Retro Reviews: Paul McCartney and Wings: Red Rose Speedway

     I decided to launch a new series to imagine myself as a critic at the end of the 60s and start of the 70s, and to rectify certain reviews from Rolling Stone magazine and Creem. This not meant to be contrarian, but to offer a more balanced perspective. All the albums reviewed are indeed classic albums. 

Paul McCartney and Wings – Red Rose Speedway (1973)

***

Producer: Paul McCartney

Musicians: Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, Henry McCullough, Danny Seiwell, Hugh McCracken, David Spinozza, Richard Hewson

Songs and music: Big Barn Bed, My Love, Get On The Right Thing, One More Kiss, Little Lamb Dragonfly, Single Pigeon, When The Night, Loup (1^st Indian On The Moon), Medley: Hold Me Tight / Lazy Dynamite / Hands Of Love / Power Cur

Reviewed By Matthew Anthony Allair

    Paul McCartney’s new album with his band Wings is a notable improvement over the bands first album Wild Life. An album that I described as Paul’s ‘depression album’, that album felt too aimless with some songs that ran too long or others that were underdeveloped, also that band was trying to find its footing, all of which felt like a cardinal sin for music writers that didn’t understand and held up his Beatles legacy in high regard. Paul has been willing to take risks, something that some in the public don’t understand. Elements of McCartney and Ram were a risk, and critics unfairly gave Paul a drubbing for it, all of which was bound it affect him, how could it not. George’s output has been the most interesting. John’s output has been uneven and he has been on shakier ground with his last release. Ringo is simply Ringo as far as his solo output. But Paul has shown some traction with last year's singles, the rocker, "Hi Hi Hi", the charming "C Moon", the pleasant "Mary Had A Little Lamb" and the provocative "Give Ireland Back To The Irish", so it's difficult to just ignore him.   

    The lineup features Paul and Linda, Denny Laine, Danny Seiwell and Hugh McCracken and David Spinozza on a few tracks. The material doesn’t always work, but when it hits on all cylinders, this is quite a thing to behold. It feels like Paul is getting his footing. “Big Barn Bed” as an opener has an informal feel, similar to Wild Life, but the feel of it warms up as the band plays with some pop blues and some boogie piano at the ride. The perennial single “My Love” may feel a little safe, but it has some stellar moments, especially with that McCullough solo. There’s also a wistful quality within the ballad, a deceptively excellent number. The dynamic “Get On The Right Thing” is the closest thing to a glam rock or pop number from the band, it also reminds one of “Monkberry Moon Delight” from Ram. Paul and Linda’s background vocals give the album a distinct sound. “One More Kiss” has a country feel and a little nod to “Heart of the Country”. The acoustic and introspective “Little Lamb Dragonfly” is probably one of the better tracks, and has a real charm. 

    The charming and brief “Single Pigeon” opens the second half, a piano ditty with a self-reflective sensibility. “When The Night” has a light, hybrid Spanish feel with a doo wop structure. Pretty easy going. But Paul manages to take some risks with the final two tracks, and I have to give credit for Paul to push away of his past. Musically "Loup (1^st Indian On The Moon)" has a tribal chantlike quality, and a middle section that takes pages from current Pink Floyd, before shifting into a swing, then funk and I have to give credit to Seiwell for excellent work. The album closer Medley begins with a pleasant ballad, “Hold Me Tight”, and this is not The Beatles number from 63, but a fresh piece that could have been developed into a full song, The following “Lazy Dynamite” manages a nice segway, there’s some nice lead work to be found. A dynamic shift leads into the light folk of “Hands Of Love” as well as a dose of music hall. The final, “Power Cur” is a light little ballad. This Medley is less Abbey Road, and more the frivolous material of the ‘White Album’ a mellotron closes out the whole affair as a coda, a fun little romp.

    The album doesn’t always work, with the three strongest numbers being ‘My Love, Little Lamb Dragonfly” and “Single Pigeon” are worth it. This is a solid effort, and I await his next release. A qualifying recommendation.