I'm going to explore his songs as I've been exploring Lennon's (I'm 17, and I'm disappointed with Lennon.  Though I love Imagine and (Just Like) Starting Over, I feel that he didn't have enough good songs, but then again, his life was tragically ended ).  What are VERY good songs that I could try to find on CDs and such?

I think Jet is alright, I guess.  Maybe I'm Amazed is great.  Live and Let Die is great.  Band On The Run is good, just not as good as I thought.  I even found a Tribute to John Lennon for download, and he sings Strawberry Fields, Help!, and Give Peace a Chance.  It's very good.

But I'm disappointed because I'm not getting Eleanor Rigby or Let It Be quality songs yet.  So a lil help would be appreciated

Its hard to tell you what songs to like or dislike. You have your own opinion and tastes. I could sit here and tell you what people consider Pauls better albums to be, but that would be pointless. I'm also a little confused when you state the John didnt have enough good songs. Are you only listening to the greatest hits albums?

If you really want to understand an artist, i'm afraid your going to have to attack their solo catalogs (not just greatest hits) to really understand them. If this is what your after and Pauls next then start with 'Ram'.

Sorry that I cant be more precise with you, but I guarantee you that my favorite songs wont even be close to what your looking for. If you are really serious about it, I guess I can list what I feel are the best efforts on his albums, but it would take me a long time.

Well, I'm just trying to cover what everyone usually considers their fav MAcca solo songs, and THEN go from there.

And I've been exploring John Lennon's albums.  Instant Karma is good, but not what I was expecting.  Mother is decent.  God is repetitive.  I'm still looking.

Get Wingspan then. The two cds cover a lot of great Macca songs.

I disagree.....Wingspan really doesn't represent him well........but, two full discs of Paul for about a buck more than the cost of a single Paul album, you can't really go wrong....

Thirty-four years of work ... there's no easy way to explore it, I'm afraid. A little collection of songs won't give you a feel for a prolific muso's work - and Macca was nothing if not prolific!

Some of us older guys are at an advantage because we were around when the solo albums were released. So, for us it was a matter of buying the "new" album whenever it came out and getting to know it at the time. I imagine it's rough being 17 today and having to go back and absorb everything.

I think a lot depends on how much of a "Beatles" fan you are to begin with. If you're a big fan of the group, and enjoy many songs (or almost all of them) then it's easier for you to seek out the solo recordings and enjoy them.

For me, each new solo album was a matter of re-playing and re-playing, until I got to KNOW the record. The more you hear it, the more you grow to get familiar with the music, the more you like more songs.

When I was 17 I bought BACK TO THE EGG and hated it on first listen. The more I played it, the more I knew and familiarized myself and loved it! Same thing with McCARTNEY II and TUG OF WAR. Hated them at first, loved them with repeat plays. I'm not suggesting that everyone should try this with every band's albums, but if you're a Beatles Fan, it's almost like you owe it to yourself to be more familiar with the solo years and give the music enough of a chance by giving the disc a few spins.

So, I'd suggest playing fine albums like PLASTIC ONO BAND, IMAGINE, BAND ON THE RUN, VENUS AND MARS, TUG OF WAR, FLAMING PIE, ALL THINGS MUST PASS, CLOUD NINE, and Ringo's BLAST FROM YOUR PAST a few times. I'd say it's the cream of the crop for beginners.

joe....theres a speck on yer glasses.screw that start by the releases as they happened started at the break up and buy each  one in order of release.

Quoted from pc31, posted July 16, 2004, 12:35am at here

joe....theres a speck on yer glasses.screw that start by the releases as they happened started at the break up and buy each  one in order of release.

Not a bad idea really.....especially since like 80% of the best solo albums all came in the first few years...

Quoted Text

joe....theres a speck on yer glasses.screw that start by the releases as they happened started at the break up and buy each  one in order of release.

Well, I agree that your advice is definitely how "I'd" do things... but if I'm suggesting stuff to a young person who's already said he doesn't care for some of John and Paul's BEST material, what am I gonna do -- suggest McCARTNEY, RAM  or WILD LIFE to him? 

Quoted Text

Not a bad idea really.....especially since like 80% of the best solo albums all came in the first few years...

This is true for George and John (if we don't count his avant garde records ). But it took Paul a few albums to get to BAND ON THE RUN. And do you think a new fan would ever get uo to the great RINGO album if he started off with SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY and BEAUCOUPS OF BLUES first??!

No, the answer is to begin with what are generally considered the "best" and if you like them, then go back and explore the lesser stuff. IMO.

Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 16, 2004, 10:19am at here

Well, that's definitely how "I" do things... but if I'm suggesting stuff to a young person who's already said he doesn't care for some of John and Paul's BEST material, what am I gonna do -- suggest McCARTNEY, RAM  or WILD LIFE to him? 

Yes! Ram is probably Pauls best solo album. With these three albums to compare and listen to, a person would be able to see why after hearing McCartney and Wild Life (which I like). The same goes with the Beatle albums. I always suggest to a new listener to start at the beginning so that the evolution of the band is prominent. Its how I like to do it anyways.

Quoted Text

Yes! Ram is probably Pauls best solo album. With these three albums to compare and listen to, a person would be able to see why after hearing McCartney and Wild Life (which I like). The same goes with the Beatle albums. I always suggest to a new listener to start at the beginning so that the evolution of the band is prominent. Its how I like to do it anyways.

But when the person says that JET is only "alright" and BAND ON THE RUN is "good, but not as good as I thought" --- do you expect him to enjoy KREEN-AKRORE, THREE LEGS, or BIP BOP?

I LOVE the first few McCartney albums! But I doubt a newcomer would do well to start there.

Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 17, 2004, 1:44am at here

But when the person says that JET is only "alright" and BAND ON THE RUN is "good, but not as good as I thought" --- do you expect him to enjoy KREEN-AKRORE, THREE LEGS, or BIP BOP?

I LOVE the first few McCartney albums! But I doubt a newcomer would do well to start there.

Thats just it, whos to say? "Jet" hasent sat real well with me over time either, but he/she may like something else. 'Three Legs' is great, so yes I would expect them to like that one (along with the rest of the album). 'Bip Bop' and 'Kreen' are probably the worst songs on their albums, so its a decent chance they may not be enjoyed, but I think the other material deserves a shot.

Quoted Text

Thats just it, whos to say? "Jet" hasent sat real well with me over time either, but he/she may like something else. 'Three Legs' is great, so yes I would expect them to like that one (along with the rest of the album). 'Bip Bop' and 'Kreen' are probably the worst songs on their albums, so its a decent chance they may not be enjoyed, but I think the other material deserves a shot.

You've got a point. "Who's to say?" is right. So okay -- go through each album in chronological order; just don't give up if you don't like the first or second. This is what I would do in the situation.

I also like 'Three Legs'. And I'm also a fan of 'Bip Bop' as well .... I was just trying to single out what may generally be considered the weakest songs on the albums to  make my point.

My only point is,,,,I hate for people to miss hidden gems like 'Junk' and 'Give Ireland Back To The Irish', etc,,,because they buy the greatest hits. To me, greatest hits compilations ruin alot of listening experiences. I'm not begging people to go out and buy entire catalogs from artists before you know if your going to like it or not, but I would at least borrow a copy and give it the good once over. Maybe i'm weird, but I give entire albums 5 to 7 listens the whole way through before I judge. Maybe thats why I would definately rather hear 'Give Ireland Back To The Irish' than 'Jet' anyday and you wont find that one on the greatest hits.

I also realize that i've started to beat the dead horse again and i'll end this topic on this note,,,,,,,,,remember, its all good! (well most of it)

i agree w/ the folks who've suggested starting w/ the old stuff- try mccartney and ram.  also, as an alternative to wingspan, try the much-underappreciated live album wings over america, which includes early solo and beatles highlights.

Quoted Text

Maybe i'm weird, but I give entire albums 5 to 7 listens the whole way through before I judge. Maybe thats why I would definately rather hear 'Give Ireland Back To The Irish' than 'Jet' anyday and you wont find that one on the greatest hits.

I certainly don't think you're weird, because I'd rather hear Paul do 'Check My Machine' in concert than 'Band on the Run"

I agree that there are all sorts of hidden gems on all the albums. I love 'Every Night', 'Monkberry Moon Delight,' 'Mumbo,' 'Dear Friend,' 'Big Barn Bed'....... dozens and dozens!

I agree with both of you for different reasons. Tkitna is right that McCartney's work is best explored through the individual albums as it's really hard to distill all of that material (most of it great, from the 70's, anyway) all into one collection. But Joe is right that if this member wasn't fond of some of the bigger McCartney numbers, he really won't like the rest of the stuff.

Quoted Text

Maybe i'm weird, but I give entire albums 5 to 7 listens the whole way through before I judge.

That's exactly what I've done for every Solo Album over the years with only one exception, I must confess - DRIVING RAIN. I never gave DRIVING RAIN more than one listen. But maybe I'll try it again, if you consider this...

I feel that as a Solo fanatic, I owe it to myself to familiarize myself with the albums over and over. I actually was underwhelmed by just about every McCartney album when it first came out, but repeat listens and familiarity helped me appreciate them. Now, many of those albums have become favorites, or at least I've come to enjoy several songs!

But the thing is, unless you're a Beatles Nut, why even bother to play a disagreeable album over and over? For example -- I'm not a Madonna fan, so if I heard one of her albums and disliked it, I really don't have any motivation to try and familiarize myself with it. As  Beatles Fan, it's almost like a pleasant obligation

Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 18, 2004, 3:40pm at here

As  Beatles Fan, it's almost like a pleasant obligation

Yep, I still listen to McCartney II, Press to Play...Bad Boy...it's the Beatles, sort of....so even if it isn't all that great, I get more of a thrill listening to their solo works than most of the music out there.

Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 18, 2004, 3:40pm at here

That's exactly what I've done for every Solo Album over the years with only one exception, I must confess - DRIVING RAIN. I never gave DRIVING RAIN more than one listen. But maybe I'll try it again, if you consider this...

My goodness Joe, I seemed to miss this part. 'Driving Rain' deserves more than one listen. You must throw it in the player again. We have ways of making you listen. 

Yeah, he should listen to it again if he's fine with giving Ringo efforts repeated listens and all.....Driving Rain has some really good songs, at least you could get yourself aquainted with those numbers and then just skip to them during future plays.

Quoted Text

Yeah, he should listen to it again if he's fine with giving Ringo efforts repeated listens and all.....Driving Rain has some really good songs, at least you could get yourself aquainted with those numbers and then just skip to them during future plays.

I'd rather listen to RINGO THE 4th than DRIVING RAIN

But you're right - I've always given Paul's other albums another shot, but not RAIN (it was THAT bad). I'll have to put it on soon and report back.

"What am I to do ---- if I don't have you  ----- I'll be sad and Blue ----- just thinking about you....." (blah).

"One two three four five, let's go for a drive. .." (double blah)... 

A line that REALLY makes ME cringe is "she loved her biker like an icon" Urgh!

Get Wingspan

Quoted from Wonderwall, posted July 29, 2004, 6:58am at here

Get Wingspan

that's a copout, a sellout, and a disservice to anyone wishing to "explore" the early years.  borrow or buy the ALBUMS, listen in a quiet place, talk abt them w/ friends, and share the experience here

Quoted from Frightwolf

But I'm disappointed because I'm not getting Eleanor Rigby or Let It Be quality songs yet.  So a lil help would be appreciated

Let me save you some time and effort with this following statement: you will never find anything in any of their solo albums that can compare to the worst of what was recorded as Beatles.  Once you know and understand that, the search and appreciation for their four solo works will be easier.

I agree with you about Lennon's solo work.  In regards to "good McCartney," I'm afraid I'm going to have to respond from what I know of Macca's solo work: strictly the hits.  I'll admit it: i've never ventured into Album Cuts.  I started with All The Best from the late 80's, but for you: Wingspan would be the easiest choice.  

Oh, and find Mull of Kintyre - a terrific Paul song!

Quoted from Buttmunker

Let me save you some time and effort with this following statement: you will never find anything in any of their solo albums that can compare to the worst of what was recorded as Beatles.  Once you know and understand that, the search and appreciation for their four solo works will be easier.

How can you say that if by your own admission you've never actually heard any of the albums?

Quoted from Buttmunker

Let me save you some time and effort with this following statement: you will never find anything in any of their solo albums that can compare to the worst of what was recorded as Beatles.  Once you know and understand that, the search and appreciation for their four solo works will be easier.

I agree with you about Lennon's solo work.  In regards to "good McCartney," I'm afraid I'm going to have to respond from what I know of Macca's solo work: strictly the hits.  I'll admit it: i've never ventured into Album Cuts.  I started with All The Best from the late 80's, but for you: Wingspan would be the easiest choice.  

Oh, and find Mull of Kintyre - a terrific Paul song!

That is a very rash statement that, with respect, sounds like it comes from someone who doesn't know their stuff. There are many songs on George's first two albums that easily match, and in some cases far exceed the quality of his songwriting in The Beatles. And an awful lot of Ringo's. And whilst I think John and Paul rarely hit the heights of their Beatles songwriting, there are a few high points.

Remember, The Beatles were four people, and as solo musicians should not be compared to the bands' output. Comparison is futile, no matter how tempting it is to do so.

Quoted from Buttmunker

you will never find anything in any of their solo albums that can compare to the worst of what was recorded as Beatles.  

Thats the biggest bunch of bullshit i've ever heard. This coming from somebody who only has a couple greatest hits albums. Give me a freakin break.

Quoted from Buttmunker

Let me save you some time and effort with this following statement: you will never find anything in any of their solo albums that can compare to the worst of what was recorded as Beatles.  Once you know and understand that, the search and appreciation for their four solo works will be easier.

I agree with you about Lennon's solo work.  In regards to "good McCartney," I'm afraid I'm going to have to respond from what I know of Macca's solo work: strictly the hits.  I'll admit it: i've never ventured into Album Cuts.  I started with All The Best from the late 80's, but for you: Wingspan would be the easiest choice.  

Oh, and find Mull of Kintyre - a terrific Paul song!

Apart from this statement being crass and uninformed, did you have to drag up a three year old thread just so you could have your rant? The person who started it isn't even around here anymore!

i love digging old things up but thats another point. buttmunkers remark is not even worth reading. how can you say that love me do is a far better song than maybe im amazed, imagine or all things must pass.

Quoted from 748

i love digging old things up but thats another point. buttmunkers remark is not even worth reading. how can you say that love me do is a far better song than maybe im amazed, imagine or all things must pass.

The thing that annoys me about statements like that, apart from the fact that it's totally uninformed, is that anyone looking around and thinking about joining is going to think that we know sod all! I think we could do with one or two more knowledgeable 'oldies' on here, and that sort of nonsense will send them running.

Btw, got any truffles?

here you go. help yourself

whoa, dat bad ol puddy tat mad at me!

Listen, it has always been my belief that 'greatest hits' albums are supposed to represent "the best of the best," out of their wealth of material.  I didn't say any of their four solo efforts didn't contain good songs, but I'm just saying that what's represented as their best don't never come close to being Beatle-Caliber.  I know all about group dynamics and such, but c'mon - Paul basically told George what to play, and George played it.  Paul wasn't interested in what George might come up with on his own, Paul wanted his songs played a certain way, and that was that.  Paul probably did the same thing with the members of Wings, but to a much larger extent.  So Paul was the driving force on virtually all his songs, what does a 'band dynamic' have to do with that?

Also, if I think their stuff from their 'greatest hits' is merely okay, why would I think I'd find better songs on their 'album cuts,' songs that weren't deemed good enough to be singles or played on the radio?  Even Beatles songs that weren't singles were still sometimes played on the radio - same with other artists.  I honestly gauge an artist's worth by what's represented on a collection - i'm not saying that's right, but its what I do.  And so do a lot of people.

When I was younger, I used to think that an album by Paul McCartney/Wings had to be as good as a Beatles album, just that it was absent the other three guys.  I learned I was wrong to think that, and it had nothing to do with them being a band - but maybe it had a little to do with Ying and Yang between Paul and John - the competition thing.  But, when you think about it, wouldn't that competition thing still exist, even though they're recording separately in the 70's?  John's music lacked a "crispness;" Paul's music lacked a "I-don't-know-what" - lack of respectability?  That sounds harsh, but songs like "My Love," while pretty and melodic, is almost a parody of what he did as a Beatle.

And look, I don't keep inventory of the members who come and go around here, so my revisiting an older thread has more to do with not repeating what the board has already gone through than it is of keeping track of active people.

Remember that my opinions are just opinions - I'm not stating facts, I'm just an ordinary joe who loves the Beatles and wishes that kind of magic had transferred into four parts when they disbanded.  It didn't.  That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it.

Quoted from Buttmunker

Listen, it has always been my belief that 'greatest hits' albums are supposed to represent "the best of the best," out of their wealth of material.  I didn't say any of their four solo efforts didn't contain good songs, but I'm just saying that what's represented as their best don't never come close to being Beatle-Caliber.

You actually said this:

Quoted Text

Let me save you some time and effort with this following statement: you will never find anything in any of their solo albums that can compare to the worst of what was recorded as Beatles.

Any of their solo albums. Of course you're entitled to your own opinions, but you're clearly not qualified to force that one on anybody, as to your own admission, you haven't heard a lot of the solo albums. And that did sound like you were stating a fact!

[/b]

Quoted from Buttmunker

Let me save you some time and effort with this following statement: you will never find anything in any of their solo albums that can compare to the worst of what was recorded as Beatles.  Once you know and understand that, the search and appreciation for their four solo works will be easier.

I agree with you about Lennon's solo work.  In regards to "good McCartney," I'm afraid I'm going to have to respond from what I know of Macca's solo work: [b]strictly the hits.  I'll admit it: i've never ventured into Album Cuts.  I started with All The Best from the late 80's, but for you: Wingspan would be the easiest choice.  

Oh, and find Mull of Kintyre - a terrific Paul song!

Oh god, you're the prime example of of what NOT to do when exploring the beatles individual career. What makes it even worse is that we don't even have to point out your ignorance because you've done that yourself by saying that you haven't listened to any of the individaul albums.  Do some research before making idiotic statements like that. I bet you didn't know that there were Wings songs that other members besides Paul wrote and sang.  Just because the songs from albums didn't make it on to a greatest hit album doens't mean they are absolute crap. God man..open your mind and quit being so close minded and you will be so greatly suprised at the quality of songs that The Beatles had as individuals. Its people like you that make Paul play the same songs every tour. You won't give anything else a chance.

Quoted from Wordno

[b][/b]
Its people like you that make Paul play the same songs every tour. You won't give anything else a chance.

Perfect!