The Dark Side of Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney's musical catalog reveals a lesser-known side, evident in songs like "Eleanor Rigby" and "Daytime Nightime Suffering".

Jon Pareles had the privilege of engaging in conversation with Paul McCartney about his latest album, "Boys of Dungeon Lane", which has recently been released to the public. The encounter seemed to be a pleasant one, as evidenced by Pareles' account: "McCartney's sixty years of fame are carried with remarkable poise," he noted. Throughout their discussion, McCartney came across as affable and unassuming, exuding pride without arrogance and still marveling at his life as a musician.

McCartney's affable persona is a fitting reflection of his signature style. Often dubbed "the cute Beatle," he has expressed disdain for this label, yet his music continues to radiate warmth and optimism, much to the chagrin of some critics who deride it as "granny music."

Paul McCartney's songwriting is often overshadowed by his carefree image. His melodic prowess can be a shield for the darker themes he explores in some of his work. Pareles' profile highlighted this dichotomy, pointing out that beneath the upbeat "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" lies the somber "Eleanor Rigby" and intense "Helter Skelter". McCartney's own choices for lesser-known songs reveal a more complex side: "Daytime Nightime Suffering" and "Arrow Through Me", two Wings tracks from the 1970s that balance musical innovation with introspective, troubled thoughts.

The idea of "the dark side of Paul McCartney" sparked a fascinating conversation between Pareles and me, leading to the creation of this playlist featuring a selection of songs from both Wings and his solo career. The playlist includes some of McCartney's most notable works, including my personal choice for the most melancholic Beatles song ever recorded.

Paul McCartney's melodic approach often veers from the norm, yet his affinity for somber themes remains a consistent thread throughout his work. A closer examination reveals an underlying preoccupation with melancholic emotions and darker undertones.

Paul McCartney's reputation has taken a hit.

Lindsay

In "Daytime Nightime Suffering," Paul McCartney's vocals are accompanied by upbeat guitar riffs, echoing a similar tone to his earlier work in "Eleanor Rigby" and "Another Day." This track was initially released as the B-side to 1979's "Goodnight Tonight" single. Beneath its catchy surface, the song inserts an interlude of Beach Boys-inspired wordless vocal harmonies, adding a touch of musical playfulness. The haunting question that lingers is: what reward does she receive for all her devotion?

Stream Paul's solo album "Daytime Nightime Suffering" now.

Paul McCartney's softer side was initially overshadowed by criticism when he released "Another Day" nearly a year after his 1970 album "McCartney". This melancholic ballad, featuring Linda McCartney on backing vocals, tells the story of a woman trapped in solitude. Initially panned by critics, including a subtle jab from John Lennon's song "How Do You Sleep?", its reputation has since been reevaluated alongside other early '70s solo work.

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McCartney's musical cunning is on full display in a song that barely conceals the anguish of heartbreak, featured on Wings' 1979 album "Back to the Egg." The track's sound nods to the jazz-R&B fusion of Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire, with the distinctive clavinet adding to its eclectic mix. A horn section riff injects a jagged edge, while McCartney's vocals oscillate between nonchalance and raw emotion, occasionally soaring into falsetto. This song caught Erykah Badu's attention in 2010, inspiring her own take on "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long."

Stream Paul's 1977 Wings single "Arrow" now.

Paul McCartney's lesser-known track "Oh Woman, Oh Why" is a haunting anomaly in his extensive discography. Released as the B-side to 1971's "Another Day", it's a blues-infused rock song that tells the disturbing tale of a man consumed by jealousy, who ultimately shoots his unfaithful wife. The track features jarring gunshot sound effects and showcases McCartney's impressive vocal range, eerily reminiscent of Robert Plant's signature wail or even Donald Duck's distinctive quack.

Stream "Oh Woman, Oh Why" on popular music platforms.

In "House of Wax," a haunting track from his 2007 album "Memory Almost Full," Paul McCartney's vocals paint a somber picture, evoking an apocalyptic atmosphere with minor piano chords that eventually give way to pounding drums and mournful strings. The lyrics describe a catastrophic scene where lightning strikes the house of wax, sending women into a frantic dance amidst chaos. A fleeting glimmer of hope arises when he mentions "the answer to it all," but this solace is short-lived as the truth remains hidden beneath an impenetrable layer of secrets.

Stream Paul McCartney's appearance in the film "House" now.

"Deep Deep Feeling", an unconventional track from the 2020 album "McCartney III", defies traditional song structures by embracing a haunting beat and an intense emotional dynamic, characterized by the overwhelming pain of all-consuming love that threatens to shatter one's heart. This eerie, expansive composition begins with a minimalist drum pattern before gradually incorporating instruments and vocals, performed solely by McCartney, to create a rich tapestry of call-and-response interactions. However this complex soundscape is suddenly extinguished, only to be revived in a poignant guitar-driven conclusion. With "Deep Deep Feeling", McCartney freely explores the musical landscapes that his ears guide him towards.

Stream Paul McCartney's song "Deep Down Feeling" now.

The Beatles' discography is filled with iconic songs, but "Eleanor Rigby" stands out as one of the most poignant and sorrowful tracks in their repertoire. This haunting ballad serves as a powerful exploration of isolation and an unconventional tribute to an individual who rarely receives attention in popular music. Typically, the band's compositions were collaborative efforts, yet "Eleanor Rigby" is widely regarded as Paul McCartney's solo creation, with minor but significant contributions from his fellow musicians, including Pete Shotton, a former member of the Quarrymen skiffle group. In 2021, McCartney reflected on the song's development in an essay for The New Yorker, describing it as a breakthrough moment in his lyrical work and a more serious composition than usual. He also cited the praise he received from Allen Ginsberg, who deemed the lyrics a great poem, a testament to the song's enduring impact.

Stream "Eleanor Rigby" on popular music platforms.

The tracklist for "The Dark Side of Paul McCartney" features a diverse range of artists. Wings is represented in two songs: "Daytime Nightime Suffering" and "Arrow Through Me". Paul McCartney appears as a solo artist on four tracks: "Another Day", "House of Wax", "Deep Deep Feeling", and "Oh Woman, Oh Why", which he recorded with his wife Linda. The Beatles also make an appearance with the classic song "Eleanor Rigby".

Syrian-born singer-songwriter Azniv Korkejian, recording under the moniker Bedouine, has been a joy to profile. Her Los Angeles-based music is an enchanting blend of folk sounds that transport listeners to another world. Norah Jones aptly described her voice as soothing and calming, akin to a gentle balm. The standout track "On My Own" from her upcoming album "Neon Summer Skin" showcases Korkejian's unique talent.

This week's Amplifier theme is conversations with musicians, which was also explored on the latest Popcast episode featuring Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli interviewing Olivia Rodrigo in depth. My colleagues' discussion with her has piqued my interest, particularly given that I've been enjoying the two singles already released from her upcoming album "You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love." The full album is set to drop on June 12, and I'm eager to hear it after watching the Popcast episode.

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