After two fairly successful solo albums (McCartney and Ram), Macca released Wings' first album, Wild Life. From July 25th to August 2nd, 1971, in the Abbey Road studio that he knows so well, he surrounded himself with a tight-knit trio made up of his wife Linda on the keyboard (she co-wrote almost all the tracks), ex Moody Blues guitarist Denny Laine and drummer Denny Seiwell, who was also on the scene for Ram. The ex-Beatle wanted to sign off on the recording of this record in less than ten days to give it a raw feel. The result - which is indeed raw - is quite confusing given the name of its author. And after his works of art from the previous decade, the compositions on Wild Life seem very anecdotal. Upon its release in December 1971, the press unanimously massacred the record.
Taking a closer look at the album, Wild Life's repertoire is quite eclectic between Mumbo, with its percussive visceral rock intro, and the reggae cover of Love Is Strange by 50's soul duo Mickey & Sylvia. The album also includes the pleasant folk ballad Bip Bop (which inspired Voulzy and Souchon for the hit J'ai 10 ans) as well as the song that gives the album its title on which Paul and Linda apologise to the animal world with a blend of fairly classic folk rock... Even if Wild Life isn't a masterpiece, it deserves a second listening and some close reassessment. And this remastered deluxe edition with an array of bonus tracks is the perfect opportunity for a second chance.
Paul McCartney And Wings - Wild Life (Live) [HQ]
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