Sound Check Music Blog

Last week, Rolling Stone released exclusive audio of Paul McCartney delving into details about the post-Beatles era.

It was 1969. The Beatles were feuding and Paul McCartney was fed up.  He decided to take a four-track recorder into his English home to record a solo album, which eventually became McCartney.

McCartney was released in 1970, after the Beatles break-up, and showcased Sir Paul’s multitalented side.  He performed the entire album by himself, with the exception of a few back-up harmonies from his first wife, Linda.

The album hit #1 in the US and #2 in the UK despite the fact that a single was never released and a tour was never undergone.  McCartney contained the song “Maybe I’m Amazed,” which Paul wrote about his and Linda’s relationship, and which George Harrison deemed “great.”

Paul’s second solo album, McCartney II, was released in 1980, after he recorded and toured with The Wings for ten years.  McCartney II was recorded privately at Paul’s farm in Scotland.

The album hit #1 in the UK and #3 in the US, but met mixed reviews.  The album was said to be “slight,” due to”experimental, synth-based compositions and its handful of instrumentals.”

In the Rolling Stone audio archive, Sir Paul McCartney reminisces about recording McCartney I & II, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” and how Twiggy convinced the Beatles to release “Get Back” as a single.  Paul also mentions that he’s always had McCartney III in the “back of his mind.”

The audio coincides with Paul’s re-release of remastered versions of both McCartney albums.  The remastered albums are available now.

Click here to listen to Paul McCartney discuss McCartney I & II.

Also, Listen to Paul McCartney perform “Maybe I’m Amazed.”