Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #463554 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

From the Publisher
For over three decades, Paul McCartney has initiated and participated in projects that have taken him far from the kind of music associated with the Beatles, Wings, and his career as a solo artist. From as far back as the mid–sixties, there have been experimental solo projects, both under his own name and incognito. Among these are the Beatles’ legendary “Carnival of Light,” the Percy Thrillington diversion in the seventies, and the recent Fireman dance CDs—as well as less–publicized activities, all of which Ian Peel fully details here for the first time. In writing this book, Peel interviewed many of the musicians who have worked closely with McCartney, including Thrillington mainspring Richard Hewson, bassist Herbie Flowers, psychedelic artist David Vaughan, Gong’s David Allen, and Frank Zappa collaborator Mike Keneally. What emerges is a unique insight into Paul McCartney’s little–known contribution to avant–garde music. Ian Peel is a British music journalist with a special interest in digital dance music and other experimental forms.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Music History Book!
The Unkown Paul McCartney is a very enjoyable ride through the secret recordings of a musical legend. Having read more than my share of Beatles related books, I must say this one was very well researched, accurate and a very interesting read. If you ever wanted to discover Paul's hidden musical career, it is all here. From The Beatles to the present. Not only does the author do a great job explaining Paul's hidden works, he gives the reader an excellent background on the world of DJs. Trance and remix music in the context of McCartney's work. Bravo.

Macca Topples Over The Unknown Edge
Being a self-confessed 'McCartney can do no wrong' fan, more books like this would help me prove my point. Macca has always been a little more complicated than people give him credit for. His side interests have always fascinated me. The author covers some general history of the avant garde scene, enough to show you Macca just didn't dabble, and he was in rather deep. I especially enjoyed the interviews with the Fireman producer, and the member of Super Furry Animals (sorry, don't recall their names). The only complaint I have is that the author tends to jump back and forth some, but it's a rather quick read that any Macca fan should make. Another suggestion - pick up the UK edition, it has a much cooler cover.

Avant Garde isn't the word for Paul
I love Macca as much as anyone, but this entire "Avant Garde" trip he's been on the past five years has reached its limit with the publication of this book. What began with the ridiculous Barry Miles book reaches its dismal heights here. All of this is a result of Paul feeling insecure and discarded after John's death. He quite rightly decries those few cretins who proclaim, "Paul contributed nothing to the Beatles, he merely booked the studio." That balderdash is refuted by the fact that most of the Beatles truly great songs were penned solely by Paul. A list, you ask? How about Here, There and Everywhere, Yesterday, Let it Be, Eleanor Rigby, Hey Jude, For No One, to name but a few.

Paul can never attain John's status. For one thing, he's alive and John is not. Macca should count his considerable blessings that he's not a martyr and he should get over the fact that a large segment of intelligent, discerning Beatles fans will always prefer John's style and John's songs. John was the Avant Garde pioneer of the group, Paul wrote beautiful, catchy melodies. They complimented one another to a degree never seen before or since in popular music. McCartney can never win in any posthumous competition with Lennon and all of these self-serving books merely addresses his own insecurities.

I adore Paul, but enough is enough. The book is a waste of time and merely rehashes everything from the Miles book. Anyone who seriously buys into the clap-trap that the lyrics to C Moon are as great as I am the Walrus or Come Together needs to get some therapy.