Experience the Genesis of Wings: Unheard Melodies and Untold Stories
A Glimpse into Musical Archives: Rare McCartney and Wings Tracks Emerge
Two exceptional recordings from Paul McCartney and his band Wings, initially produced in the 1970s, have recently become available for streaming on Amazon Music. These tracks offer a preview of the forthcoming soundtrack for the documentary titled "Paul McCartney: Man on the Run." The collection, known as "Man on the Run — Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack," which includes a rough mix of "Arrow Through Me" and a live rendition of "Live and Let Die (Rockshow)," is set to be fully released on February 27.
"Arrow Through Me": A Reimagined Funk-Rock Ballad
The original recording of "Arrow Through Me," featured on the 1979 album "Back to the Egg," was characterized by its lively funk-rock rhythm, prominent analog synthesizer, and horn sections reminiscent of Stevie Wonder's style. However, the newly unveiled rough mix emphasizes McCartney's vocals, employing echo effects that subtly integrate his voice into and out of the arrangement, giving his improvised vocalizations a more playful quality.
"Live and Let Die (Rockshow)": A Dynamic Live Performance
The live "Rockshow" rendition of "Live and Let Die," recorded during a mid-1970s concert for the 1980 concert film of the same name, commences with Linda McCartney's introduction, setting the scene for a British secret agent adventure filled with international intrigue. The audience's excitement builds as McCartney begins the song solo on piano, before the performance dramatically escalates, mirroring the energy that Wings fans have cherished since 1973. Jimmy McCulloch's guitar solo at the song's conclusion, delivered with striking clarity and sharpness, stands out as a memorable highlight.
"Gotta Sing Gotta Dance": A Television Special Gem
Another rare inclusion on the soundtrack is "Gotta Sing Gotta Dance," a track that originally appeared in "The James Paul McCartney TV Special" in 1973. This album will be released concurrently with the documentary's premiere. The film, directed by Morgan Neville, chronicles McCartney's endeavors in establishing Wings following the breakup of the Beatles. It features insightful interviews with Paul, Linda, Mary, and Stella McCartney, various members of Wings, Sean Ono Lennon, Mick Jagger, Chrissie Hynde, and others. McCartney, as quoted in the documentary's preview, reflects on the band's inception, stating, "When we started Wings, it was about freedom. We felt we’d finally arrived."