Disco de Paul McCartney: “Red Rose Speedway”

By the time this album was recorded, in mid-1972, reality had hit the Beatles. George's initial splash with ALL THINGS MUST PASS had faded, Ringo had yet to release a "real" album, and John had just been pummelled by backlash against SOME TIME IN NEW YORK CITY. Add to this Paul's fall from grace with WILD LIFE, and the Beatles looked very, very human. For that reason, I definitely expected this album to suck. Badly. Prior to listening, I had only heard "My Love" and thought it one of Paul's worst. Fortunately, it's far and away the worst song on the album. RRS begins with "Big Barn Bed" a stomping romp that sounds simply exquisite on headphones. Skipping the trite and poorly placed "My Love" (which should really be squeezed onto the second side), you have the fun "Get on the Right Thing," the simple melody "One More Kiss," and the chef d'oeuvre "Little Lamb Dragonfly" -- this song is a real gem and potentially one of his all-time best, with "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Band on the Run." "LLD" is followed by another simple melody "Single Pigeon," then the singalong waltz "When the Night," with the haunting instrumental "Loup" coming next. A nice seque into the Medley, of which "Lazy Dynamite" stands out as exemplary. Throw in the bonus tracks, especially "The Mess," and you have a splendid work that really foreshadows the success the Beatles would have in 1973: MIND GAMES, LIVING IN A MATERIAL WORLD, RINGO, and of course, BAND ON THE RUN.

Simply put, "Red Rose Speedway" is Paul's best solo effort. There is a toughness in the music that I believe comes from the best band Paul's had since the Beatles disbanded. Listening to the record now, its a shame the group didn't last longer, but there are some terriffic moments on this disc. "Big Barn Bed" is a great kick off for this record. Paul's in fine voice and the band's pumping it behind him. "My Love" which is next was recorded live with the whole band and orchestra in the studio with Henry McCullough changing his guitar solo at the last second. You have to expect these romantic songs from McCartney, and he doesn't disappoint. "Get On the Right Thing" is another hot track like "Big Barn Bed" and just as good. "One More Kiss" sounds kind of plain with nothing much except some nice guitar work to commend it. "Little Lamb Dragonfly" is a superb song. Great vocals and guitar playing keep building tension as the song progresses. The sing-a-long and clapping at the end of the song are a welcome relief to the earlier build-up. "Single Pigeon" is a nice tune that makes you wish that it went on a little longer. "When the Night" is next and once again you can see how good this band was. Tight and funky, despite the fact that the song goes on too long. "Loup" is a great instrumental and experimental piece you wouldn't find McCartney doing which is why I think it's so interesting. His funky bass playing in the middle of the song just propels it to a new level. The medley "Hold Me Tight," "Lazy Dynamite," "Hands of Love," "Power Cut" are all unfinished bits that he manganaged to fit together like he did on "Abbey Road." And just like there, it works here. While the segues may not be as smooth, the quality of the songs are up to scratch. The 1st bonus cut "I Lie Around" just doesn't go anywhere. Despite the horns covering up the lack of melody, it still doesn't work. "Country Dreamer" the 2nd bonus cut, is a fine piece of work. Paul's showing how deftly he can handle different styles(in this case country) of music and showing he can do it well. The great steel guitar playing is the icing on the cake. "The Mess" is the final bonus cut, and it shows this band can rock live. One of Paul's best songs solo, period. Another aspect of this disc which I find fascinating is that the production is a little more raw than you might expect from McCartney. This works to his advantage.

On Red Rose Speedway, Paul McCartney truly spread his wings. The style which is now classic McCartney started to fill the gaps left by the breakup of the Beatles. Although the original liner notes and credits lean toward Paul doing the basic tracks, Wings became a solid tour band with these songs. Big Barn Bed is a classic rocker that has one catchy hook. The harmonies and guitar licks are solid ground for the work that followed. If you remember Red Rose Speedway, the first time around, and want to feel 19 or 20 again. Give another listen. It will do you good!

At the end of the millenium I took time to analize all my life and nominated the best song, album, artist, etc. My scope was what was important for ME and not what I think was the best for the world or for the "experts". So, even though few people will share my opinion, for me the best album ever is Red Rose Speedway. And with this I don't mean the best by Paul McCartney. I mean the best ever by any artist, period.

Yes, this album is somewhat weird...as Mr. Parkes said above. But weird in positive meaning, I think. Paul's solo career is filled up with too much 'commercial' stinks. Mostly regarded his best album is Band on the Run. I know BOTR surely has aged well for nearly 30 years. But after listening repeatedly, I can not help accepting it's a very polished 'commercial' album. With this stand of view, Red Rose Speedway steps aside, felt weird, even sounds experimental so sometimes it seems like someone else's album but Paul. Every song in this album may be inferior to songs in Band on the Run at least, but as a whole, the former beats the latter. Listen from first through last without intermittence. I recommend Red Rose very highly to everyone who has been interested in Macca's music.