Paul McCartney & Wings. Wings. Author Philip Norman once wrote a bitter poem about Sir Paul dubbing him a ‘deified Scouse with unmusical spouse’ and ending, ‘May they bury you soon in the middlemost midst of the road.’ What was it about the likeable knight and his post-Beatles career that agitated the self-styled culturati so? The idea that he was the syrupy, sentimental lightweight to Lennon’s cynical right-on heavy-hitter was so widespread that Macca wrote Silly Love Songs in response. But this 32-track compilation defuses claims that Wings were mawkish and naff. Band On The Run was Beatles-level great – even John liked it. And, like infectious rocker Jet, poppier million-seller Let ’Em In and Bond theme Live And Let Die, it was an international smash. Five of these songs were US chart-toppers, including My Love and Listen To What The Man Said. Wings sold more than 22m albums and 1977’s Mull Of Kintyre was the first UK single to shift over two million copies – overtaking the Beatles’ She Loves You in the process. It’s a shame Paul hasn’t included his raw, emotional Maybe I’m Amazed. Wings’ live version, released as a single in 1977, charted both sides of the Atlantic. Not such a silly love song after all.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Axis: Bold As Love. Hard to believe Jimi Hendrix released all three of his stunning studio albums in just 18 months. This second LP came close to pioneering a new genre – psychedelic jazz-metal. There’s a jazzy vibe on several trippy tracks including If 6 Was 9 and Up From The Skies. Best though are the heavier “proto-metal” of Spanish Castle Magic and Jimi’s soulful acid-blues ballad Little Wing. This 5xLP or 4xCD box-set includes remastered original mixes, 40 alt-takes, demos, live tracks and more.
Mavis Staples. Sad And Beautiful World. She was the lead singer of the Staples Singers in her teens, and at 86 Mavis still has plenty to say. The 14th solo album from the veteran American R&B and gospel singer finds her lending her now husky but still evocative contralto to ten sublime tracks, starting by turning Tom Wait’s Chicago into a bluesy stomp. Moving highs include a warm cover of Frank Ocean’s Godspeed, Kevin Morby’s Beautiful Strangers and Curtis Mayfield’s We Got To Have Peace. Original song Human Mind conveys the positivity of faith as she sings: ‘Even these days…I see good in us, sometimes.’
Slash. Live At The SERPENT Festival. Titanic blues from the Guns N’ Roses guitar hero who is clearly loving every blistering minute. His Blues Ball band deliver 15 tracks of electrifying Delta delights like Robert Johnson’s Crossroads, Freddie King’s Big Legged Woman & Howlin’ Wolf’s Killing Floor. They also keep our own Peter Green’s legacy alive on Fleetwood Mac’s Oh Well. Bliss.
LeAnn Rimes. Greatest Hits Christmas. Christmas? Already? Blimey. The cross-over country star from Jackson, Mississippi, unwraps 16 yuletide treats including a poignant take on John Lennon’s Merry Xmas (War Is Over), Little Drummer Boy and a playful bluesy cover of I Want A Hippopotamus For Xmas. There are guests, a medley of carols, and a big band blast to Brenda Lee’s Rockin’ Around The Xmas Tree. Next week, Easter.
The Blue Aeroplanes. Outsider Art. Nobody spoke-sung better than Gerard Langley. The Bristol art-rockers were different and exciting, but frustratingly stayed a cult. This compilation packs in 19 tracks, eight of them unheard, complimenting 2024’s ‘best-of’ comp Magical Realism. It starts with upbeat fan fave You (Are Loved) and ranges from the sublime Your Ages to the moody Detective Song via punchy Half A Crown.
