Thirty five years ago the final touches were being made to the latest Wings album. By 1973, and since becoming an ex-Beatle, Paul McCartney had already released four albums.
First there was McCartney in 1970. This was followed by Ram the following year. 1971 also saw Wings make their debut with Wild Life. Red Rose Speedway followed giving Paul his second post Beatle UK album to hit number one on the charts.
Band On The Run was however destined to become his, and Wings, most successful album. In fact, there was a time when you couldn’t go round for dinner at someone’s house without Tubular Bells, Breakfast In America, or yes, you’ve guessed it, Band On The Run making an appearance.
For this album a trimmed down Wings would consist of just Paul and Linda McCartney and Denny Laine. Recording commenced at the EMI studio in Lagos, Nigeria with former Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick being drafted in. It wasn’t until everyone returned to the more familiar surroundings of London that Band On The Run was finished, complete with orchestral arrangements.
Released on Apple/EMI in the UK it became the best selling album of 1974 reaching number one on both sides of the Atlantic. In America, Capitol released the album having included the single “Helen Wheels” in the running order.
The album’s cover depicted the Band On The Run consisting of contemporary celebrities Clement Freud, James Coburn, Michael Parkinson, Christopher Lee, boxer John Conteh, and Kenny Lynch, dressed as convicts who have just been picked out by a searchlight.
Opening with the two strong singles from the album, the title track, and the deceptively intricate “Jet”, the album flows smoothly. As a result of this and some excellent McCartney songs it has an extraordinarily positive, and uplifting feeling to it. “Jet” was apparently Paul and Linda’s dog, who unknowingly was following in dear old Martha’s paw prints.
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments
1 - Kit O'Toole
I agree, Jeff--definitely Paul's best solo album, closely followed (in my opinion) by 1982's Tug of War.
2 - Hersal
One the best ex-Beatles solo albums.In fact the best ex beatles solo album.Let me roll it is another song about Pauls love of the herb.Great songs , Great singing , Great bass playin, Great guitar playing and drumming. A truly underrated classic by Mr Mccartney. Still sounds fresh almost 40 year since it was recorded..