This is one my favorite Paul LPs.Love that he started rocking again.Wish he'd dust off Getting Closer or Arrow Through Me on his current tour.Great videos.
I am French and I don't really understand English well so I am not able to evaluate the level of the lyrics of ''BACK TO THE EGG'' but if I only consider the quality of the music, I find that '' 'BACK TO THE EGG' is one of my favorite 'WINGS' albums.😉
I agree with your rating of 9, John. Along with Red Rose Speedway and Band On The Run, my 3 favourite Wings albums. Such a great line up of a band. 1979 was a great year for music, Police, Blondie, Disco, New Wave etc. But Wings manage to compete with the stiff competition.
From your book I have learned that the portrait shots on McCartney III were from a Wings session. On this album more than ever he had begun to follow music trends. He’d make the same error on Press. But Getting Closer And Old Sian sir are great tracks. The albums statue would be much greater if Goodnight tonight had been on it. He re-recorded Babies request years later.
Arrow Through Me is having a small renaissance in England - been hearing it in one or two of the trendy bars round my way and had a mate who isn't really a Macca/Wings guy play it in his car last week. It's also a favourite of very hot French band L'impératrice. Glad to hear it around. I bought this LP aged 15 back in 2010 and was immediately charmed by it. Hidden gem.
Yeah Arrow Through Me has been getting a lot of play everywhere recently. Paul’s getting a lot of young fans with it on Tik Tok as well and because Harry Styles said that he loved it.
Hi John. This album rocks and shows that he was (like the Stones before him with Some Girls) influenced by the blondie/clash/cheap trick/cars sounds of the day. I love this album because of such, allowing crunching guitars with soaring harmonies. Wings always soared with their harmonies of course, but Laurence Juber added much more than given credit for. He, Denny and Linda really came together behind Paul on most songs. Good point on "Goodnight Tonight/Daytime" single as being perhaps the best of the bunch. I have no idea why "Arrow" did not shoot to the top here in the USA (29) it was played constantly that fall. the Zep/Who/rockpile/wings ensemble was cool to listen to then but now I think why not adding; John Lennon, George Harrison, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page (he was on goodnight after all) Ringo. Perhaps, just perhaps, with all of those musicians gathered, we could have had a reunion amongst since it wouldn't have been just the 4, it would have been closer to 40! Cheers!
Was lucky to meet Paul,Linda and Denny when they were promoting the album at Capitol Radio. There was only about 20 of us there and got them all to sign the album. Linda ask how far I had come which was nice. Underrated album.
Always loved this record. Rockier and pretty expansive. Strong songs all around. I have that songbook too. Can’t wait for the Super-Deluxe edition of this and London Town. He should also release a Wings vinyl box with the original cover art (no side strip w signature).
I got this album when it came out, after hearing "Goodnight tonight". Really loved that, and to this day this is my 2nd favourite wings album after "Band on the Run". As you say it wasn't cool to like wings in '79 but this album made it a bit cooler.
Being a Wings fan in my 20’s in the 90’s wasn’t easy either. Awesome video. Totally rocking album that hopefully will be getting the Archive treatment sooner rather than later.
Good review John, This is a very underrated record. Lucky enough to see Wings on their BTTE tour in 79 at Hammersmith Odeon in Dec. Everybody thought that John Lennon was there that night. And when a little Robotic type beat box waddled on stage right, Paul ran over to it and said No this is not John Lennon, he's not here and nether are the others, He then kicked it and the beat for the next song started up
I got this album for Xmas when it just came out, the only Wings album I've ever owned. The intro tune "Reception" was a revelation to me as a future bass player...I hadn't even touched a real bass guitar yet, but I knew I was a bass player already.
I like it too don't think Macca was that proud of it though, saw the interview where he referred to it as a "bit of a Boncept album" as for Goodnight Tonight it was nice feelgood song for the time, and the video always makes me chuckle...
Completely agree with you on this album, John. Well done for trying to redress the (wrongheaded in my opinion) critical consensus. I've always thought 'Back to the Egg' is one of Paul's finest solo albums ever since I nicked my Dad's cassette copy in about 1983 (when I was aged 10) and played it half to death. It's such an eclectic album in terms of musical genres and the punk/new wave excursions work fairly well: particularly 'Spin It On' and 'Old Siam Sir.' Possibly they benefited from Chris Thomas's production. One of his most recent album credits prior to BTTE was 'Never Mind the Bollocks...Here's the Sex Pistols'. I also really like the softer moments on the album such as 'Love Awake' and 'Baby's Request.' The latter is as good as 'Honey Pie' from the White Album. I think critical opinion on 'Back to the Egg' is changing; it's growing in stature every year (as is McCartney II) whereas the praise originally heaped on 'Tug of War' is dissipating. 'Tug of War' is a good album but parts of it now sound quite dated whereas 'Back to the Egg' stands the test of time.
On the CD version, three bonus tracks were added as I'm sure you're aware of, John. Two of them are the lackluster Wonderful Christmas Time (popular by many but not me) and the awesome Daytime Nighttime Suffering, which reminds me of something that could have come from the Ram period.
+Martin W Yes the Christmas song was a hit but pretty dispensable. Daytime is probably my favourite B side of his, was very nearly the A Side but they chose Goodnight Tonight, which was also worthy. Talking of which that track should be an extra on the Egg CD but for some reason was put on the McCartney 2 CD (the 90s version).
Yes, "Arrow Through Me" was the single over here in the States, and it is my favorite track on this album. "Back To The Egg" has always been one of my lesser favorites, but you made a strong case for it, and I will have to listen to it again. I was a closet McCartney fan in 79' and although I was listening to the Clash and Elvis Costello at the time, I've got to say that these days I prefer Wings...I agree that "Goodnight Tonight" is better than the tracks on "Egg"...I think the reason that "Wonderful Christmastime" is credited to Paul McCartney is because it's from his solo McCartney II sessions. And if I'm not mistaken, most of that album was recorded before "Back To The Egg"....Nice review again John.
Thomas Calden I think the archive release could be fantastic with the video album plus the live gig. Plus all the unreleased stuff like 'Cage' and 'Getting Closer' with Denny singing lead!
Hi John, it took me 6 years but I have a wished "track order" to share for BTTE, which I think would have made it a hit album. I have included both sides of the single, and taken away some of the "short" tracks that Paul seemed to like to do. (I never understood this tendancy; Band on the Run didn't suffer from this and look at the hit it was). Specifically, "Reception", "after the ball", "were open tonight" and the awful "the broadcast". Of those, I was only sad to remove "were open tonight". Heres my running order: 1. Getting Closer 2. Old Siam, sir 3. Again and again and again 4. Spin it On 5. Arrow through me 6. So Glad to see you here 1. Rockestra theme 2. Daytime nighttime suffering 3. Winter Rose/Million Miles 4. To You 5. Babys Request 6. Goodnight Tonight I think this order flows well; starts strong and I like the ending of "goodnight tonight". I think this is by far the strongest Wings album, only just perhaps eclipsed by BOTR. I also don't agree with your assessment of "so glad to see you here" - how many Paul songs sound like this? Goodnight.
Great review John. I too feel it was a slightly tame end of the decade release from Wings, with just three or four magic-McCartney-moments (agree that Old Siam Sir and Getting Closer are amongst them, with Arrow Through Me another melodic masterpiece). Excuse all these Ms.... But hey, just one good song from Paul is more than enough when it comes to his level of brilliance. As a Clash fan in public (you shame me correctly) I could only honour Macca behind close doors (so shallow) with you as my confidant, for which I am always grateful. Looking back, yes, the seventies was Paul's best solo decade. As time goes on I feel there's a body of work there that deserves to be reviewed in the same light as the Beatles (something it's hard to say for the other Fabs), with Ram, Red Rose Speedway and Venus & Mars to the fore. What Beatles album couldn't be better yet with The Back Seat of My Car on board? Or Uncle Albert? And what's wonderful is that New is not only new but utterly fantastic. Fresh hope for us who need these magic moments for our very survival! Looking forward to your next great review! H
Henry Hemming Thanks Henry. I just get nostalgic for the days when all four solo Beatles were not only alive but also active (well, mostly!) and turning out decent stuff and the Top 40 was something people cared about (well, maybe not Clash fans :- ) I think you are a bit harsh on the other fabs. For example I am looking forward to buying JL POB when it comes out on vinyl shortly as my old copy mysteriously disappeared over the years and I never had the lyric sheet.
Don't worry. I love POB and to some extent Imagine. Also George's ATMP and George Harrison. Both gorgeous. But Paul has been leagues ahead (with plenty of iffy output too of course) - even just in that one decade that they were all solo.
Hi again John (you getting sick of me yet?) I find this a deeply fascinating era for McCartney. Back to the Egg is an admirable album but not one I ever warmed to significantly. It always sounded to me as if he was possibly dealing with some kind of record company interference, but whether they were leaning on him to do the softer stuff or the harder songs (or neither) is impossible to decide. I've always wondered exactly what it was about this line-up that Paul didn't like. All the live footage I've seen is excellent, and they were visually good and photogenic.
Great review. The first Paul album I bought with money I saved up from weekly allowance. A great album. I have to disagree with you tho about Paul choosing not to put "Goodnight Tonight" on the album. For me, that's the one thing missing from this album which would have really sold it. A solid hit single. "Getting Closer".... nope. "Arrow through Me" ...nope. It was too good of a song to leave off the album as well as the flip side. Even though the album has a heavier feel with some great rock tracks, overall the album has a typical McCartney eclectic nature to it that seems to be loosely tied together with a sort of radio channel changing feel to it with "Reception" and "Broadcast". So, I think "Goodnight Tonite" would have fit in perfectly somewhere on the album. I would have taken off "To You" or "So Glad to See You" to make room. "Wonderful Christmastime" is one of those love/hate songs that Paul always has the ability to write. It's trite and annoying to those who hate it but It does what it's intended to do(at least for me). It never fails to put me in a good mood at Christmas time even when I'm not in the mood for Christmas time. I agree with you about WIngs. A greatly under appreciated band. I was really disappointed with the WIngspan compilation when it came out. I really think that release could have been a super compilation which dug deep into the greatness of Wings showcasing not only the obvious hits, but also the great album tracks as well as the rarities that Wings fans are craving for. Instead, to me it was just a mish-mash of a mess highlighting both WINGS aaannd solo hits along with some oddball album choices. I just never understood that one and that's why I never bought it. Ever think of doing reviews of compilation albums?
Thanks for your detailed and interesting comment. Don't get me started on compilations...they are rarely satisfactory...either content or cover wise. But back to 'Egg' yes you are right that Goodnight Tonight and its B side would have strengthened the album although I've always like the way Paul would release stand alone singles. What was ridiculous was to release Goodnight Tonight on the McCartney 2 CD!! Wingspan should have covered 1971-79. And as for the Christmas single....whilst I can't say it's great it does do a job of sorts and is miles better than most Christmas songs (like Cliff Richard's for example). But not as good as John & Yoko's...
It's funny cuz my copy of McCartney 2 only has "Secret Friend" and "Check My Machine", whereas my copy of "Back to the Egg" has "Daytime....", "Wonderful Xmas...." and "Rudolph....." but no "Goodnight Tonite"????? Yes, Paul always did release great non-album singles that always had some great b-sides. I always wish Paul would release a compilation of all the b-sides. McCartney's compilations have always had me scratching my head. Wings Greatest, but no "Listen to the What the Man Said". All the Best, no "Maybe I'm Amazed" but let's include "C Moon" us version?????? Wingspan a mess. I have a feeling I'll pick up Pure McCartney in a moment of weakness but even that I'm scratching my head. Anyway, keep up the videos.
I like the "my salamander" words on Getting Closer, as it hints of a woman living on two worlds of two men, a double life, likened to the amphibious life of a salamander, living neither just on land or just in the water. Also like this and Press to Play are my favorites. I think that Paul and Linda were planning on ending the Wings to pull their family out of the life on the road. Linda named the album Back to the Egg, which sounds like thinking of putting the Wings back from whence they came. Perhaps they were nervous to just end the Wings, so maybe Paul wanted to get arrested in Japan to force the tour to a stop, as a way out of their demanding life of touring without having to seem to reject the Wings. That could also explain his use of only his own name before the breakup.
Enjoyed your thoughts - Wonderful Christmastime however is genius and points to Mccartney 2 and his crazy post Wings experimentation ( also a hugely under-rated album)
Hi John . I am sure u are aware that Paul's voice in 79 was like a critic said a bit like rod Stewart eg old siam sir even winters rose ..that voice for good or bad was gone on tug of war ... did u notice that ...I liked that voice though ... I love your videos keep up the good work Back to the egg is better than tug of war I think .Saw them in brighton in 79 very interesting set list
I noticed this difference with his voice. I think the difference was that after BTTE, he stopped smoking. His voice became less raspy and more refined. He had the I've Got A Feeling voice which was a different screaming vocal right up until Red Rose Speedway. After that, it totally disappeared and he had a different type of raspiness in the rock songs he sang. He never sang like on "Monkberry Moon Delight" after 1973.
the archive collection seems to have overlooked "egg" "red rose" "london" "wild life" from the 70s and now we're getting flowers in the dirt from 89.. hope they get back to the 70s next.. think it was tug of war and pipes of peace last time
Have you reviewed George Harrison's album of 79 also called George Harrison which in my book is probably Harrison's best solo album. 79 was a good year for both Paul and George in that they released very good albums. Shame the times were changing and both albums didn't fare well...
I think, as the years roll on, albums like ''Back To The Egg'' , ''Red Rose Speedway'' and ''London Town'' will get their due respect. Sad that they were not really critically acclaimed when they were initially released. The 1970's were a solid period for McCartney and Wings deserves a little more respect. I have that song book for the album as well, some great photos in there. I really like the ones for ''Spin It On'' and ''Winter Rose''.
I may be reading some things into the lyrics but Paul seems to have sent secret messages to John Lennon through his videos and lyrics. "Cafe On The Left Bank" from London Town was about his exploits with John in France. The "Coming Up" video had the "Plastic Mac Band" on the bass drum kit that was a nod to the Plastic Ono Band. I think "Arrow Through Me" was more about John. The lyrics are unusual and not McCartney-like as they seem to have a theme of "Betrayal". The first thing I thought was that it was marital strife..lol. It seems to fit more about his relationship with John at this time as John had refused to see him at the Dakota building just a year or two before. It is unfortunate that no one in the media has asked Paul about some of the meanings behind these songs as it would shed more of a light behind his creativity. John used to cover up the meanings behind some of his songs as well....like "Norwegian Wood" which was about an affair.
My parents had this cassette. I think the best was Wings Over America live double album which My friend’s mom gave me the vinyl album. Back to the egg is not a bad album this video brings me back to the early eighties..when I had the cassette
Tried and failed to get tickets for this tour in '79, just 16 and with no real means to travel. Still a great regret. Wings was my favorite band then and probably still now. All my mates were into Zep or Quo or New Wave and, as you say, Wings were not considered too cool. But at least there was some more meat and energy on this album, although you can tell Macca was semi-detached. Side one is pretty solid but it begins to meander on side 2. If he'd ditched the ballads and included 'Goodnight' and 'Daytime' it might have a better reputation. I still like it as a last hurrah even though McCartney had run out of things to say and, to these ears, did lose the muse for a long time afterwards.
+DoubleCross2009 To be honest I think it does have a good reputation amongst the fans. It has aged pretty well. Paul has disowned it simply because it didn't sell very well. Agree Daytime was too good for a B side.
I agree with you John. 9/10 for the album. Also agree that is better than all the music Paul did after. Particularly for me, he musically died after "Say, Say, Say". I think he got old, or run out of ideas...
Back to the Egg was the first album I bought from McCartney when I was twelve back in 1980 and probably for that reason, it is one of my favourite. I know every song by heart and used to stare at the cover wondering what it meant. What's the earth have to do with an egg?
Maybe, probably, my second favorite McCartney effort crap lyrics aside. Though the subsequent Christmas single is rubbish. But, I love every track save a couple of Side 2 cuts. Agree with you on the '70s being his best decade overall, not counting the '60s of course. Still, I rank "Tug of War," "Electric Arguments" and "New" among his best.
Hi, great video once again. Agree with pretty much everything you said.This album i so underrated albums, might even be in my top 5 mccarteny albums. Take care
***** Thanks! What chance of him doing a track from this live? Or from London Town. Seems he thinks that most people don't want to hear these songs. Whenever he does a Wings song these days, he even says 'This is for all the Wings fans' as if it's 20% of his audience. More like 80% I would think!
John Heaton Yeah, I cant belive he's never done with a little luck live. it was an american no 1 for goodness sake and a top 5 hit in britian. I can't see him doing anything from this album though as there were no hit singles but i'd love to see it.
I love Back To The Egg, and with London Town it's in my top two Wings records. As for the lyrics on the album sometimes daft and silly lyrics work, and for me they work fine on Egg! The only criticism for me would be that the album starts to lose it's way a little with After The Ball/ Million Miles and Winter Rose/ Love Awake, though i like them the albums momentum stalls a bit and is only lifted again by So Glad To See You Here. Having seen the tour to promote Back To The Egg in 1979 i probably have a soft spot for it because of that!
James Boyce I am jealous that you were there for the 79 concert James, although Paul himself has said it was awful. But then again Paul sometimes didn't know what the fans were thinking and it was the last time as you say when he did a concert not over relying on his Beatles past. So hats off for that alone.
It was fantastic and with a horn section too! I think coming after the '75/'76 World tour anything would be anti climatic for Paul. but for me as a 15 year old first timer it was "ace" . :) Seeing Wings in a 2000 seater at the Newcastle City Hall was one of the highlights of my life, so nothing Paul could say about it would spoil it. I spoke to Laurence Juber about the tour a few years back which was cool and fun. I spoke to him on fb a few months ago and he's hopeful the Hammersmith Kampuchea show might see the light of day, complete, fingers crossed.
I admit, I enjoyed this album.... some nice tunes.... came out as punk hit the UK so some songs are influenced by that..... I remember at the time the BBC showed the video album of this with all the videos
Wished he'd kept Steve Holley as a drummer. Much more musical drummer and way more finesse than Abe Laboriel Jr who simply cannot stomach. Messy and loud cant believe Macca keeps him on.
I confess, as someone too young at the time to have experienced it, I assumed it was BAD because of it's reputation. Back to the Egg was the last straw and represented the turd in the punch bowl of the band Wings. I had never listened to it and just aligned my presumptions on it's sales and critical review. It was only after I listened to it all the way through on You Tube that I realized it was just misunderstood. I think it's a good album, but not a great one. I think the hard rock/punk/ heavy metal aspects are well performed and work for the respective songs. But then a completely different feel is produced with other tracks that seem like they are from a different recording era, and it's more than a little jarring. None of the songs are well known, or played regularly on the radio or set lists, aside from Good Night Tonight, and so is no pop breakout tracks. The best songs are the heavy one's, which are great in my opinion, but hard rock songs are often not about the catchy hooks.
Hasn't he said that, in hindsight, he thinks he subconsciously had had enough of Wings, and touring in a band by 79/80, and therefore sabotaged the tour by taking the grass through Japan customs? That incident was the end of Wings. Again and Again is my favourite track on this album.
***** Yeah I know he's said that and maybe there's some truth in it. With the benefit of a lot of hindsight. I don't think he thought he was going to get caught in Japan, that's the bottom line I think...somehow imagined he was above the law or something.
This might interest you John, it's a discussion on RAM by Aussie music Exec Jeremy Dylan and US musician Matt Farley, it's Farley's fav album of all time. mrjeremydylan.com/post/122164160220/my-favorite-album-74-matt-farley-motern-media
I like the album, however it has its flaws. The lyrics on Getting Closer and Spin it On are very poor. I agree that Old Siam, Sir is the best track on the album. Baby’s Request doesn’t belong on the album, neither do the two ballads on side two After the Ball and Winter Rose.
For all the talk about the era and how Paul and many other veteran rockers struggled through the era he fared much better then most. Dylan turned to Gospel but it was the greatest sounding albums from a production and vocal standpoint in his career. Neil Young tried reinventing himself much to the record labels chagrin who ultimately sued him for not sounding like Neil Young at the time and Zeppelin calling it quits after Bonham’s death and just a crazy time with disco on the way out and new wave the offshoot step brother of Punk riding high for 3- 4 years. So crazy was 1980 that on XM radio the other week they have MTV ‘s ex VJ’s counting down the songs for the week of say……September 17th 1980 and to say it was eclectic would be an understatement. Country acts had 5 songs on the top 40 with Eddie Rabbit, Juice Newton, Ronnie Milsap, Johnnie Lee, Kenny Rogers and Dottie West were all on that week along side Supertramp, The Knack, Nick Lowe, Devo, Gary Numan, ect,,,,,, wow, so Paul was no different then any other classic rocker trying to find his niche in this insane change over in music at the time.
i love your loyalty to your hero but this record is sub par...to be kind...I'm a few years older than you and the depression was deep and at its nadir with this album...I kept waiting for quality and kept getting disappointed...it john's murder for him to find his form with Tug of War...
I think you're too generous with this critique. A Lot of fluff on this album pumped - up with electric guitars. Could use some serious editing. Back to the Ego?
+hippojuice23 Ha! Yeah he maybe tried a tad too hard to be rocking here but Side 1 especially packs a decent punch. Prefer Egg to McC 2, Pipes, Broad St, Press and probably Flowers too. Regarding Back To The Ego I think that going solo with the Xmas single was more when that happened after he saw that Egg wasn't selling...thanks for commenting.
Ha! Suspect this is a wind up, at least partly! You touched a nerve there. I could write a book defending Wings 77-79 or maybe go on Mastermind with it :- )
bombardier I usually get a few facts from Wikipedia but send to share my own knowledge and give my personal opinions in my videos...sorry if it came across otherwise
It may have seemed like that at the time to some...but I disagree! In my opinion, hindsight displays its charms to quote Carr & Tyler's remark about Paul's first solo album.
A truly overlooked and underrated gem of an album. I kind of wished there’d been one more Wings LP, I thought they worked well as a band.
I know Im kinda off topic but does anyone know a good site to watch new series online?
@Maverick Hamza I watch on flixzone. Just google for it :)
@Franklin Oscar definitely, have been using FlixZone for since march myself =)
@Franklin Oscar thanks, signed up and it seems like a nice service =) Appreciate it !!
@Maverick Hamza glad I could help :D
Thank you John!! Bought the album in '79. Rate it as easily his 2nd best. Getting Closer is one of THE very best power pop songs!! Tiger.
This is one my favorite Paul LPs.Love that he started rocking again.Wish he'd dust off Getting Closer or Arrow Through Me on his current tour.Great videos.
sailor sam We can live in hope I suppose. Nothing performed from London Town or Back To The Egg since 1979.
I am French and I don't really understand English well so I am not able to evaluate the level of the lyrics of ''BACK TO THE EGG'' but if I only consider the quality of the music, I find that '' 'BACK TO THE EGG' is one of my favorite 'WINGS' albums.😉
Easily the most underrated McCartney album, Closer to YOU, Arrow through Me, To You, Rochestra all great as well as So glad to see you here all great!
Great review. One of my favourite albums. A shame this line up of Wings didn't do more albums together.
I agree with your rating of 9, John. Along with Red Rose Speedway and Band On The Run, my 3 favourite Wings albums. Such a great line up of a band. 1979 was a great year for music, Police, Blondie, Disco, New Wave etc. But Wings manage to compete with the stiff competition.
From your book I have learned that the portrait shots on McCartney III were from a Wings session. On this album more than ever he had begun to follow music trends. He’d make the same error on Press. But Getting Closer And Old Sian sir are great tracks. The albums statue would be much greater if Goodnight tonight had been on it. He re-recorded Babies request years later.
"My baby's request" is so Paul. Effortless class, could easily be a 1930s standard written by the finest composers of that time.
Arrow Through Me is having a small renaissance in England - been hearing it in one or two of the trendy bars round my way and had a mate who isn't really a Macca/Wings guy play it in his car last week. It's also a favourite of very hot French band L'impératrice. Glad to hear it around. I bought this LP aged 15 back in 2010 and was immediately charmed by it. Hidden gem.
Yeah Arrow Through Me has been getting a lot of play everywhere recently. Paul’s getting a lot of young fans with it on Tik Tok as well and because Harry Styles said that he loved it.
It's a masterpiece!! Simple...
Always loved this album. Great punk rock songs and Ballads.
I stuck up for this one as well, John! So nice to see someone appreciate a great album.
Hi John. This album rocks and shows that he was (like the Stones before him with Some Girls) influenced by the blondie/clash/cheap trick/cars sounds of the day. I love this album because of such, allowing crunching guitars with soaring harmonies. Wings always soared with their harmonies of course, but Laurence Juber added much more than given credit for. He, Denny and Linda really came together behind Paul on most songs. Good point on "Goodnight Tonight/Daytime" single as being perhaps the best of the bunch. I have no idea why "Arrow" did not shoot to the top here in the USA (29) it was played constantly that fall. the Zep/Who/rockpile/wings ensemble was cool to listen to then but now I think why not adding; John Lennon, George Harrison, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page (he was on goodnight after all) Ringo. Perhaps, just perhaps, with all of those musicians gathered, we could have had a reunion amongst since it wouldn't have been just the 4, it would have been closer to 40! Cheers!
Was lucky to meet Paul,Linda and Denny when they were promoting the album at Capitol Radio. There was only about 20 of us there and got them all to sign the album. Linda ask how far I had come which was nice. Underrated album.
Always loved this record. Rockier and pretty expansive. Strong songs all around. I have that songbook too. Can’t wait for the Super-Deluxe edition of this and London Town. He should also release a Wings vinyl box with the original cover art (no side strip w signature).
I got this album when it came out, after hearing "Goodnight tonight". Really loved that, and to this day this is my 2nd favourite wings album after "Band on the Run". As you say it wasn't cool to like wings in '79 but this album made it a bit cooler.
Yes this album in particular has aged well. It may not have set the charts alight but that's not everything.
Being a Wings fan in my 20’s in the 90’s wasn’t easy either. Awesome video. Totally rocking album that hopefully will be getting the Archive treatment sooner rather than later.
Yes we can hope!
Good review John, This is a very underrated record. Lucky enough to see Wings on their BTTE tour in 79 at Hammersmith Odeon in Dec. Everybody thought that John Lennon was there that night. And when a little Robotic type beat box waddled on stage right, Paul ran over to it and said No this is not John Lennon, he's not here and nether are the others, He then kicked it and the beat for the next song started up
+Wendy Adams Thanks Wendy! Interesting...although none of the others were going to show that night :- )
I got this album for Xmas when it just came out, the only Wings album I've ever owned. The intro tune "Reception" was a revelation to me as a future bass player...I hadn't even touched a real bass guitar yet, but I knew I was a bass player already.
I like it too don't think Macca was that proud of it though, saw the interview where he referred to it as a "bit of a Boncept album" as for Goodnight Tonight it was nice feelgood song for the time, and the video always makes me chuckle...
Great album, showcasing many of Macca's styles and voices. Standout for me are 'After the ball/Million Miles' and 'Arrow through me'.
Completely agree with you on this album, John. Well done for trying to redress the (wrongheaded in my opinion) critical consensus. I've always thought 'Back to the Egg' is one of Paul's finest solo albums ever since I nicked my Dad's cassette copy in about 1983 (when I was aged 10) and played it half to death. It's such an eclectic album in terms of musical genres and the punk/new wave excursions work fairly well: particularly 'Spin It On' and 'Old Siam Sir.' Possibly they benefited from Chris Thomas's production. One of his most recent album credits prior to BTTE was 'Never Mind the Bollocks...Here's the Sex Pistols'. I also really like the softer moments on the album such as 'Love Awake' and 'Baby's Request.' The latter is as good as 'Honey Pie' from the White Album. I think critical opinion on 'Back to the Egg' is changing; it's growing in stature every year (as is McCartney II) whereas the praise originally heaped on 'Tug of War' is dissipating. 'Tug of War' is a good album but parts of it now sound quite dated whereas 'Back to the Egg' stands the test of time.
Hi John, I’m new to your channel and already l’m listening to some new albums. Thanks for your reviews.
On the CD version, three bonus tracks were added as I'm sure you're aware of, John. Two of them are the lackluster Wonderful Christmas Time (popular by many but not me) and the awesome Daytime Nighttime Suffering, which reminds me of something that could have come from the Ram period.
+Martin W Yes the Christmas song was a hit but pretty dispensable. Daytime is probably my favourite B side of his, was very nearly the A Side but they chose Goodnight Tonight, which was also worthy. Talking of which that track should be an extra on the Egg CD but for some reason was put on the McCartney 2 CD (the 90s version).
Yes, "Arrow Through Me" was the single over here in the States, and it is my favorite track on this album. "Back To The Egg" has always been one of my lesser favorites, but you made a strong case for it, and I will have to listen to it again. I was a closet McCartney fan in 79' and although I was listening to the Clash and Elvis Costello at the time, I've got to say that these days I prefer Wings...I agree that "Goodnight Tonight" is better than the tracks on "Egg"...I think the reason that "Wonderful Christmastime" is credited to Paul McCartney is because it's from his solo McCartney II sessions. And if I'm not mistaken, most of that album was recorded before "Back To The Egg"....Nice review again John.
I'm wrong about the McCartney II sessions being recorded before "Back To The Egg", but "Wonderful Christmastime" apparently is from those sessions.
Thomas Calden Yes and bizarrely recoreded in the summer apparently. Which makes it even more questionable!
Thomas Calden I think the archive release could be fantastic with the video album plus the live gig. Plus all the unreleased stuff like 'Cage' and 'Getting Closer' with Denny singing lead!
Love this album! Their best!
Hi John, it took me 6 years but I have a wished "track order" to share for BTTE, which I think would have made it a hit album.
I have included both sides of the single, and taken away some of the "short" tracks that Paul seemed to like to do. (I never understood this tendancy; Band on the Run didn't suffer from this and look at the hit it was). Specifically, "Reception", "after the ball", "were open tonight" and the awful "the broadcast". Of those, I was only sad to remove "were open tonight". Heres my running order:
1. Getting Closer
2. Old Siam, sir
3. Again and again and again
4. Spin it On
5. Arrow through me
6. So Glad to see you here
1. Rockestra theme
2. Daytime nighttime suffering
3. Winter Rose/Million Miles
4. To You
5. Babys Request
6. Goodnight Tonight
I think this order flows well; starts strong and I like the ending of "goodnight tonight". I think this is by far the strongest Wings album, only just perhaps eclipsed by BOTR. I also don't agree with your assessment of "so glad to see you here" - how many Paul songs sound like this? Goodnight.
Interesting to imagine that…did you mean love awake instead of million miles?
@@johnheaton5667 hi John- i meant “after the ball/ love awake”- I often get those mixed up.
Oops! Still confused… the one I would include on the album is “winter rose/love awake”. I think especially winter rose has a beautiful tune
Great review. I agree, it's a strong album with a couple of duds.
Great review John. I too feel it was a slightly tame end of the decade release from Wings, with just three or four magic-McCartney-moments (agree that Old Siam Sir and Getting Closer are amongst them, with Arrow Through Me another melodic masterpiece). Excuse all these Ms.... But hey, just one good song from Paul is more than enough when it comes to his level of brilliance. As a Clash fan in public (you shame me correctly) I could only honour Macca behind close doors (so shallow) with you as my confidant, for which I am always grateful. Looking back, yes, the seventies was Paul's best solo decade. As time goes on I feel there's a body of work there that deserves to be reviewed in the same light as the Beatles (something it's hard to say for the other Fabs), with Ram, Red Rose Speedway and Venus & Mars to the fore. What Beatles album couldn't be better yet with The Back Seat of My Car on board? Or Uncle Albert? And what's wonderful is that New is not only new but utterly fantastic. Fresh hope for us who need these magic moments for our very survival! Looking forward to your next great review! H
Henry Hemming Thanks Henry. I just get nostalgic for the days when all four solo Beatles were not only alive but also active (well, mostly!) and turning out decent stuff and the Top 40 was something people cared about (well, maybe not Clash fans :- ) I think you are a bit harsh on the other fabs. For example I am looking forward to buying JL POB when it comes out on vinyl shortly as my old copy mysteriously disappeared over the years and I never had the lyric sheet.
Don't worry. I love POB and to some extent Imagine. Also George's ATMP and George Harrison. Both gorgeous. But Paul has been leagues ahead (with plenty of iffy output too of course) - even just in that one decade that they were all solo.
Hi again John (you getting sick of me yet?) I find this a deeply fascinating era for McCartney. Back to the Egg is an admirable album but not one I ever warmed to significantly. It always sounded to me as if he was possibly dealing with some kind of record company interference, but whether they were leaning on him to do the softer stuff or the harder songs (or neither) is impossible to decide. I've always wondered exactly what it was about this line-up that Paul didn't like. All the live footage I've seen is excellent, and they were visually good and photogenic.
James Griffiths i think this album has aged remarkably well and its time will come again :- )
Great review. The first Paul album I bought with money I saved up from weekly allowance. A great album. I have to disagree with you tho about Paul choosing not to put "Goodnight Tonight" on the album. For me, that's the one thing missing from this album which would have really sold it. A solid hit single. "Getting Closer".... nope. "Arrow through Me" ...nope. It was too good of a song to leave off the album as well as the flip side. Even though the album has a heavier feel with some great rock tracks, overall the album has a typical McCartney eclectic nature to it that seems to be loosely tied together with a sort of radio channel changing feel to it with "Reception" and "Broadcast". So, I think "Goodnight Tonite" would have fit in perfectly somewhere on the album. I would have taken off "To You" or "So Glad to See You" to make room. "Wonderful Christmastime" is one of those love/hate songs that Paul always has the ability to write. It's trite and annoying to those who hate it but It does what it's intended to do(at least for me). It never fails to put me in a good mood at Christmas time even when I'm not in the mood for Christmas time. I agree with you about WIngs. A greatly under appreciated band. I was really disappointed with the WIngspan compilation when it came out. I really think that release could have been a super compilation which dug deep into the greatness of Wings showcasing not only the obvious hits, but also the great album tracks as well as the rarities that Wings fans are craving for. Instead, to me it was just a mish-mash of a mess highlighting both WINGS aaannd solo hits along with some oddball album choices. I just never understood that one and that's why I never bought it. Ever think of doing reviews of compilation albums?
Thanks for your detailed and interesting comment. Don't get me started on compilations...they are rarely satisfactory...either content or cover wise. But back to 'Egg' yes you are right that Goodnight Tonight and its B side would have strengthened the album although I've always like the way Paul would release stand alone singles. What was ridiculous was to release Goodnight Tonight on the McCartney 2 CD!! Wingspan should have covered 1971-79. And as for the Christmas single....whilst I can't say it's great it does do a job of sorts and is miles better than most Christmas songs (like Cliff Richard's for example). But not as good as John & Yoko's...
It's funny cuz my copy of McCartney 2 only has "Secret Friend" and "Check My Machine", whereas my copy of "Back to the Egg" has "Daytime....", "Wonderful Xmas...." and "Rudolph....." but no "Goodnight Tonite"????? Yes, Paul always did release great non-album singles that always had some great b-sides. I always wish Paul would release a compilation of all the b-sides. McCartney's compilations have always had me scratching my head. Wings Greatest, but no "Listen to the What the Man Said". All the Best, no "Maybe I'm Amazed" but let's include "C Moon" us version?????? Wingspan a mess. I have a feeling I'll pick up Pure McCartney in a moment of weakness but even that I'm scratching my head. Anyway, keep up the videos.
+nowhereman64 The '93 release of McCartney 2 had Goodnight Tonight on it. You have the first '80s version.
I like the "my salamander" words on Getting Closer, as it hints of a woman living on two worlds of two men, a double life, likened to the amphibious life of a salamander, living neither just on land or just in the water.
Also like this and Press to Play are my favorites.
I think that Paul and Linda were planning on ending the Wings to pull their family out of the life on the road. Linda named the album Back to the Egg, which sounds like thinking of putting the Wings back from whence they came.
Perhaps they were nervous to just end the Wings, so maybe Paul wanted to get arrested in Japan to force the tour to a stop, as a way out of their demanding life of touring without having to seem to reject the Wings. That could also explain his use of only his own name before the breakup.
Enjoyed your thoughts - Wonderful Christmastime however is genius and points to Mccartney 2 and his crazy post Wings experimentation ( also a hugely under-rated album)
Hi John . I am sure u are aware that Paul's voice in 79 was like a critic said a bit like rod Stewart eg old siam sir even winters rose
..that voice for good or bad was gone on tug of war ... did u notice that ...I liked that voice though ... I love your videos keep up the good work
Back to the egg is better than tug of war I think .Saw them in brighton in 79 very interesting set list
I noticed this difference with his voice. I think the difference was that after BTTE, he stopped smoking. His voice became less raspy and more refined. He had the I've Got A Feeling voice which was a different screaming vocal right up until Red Rose Speedway. After that, it totally disappeared and he had a different type of raspiness in the rock songs he sang. He never sang like on "Monkberry Moon Delight" after 1973.
the archive collection seems to have overlooked "egg" "red rose" "london" "wild life" from the 70s and now we're getting flowers in the dirt from 89.. hope they get back to the 70s next.. think it was tug of war and pipes of peace last time
Steven Hare exactly steven those four better come next!
Have you reviewed George Harrison's album of 79 also called George Harrison which in my book is probably Harrison's best solo album. 79 was a good year for both Paul and George in that they released very good albums. Shame the times were changing and both albums didn't fare well...
+Renaud Yes I've reviewed that album. Agree, probably my favourite of his and just a classy album all the way through.
I think, as the years roll on, albums like ''Back To The Egg'' , ''Red Rose Speedway'' and ''London Town'' will get their due respect. Sad that they were not really critically acclaimed when they were initially released. The 1970's were a solid period for McCartney and Wings deserves a little more respect. I have that song book for the album as well, some great photos in there. I really like the ones for ''Spin It On'' and ''Winter Rose''.
Yes James I agree. Their time will come...hopefully while we are still around to see it :- )
I may be reading some things into the lyrics but Paul seems to have sent secret messages to John Lennon through his videos and lyrics. "Cafe On The Left Bank" from London Town was about his exploits with John in France. The "Coming Up" video had the "Plastic Mac Band" on the bass drum kit that was a nod to the Plastic Ono Band.
I think "Arrow Through Me" was more about John. The lyrics are unusual and not McCartney-like as they seem to have a theme of "Betrayal". The first thing I thought was that it was marital strife..lol. It seems to fit more about his relationship with John at this time as John had refused to see him at the Dakota building just a year or two before. It is unfortunate that no one in the media has asked Paul about some of the meanings behind these songs as it would shed more of a light behind his creativity. John used to cover up the meanings behind some of his songs as well....like "Norwegian Wood" which was about an affair.
I just got into this album on your recommendation John cheers
My parents had this cassette. I think the best was Wings Over America live double album which My friend’s mom gave me the vinyl album. Back to the egg is not a bad album this video brings me back to the early eighties..when I had the cassette
Tried and failed to get tickets for this tour in '79, just 16 and with no real means to travel. Still a great regret. Wings was my favorite band then and probably still now. All my mates were into Zep or Quo or New Wave and, as you say, Wings were not considered too cool. But at least there was some more meat and energy on this album, although you can tell Macca was semi-detached. Side one is pretty solid but it begins to meander on side 2. If he'd ditched the ballads and included 'Goodnight' and 'Daytime' it might have a better reputation. I still like it as a last hurrah even though McCartney had run out of things to say and, to these ears, did lose the muse for a long time afterwards.
+DoubleCross2009 To be honest I think it does have a good reputation amongst the fans. It has aged pretty well. Paul has disowned it simply because it didn't sell very well. Agree Daytime was too good for a B side.
"Daytime Nighttime Suffering" should have been on this album!
+Diane Sampson Yes I agree, it was far too strong to lose on a B side.
Absolutely.
I agree with you John. 9/10 for the album. Also agree that is better than all the music Paul did after. Particularly for me, he musically died after "Say, Say, Say". I think he got old, or run out of ideas...
Although, I lean more towards London Town I really like Back To The Egg.
Back to the Egg was the first album I bought from McCartney when I was twelve back in 1980 and probably for that reason, it is one of my favourite. I know every song by heart and used to stare at the cover wondering what it meant. What's the earth have to do with an egg?
Maybe, probably, my second favorite McCartney effort crap lyrics aside. Though the subsequent Christmas single is rubbish.
But, I love every track save a couple of Side 2 cuts.
Agree with you on the '70s being his best decade overall, not counting the '60s of course. Still, I rank "Tug of War," "Electric Arguments" and "New" among his best.
Matthew Smith Yes of course, 60s aside! After this I think I rate Tug Of War and Flaming Pie as the best, although McCartney 2 has its highlights too.
John Heaton Oh, rate McCartney II way up there also. Still not heard Flaming Pie.
Great insightful review, John!
Hi, great video once again. Agree with pretty much everything you said.This album i so underrated albums, might even be in my top 5 mccarteny albums. Take care
***** Thanks! What chance of him doing a track from this live? Or from London Town. Seems he thinks that most people don't want to hear these songs. Whenever he does a Wings song these days, he even says 'This is for all the Wings fans' as if it's 20% of his audience. More like 80% I would think!
John Heaton Yeah, I cant belive he's never done with a little luck live. it was an american no 1 for goodness sake and a top 5 hit in britian. I can't see him doing anything from this album though as there were no hit singles but i'd love to see it.
Media after The Beatles breakup: Paul goes Solo!
Media after Wings breakup
Paul goes solo! ...again!
I love Back To The Egg, and with London Town it's in my top two Wings records. As for the lyrics on the album sometimes daft and silly lyrics work, and for me they work fine on Egg! The only criticism for me would be that the album starts to lose it's way a little with After The Ball/ Million Miles and Winter Rose/ Love Awake, though i like them the albums momentum stalls a bit and is only lifted again by So Glad To See You Here. Having seen the tour to promote Back To The Egg in 1979 i probably have a soft spot for it because of that!
James Boyce I am jealous that you were there for the 79 concert James, although Paul himself has said it was awful. But then again Paul sometimes didn't know what the fans were thinking and it was the last time as you say when he did a concert not over relying on his Beatles past. So hats off for that alone.
It was fantastic and with a horn section too! I think coming after the '75/'76 World tour anything would be anti climatic for Paul. but for me as a 15 year old first timer it was "ace" . :) Seeing Wings in a 2000 seater at the Newcastle City Hall was one of the highlights of my life, so nothing Paul could say about it would spoil it. I spoke to Laurence Juber about the tour a few years back which was cool and fun. I spoke to him on fb a few months ago and he's hopeful the Hammersmith Kampuchea show might see the light of day, complete, fingers crossed.
A great Wings album.....🛶🍁
wonderful Xmas time was Paul on his own during "McCartney II" Sessions as far as I'm aware...
done in 79 though..
Steven Hare yes and as such should have been a bonus track on mccartney 2 cd rather than egg i think
What was the castle owners name that narrated The Broadcast?
I admit, I enjoyed this album.... some nice tunes.... came out as punk hit the UK so some songs are influenced by that..... I remember at the time the BBC showed the video album of this with all the videos
Wished he'd kept Steve Holley as a drummer. Much more musical drummer and way more finesse than Abe Laboriel Jr who simply cannot stomach. Messy and loud cant believe Macca keeps him on.
I confess, as someone too young at the time to have experienced it, I assumed it was BAD because of it's reputation. Back to the Egg was the last straw and represented the turd in the punch bowl of the band Wings. I had never listened to it and just aligned my presumptions on it's sales and critical review. It was only after I listened to it all the way through on You Tube that I realized it was just misunderstood. I think it's a good album, but not a great one. I think the hard rock/punk/ heavy metal aspects are well performed and work for the respective songs. But then a completely different feel is produced with other tracks that seem like they are from a different recording era, and it's more than a little jarring. None of the songs are well known, or played regularly on the radio or set lists, aside from Good Night Tonight, and so is no pop breakout tracks. The best songs are the heavy one's, which are great in my opinion, but hard rock songs are often not about the catchy hooks.
Hasn't he said that, in hindsight, he thinks he subconsciously had had enough of Wings, and touring in a band by 79/80, and therefore sabotaged the tour by taking the grass through Japan customs? That incident was the end of Wings. Again and Again is my favourite track on this album.
***** Yeah I know he's said that and maybe there's some truth in it. With the benefit of a lot of hindsight. I don't think he thought he was going to get caught in Japan, that's the bottom line I think...somehow imagined he was above the law or something.
thanks John
I lived it, but it wasn't no London Town
Yes I prefer London Town overall but it's still great for the most part!
I like this album, but 'to you' is utterly dispensable and should have been replaced with 'the cage'.
This might interest you John, it's a discussion on RAM by Aussie music Exec Jeremy Dylan and US musician Matt Farley, it's Farley's fav album of all time. mrjeremydylan.com/post/122164160220/my-favorite-album-74-matt-farley-motern-media
I like the album, however it has its flaws. The lyrics on Getting Closer and Spin it On are very poor.
I agree that Old Siam, Sir is the best track on the album.
Baby’s Request doesn’t belong on the album, neither do the two ballads on side two After the Ball and Winter Rose.
I really like this album. Goodnight Tonight is not a good song.
I’m surprised at the positive vibe from that song from people. Daytime nighttime is badass but Goodnight tonight is disco light fluff to me at least.
For all the talk about the era and how Paul and many other veteran rockers struggled through the era he fared much better then most. Dylan turned to Gospel but it was the greatest sounding albums from a production and vocal standpoint in his career. Neil Young tried reinventing himself much to the record labels chagrin who ultimately sued him for not sounding like Neil Young at the time and Zeppelin calling it quits after Bonham’s death and just a crazy time with disco on the way out and new wave the offshoot step brother of Punk riding high for 3- 4 years. So crazy was 1980 that on XM radio the other week they have MTV ‘s ex VJ’s counting down the songs for the week of say……September 17th 1980 and to say it was eclectic would be an understatement. Country acts had 5 songs on the top 40 with Eddie Rabbit, Juice Newton, Ronnie Milsap, Johnnie Lee, Kenny Rogers and Dottie West were all on that week along side Supertramp, The Knack, Nick Lowe, Devo, Gary Numan, ect,,,,,, wow, so Paul was no different then any other classic rocker trying to find his niche in this insane change over in music at the time.
i love your loyalty to your hero but this record is sub par...to be kind...I'm a few years older than you and the depression was deep and at its nadir with this album...I kept waiting for quality and kept getting disappointed...it john's murder for him to find his form with Tug of War...
You're wrong on the rockestra pieces.. They are superb.. The whole album is superb... Disappointing review John..
Father Damien Karras Rockestra Theme I like, the other one not so much, sorry!
Again and Again and Again sucks! A terrible song. Shouldn’t have been allowed on the record.
I think you're too generous with this critique. A Lot of fluff on this album pumped - up with electric guitars. Could use some serious editing. Back to the Ego?
+hippojuice23 Ha! Yeah he maybe tried a tad too hard to be rocking here but Side 1 especially packs a decent punch. Prefer Egg to McC 2, Pipes, Broad St, Press and probably Flowers too. Regarding Back To The Ego I think that going solo with the Xmas single was more when that happened after he saw that Egg wasn't selling...thanks for commenting.
+John Heaton Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so blunt in my comment. Yes, this album is certainly better than Londontown! Oof!
Ha! Suspect this is a wind up, at least partly! You touched a nerve there. I could write a book defending Wings 77-79 or maybe go on Mastermind with it :- )
Dude, are you reading wikipedia? Boring. Better tell us about your own fresh impressions back at the time.
bombardier I usually get a few facts from Wikipedia but send to share my own knowledge and give my personal opinions in my videos...sorry if it came across otherwise
@@johnheaton5667 I don`t mind.
I think by 1979 Paul may have been running out of steam.....
It may have seemed like that at the time to some...but I disagree! In my opinion, hindsight displays its charms to quote Carr & Tyler's remark about Paul's first solo album.