Update (3/7/02) From Matt Hurwitz:

Hi, Steve--

"Your Loving Flame" and "Lonely Road" will be released in the U.S. strictly to radio. The discs will be released on 3/14/02, with a radio add date of 3/25/02.

"Your Loving Flame" will feature the album version PLUS a brand new remix by David Kahne. Should be cool.

Update (3/5/02) Word is circulating that "Lonely Road" will be released as a single, supposedly March 26. (Thanks to Jack C. and Claudio Dirani.)

Update (2/28/02) More info on the video shoot from Plastic Mac:

Paul McCartney
"Lonely Road"
Music Video
Rate: negotiable, depending on talent
Location: the desert area outside of LA shooting: 3/2 and 3/3
director: Jonas Akerlund
DEADLINE: send resumes immediately

STORY: This video will look like a high fashion, editorial, Paris Vogue magazine shoot (but moving pictures, of course). Amazing locations with "hot models cavorting in the desert a la 'Faster Pussycat, Kill Kill' (Russ Meyer). Here we'll see the most beautiful, sexy girls driving cars in a bright, colorful desert setting. The girls will do the normal things that sexy girls in muscle cars do in the desert."

PLEASE NOTE WE WILL NOT BE FLYING PEOPLE IN. ALL MODELS MUST BE LOCAL. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FLY PEOPLE IN OR PUT THEM UP IN LA.

Unfortunately Paul will not pe present at the shoot. His part will be shot on green screen in London, the girls will be shot in the desert and we will make magic in Post.

(SUPERMODELS) FEMALE Highly recognizable "name" models with major campaigns.

(THE RECOGNIZABLE MODELS) FEMALE These ladies should be extremely popular, frequently working models that are seen in magazines. The more credits, the better.

And from Susanne Rittsel, editor of the magazine Beatles Nytt:

Hello! Thanks for a great newssite! Here's a link for more information about the new Paul McCartney video for Lonely Road. Unfortunately it's in Swedish, but what the director, Jonas Åkerlund (who has directed the Prodigys ”Smack my bitch up” and Madonnas ”Ray of light” videos) tells the newspaper is that the video has no real story but it includes a lot of driving (in the rain?)! Link to the page: http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/noje/story/0,2789,132573,00.html

And more from author Carl Magnus Palm in Sweden:

Hi Steve!

The news about Paul's Lonely Road video was reported in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet on February 16. Here is the link to the article: http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/noje/story/0,2789,132573,00.html . This is the gist of the Beatles-related content of the article: The video will be directed by Jonas Åkerlund, a prominent Swedish video director who made Madonna's Ray Of Light video among many other high profile assignments. Åkerlund hesitated at first when he got the offer of doing the McCartney video, but then he thought, "Hell, he's been in The Beatles after all!"

Åkerlund has already met McCartney in London. Åkerlund will have the creative control over the video. There won't be any storyline, but "cool shots and lots of car driving. It corresponds to the title of the song".

Åkerlund also says that the Driving Rain album got lost in the aftermath of the events of September 11, and it will almost be like it's re-released with the upcoming tour and the new video. The video will be made in London and Los Angeles.

Carl Magnus Palm
Stockholm, Sweden

Update (2/27/02) Matt Hurwitz tells us that Paul is currently shooting a video for "Lonely Road."

Update (2/7/02) Paul's "Driving Rain" album is one of those nominated for the best albums of 2001. You can vote for your choice RIGHT HERE. (Thanks to raph.)

Update (1/15/02)

Update (1/3/02) From João Paulo Petersen from Brazil:

The readers from Brazilian website Globonews.com chose "Driving Rain" from Paul McCartney the best album of pop/rock in 2001.

Update (12/22/01) More questions to David Kahne from this exclusive interview by Claudio Dirani:

Q: In the beginning of She's Given Up Talking we listen to a tape going backwards. How this idea came about and how did you achieve that?

A:Because we were recording on tape (uncommon now for me) when I heard the backwards sound I thought it was cool because I remembered a lot of sessions where I would be hearing that half the time. Paul said we should use it somewhere, so I just recorded it on DAT and spun it into the top of "Talking."

Q: Also, I listen to some conversation throughout of the guitar solo. Could you describe me what is it?

A: That was Paul talking to Rusty, I think, a loud cue for the long solo and where we were in it. we didnt know we'd be keeping the take. I just left the yell in, and Paul said OK.

Q: One of the most interesting bits on the album is the bass intro on "Lonely Road." I sense that it's something that you and Paul pulled off in the studio. Can you tell me a bit about this cool part?

A: Nothing special on the bass of "Lonely Road," except that Paul is a genius bass player, and we got a great sound.

Q: I've heard comments that people think that was an easy album to be recorded because it turned out so fast fresh and bare. But I suppose that there's much more than a few takes and a quick work on the final mixing right? What's the most delicate thing that you had to do while putting the final touches on "Driving Rain"?

A: There's a lot of programming on the record that's invisible. I spent hours with sounds and very delicate editing so that the sense of the album is simple and off-hand. A few places like the end of "Magic" or all of "Rinse" show more of the computer work. The computer is integrated into the album from the start. For instance, on "Magic," we used the demo layed in over the new track. It was a different tempo and slightly sharp , so I had to lay it in beat by beat. The effects is that dense tape-compressed sound, and the strange snare sound. There are many instances like this of the computer integration. Like on Heather, where, in the second verse, you hear the drums start a section with a double time snare backbeat, and gradually fade into a straight time feel. It's so smooth you don't pick it out right away, which is what I wanted to do. Paul was really into the process and had alot of great ideas about things to try with the computer.

Q: I also read somewhere that your son is a big Macca solo fan. Can you talk about this a little bit?

A: Yes, my son is a huge fan of Paul's. He had tracks and info that I'd never heard. He made a book for me (he's a filmmaker and graphic artist) with information about every one of Paul's albums, including graphics.

Q: Are you aware about the songs Rusty, Abe and Gabe enjoyed the most on the recording of "Driving Rain"?

A:One great fun part was the "Rinse the Raindrops" playing. Just wild abandon from everyone, especially Paul. He was having so much fun and everyone was so inspired by him.

Q: I know you can't talk openly about the outtakes, but why "From A Lover To A Friend" single came out only with remixes instead of original leftovers ?

A: The remixes are of "Lover" just because that was to be the first single and Paul wanted me to try some ideas because he wanted music to add value to the single. I loved the way they turned out, too. So much fun to do. That dry close voice, and the cello line, etc.

Q: I've read on a interview that you are going to work with Paul again. Has he already scheduled to work with you again next year?

A: I can only say that Paul wants to work again soon...

Q: Can you tell me a little bit more about one of that leftovers you mentioned before, like that bluegrass-type track that ended up off the album? That's a question that undoubtly intrigues most of the fans, by the way.

A: The song is called "Washington". I only mention it because Paul mentioned it somewhere, so I feel OK telling you about it. It's a sort of train song, so it has that train-track feel. Very cool love song.

Update II (12/17/01) Added one question to the David Kahne interview below. The "you are still here" question, with more info about outtakes, is new.

Update (12/17/01) Here's an exclusive interview with David Kahne by Claudio Dirani (thanks, Claudio):

Q: How was the process of transfrering a 16-track machine taping to the digital equipment?

A: I transferred from tape to Logic Audio through apogee 8000's. there is no loss of the great tape sound through those boxes.

Q: How this operation came about on the recording of "Driving Rain"?

A: We wanted a punchy sound and also the ablility to use digital editing and plugins.

Q: On his official site, Paul McCartney says that you were almost DJ-ing the mixes. Can you explain how this process works in a recording session?

A: I think Paul is refering to my cutting and manipulating of the tracks once we got into the computer. like a DJ doing a mix, instead of standard recording process.

Q: When you were producing the track "She's Given Up Talking," did you get any Beatle song as reference? It seems a very Revolver-66 era kind of recording. Is it your favourite on the album, by the way?

A: I didn't think of a beatle song on "Talking," but I can see why you would say that -- because of the distortion on the vocals and drums. We just wanted it to be aggressive, and that's how it turned out. I don't really have a favorite, although i have been listening to "I Do" a lot lately.

Q: "Driving Rain's" main's engineer was Mark Dearnley who has been producing Ozzy Osbourne's albums, right? Did he and Paul talked about working on similar ways on "Driving Rain"? I feel that there're a few bits of "No More Tears" track on "Rinse The Raindrops" song. Am I far from the correct answer?

A: We didn't talk about Ozzy's record, but there's such a variety of approaches taken on the album that we hit on alot of styles as we went.

Q:You said on the Dotmusic site interview that you produced 22 tracks for "Driving Rain," being 15 included on the album. How about the leftovers? Can you talk a bit about the 7 outtakes? I'm aware that "Vanilla Sky," which I have already listened to, is one of them. Can you reveal the other b-sides names and how they sound like a bit?

A: "Vanilla Sky" was recorded for the movie during that time, so it's not really an outtake. The songs that didn't get on to the record are as varied in style as the album is. It was just too many songs to put on one album. I'm sure they'll show up someday on albums. There are ballads and a sort-of bluegrass song, and more -- a lot to look forward to.

Q: I read on Billboard.com that there's a song that didn't make the album with such a poignant line, "you are still here"...

A: Yes, that's it. The song is called "You Are Still Here", a nice ballad with groove in it. I mean it's a slower song, but has a strong pulse.

Q: How was working with Paul? Did you find him very laid-back in the studio? Have you already scheduled any dates for a new work in the future?

A: Paul was great to work with, but I wouldn't say laid back. He works very hard and has a very high standard, which I appreciated as I also have a very high standard. Paul really pushes himself. Hope this all helps you. So glad you like the album.

Also, from Claudio Dirani:

MTV's site has Freedom up for watching...excellent quality, far better than on Macca's site. it's on RA btw. http://www.mtv.com/bands/az/mccartney_paul/artist.jhtml

Also, thanks to Claudio, here's a link for a BBC interview.

Update (12/11/01) Paul is featured as "Artist of the Day" at Billboard.com with a long interview story. (Thanks to Jeff Jacomowitz, Alan Dean, Darren Moss, Herman Colberg and Matthew Brown.)

Update (12/10/01)

Update II (12/9/01)

Update (12/9/01) BBC America has a competition to win copies of "Driving Rain." Also, Tower Records' Pulse online has a Paul interview.

Update (12/7/01) Paul has answered some "Driving Rain questions from fans on his website. Also, Paul's song "Vanilla Sky" can be heard on the movie website. It's under "News and Events" that pops up when you get to the main page. (Thanks, Sharon.) Apparently, early audiences haven't taken too kindly to the film, reports news interactive. (Thanks to Adam Powell.) And Henson Studios, where Paul recorded the album, have upgraded their website to include mention of "Driving Rain." (Thanks to Claudio Dirani.)

Update (11/27/01) From Keith Badman:

Hi Steve, Worth noting (in case you've not heard), Paul didn't perform on last Friday's TOTP. The video for 'Freedom' was shown instead. But, he did perform the song on the ITV show CD:UK, broadcast on Saturday morning. This appearance went largely unnoticed here. Best Wishes, Keith

Update II (11/26/01)

Update (11/25/01) Reuters reports that in an interview with Dagens Nyheter, Paul McCartney considered making "Driving Rain" a dance pop album to compete with Britney Spears and Madonna, but ultimately stuck with his usual style. "Elvis Costello would be on the phone immediately telling me off," he said. McCartney also discussed living in the shadow of the Beatles. "This Beatles monster has been a very nice monster. It's my friend. Even if one works in the shadow of it. I usually ignore him, maybe wave to him or say hello, then I go on with my business." (Thanks to Wendy Starr, Claudio Dirani and Darren Moss.)

Update II (11/24/01) Another Paul video interview, this one from Swedish TV. The interviewer's dialogue is in Swedish, but Paul's answers are in English. It's at http://www.tv4.se/noje/visa.asp?id=221478&kategori=FILM%2E&cna=entertainment. (Thanks to Peter Hellman.)

Update (11/24/01) First, from Robert Moore:

Paul was a guest on the 'Friday Night with Jonathan Ross' show on BBC1 tonight (23/11/01). George Foreman was also a guest on the show. Paul seemed in great spirits. Joked about his knighthood and talked about his new single freedom. Interview was not really 'serious' as we here in UK and Ireland would expect from the host. Robert.

Update (11/22/01) From Bill King of Beatlefan:

Steve,

Driving Rain sold a disappointing 66,240 units in its first week, according to SoundScan. The album debuts at #26 on Billboard's Top 200.
Bill

Hi, Steve--

I've heard Paul's new song for the film, "Vanilla Sky," which, as you've noted, is the title track. It's mainly Paul playing an acoustic guitar, with some simple overdubs (a bass line played on another guitar, a little percussion), with his voice overdubbed twice. The tune is really cool - it's like a nice acoustic, jazzy "Biker Like an Icon" type melody, with some nice picking by Paul. It was recorded in June during the second set of Paul's "Driving Rain" sessions, and is produced by David Kahne. He had written and recorded the song with plans for it to have been submitted for the film all along, though the producers, at that time, opted for "From a Lover to a Friend." Things changed, and now "Vanilla Sky" is "it."

Matt Hurwitz

Update (11/21/01) Two recent audio interviews to promote "Driving Radio": The first is a 29-minute audio interview with Paul on BBC Radio 2. The second is a 25-minute audio interview with Paul divided in six parts from Virgin Radio in the UK.

Update (11/20/01) First from Carl Savich:

Steve, Just wanted to note the chart action of DRIVING RAIN before its debut on the Billboard charts later this week. On the CDnow top 100, DR is at no. 13. On the CDnow OLDIES chart, DR is no.1, while GOOD ROCKIN TONIGHT( which features Macca's version of Elvis' song) is no.2. On the CDnow POP chart, DR is no.4. On the CDnow ROCK chart, DR is no.6. The CDnow website features a frontpage review of DR as well as a frontpage promo. Macca was also recently featured as one of the greatest all-time songwriters. On Amazon.com, DR is currently no.19 on their chart. The FREEDOM CD single is avalaible on the site. In addition to the GOOD ROCKIN TONIGHT CD which is climbing the charts, the Christmas anthology( which features Macca's "Wonderful Christmastime") is also climbing the chart. It is hard to predict its BILLBOARD debut from these numbers. But Macca is all over the place on the charts. DR looks like a CD with legs. That is, it shoul! d really pick up in sales as we approach Xmas. As Rolling Stone noted, the big Macca is all over the place in 2001. This leaves out the Concert for NYC CD which will also be coming out and which features Macca. Paul McCartney is definitely back. Let's hope he stays. Carl K. Savich

And from Lennart Jacobsen:

Though the reviews of Driving Rain hasn't been that great in the US & UK, they sure has in Denmark (Europe). All of the Danish Newspapers gives it good reviews and one newspaper even gives it 6 out of 6 stars. The overall picture is that they are thrilled with McCartney's ability to still write good familiar music as well as exploring new areas. Regards, Lennart Jacobsen

Update (11/19/01) Given that it circulated on the Web about a month before release, a DR bootleg (said to be from Russia) isn't surprising. And there's a website for "Vanilla Sky," the movie that will have the title tune by Paul. (Thanks to Claudio Dirani and Jody Denberg.)

Update II (11/18/01) The (UK) Mirror British tabloid is reporting that an interview with Paul on the UK's GMTV was scrapped after Paul's record company was said to demand the interviewer chosen, Kate Garraway, who's 33, be replaced by a "20-something with edge" to better represent Paul's "youthful image." McCartney spokesman Geoff Baker said the demand was made by a record company representative and not Paul, who he said would be glad to be interviewed by Garraway, but GMTV called the interview off. A program editor was quoted by the Mirror as saying, "We decide who interviews who. We have a lot of '20-somethings with edge' - but Kate is an experienced interviewer and we wanted her. That's that." But Paul is now scheduled to be interviewed on Wednesday. (Thanks to Wendy Starr and Evelyn Schwarz.)

Update (11/16/01)

Update (11/13/01) Paul's "Freedom" video is now online at his website. (Click on the banner to register to buy the "Freedom" single, then you'll see a pop-up window to click on for the video. Thanks to Claudio Dirani.)

Update (11/12/01)

Update (11/10/01) We have an advance promo of the commercial copy of "Driving Rain." The 24-page booklet has lyrics to the songs with additional notes on each, plus photos all taken by Paul with his Casio wrist camera watch (nice plug, there!). The back cover has 28 pics (some of which are inside the booklet, but most aren't). As for the album itself, while we were disappointed with "Flaming Pie," "Driving Rain" is one of those albums that grabs onto you -- in a good way. It's quite an enjoyable album. Even the new mix of "Freedom," which we didn't care much for when we heard it live, sounds much better on the CD.
From Steven B. Topping:

Bought the "Freedom" single yesterday and since it states on the back that "Driving Rain" is "available now", don't think it was supposed to be out until Tuesday. Unlike previous reports, the cover is not Paul's American flag pin, but what appears to be a heart drawn on a rain-streaked window pane...or maybe a steamy shower door for all I know. -- Steven B. Topping

Update (11/9/01)

Update (11/3/01) Paul is to release a second charity single, this in the UK, reports Ananova. "Freedom" is to be released Nov. 5 in the UK and Nov. 14 in the U.S.
And from Jody Denberg:

Today I received from Capitol a plain white cardboard promotional CD. On the front in Paul's handwriting it says:

"Driving Rain"
White Label
Paul McCartney 2001

The songs are:
Lonely Road
From A Lover To A Friend
She's Given Up Talking
Your Way
I Do
Rinse The Raindrops

The first song on the "Freedom" Promo CD IS an edit of the live version with new vocals (not a studio take).

jody

Update (11/2/01) First, the text of the recall notice for "From a Lover to a Friend" (thanks, Chris):

"Capitol Records has recalled the Paul McCartney, "From a Lover to a Friend" single, that shipped for a new release date 10/30/01. The selection number is 72438 7767 1 2 6 B. We are enclosing a copy of your packing slip. Place above stock in a shipping box. Apply enclosed UPS A.R.S. label. Credit will be issued to your account upon receipt. Any questions call EMI Customer Service. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation."

Hi, all-- I just spoke with Geoff Baker in England, who told me that Paul's right now finishing a new video for "Freedom." The video will include footage from the "Concert for New York" show, as well as other material. According to Geoff, it will premiere tomorrow night, Friday November 2, on MTV's "Total Request Live." So keep a watch out for it. Capitol will be releasing the single in the States commercially shortly (no release date yet - as soon as it can be manufactured, I believe). It will be similar to the UK single (which comes out on Monday), with the great new "Studio Mix" of "Freedom," "From a Lover to a Friend," and a remix of "FALTAF" by co-producer David Kahne. And, of course, proceeds from the sale of the single benefit the families of New York Firefighters, so besides being a dynamite single, buying a copy (or two, to get your friends singing it) helps a ton of people. Matt Hurwitz

UPDATE: The video is finished. You should look for it on MTV and VH1 shortly, but TRL is unconfirmed. Release date of the single in America is looking to be November 13 day and date with the release of Driving Rain - You will also, on November 13 be able to loggon to paulmccartney.com or windowsmedia.com to download the single - you can also buy it there - that is in the works but we will keep you posted. Thanks

Just wanted to let you know that the print version of RS magazine actually gave Driving Rain 4 stars, not 3.5. Checked it out myself today....I'm guessing whoever entered the rating made a mistake

After SBT yesterday showing From A Lover To A Friend 40 seconds clip, tonight at Jornal da Globo, one of the most important - if not most watched tv news in Brazil - has just broacasted the studio version (2 minutes about) of Freedom, new Macca's tribute track. They mixed the song with some old footage of Paul's and American people mourning the victims of the 11st Septemeber tragedy.

Update (10/31/01) First, from Paul McCartney.com:

FROM A LOVER TO A FRIEND, is out now! You can buy the single in the shops if you are in the UK or download it from www.paulmccartney.com. A second CD single will be released in the UK next week (5th November) which will feature FREEDOM, a track Paul wrote in response to the terrible tragedy of September 11th. The single is being rush-released owing to huge public demand. Paul performed FREEDOM for the first time at his recent concert in NYC. The track was mixed in a studio in New York and features Eric Clapton on guitar.

Here's a link to Rolling Stone's DR review, which gave it 3 1/2 stars. (Thanks to Patti Murawski.)

And from Yorick van Norden:

Hello Steve,
I've got some news again regarding the "From A Lover To A Friend" single. I've called EMI Holland and they told me that it wíll be released. The singles have already been distributed and the shops should have it on thursday. Apart from the single and the maxi-single, there will also be another single, which will be released on 5 November. This single will feature From A Lover To A Friend, Freedom and another song we don't now about.
with kind regards, Yorick van Norden

Update (10/29/01) Patti Murawski tells us an ad for "Driving Rain" is playing on daytime TV. It recenty ran during the soap opera "General Hospital."

Update II (10/27/01) A description of the "Freedom" single from someone who has received it (for which we thank them for the info!):

"It is obviously taken from the encore performance of the song from TCFNY as the "stomp your feet, clap your hands" thing starts it. It is a new vocal. It ends with applause. There is track 1, radio edit (2:36) and track 2, album version (3:33) There is a black cover with a photo of a flag made from safety pins and beads. Paul's signature is at the bottom and the lower case word "freedom" below it. The back says "From the album DRIVING RAIN in stores November 13, 2001." The inside of the fromt cover says: "freedom" taken from the Paul McCartney album DRIVING RAIN in stores November 13, 2001. And at the bottom produced by Paul McCartney & David Kahne. (Hope it's at the end after the original CD)

Update (10/27/01) We've heard from sources that a newly recorded studio version of "Freedom," the new song that Paul sang at the CFNY last weekend, is on its way to U.S. radio stations. Stations should have it Monday, so look for it on the air then. Reports say that based on the response to the song at the CFNY, Paul cancelled his return to London to record the new studio version this week in New York. We also hear (from Bill King of Beatlefan) that it will be added to the track list of "Driving Rain." It will likely be "stripped in" (note the radio parlance..:) after the last track. (Nice move, Paul! Nice way to get back at that preliminary copy of the album that hit the 'net a couple of weeks back.) We've also heard that plans for a single from "From a Lover to a Friend" has been changed and copies may have been pulled back.

Update (10/20/01) From Howard Fox:

Just thought you should be aware that here in NYC they are playing Paul's song "Loving Flame" on Z-100, the nations #1 Top 40 station! I called the DJ after and he also agreed it's good and I said I hope to hear more of it and he said I will....didn't know this song was released to the stations as I originally heard "From A Lover to a Friend" was released to stations last week and and is the lead single with all proceeds going to charity! This station never plays Paul; it's Brittany and NSYNC, J-lo, etc. This is good news for Paul and his fans! Regards, Howard Fox :)

Update (10/19/01) From Matt Hurwitz:

Hi, all--
In case you hadn't heard, the bonus tracks for the UK release (and U.S., if it happens) of Paul's new "From a Lover to a Friend" CD single will include two remixes of the lead track ("FALTAF"). The track listing, according to EMI, therefore, is:
1. From a Lover to a Friend
2. From a Lover to a Friend (David Kahne Remix 1)
3. From a Lover to a Friend (David Kahne Remix 2)

Hi, Steve-- In answer to the question of whether Paul is relieving himself, I have answers from two folks close to the project. Norman Hathaway, of Assorted Images, who designed the sleeve, said that that, of course, is nonsense. He and the other source, who's very close to Paul, both inferred essentially the same answer: "How many hands has the guy got?" Hope that settles the matter. Matt Hurwitz

I have had confirmation from parlophone about the track listing for the u.k single and cd from macca.
The single is on three formats
cd single: (1) from a lover to a friend (2) from a lover to a friend (david khane remix 1) (3) from a lover to a friend (david khane remix 2)
cassette single : (1) from a lover to a friend (2) riding to jaipur (3) from a lover to a friend (remix 2) 7" single: (1) from a lover to a friend (2) riding to jaipur
the cd album is (if you haven't already got the tracklisting): lonely road/ from a lover to a friend/ she's given up talking/ driving rain/ i do/ tiny bubble/ magic/ your way/ spinning on an axis/ about you/ heather/ back in the sunshine again/ your loving flame/ riding to jaipur/ rinse the raindrops.
Thanks!!
Marky
ps: good little article in this weeks "music week" magazine (the people who do dotmusic) on the album

Update (10/17/01) So is he or isn't he on the cover of "Driving Rain"? Some of you don't think so. We're trying to see what we can find out.

Update (10/16/01) So what's Paul doing on the cover of his new album? Urinating, according to Ananova. MTV Asia says Paul took the photo himself with a miniature camera built into his Casio watch. By the way, what Amazon.com has had as the cover recently is not the cover. The pic here is.

Update (10/13/01) Sunday's "Larry King Live" on CNN will feature "From a Lover to a Friend." The release here says erroneously it's a world premiere (Thanks to Turner Broadcasting for the release):

Paul McCartney Single Benefiting New York Firefighters to Debut Sunday on LARRY KING LIVE

In a worldwide exclusive, Sir Paul McCartney's new single "From a Lover to a Friend" will air for the first time on CNN's LARRY KING LIVE this Sunday at 9 p.m. (ET). The single, scheduled for release on Oct. 29, will benefit New York firefighters. McCartney is scheduled to sing the new single at an upcoming all-star concert at Madison Square Garden benefiting victims of the attacks. "I hope the sales of this new single will help to raise more funds," said McCartney in a statement to be aired on Sunday's program. "America is one of the greatest democracies on Earth, containing people from all races and religions, and this attack on Sept. 11 was a threat to that freedom. This is why we all need to stand up and be counted."

Hi, Steve--

The cover art for Paul's new album, "Driving Rain," should be up soon on his website, www.paulmccartney.com. The cover has a photograph Paul took of himself with his favorite camera - his Casio Watch Camera! The booklet will have 24 pages, with lots more photos of the band, the people in his life, and even his dog! Producer David Kahne also offers some detailed recording info, I'm told, with everything you'd want to know about how the album came together.

On the back of the booklet is a selection of more Casio photographs. I'm told they will be up on the website, and you can click on your favorite and send it to a friend.

The picture sleeve for the album's first single, "From a Lover to a Friend," will have some more photo art by Paul, several shots of some flowers, taken through a steamed-up window.

Matt Hurwitz

Update (10/12/01) Here's an additional last paragraph for the charity single press release:

"America is one of the greatest democracies on Earth, containing people from all races and religions and this attack on September 11th was a threat to that freedom. This is why we all need to stand up and be counted - that's why I'll be standing on stage at Madison Square Gardens with a bunch of mates in a show of solidarity."

Update (10/10/01) Paul is to release a charity single in aid of New York firefighters. Here's the press release, courtesy of Matt Hurwitz:

PRESS RELEASE - OCTOBER 10TH

PAUL McCARTNEY CHARITY SINGLE FOR NEW YORK FIREFIGHTERS

PAUL McCARTNEY is to release a global charity single this month in aid of the New York firefighters. Paul is to donate the proceeds from the sales of a new song, "From A Lover To Friend", to aid the families of the New York firemen whose bravery has won the salute of the world.

The single will be released worldwide by EMI and Capitol Records on October 29th - nine days after Paul fronts an all-star concert at New York's Madison Square Gardens to benefit the victims of the September 11th attacks. More than 300 firefighters are missing following the collapse of the World Trade Center twin towers.

Paul McCartney was in New York at the time of the attack on the World Trade Center. From an airplane waiting to taxi at the airport, he watched the tragedy happen.

Said Paul: "I witnessed the last moments of the World Trade Center twin towers. Out of the window of the plane I could see the towers smoking and in flames and, like everybody, I could not believe what was happening. Through staying in New York for some days after the attack I was able to also witness the tremendous heroism that has come out of the city, including the bravery of the firefighters.

"I have great admiration for the courage those guys showed. I feel a connection with them because my father was a volunteer fireman in Liverpool during World War Two. We're doing this big concert in New York to honour the rescue workers and to benefit the victims of the attacks, and I hope that the sales of this new single will help to raise more money for the firemen and their families".

Press Release. SOURCE: Capitol Records

Driving Rain, The New Album From Paul McCartney

NEW YORK--Oct. 9, 2001--Driving Rain, the first studio album of new songs from Paul McCartney in four years, will be released by Capitol Records on November 13th.

Driving Rain features 15 fresh McCartney songs that were all recorded this year in Los Angeles with a new band and a new producer.

Bucking the trend of recording for months, Paul and his three-piece band cut the hour-long album in a few weeks at the studio of producer David Kahne, whose production credits range from The Bangles to Sugar Ray to Tony Bennett. Paul's new, all-American band members include Rusty Anderson on guitar, Gabe Dixon on keyboards and Abe Loboriel Jr. on drums. Paul provided the (Hofner) bass.

``One of the things that began when we were doing Run Devil Run, the rock & roll album, was me remembering that I'm mainly the bass player. Talking about the old way The Beatles used to record brought that back to me. So although I've played a bit of guitar and stuff on the occasional track, I've basically been the bass player. That's my role. It's simple and satisfying; I sing and I play bass.''

Instead of first rehearsing the new songs with the new band, Paul followed the early Beatles recording technique that he returned to on Run Devil Run in 1999.

``We did it the same way with this new album; we came into the studio on Monday morning, I'd show them a song, and we'd start doing it. We recorded 18 tracks in the first two weeks, in February, and then I went back to LA in June and recorded another couple of tracks and mixed the album. So making the whole album from beginning to end has taken about five weeks. That's still pretty good going, but that is the kind of work rate we'd do in The Beatles.''

The first single from Driving Rain will be the ballad From A Lover To A Friend. It is set to be featured in the December release of Tom Cruise's newest film, Vanilla Sky.

Update (10/2/01) Capitol Records is sending radio stations the first single from the album, "From a Love to a Friend. Here's a press release issued Monday. (Note the information about the "Wingspan" video release at the bottom.):

SOURCE: Capitol Records Paul McCartney's ``From A Lover To A Friend'' Goes to Radio Week of Oct. 1

HOLLYWOOD---``From A Lover To A Friend,'' the first single from Paul McCartney's upcoming studio album, ``Driving Rain,'' will be serviced to radio stations across the country for airplay beginning the week of Oct. 1.

McCartney is also confirmed to perform at New York City's Madison Square Garden as a guest on ``The Concert for New York,'' a one-night only music event to benefit the victims of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks on New York City. The concert also will pay tribute to the rescue workers who worked tirelessly to save the lives of others. The four-hour telecast will air live on VH1 and simulcast on radio stations across the country commercial free on Saturday, Oct. 20.

Following up on the historic, record-breaking success of the ``Beatles 1'' CD and the phenomenal chart breakthrough in May of ``Wingspan,'' the Double-CD collection from Paul McCartney and Wings, will be the upcoming home video release of the expanded ``Wingspan'' feature-length special, scheduled for release on DVD and VHS on Nov. 13.

Update (10/1/01) From the EMI Canada website: "Driving Rain" was recorded and mixed over two sessions totalling five weeks in February and June 2001 at The Henson Studios, Los Angeles. During the initial two weeks in February, Paul and the band, who had never even met before, let alone played together - recorded 18 tracks from which the album was made. "Driving Rain" is the first studio of fresh Paul McCartney songs since the 1997 release 'Flaming Pie'. Two of the songs, 'Spinning On An Axis' and 'Back In The Sunshine Again' were written by Paul and his son James. These are the first McCartney & McCartney compositions to appear on a record. All tracks performed by: Paul McCartney (vocals, bass guitar, guitars, piano); Rusty Anderson (guitars, backing vocals); Abe Loboriel Jnr (drums, percussion, backing vocals); Gabe Dixon (keyboards, backing vocals).

Also, The UK Sunday Mail reports that Paul may lose millions because the "Driving Rain" album is out on the Internet. The article says McCartney is taking unnamed steps to stop it.
Also, an interview with Paul is available here.

Update (9/27/01) In an interview on Sonicnet, David Kahne says the album was recorded with little rehearsal. "It was all very spontaneous. There were no rehearsals. He (Paul) just brought the songs in and we started playing them. Basically, he'd show us a song on the acoustic guitar and we'd learn it. He wanted to do it very much in the way the Beatles used to record. Ringo and George never really heard the songs before the Beatles recorded them. So we just did it on the fly starting the first day." (Thanks to Wendy Starr.)

Update (9/26/01) You can hear "Driving Rain" here. (Thanks to JS.)

Update (9/25/01) Reports says several (and possibly all of the) tracks are on the 'net already.

Update (9/24/01) You can hear "From a Lover to a Friend" here. (Thanks to Kai and Eric.)

Update (9/21/01) Los Angeles listeners of KLSX-FM's "Breakfast With the Beatles" heard "Driving Rain" and "From a Lover to a Friend" last Sunday (Sept. 16) as the two tracks were world premiered during that show. If you heard them, tell us what you thought.

Update (9/9/01) From Evelyn Schwartz:

Just got new "Record Collector" Magazin #265 (UK, Sept 2001), they give as tracklist the following 12 tracks for Macca's new album "Driving Rain": Lonely Road, Driving Rain (different to LA gig), Loving Flame (snippet played at Parkinson TV show 12/2000, theme tune for Cameron Crowe's upcoming movie "Vanilla Sky"), From A Lover To A Friend, Riding Into Jaipur, Heather (mainly instrumental), Rinse The Raindrops, About You, Tiny Bubble, Back In The Sunshine Again, Spinning On An Axis, '10 Minute Jam'

all the best !
Evelyn

Hi,

Just received this message from my local record shop:

Paul McCartney new single release 26/10/2001: "From a lover to a friend" ( 2 diff.cd-singles)

Just heard the news about From a lover...In Holland the single will be released on 26 oct. 2001. There will be 2 versions of the cdsingle. Dont know the other material on them yet.

Update (9/1/01) Amazon.com is taking advance orders for "Driving Rain." (We please ask that you order it from the link above.) (Thanks to Eric Hartvigsen.)

Update (8/28/01) From Matt Hurwitz:

Hi, Steve--
You may have heard this already from somebody, but the first single off of "Driving Rain" will be titled "From a Lover to a Friend." No word yet if it will be issued commercially over here, or just to radio.
Matt

Update (8/14/01) From Bill King of Beatlefan:

Beatlefan/EXTRA! reports that an informed source says while McCartney's "Driving Rain" is still due out this year (November), the "Wingspan" DVD isn't expected out until next year, accompanied by the "Wingspan" book. As for the Wings boxed set he touted as a Christmas release in that Billboard interview a few months back, that appears to be "off the agenda" for now, the source says.
Bill

Update (8/12/01) In answer to an inquiry, our source says the song "Tiny Bubble" is no relation to the Don Ho song. Thank goodness.

Update (8/3/01) As of last week, our source said there seemed to be some uncertainty over what the single for Paul's new album will be. Capitol seems to favor "From A Lover To A Friend" - a ballad with some twists and turns that may not be an easy sell to rock stations (perhaps Capitol is thinking people will relate to the fact that it's a song about Linda (remember "Tears In Heaven"?). The song "Loving Flame" from the "Vanilla Sky" movie might be a better choice: It's a much easier digested ballad and the movie (with the song in it) will be out in November. The vote, however, seemed to be split between the title song and the opening "The Lonely Road" as the rock radio song. Also, answers to a couple of email questions we've received. First, if there are 15 tracks, why are only 12 listed? That was all our source was able to write down. And someone asked if the song "Heather" is related to the bootlegged song of the same name. Our source didn't think so, just that it was an instrumental with a few words at the end.

Update (8/2/01) Brad Ragaglia passes out this story sent to him by a friend:

A friend of mine (Adam) out here sells a musical software program. This producer, whose name escapes me, was doing a testimonial for it, and so Adam goes to the studio to get some photos and quotes. While he's there, the guy says, "Do you hear that guitar coming from the other side of that door?" That's Paul McCartney.

Whoa! So Adam finishes up, makes small talk with the guy for 3 1/2 hours, but Paul never comes out. Nonetheless, he meets with this producer (this is the guy who's producing Paul's new record) a few weeks later, and the guy plays him some tracks. At the time, I think very few people had heard it. Adam tells me it is outstanding. Beatle-ish.

And he told me a story. This producer said though Paul was flat-out awe-inspiring in the studio ("There's a reason they let this guy in the Beatles," he said). There was one instance when he was doing "From A Lover To A Friend," and this producer says he had to go in and tell Paul to try and sing the lyrics like he had never heard them before because it sounded too slick. Paul says okay, and as the guy is walking into the booth, Paul says, "I'll break your heart, y'know." This producer says he goes into the booth, Paul does the take, and tears just start flowing.

Update II (8/1/01) The Daily Star reports that six songs on the new album are dedicated to Linda and Heather -- three apiece. "Lonely Road," "From a Lover to a Friend" and "Without You" are for Linda, while "Loving Flame," "Riding Into Jaipur" and, naturally, "Heather" are for Heather Mills. (thanks to Peter Hodgson.)

Update (8/1/01) From Bill King:

Just thought I'd add another tidbit about a song on the McCartney album. In Beatlefan #131, we cite a radio source saying that "From a Lover to a Friend" is a ballad about Linda and is likely to be the first single.
Cheers,
Bill

Hi. Just thought you might want to know that the song title referred to in your spy's report (whoever that lucky devil is) as '"Riding Into Japhur" (or something close to that)' is probably "Riding Into Jaipur." I'm guessing that based on this snippet from the CNN.com article "Beatle Paul to Remarry" (which you link to in your July 27 update on the Paul & Heather engagement section): "The couple had taken a holiday near Jaipur, the capital of one of India's poorest states, Rajasthan..." (supposedly the trip on which Paul bought the engagement ring.)

Update (7/28/01) EXCLUSIVE!: Here, for the first time anywhere, is a description of some of the new album from our source who heard about 75% of it earlier in the week. This information may not be used anywhere elsewhere -- on the Internet or in any publication -- without our permission. Our spy says the album is even "better than 'Flaming Eie", with "unbelieveable vocals" and sparse arrangements on many of the songs, and judged it overall as "excellent" and "solid".

The details:

The album, out in November, will have 15 tracks. Here are some of the titles, along with some of the descriptions::

Update (7/11/01) Apparently, Paul's album is due to be released the same day as ... Michael Jackson's. It wouldn't surprise us if that date is moved.

Update (7/10/01) Mark Wardle tells us the UK release date for the album is Sept. 24 --- Linda's birthday. A single, yet to be named, will be out Sept. 10.

Update (6/23/01) Denny Seiwell gives some hints about Paul's new album in an interview on Claudio Dirani's RAM site. (Thanks, Claudio.)

Update (6/15/01) In an interview with USA Today, Paul said he especially enjoyed how quickly the album came together. "I had the greatest time with these guys. We recorded 18 songs in two weeks. I did something I used to do in The Beatles, when John (Lennon) and I realized we were the only ones who knew what we were going to record when we came in on Monday. ...I pulled a song out of my hat, and we recorded it. Later that afternoon, if we were happy with it, we'd do another one. There's a special thrill to working like that. There's no time to sit and worry and deliberate. It's fresh and challenging. These guys often didn't know what we were going to do, but when you've got good players, it's exciting work."

Update (5/25/01) Bill King tells us that on "Top of the Pops 2," Paul confirmed the album title is "Blue Skies."

Update (5/13/01) Claudio Dirani tells us Paul revealed some of the musicians he's worked with on the new album in a recent Boston Globe interview. From his email:

Drums: Abe Laboriel Jr. - as it was previously reported by your site; Keyboards: Gabe Dixon - a 23 years old lad who leads his own band; Guitar: Rusty Anderson - studio musician, played with David Kahne, the co-producer, on many records - including, The Bangles.

Update (5/8/01) Paul told Ananova the record should be done in June. (Thanks to Wendy Starr.)

Update (5/7/01) Paul told SonicNet.com that "barring accidents," he hopes to have the album out in September. He also talked about his choice of producer David Kahne. "I thought his style of production would work with the songs I'd done ... I got to like him a lot in one meeting. We hit it off ... "We got there on Monday working and just stormed for two weeks. We ended up with about 18 tracks, I think....I think at some point I'll go in for another two weeks and finish it up." (Could his work at Sterling Sound we mentioned yesterday be post-production on some finished tracks?) He also says the album is untitled. However, you'll recall the title of the "Flaming Pie" album was known (and we had it!) before it was officially announced. (Thanks to Evelyn Schwarz.)

Update (5/6/01) From Stephen Garfinkel:

I received a call this morning telling me that Paul was seen (earlier this week) at Sterling Sound in NYC mastering his latest CD. That indicates to me that it's a finished product and the EMI marketing machine will soon get their hands on it in order to determine the amount of promotion dollars to spend.

Update (5/5/01) From Edward Eikelenboom:

I read in "Slagwerkkrant" -a Dutch magazine for (semi-)professional drummers- that Abe Laboriel Jr. was the drummer who played on Paul's LA sessions. So he will be featured on Paul's new album!

Update (4/28/01) Did Paul buy a home in the Hollywood Hills or not? The AP has issued a correction saying the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's office lists the purchaser as Mike Walley. McCartney publicists did not respond to AP requests to say whether McCartney would continue to use the house.

Update (4/11/01) Another source tells us the release date will be Sept. 4.

Update (4/9/01) We hear it's hoped the album will be out in the fourth quarter.

Update (4/7/01) The UK Mirror reported the album will be called "Blue Skies," symbolizing his happiness over his relationship with Heather Mills after the sad times after Linda's death.

Update (3/26/01) Paul told a reporter from the Liverpool Echo the album should be finished in June. (Reference is near the bottom of the story.) Also, the National Enquirer reported that Paul has purchased Courtney Love's house for a price the tabloid reports at over $4 million. There were said to be two conditions: that Love vacate within a week and that she leave behind some specified items of Kurt Cobain memorabilia. She did.

Update (3/19/01) Paul, who'd rented Courtney Love's house in the Los Angeles area while recording his new album, was just two houses away from Drew Barrymore's residence when it burned to the ground, reports the National Enquirer, which said Paul suspects the fire was actually meant for him. The gossipy tabloid says Paul tightened security around him just in case.
And click on the link below for a virtual tour of the Los Angeles studio where Paul's recording his new album. (Thanks to Claudio Dirani.)

Update (3/13/01) While in L.A., Paul met with former Wings guitarist Laurence Juber for about an hour on March 1, Robin Eastburn of the LJ News tells us. There was no playing during hourlong meeting, but Juber got to hear one of the new tracks from Paul's album and said it was very "Linda inspired". Robin says, "They had a great visit, and enjoyed spending the time with Paul (like who wouldn't!!!?!?!)" (Thanks, Robin!)

Update (3/10/01) The new album will include a hymn-like tribute to Linda, reports Billboard. (Thanks to Bob Dunn, JPerry, Defne Ayas and Aaron Schab.) Update (3/7/01) A source tells us Paul played a bunch of new recorded songs at the Tower last week for Capitol president Roy Lott with Jeff Lynne and David Kahne in attendance. One song was described as a 6 1/2 minute psychedelic rocker. Signs are pointing to a 2002 release but that could change.

(2/9/01) RollingStone.com reports that Paul has plans to spend two to three weeks recording at the old A&M Studios is Hollywood with producer David Kahne at the helm and longtime Beatle engineer Geoff Emerick working with him. McCartney's choice of Kahne caused a bit of consternation at Warner Bros., where Kahne works, though there is some talk of Paul lending a song to a future WB project in return. Kahne, by the way, has worked recently with bands Sublime and Sugar Ray, and Rolling Stone anticipates Kahne could open up new sonic territory for Paul. (Thanks to Fowzy, Wendy Starr, Cameron Best, John Roth, Mark Easter and JoAnne Henshaw.)

(2/6/01) The Wall of Sound reported that Paul will go into the studio this month. Their report repeats our hint that David Kahne will produce.

(1/20/00) We've heard the producer of Paul's new album may be David Kahne.

(12/8/00) From Matt Hurwitz (thanks, Matt!):

Hi, all--

Paul, indeed, has kept his word with regards to how would spend December 8. He is, as I type this message, at Abbey Road working with a full orchestra making new recordings for his next studio album. He is said to have recorded at least three new tracks today, all ballads. Paul McCartney doing what Paul McCartney does best!

Matt Hurwitz

NOTE: This message may not be quoted or reposted without express permission of the author, including any "we hear that Paul is. . . " reports. . .