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Today, in the interest of balance, I am listening the Wings album Venus and Mars, released at end of May in 1975 (the 27th in the States, the 30th in Britain). Generally I am not a fan of Paul’s mid-Seventies work, and my only memory of this album is being stuck in the back seat of a Plymouth Duster listening to the sickly-sweet, interminable “Listen to What the Man Said.”
But I will strive to be objective in my appraisal. I know that some people love this stuff, and why not try to gain whatever enjoyment there is in it? Plus, I know now that Allen Toussaint plays on Venus and Mars — even if it’s only for one song, that’s got to help, doesn’t it?
The acoustic opener is pleasing — spare, pretty, doesn’t overstay its welcome. Then we’re on to “Rock Show” and… em… I dunno. Paul’s attempts to Rawk are often unconvincing and this one is not doing it for me. Squawky vocals, cowbell, an overlong outro… sound and fury signifying nothing, methinks.
But then there’s Toussaint’s piano for a few seconds, and that’s nice. Could have used more of that and less of the sturm und drang.
“Love in Song” resembles “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” so of course we think of John. At one point before he got back with Yoko there were plans for John and May Pang to join Paul and Linda in New Orleans, where V&M was recorded, and possibly write together. But Yoko nixed that.
Maybe it was just as well? It’s probably for the best that no real Beatles reunion ever happened. Though I do wish John and Paul had shown up to claim Lorne Michaels’ $3000.
“You Gave Me the Answer” is Old-Timey Paul, á la “Honey Pie.” Hard pass.
[“Magneto and Titanium Man”] includes the Marvel Comics characters Magneto, Titanium Man and the Crimson Dynamo in its story. When asked his opinion of the song decades after its release, Stan Lee (who co-created all three characters) said he thought it was “terrific….” The song was included in the setlist for the band’s 1975/1976 world tours. While it was performed, comic art of Magneto, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and Titanium Man & the Crimson Dynamo, created by Stan Lee and Don Heck, was projected onto the large screen behind the band…. McCartney, a Marvel Comics fan and comic book fan in general, met with Kirby on the L.A. leg of the tour, giving him front row seats and back stage passes (his daughter was a big Wings and Beatles fan), and Kirby backstage gave Paul and Linda an original comic drawing he did of them. (Wikipedia)
The last song on Side 1 is “Letting Go,” which I must say I rather like. It’s not too far off from something you might have heard on Walls and Bridges, with crisp production and punchy horns. As it fades out I am feeling pretty positive about this whole undertaking. I think I will take a break before tackling the B side, and post the rest tomorrow.
Well, I love Honey Pie. You had to be there for it to understand its enormous appeal and ability to sooth at the end of 1968. Thanks for the review. Still a hard pass for me on Venus and Mars.
wow the marvel connection! thanks!
Hey Mark! Great to hear from you. Hope you are well.