I’ll admit that I’ve only spun this album once, MAYBE twice, and I remember not thinking too much about it at the time. Wild Life was the third Paul McCartney release since the breakup of The Beatles, and was recorded with his wife Linda at Abbey Road Studios. It was released in 1971 to lukewarm reviews and is considered a haphazard offering from one of rock music’s most prominent front-runners. Listening to it again… it’s certainly an enjoyable spin, if somewhat unfocused and meandering, but still worthy of a respectful and deserving listen.
Tag Archives: The Beatles
Red / Blue
Red vs. Blue. Right vs. Left. Early Beatles vs. Later Beatles. Unfortunately, life is whittled down to these black and white decisions (red and blue in this case). Personally, I feel there should be a purple option, neatly fitting between the extremes. It’s all good, as far as I’m concerned, one side is just (arguably) better than the other.
The Beatles’ 20
Not that anyone every would, but someone could potentially only need to acquire this 20-track compilation record to get a very good representation of the luxurious Beatles catalogue. Titled 20 Greatest Hits, this 1982 Capitol Records comp covers (just about) all of the essentials in one, compact record. Like I said, every proper studio release by these clowns is essential for even the modest collector, but in a pinch, 20 Greatest Hits does just fine.
Red Lite Melodies
We discovered a new dive bar this weekend, which, obviously has good taste in music (as well as overall lighting tonality). If you find yourself in the Santa Monica area, and are into great music and dive bars, check out The Gaslite off Wilshire Blvd. Drink responsibly, kids.
The Other Side
The Other Side of Abbey Road is a delightful little interpretation by legendary jazz guitarist George Benson of 1969’s famed Beatles album, Abbey Road. Released via CTI Records just a year after the original, The Other Side of Abbey Road features just five tracks, but takes careful consideration to combine up to three individual Beatles tracks into one Benson montage (take Something / Octopus’s Garden / The End, for example). George Benson’s guitar work is second to maybe Harrison himself, and as a whole The Other Side offers a fresh take on a classic, overheard album. Certainly not one to pass up.
A Bootleg Christmas is Here
The Beatles Christmas Album, bootleg or otherwise, is more of an historical artifact than a single, cohesive “album.” Originally released on 7″ flexi-discs to fan club members from 1963 – 1969, this 7-track collage of voice and (minor) song should be taken with a grain of salt, and although it rightfully deserves an assigned slot between Abbey Road and Hey Jude (Let it Be is organized by recorded date, not release date), it comes across as more of a contractual obligation record, but is still well worth the price of admission. Spin with an open mind… a practice you should always adhere to.
SALE * SALE
We went in looking for a receiver, and came out with a bootleg copy of The Beatles Christmas Album. It was, in fact, on sale, so there’s that, but the Sherwood S-7100A receiver had been sold earlier in the day. The search continues for the perfect, vintage receiver.
Emitex 101
From what I could (quickly) gather, Emitex was a British-based cleaning material used by Parlophone in the 60’s, then by EMI Records throughout the 70’s. It was also a prominent badge on all British-released Beatles albums, such as this reissue of PMC 1202, Please Please Me. Several variations of this classic stamp are found around the web, but little has been preserved about the Emitex material itself. With more time, I’ll dig a bit deeper.
McCartney
Much has been written about Paul McCartney’s debut solo album, 1970’s McCartney. Most notably, Paul’s refusal to delay the Apple Records release in order to follow previously planned titles… like The Beatles’ Let it Be. I’ve given this record two spins from two different turntables within the last 12 hours, and though I’ll admit my experience with solo Beatles projects are gravely “less than,” I quite enjoy the playful, often unfinished rawness of McCartney. Certainly not an album that will receive heavy spinning, but a fun journey, if even for its historical significance.
An Aging Pepper
Happy 50th birthday to (what many consider) the first album every released (a few days late, but belated is better than nothing at all… no, really…). Happy half century, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band!
Happy National 8-Track Tape Day!
Yes, it’s a real thing. Look it up, fools! Also, happy National 8-track Tape Day!
Love, The Prudent Groove
GR-8-Tracks
Hunting for elusive and quintessential records while at the same time tracking down (see what I did there) casual listening and essential 8-tracks is a bit of a full time job. Lucky for me, my folks support and encourage this practice, and gobble up each and every much needed 8-track they can find. Perfect example, this double 8-track comp by the Beatles titled, 1967 – 1970 from 1973. They were presented to us just the other day, and by the sounds of it, were nabbed for a cool $0.50. Thanks, M & D for the mounding stash of GR-8-tracks, for the constant support, and for turning me on to The Beatles!
Comprador De Impuestos
We procured this sweet-ass Mexican Beatles EP of Taxman over the holidays. (Thanks for the impulse, Meg!) As you can see, she’s a beaut! Just in case you were wondering, Comprador De Impuestos is Spanish for Taxman. 🙂
Viva La Mexico!
Rings of Mystery
I can’t help but wonder what paramount beverage bestowed the previous owner (possibly, previous to the previous) of this dingy copy of George Harrison’s Dark Horse. She was a thrift store find, so really, it’s anyone’s guess. Yeah, that is all.
Music for Dirt, Peacocks, and Fire
The below list is, we feel, adequate camping music for the inner, nature-minded ruffian in all of us. A few old standbys, a few personal favs, but all helping to create a calming soundtrack for our recent, peacock-screaming nature excursion. I’d be interested to hear what others would consider like-minded, camping-acceptable albums.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Willy and the Poor Boys
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Cosmo’s Factory
Jim Croce – I Got A Name
ZZ Top – First Album
John Fahey – The Dance of Death & Other Plantation Favorites Volume 3
Booker T. & the MG’s – Green Onions
Michael Bloomfield / Al Kooper / Steve Stills – Super Session
The Beatles – The Kinfaun Demos
The Kinks – Muswell Hillbillies
Abbey Ave
Is it weird that I’d rather house quarter of a brick of cheese than a thin slice of chocolate cake? I kind of feel my musical intake follows this same allusive guideline, in one form or another. Anyway, nothing to do with that, here is a picture of my latest 8-track snatch. $10 at a brick and mortar up in Ventura, County. She was purchased untested, but plays perfectly fine on the Hitachi home stereo system. This Friday was one for the books… more to come, when I have time. Happy listening weekend!
8-Track Love
Not sure where this recent fixation occurred, but we’re happy that she’s arrived. Sgt. Pepper on 8-Track… not sure what else needs saying.
Cards & Analog Entertainment
Tonight’s rendezvous with social abnormality was Gin Rummy and the Beatles’ self-titled release on 8-track. What I lost in strategy, I gained in audio entertainment, and solid company. It’s all about the random Tuesday evenings in front of a lifeless television listening to vintage mediums and playing card games made famous by our grandparents… or, at least, it damn well should be.
Part 2
I was all excited to post about my favorite Beatles album on an obscure and improbable medium… until I test them out. Part 1 works like a champ, but Part 2 done do shit! I contacted the seller and he suggested that the tape may have flipped over… not at all sure what this means. Anyway, White Album party will have to wait for the damn Part 2 to get its shit together.
I’m Down with the Boys Beastie
What’s not to love about a bootleg of the Beastie Boys covering their version of a Beatles song?! This unofficial 7″ from 2013 is as hilarious as it is historical. From the bird on the cover (here) to the Licensed to Ill-era schoolboy lyrics, the Beasties’ version of I’m Down has the classic Def Jam hip hop power guitar you’d expect, and I’m not even joking, their reworked lyrics are gut-bustingly priceless. The quote on the back of the sleeve, however, takes the cake.
“After a long pause, Michael Diamond responds to a question about Michael Jackson, who as owner of the publishing rights to the Beatles’ songs, refused the Beasties permission to put their own customized version of the Fab Four’s ‘I’m Down’ on their album. ‘What would I do if I met him?’ Mike D says. ‘I’d unplug his oxygen tent, rip off his surgical mask and spit in his face.'”
– Los Angeles Times, February 1, 1987
Classic D. This Chinese release is limited to 249 copies on explicative pink vinyl, was a holiday gift from some well-knowing family members, and comes highly recommended.
RIP MCA.
The Prudent Groove 