Paul McCartney/Flaming Pie Sessions

A quarter of a century has passed since the Beatles disbanded, and there have been changes in the relationship between the original members, especially George and Paul. Although the four members co-starred across the board, the combinations of John and Paul and George and Paul were not realized until the end. Only Ringo has performed with all of them, and John and George have also recorded together. Paul has no co-stars other than Ringo. This fact also gives us a glimpse of the Beatles disbandment drama. However, after a long period of a quarter of a century, the three members of the band, excluding John, who are now in the dark, finally came together for the first time in a project called Beatles Anthology. Beatles fans must have been deeply moved when they saw the three of them lined up in the garden on TV for the first time. A sound and video anthology project including two new songs was launched. Jeff Lynne played an important role in bringing this together. The members of the Beatles dared to ask an outsider to produce the album, rather than their own relative, George Martin. This is just my imagination, but I think Paul made a lot of concessions to George in order to make this project happen. Anthology 2 includes an instrumental version of "Within You Without You," and it can be said that this song was selected with great consideration for George. And George and Jeffrin have already worked together on "Cloud 9." The appointment of Jefflin may also have been a consideration for George. After all, the key to this project was the relationship between George and Paul. And it appears that Paul was very satisfied with Jeffrin's work on this anthology project. Above all, Jefflin has a lot of respect for the Beatles. Paul will also entrust the production of his next solo album to Jefflin. Paul released ``OFF THE GROUND'' in 1992 and did a large-scale tour with it, but after that, as mentioned above, he spent the mid-90s working on anthology projects. . And that's not the only reason why there was a period for a solo album. It was later revealed that Linda was not feeling well and was undergoing treatment. The last album that Linda participated in was ``FLAMING PIE'' released in 1997 with Jeff Lynne as producer. Although it was announced in 1997, the recording itself began in 1995, and was born as an extension of the anthology project. Unlike the previous two albums produced by the band, it is almost like a ``McCartney 3'' and is mostly overdubbed by Paul and Jeff Lynne. Like a private recording, it has a very relaxed atmosphere, with no worries, and the content is very good. It was a success in terms of sales and is now known as one of the masterpieces. This work includes the session sound source of this “FLAMING PIE”. “The Song We Were Singing” is a wonderful opening song full of Paul’s nostalgic tastes. The theme of always going back to the songs they used to sing can be seen as referring to the Beatles era, as the subject of the title is We. In fact, it can be said to be a masterpiece that creates a nostalgic atmosphere. What is included here is a different mix sound source, with the vocals coming to the fore. ``The World Tonight'' is a song so similar in melody or groove that I think it was a retitled version of their previous album ``Biker Like An Icon.'' The first recording is a demo sound source with an intense guitar. Although it is short, you can enjoy a very powerful performance. Also included are rough mixes and backing tracks. This album is from a time when they weren't performing live, so many of the songs have never been played live, and "If You Wanna" is no exception. However, what is included here is “If You Wanna” which was played at the sound check on May 29, 1993. The fact that it was played only once at a sound check four years before it was released on the album. What's more, it sounds like there's an acoustic guitar, an accordion played by Wicks, and a piano, but it's so simple that it feels like you're listening to a spell. The melody is the same, and the lyrics are no different from the released version. Only the arrangement is different, and it can be seen that it has already been completed at this point. Paul's pattern is to insert a small acoustic piece at the beginning of an album. "Footprints" from "PRESS TO PLAY", "Disstruction" from "FLOWERS IN THE DIRT", and "Somedays" on this album are equivalent. What is included here is another version of the rough mix. "Young Boy" is a catchy number that was cut as a single from the album. Paul actively promoted this song on the TV shows he appeared on during this period. This work includes a number of acoustic guitar demo sound sources, separate mixes, rough mixes, etc. "Calico Skies" was first performed on stage in Osaka in 2002, and has been played often on tours, and Paul himself probably likes it. Although it is played by a band on stage, here, like the studio version, a demo sound source with only acoustic guitar is recorded. Perhaps it's because of the original tone of the song, but even when played only with acoustic guitar, it doesn't lose the original atmosphere, and in fact, it overflows with the goodness of the song. ``Flaming Pie'' is a song that Paul has a lot of feelings for, as it was the title of the album. The song is often performed on stage. The name ``Flaming Pie'' comes from an episode of ``The Man Who Rides a Flaming Pie'' that John had in a dream before the Beatles debuted. This includes a piano demo sound source and backing tracks. “Heaven On A Sunday” is also a beautiful song with Linda’s impressive chorus. The demo sound source of this song, in which Paul sings very carefully along with the rolling electric piano, is truly a gem of a take. The singing style is also different from the original. The biggest song on this album is "Souvenier". One of Paul's greatest songs in history, with its sweet and heart-wrenching melody. The lyrics, which fully demonstrate the nostalgic theme of this album, are wonderful, and this is a work that Paul as a poet can fully enjoy. Unfortunately, only a short backing track remains as an outtake for this song. There are some vocals by Paul, but I would like to hear more if there are outtakes of this song. ``Little Willow'' is a requiem with a somewhat ``burnt incense'' scent that was also included in Princess Diana's memorial album. However, there is no bitterness to it, and the image of the dead waving their hands refreshingly and departing into the sky comes to mind. Linda passed away shortly after the release of this album, and at that time, this song was often played along with the news of her death. "Rally Love You" is a funky song that stands out on the album, and although it is short, it includes a drum and bass session sound source. Next is disc 2. The highlight of this work is probably the session sound source of ``Beautiful Night,'' which is the last song on the album. It is now known that this song was recorded in an almost completed form as early as 1986. The 1986 version is track 1 of disc 2. Although it is simple, it is a neat performance that includes not only piano but also drums, and you can see that it is already close to its final form. It's probably at a level of perfection that could be used even if released as is. The only thing that differs from the release version is the ending, which gives it the impression that it's still unfinished, but that's probably due to knowledge gained after the fact. This is a beautiful and very good demo sound source. An edited version was also created in 1997 based on this demo sound source. The next recording is the session sound source of 1996's "Beautiful Night", which is a demo sound source performed only on the piano. There are no effects applied to Paul's vocals, and it is a live song. In the end, "Beautiful Night" is completed by adding a new ending to the composition of the demo sound source mentioned above. And the most distinctive thing about that ending is Ringo's instantly recognizable vocals. I can't help but think of "Cary That Weight," and that's probably why Paul intentionally used apples. This includes a rehearsal in which Ringo participated, as well as him playfully singing the song, increasing the tempo in the middle. In 1997, sessions were conducted to add an orchestra to the album. It's easy to see how much time was spent creating "Beautiful Night." Paul is probably singing while playing the bass, and you can see that the orchestra joins in from the middle, increasing the depth. Again, Paul's vocals are live, unprocessed, and give you a tingling sensation as if he were singing in your ear. What's more noteworthy is the ending part where the orchestra plays extensively, but it's still almost a karaoke state before Ringo's vocals are added, while Paul is desperately singing improvised. Probably at the stage of the demo sound source, they decided that basically there was no need to make any further changes to this song. The composition, lyrics, and melody are almost exactly as the demo sound source, with the addition of an ending. The ending track with that apple added is included in succession. Perhaps the first half and this ending part were recorded separately. Initially, only the orchestra was recorded, and then Ringo's vocals and a guitar solo were added to the track. ``Great Day'' is a bonus track like ``Her Majesty'', and not only does it end with the profound ``Beautiful Night'', but it is also a short song added as if to leave a lasting impression. However, it seems to be Paul's favorite and has been played on actual live stages in the past, albeit infrequently. The first track was recorded in 1974 during the Wings era, and although there were no lyrics yet, it is surprising that the idea for the basic melody was already in place at this point. If Paul had the genius ability to come up with melodies one after another, he probably wouldn't have had to bring up such an old melody, but there must have been something unforgettable about it. “Your School” is an unreleased outtake from this period. Although it is a demo sound source with a piano, it is a proper studio recording. It was also broadcast on Ooubu Joobu, so it is not the first appearance for collectors, but it is a valuable unreleased song. The second half of Disc 2 contains EPK sessions that were probably recorded from early spring to summer 1997. All of the tracklists are different takes and versions from the original, so each one is short but worth listening to. And finally, there are 3 takes of the radio spot for the album promotion of "Flaming Pie". Isn't it rare that it comes from not only English but also Spanish speaking countries? The last one is disc 3. In 1997, a tribute album was planned for the composer duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Paul recorded their favorite song from the Beatles era, ``Kansas City,'' on that album. "Hey Hey Hey Hey" is a solo performance that does not become a medley. It is a performance that lets you feel the groove while playing with just one acoustic guitar. Still, it's strange that when Paul sings oldies, it always sounds somewhat country-like. And finally, the radio show when the album “FLAMING PIE” was released is recorded. This is a promotional program that aired in March 1998 where you could listen to songs from the album with commentary from Paul. However, this radio show is not just a simple matter of playing CDs and chatting, but is a special content that includes plenty of outtakes, unreleased songs, etc. Moreover, it was probably recorded in Paul's home studio, with instruments such as drums and bass actually placed nearby, and the album commentary while playing them live. For example, you can try singing ``Strawberry Fields Forever'' with memories from the Beatles era, or improvise songs like ``Come On Baby'' and ``Welcome To The Castle,'' making it an irresistible content for enthusiasts. “Heaven On A Sunday” is a song inspired by “For No One,” and it plays the riff of “For No One” as if to compare the two songs. Similarly, it's surprising how much service they provide, even though it's short, such as when they improvise and sing the Beatles' "Because." It has now become a famous episode, but the recording also includes Elvis singing the song ``Heartbreak Hotel'' while holding the bass he used when he recorded ``Heartbreak Hotel'' as a gift from Linda. Ringo's comments are also inserted in the middle, showing how much effort Paul put into promoting this album. The latest work in the session series that brings together the session sound source of "Flaming Pie", which is considered one of Paul's masterpieces released in 1997, and radio shows including rare takes. The last album in which Linda participated, ``Flaming Pie'' was recorded by the band in a style similar to a detached house, and the album has a relaxed atmosphere and a nostalgic theme, and it has a Fifties taste. It's a title that you can enjoy in minutes. DISC ONE THE SONG WE WERE SINGING 01. Different Mix THE WORLD TONIGHT 02. Clean Electric Guitar Demo 03. Backing Track 04. Early Rough Mix - Different Intro 05. Second Rough Version Alternate Mix 06. Father's Day Vocals Center Channel 07. Father's Day Film Edit IF YOU WANNA 08. Rehearsal/Soundcheck May 29, 1993 09. Clean Electric Guitar Demo SOMEDAYS 10. Rough Mix Alternate Version 11. Strings Channel Mix YOUNG BOY 12. Acoustic Guitar Demo 13. Alternate Mix 14. Rough Mix 15. Father's Day Film Mix CALICO SKIES 16. Clean Acoustic Demo 17. In The World Tonight Performance FLAMING PIE 18. Piano Rendition 19. Backing Track Channel Mix 20. Chris Holmes Mix 2016 HEAVEN ON A SUNDAY 21. Clean Electric Piano Demo 22. Monitor Mix SOUVENIER 23. Backing Track LITTLE WILLOW 24. Basic Track 25. Video Soundtrack REALLY LOVE YOU 26. Drum & Bass Improvisations DISC TWO BEAUTIFUL NIGHT 1986 01. Original Version Rough Mix 1997 02. Original Version Edited Mix 1996 03. Piano Demo 04. Solo Piano Rendition 05. Rehearsal & Parody With Ringo 06. Session Highlights Composite 1997 07. Orchestra Session 08. Basic Track With Orchestra 09. Ringo's Vocal Track 10. Electric Guitar Overdub 11. Final Instrumental Mix 12. Piano Rendition From Radio Show 13. Video Soundtrack GREAT DAY 14. Early Acoustic Rendition 1974 15. Leg Slap recording 1992 Channel Mix 16. In The World Tonight Performance YOUR SCHOOL 17. Circa 1992-1994 Demo EPK SESSION Spring - Summer 1997 18. Calico Skies 19. Flaming Pie 20. Young Boy 21. The World Tonight 22. If You Wanna 23. Heaven On A Sunday 24. Beautiful Night FLAMING PIE RADIO SPOTS 25. Radio Commercial #1 26. Radio Commercial #2 27. Radio Commercial #3 DISC THREE LEIBER & STOLLER ALBUM SESSIONS August 27, 1997 01. Kansas City THE WORLD TONIGHT SPECIAL 02. When I'm Sixty Four FLAMING PIE RADIO SPECIAL master version 03. Introduction - Flaming Pie 04. Strawberry Fields Forever 05. Come On Baby 06. Welcome To The Castle 07. Paul & Steve Miller about "Young Boy" 08. Harpsichord improvisations (For No One - Baby Baby) 09. Heaven On A Sunday 10. Souvenier 11. Electric Spinet - Because 12. About Elvis Presley - Bill Black's Bass - Heartbreak Hotel 13. Ringo Starr's Introduction 14. Great Day 15. Drums & Bass about "Really Love You" 16. Ringo about "Really Love You" 17. Paul about "The World Tonight" 18. Spanish Guitar & "Blackbird" 19. Paul about "Somedays" 20. George Martin about "Somedays" 21. Paul about "If You Wanna" 22. Milk Cow Blues 23. "Paperback Writer" Voxx Amps 24. Mini Moog 25. About "Used To Be Bad" 26. Penny Lane - Baby Don 't You Do It 27. Calico Skies 28. Beautiful Night 29. About "Beautiful Night" 30. About "Flaming Pie"- End of The Show