercial potential. Many of the records were huge hits, and there was a compelling story to tell in the TV special: What do you do for a second act in your career when your first act was the effing Beatles? Those ingredients simply aren't there for a post-1980 compilation. Most of the records were not major hits (and the handful of '80s hit singles were mostly -- inexplicably -- on "Wingspan." It would be very, very hard to make such an enterprise a commercial success, and Paul clearly does not like flops. Don't get me wrong: I'd love to see a collection, and I agree with a lot of your suggestions, but I don't think either Paul or his record company would see it as commercially feasible.
______________________________________________ You are probably right Bruce. Sadly, something like this might come out years from now when Paul is retired from touring. Certainly, Wingspan had a great story to tell...Paul leaving the Beatles and taking an unknown Band to huge success, Linda's unfortunate death, big hits in the compilation, a big TV special about the rise of Wings etc. etc. A new Compilation for the Solo Career doesn't have anything close to Wingspan. I think the 2 CD Wingspan Set sold a million plus copies. Would Paul's record company be receptive to a new Compilation Post Wings now. Probably not from a business point of view. I wonder however if Paul is concerned about the charts these days. He knows how the Industry has totally changed. The project certainly wouldn't be expensive for Paul and the Record Company to do as the music is already there. There isn't a Compilation for his Post Wings career (over 30 years now) so it would fill a void. Because Paul is still in the news all the time (particularly when he is tourning) the Compilation while not being a big seller would no doubt be a steady, slower seller. Hopefully Paul and/or his team can see a list like this and see just how many great Solo songs he has written. Sometimes it seems that Paul doesn't realize what a great Solo Catalogue he really has at this point. A "Solo" Compilation would certainly give so many unhidden gems new life and visability if not for immediate best seller status but for the long term.
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B J Conlee:
Since Paul is not going to apparently give his Solo Catalogue any exposure through his "live" tours, there is something that would make sense for him to do. In my opinion, he needs a new Compilation CD to cover the years from the early 80's to let's say 2010. Wingspan basically covers the 70's to the early 80's but he hasn't done any compilation to cover the 80's to 2010. By making a big Marketing splash like he did with Wingspan, he can give his unappreciated Solo gems some visability they really need. He has so many good to great songs that could be included. I would do a 2Cd Compilation calling it...Paul McCartney Solo Songs A to Z from 1980 to 2010. By doing the A to Z format, the songs would be intersperced from all the albums in this time period. No covers; all songs should be written or co-written by Paul. If you think about it, most people would agree that the various Solo CD's are generally reviewed per tracks like this: *very good *good *average *below average (especially for Paul) This compilation should be strictly the top 2 tier tracks...very good and good. We might quibble about individual songs as I realize this is subjective but I think that generally most agree which songs by and large are in the top 2 tiers per album. Regardless, I think most Paul fans would agree that this missing CD compilation is necessary for Paul's full career. The Remasters would continue as far as they go but an A-Z Compilation would certainly fit well on top of Wingspan and All the Best. The A to Z breakdown would work in this time span as an alternative to the "Hits and History" division of Wingspan that was more apparent in the 70's. The Industry and Technology has drastically changed towards the younger demographics so the aging music artists like Paul just don't have hits anymore. In my opinion, however, Paul's quality of material in this timespan hasn't diminished at all. Thus the A to Z breakdown would really work. Here is my Tracklisting: CD # 1 About You (Driving Rain) At the Mercy (Chaos) Beautiful Night (Flaming Pie) Calico Skies (Flaming Pie) Dance Till We're High (Fireman) Ever Present Past (Memory Almost Full) Feet in the Clouds (Memory Almost Full) Figure of 8 (Flowers in the Dirt) Flaming Pie (Flaming Pie) Friends to Go (Chaos) Golden Earth Girl (Off the Ground) Hope of Deliverence (Off the Ground) House of Wax (Memory Almost Full) Jenny Wren (Chaos) Little Willow (Flaming Pie) Lonely Road (Driving Rain) Mistress and Maid (Off the Ground) Mr. Bellamy (Memory Almost Full) My Brave Face (Flowers in the Dirt) No More Lonely NIghts (Broad Street) Once Upon Long Ago (Single) One of These Days (McCartney 2) Only Love Remains (Press) Disc 2 Only Mama Knows (Memory Almost Full) Put It There (Flowers in the Dirt) Pipes of Peace (Pipers of Peace) Riding to Vanity Fair (Chaos) Sing the Changes (Fireman) So Bad (Broad Street Somedays (Flaming Pie) Souvenir (Flaming PIe) Sun is Shining (Fireman) Take It Away (Tug of War) The Lovers that Never Were (Off the Ground) This Never Happened Before (Chaos) This One (Flowers in the Dirt) Through Our Love (Pipes of Peace) Too Much Rain (Chaos) Tug of War (Tug of War) Vintage Clothes (Memory Almost Full) Wanderlust (Tug of War) We Got Married (Flowers in the Dirt) What It Is (Run Devel Run) Winedark Open Sea (Off the Ground) Young Boy (Flaming Pie) Your Loving Flame (Driving Rain) Hopefully Paul's people can see this and see its viability for putting some punch to all of these generally unknown songs that in many cases are gems. I know this idea has been put forward before but here it is again. When is Paul going to do a compilation that really puts forward his best works for the period. What do you think? What song/songs that have been excluded that you strongly think should be included and vice versa. Remember the time period we're talking about here. I thought the NEW tracks were just too new. Maybe they would start a new compilation for future CD's.
Great idea and I think it would be something that would give a total perspective of his entire career. I understand what Bruce was saying about the commercial viability of a project like this and that is why I think you may not see something like this until Mr. McCartney sadly passes away. At that time a project like this could be released and might get people interested.
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I might add "Run Devil Run" and "That Was Me" to your excellent list.
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Yankeefan, Like both songs.(Run,Devil,Run and That Was Me). I had included "What It Is" (From the Run,Devil,Run CD) which I also really like. I also included quite a few from Memory Almost Full so I felt I had to stop. I really like Feet in the Clouds and Vintage Clothes in the same so called medley that included That Was Me. I think many of the songs from Memory Almost Full really stand out. I love Mr. Bellamy and House of Wax. The thing about "Memory" is that I just didn't like Gratitude and Nod Your Head at all. Really spoiled what else is a great album for me. I also love "Ever, Present Past" which I think is one of his best.
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yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
Since Paul is not going to apparently give his Solo Catalogue any exposure through his "live" tours, there is something that would make sense for him to do. In my opinion, he needs a new Compilation CD to cover the years from the early 80's to let's say 2010. Wingspan basically covers the 70's to the early 80's but he hasn't done any compilation to cover the 80's to 2010. By making a big Marketing splash like he did with Wingspan, he can give his unappreciated Solo gems some visability they really need. He has so many good to great songs that could be included. I would do a 2Cd Compilation calling it...Paul McCartney Solo Songs A to Z from 1980 to 2010. By doing the A to Z format, the songs would be intersperced from all the albums in this time period. No covers; all songs should be written or co-written by Paul. If you think about it, most people would agree that the various Solo CD's are generally reviewed per tracks like this: *very good *good *average *below average (especially for Paul) This compilation should be strictly the top 2 tier tracks...very good and good. We might quibble about individual songs as I realize this is subjective but I think that generally most agree which songs by and large are in the top 2 tiers per album. Regardless, I think most Paul fans would agree that this missing CD compilation is necessary for Paul's full career. The Remasters would continue as far as they go but an A-Z Compilation would certainly fit well on top of Wingspan and All the Best. The A to Z breakdown would work in this time span as an alternative to the "Hits and History" division of Wingspan that was more apparent in the 70's. The Industry and Technology has drastically changed towards the younger demographics so the aging music artists like Paul just don't have hits anymore. In my opinion, however, Paul's quality of material in this timespan hasn't diminished at all. Thus the A to Z breakdown would really work. Here is my Tracklisting: CD # 1 About You (Driving Rain) At the Mercy (Chaos) Beautiful Night (Flaming Pie) Calico Skies (Flaming Pie) Dance Till We're High (Fireman) Ever Present Past (Memory Almost Full) Feet in the Clouds (Memory Almost Full) Figure of 8 (Flowers in the Dirt) Flaming Pie (Flaming Pie) Friends to Go (Chaos) Golden Earth Girl (Off the Ground) Hope of Deliverence (Off the Ground) House of Wax (Memory Almost Full) Jenny Wren (Chaos) Little Willow (Flaming Pie) Lonely Road (Driving Rain) Mistress and Maid (Off the Ground) Mr. Bellamy (Memory Almost Full) My Brave Face (Flowers in the Dirt) No More Lonely NIghts (Broad Street) Once Upon Long Ago (Single) One of These Days (McCartney 2) Only Love Remains (Press) Disc 2 Only Mama Knows (Memory Almost Full) Put It There (Flowers in the Dirt) Pipes of Peace (Pipers of Peace) Riding to Vanity Fair (Chaos) Sing the Changes (Fireman) So Bad (Broad Street Somedays (Flaming Pie) Souvenir (Flaming PIe) Sun is Shining (Fireman) Take It Away (Tug of War) The Lovers that Never Were (Off the Ground) This Never Happened Before (Chaos) This One (Flowers in the Dirt) Through Our Love (Pipes of Peace) Too Much Rain (Chaos) Tug of War (Tug of War) Vintage Clothes (Memory Almost Full) Wanderlust (Tug of War) We Got Married (Flowers in the Dirt) What It Is (Run Devel Run) Winedark Open Sea (Off the Ground) Young Boy (Flaming Pie) Your Loving Flame (Driving Rain) Hopefully Paul's people can see this and see its viability for putting some punch to all of these generally unknown songs that in many cases are gems. I know this idea has been put forward before but here it is again. When is Paul going to do a compilation that really puts forward his best works for the period. What do you think? What song/songs that have been excluded that you strongly think should be included and vice versa. Remember the time period we're talking about here. I thought the NEW tracks were just too new. Maybe they would start a new compilation for future CD's.
Great idea and I think it would be something that would give a total perspective of his entire career. I understand what Bruce was saying about the commercial viability of a project like this and that is why I think you may not see something like this until Mr. McCartney sadly passes away. At that time a project like this could be released and might get people interested.
Yankeefan, I'm thinking there could be a major "Solo" Compilation in 3-4 years. In my opinion, it would depend on how long the "Remasters' Projects" go. We might get an idea in September when Venus and Mars/Speed of Sound is released. The booklets included in the past have told us about future Remasters. Based on some of the buzz, it appears as though they will do a Tug of War / Pipes of Peace remaster. And then you could have a Back to the Egg/Londontown remaster. If they stop with the Remasters in 3 -4 years let's say and Macca really slows down his touring, I would think that Paul would see the value of putting out a Solo Compilation at that time. Let's hope.
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B J Conlee:
Yankeefan, Like both songs.(Run,Devil,Run and That Was Me). I had included "What It Is" (From the Run,Devil,Run CD) which I also really like. I also included quite a few from Memory Almost Full so I felt I had to stop. I really like Feet in the Clouds and Vintage Clothes in the same so called medley that included That Was Me. I think many of the songs from Memory Almost Full really stand out. I love Mr. Bellamy and House of Wax. The thing about "Memory" is that I just didn't like Gratitude and Nod Your Head at all. Really spoiled what else is a great album for me. I also love "Ever, Present Past" which I think is one of his best.
I was not a big fan of "Gratitude" either but loved the rest of MAF. (especially "House of Wax") RDR was great album and the three McCartney originals fit in very nicely with the 50's covers. IMO - McCartney is fantastic with 50's type songs and RDR is one of his best vocal performance on record.
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Is there a chance that Paul not "miss" the 80's and 90's? maybe for respect for Linda, maybe because those times makes him think about her... I saw Paul in Montevideo four months ago and he didn't play any song from the 80's and 90's. Why?
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WingsOfMacca:
Is there a chance that Paul not "miss" the 80's and 90's? maybe for respect for Linda, maybe because those times makes him think about her... I saw Paul in Montevideo four months ago and he didn't play any song from the 80's and 90's. Why?
I've always suspected Paul avoids the '80s, except for Here Today which is kind of special, because it's the period when he ceased being a hit-maker. That must have been traumatic.
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Bruce M.:
WingsOfMacca:
Is there a chance that Paul not "miss" the 80's and 90's? maybe for respect for Linda, maybe because those times makes him think about her... I saw Paul in Montevideo four months ago and he didn't play any song from the 80's and 90's. Why?
I've always suspected Paul avoids the '80s, except for Here Today which is kind of special, because it's the period when he ceased being a hit-maker. That must have been traumatic.
I think the same too. The 80's had MJ, Madonna, Prince and many other new artists, and he probably felt like an old soldier in the middle of that situation. The 80's meant a change of paradigm for Paul in many levels. First, he had to make music all by his own, no more musical partners like Denny Laine. Even the best musicians have their own limitations, and now Paul has to face them. Besides, John's death was very difficult to assimilate, not just because he was his best friend... what if they were going back to play together? it changed Paul's future for ever. Besides, we're talking about a musician who knows he's a great artist. When he was working on Tug Of War he had a lot of discussions with Martin because George threw a lot of songs he made for the disc, just because they didn't have level. Maybe that's the thing Paul didn't have in the 80's, a little more discipline. Something he could get from John, from his Wings and from Steve during the early 80's, but after that... well, Press To Play is not a good record. McCartney II is lack of seriousness but is entertaining, and Pipes of Peace is like the great Tug Of War but the compositions are not in the same level. Flowers In The Dirt is a good work, but it doesn't have "the spark" it needs to have. So I think this: The 60's= the birth of a legend. The 70's= the explosion of the legend The 80's= the hangover The 90's = the legend is learning to fly again The 00's = the reinvention of the legend
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Bruce M.:
WingsOfMacca:
Is there a chance that Paul not "miss" the 80's and 90's? maybe for respect for Linda, maybe because those times makes him think about her... I saw Paul in Montevideo four months ago and he didn't play any song from the 80's and 90's. Why?
I've always suspected Paul avoids the '80s, except for Here Today which is kind of special, because it's the period when he ceased being a hit-maker. That must have been traumatic.
In the early 80's, he had hit singles "Coming Up","Ebony and Ivory" and "Say Say Say". The album TOW (1982) was a big hit so McCartney was doing quite well commercially. He had rough patch in mid 80's but with FITD he returned to form a bit. FITD was #1 in the charts in the UK and reached #21 in the US which is not horrible. "My Brave Face" was his last top 40 single, reached #25 in US. McCartney has played "Coming Up" and "Ebony and Ivory" live. The 1989 tour featured I believe six songs from FITD which included "My Brave Face". McCartney opened with "Figure of Eight" that tour which is the last time he ever opened concert with a solo song. McCartney plays little from the 80's now because IMO he is consumed with feeding people just hits and his latest CD. I don't think the lack of songs from this period have much to do with he stopped being a "hit" maker or the loss of Linda McCartney.
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And, fact is - in my opinion - Paul's best work post-Beatles was in the 70's up to early 80's.... as much as I love the output since, he won't be remembered for too much after that time frame... even if there are some songs in that mix that deserve to be. He could conjure The Son of Hey Jude tomorrow and it won't get on any Best Of.
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WingsOfMacca:
So I think this: The 60's= the birth of a legend. The 70's= the explosion of the legend The 80's= the hangover The 90's = the legend is learning to fly again The 00's = the reinvention of the legend
The 00's = the realization that the Beatles fanatics are still out there.
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oobu24:
WingsOfMacca:
So I think this: The 60's= the birth of a legend. The 70's= the explosion of the legend The 80's= the hangover The 90's = the legend is learning to fly again The 00's = the reinvention of the legend
The 00's = the realization that the Beatles fanatics are still out there.
And have big bucks to spend - lol.
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yankeefan7:
Bruce M.:
WingsOfMacca:
Is there a chance that Paul not "miss" the 80's and 90's? maybe for respect for Linda, maybe because those times makes him think about her... I saw Paul in Montevideo four months ago and he didn't play any song from the 80's and 90's. Why?
I've always suspected Paul avoids the '80s, except for Here Today which is kind of special, because it's the period when he ceased being a hit-maker. That must have been traumatic.
In the early 80's, he had hit singles "Coming Up","Ebony and Ivory" and "Say Say Say". The album TOW (1982) was a big hit so McCartney was doing quite well commercially. He had rough patch in mid 80's but with FITD he returned to form a bit. FITD was #1 in the charts in the UK and reached #21 in the US which is not horrible. "My Brave Face" was his last top 40 single, reached #25 in US. McCartney has played "Coming Up" and "Ebony and Ivory" live. The 1989 tour featured I believe six songs from FITD which included "My Brave Face". McCartney opened with "Figure of Eight" that tour which is the last time he ever opened concert with a solo song. McCartney plays little from the 80's now because IMO he is consumed with feeding people just hits and his latest CD. I don't think the lack of songs from this period have much to do with he stopped being a "hit" maker or the loss of Linda McCartney.
And the loss of John, remember. I think those things can influence. He could play Coming up, No more lonely nights, My brave face... why is he playing Lovely rita or Maybe I'm amazed with his current voice?
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WingsOfMacca:
yankeefan7:
Bruce M.:
WingsOfMacca:
Is there a chance that Paul not "miss" the 80's and 90's? maybe for respect for Linda, maybe because those times makes him think about her... I saw Paul in Montevideo four months ago and he didn't play any song from the 80's and 90's. Why?
I've always suspected Paul avoids the '80s, except for Here Today which is kind of special, because it's the period when he ceased being a hit-maker. That must have been traumatic.
In the early 80's, he had hit singles "Coming Up","Ebony and Ivory" and "Say Say Say". The album TOW (1982) was a big hit so McCartney was doing quite well commercially. He had rough patch in mid 80's but with FITD he returned to form a bit. FITD was #1 in the charts in the UK and reached #21 in the US which is not horrible. "My Brave Face" was his last top 40 single, reached #25 in US. McCartney has played "Coming Up" and "Ebony and Ivory" live. The 1989 tour featured I believe six songs from FITD which included "My Brave Face". McCartney opened with "Figure of Eight" that tour which is the last time he ever opened concert with a solo song. McCartney plays little from the 80's now because IMO he is consumed with feeding people just hits and his latest CD. I don't think the lack of songs from this period have much to do with he stopped being a "hit" maker or the loss of Linda McCartney.
And the loss of John, remember. I think those things can influence. He could play Coming up, No more lonely nights, My brave face... why is he playing Lovely rita or Maybe I'm amazed with his current voice?
IMO - If He can sing "Here Today" for Lennon every night then I don't think the loss of Lennon would stop him from playing other songs from the 80's. Yep, he can't do justice to "Maybe I'm Amazed anymore and should either delete it or change the arrangement but that will not happen.
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On a similar note, we don't know the full background of any of these songs or experiences Paul had during the same time these songs were recorded...for example, what if Paul and Linda celebrated something special on the same day certain songs were recorded, or had a particularly romantic evening on that same day...maybe that would be something that would be more of a deterrent than the content of the song itself, no matter how unrelated the song itself was to whatever occasions they had that day...heck, even for something as benign 'Bip Bop', maybe the day they recorded that song, Paul and Linda found that day a particularly great day just to be alive (for unrelated reasons outside the recording of that song)...and Paul simply links those great Paul/Linda moments with songs he recorded during the same time period (regardless of how light hearted or serious a given song was) I'm not saying this as a fact, but just as food for though...I know of songs in my own personal case that touch a nerve simply based on experiences I had at the time (and would otherwise pay no second thought to the song)[/code]
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Good idea but it will never happen. Why dilute each of his fine solo albums by pulling songs that didn't get played in the first place? Face it, he's only had a few "hits" over the last 30 years. Fine Line, Dance Tonight, Hope of Deliverance, to name a few. But nothing worldwide and no number ones. "Best of" compilations tend to consist of singles and album tracks that were bought and got airplay.
