Here’s a random analysis of the Wings catalogue of songs from 1971-1979 (I’m including some songs from Ram which is technically pre-Wings era). Three categories: pop syrup, classic rock, really sophisticated. The pop syrup had a lot of top 40 success but I recall being into the lesser known classic rock tunes with simple, sometimes nonsensical lyrics because, that’s the point isn’t it? I’m taking a break here, amuse me with some innovative licks and catchy phrases.

The sophisticated tunes show the genius of McCartney as a songwriter and performer. I always wondered if Linda’s influence led him towards some of the pop syrup. I’ll ask him next time he stops by.

I saw McCartney live at the Rose Garden about 15 years ago or so. The band (which talent wise was an order of magnitude better than Wings) started out with Paul playing classic rock with his Hofner bass killing it on vocals. Next he switches to acoustic guitar and flawlessly played and sang sometimes solo where you are completely vulnerable and exposed. This was followed by an edgier set with Paul on electronic guitar playing some killer leads. I’m thinking to myself this guy’s versatility is incredible.

At that point a grand piano rose from the stage floor like in a broadway play and he had the audacity to play an unbelievable version of Maybe I’m Amazed. For a minute I was angry that one man was hogging all the talent in the world.

Arguably I’ve seen better concerts though that was a special night. It’s not up for debate that there are better guitar, bass, or piano players out there. What the legacy will be is the combination of versatility in musicianship plus songwriting genius packaged into one set of molecules. He’s up there near the top.

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Pop Syrup

Band on the run

Let ‘em in

Listen to what the man said

Magneto and titanium man

My love

Silly love songs

Venus and Mars

With a little luck

Cassic rock

Go Now

Heart of the country

Hi, hi, hi

Jet

Junior’s farm

Let me roll it

Letting go

Medicine jar

Rock show

Soily

Too many people

Really Sophisticated

Live and let die

The long and winding road

Maybe I’m amazed

Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey