Update (11/3/05)

I've just read the statement of Paul's web page on your site. I didn't know the meaning of "wren". I've looked it up in the dictionary. And there's a nice thing about the German name, which Paul probably didn't know when he wrote the song: the German name "Zaunkönig" literally translates as "King Of The Fence". I thought I'd let you and the visitors of your marvellous website know. Thanks once more for your great work and the precious daily updates! Sebastian Deutschmann, Munich, Germany

Update (10/28/05)

PAUL MCCARTNEY TO RELEASE BRAND NEW SINGLE JENNY WREN - NOVEMBER 21ST 2005

‘Jenny Wren’ is the second single to be taken from Paul McCartney's new highly acclaimed album ‘Chaos And Creation In The Backyard’. Fast becoming a live favourite on Paul’s 37-date sell-out ‘US’ tour of North America and Canada, ‘Jenny Wren’ is classic Paul McCartney. The press have described ‘Jenny Wren’ as, “his most poignant and affecting song in years” and “endearing and unexpectedly affecting.”

‘Jenny Wren’ is both a soulful and mournful song with a simple and incredibly effective arrangement. It’s difficult not to be moved by the heart tugging melody. It’s an acoustic track in the style of much loved McCartney songs ‘Mother Nature’s Son’, ‘Calico Sky’ and ‘Blackbird’. McCartney in fact describes the track as “daughter of blackbird.”

“I was in Los Angeles and I was in one of those moods. I wanted to go and play my guitar in the great outdoors. So I went into a spot in one of the canyons there, lovely nature spot, getting away from all the traffic and sat down and started playing. It’s just that kind of genre that I love and I just had a lot of fun, wrote the basis of it there outdoors in the canyon, lovely day, went back home that night to where we were staying and sat around while dinner was getting made and made it up. But it’s funny actually I was talking to someone about how much I love Dickens. And this person said ‘Ah, Jenny Wren, our mutual friend,’ which is this character in the Dickens book Our Mutual Friend. She is this really cool little girl who’s sort of magical, who sees the good in things and I think subconsciously that reminded me that’s where I got it from. But to me it was just something to do with Blackbird. A Wren is one of my favourite birds – a little English bird, the smallest English bird and I always feel very privileged to see a wren. So it’s a combination of all of that.”

In a rock n’ roll first ‘Jenny Wren’ features a duduk solo. The duduk, an Armenian wind instrument, is one of the oldest wind instruments in the world.

‘Chaos And Creation In The Backyard’ was released in September to global critical acclaim. Upon its release it went straight into the Top 10 of the album charts in over 14 different countries across the world, including the UK and the US. It’s Paul’s 20th studio album since leaving The Beatles and was produced by Nigel Godrich. ‘Chaos And Creation In The Backyard’ is a return to the basics for McCartney. The album successfully fuses his undeniable song writing talents with his unparalleled musicianship. In fact, McCartney is credited with playing the majority of the instruments on the album, which is somewhat reminiscent of “McCartney” (1970) when he was credited with playing all of the instruments. They include the drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, as well as many of the less traditional instruments such as block flute, harmonium and flugelhorn.

Paul McCartney is currently on his fastest selling tour ever of the US. He plays 37 shows over three months. Winning rave reviews the shows have attracted high profile fans such as Tony Bennett, Steve Buscemi, Oasis and Lenny Kravitz. By the end of November Paul will have played to over half a million people across America.

‘Chaos And Creation In The Backyard’ is available in all record stores across the UK.

Update (10/25/05)

Hi, Steve--

I just spoke to the product manager at EMI in England. The new "Jenny Wren" single will be issued as follows:

--2-track CD single: Jenny Wren, I Want You To Fly
--3-track CD single (with a poster!): Jenny Wren, I Want You To Fly, The Loving Game
--7" colored vinyl single: Jenny Wren/Summer of '59

There doesn't appear to be any configuration which features all four songs, unless it's an international release product. But this is what's coming out in Europe.

Street Date is November 21, 2005

Matt Hurwitz

Just want to tell you that your site is absolutelly the best and I check it everyday! I also want to let you know that www.amazon.co.uk is listing "Jenny Wren" as a new Paul McCartney single, due out on the 14th of November. The tracklisting is:

1. Jenny Wren
2. I Want You To Fly
3. This Loving Game
4. Summer Of 59

Kos

Steve,

The Fox News report that CHAOS AND CREATION has dropped from the Top 50 is incorrect. The album is at no. 38 in its fourth week in the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. The Rolling Stones are at no. 49 with A BIGGER BANG on the same chart in its fifth week. The RIAA has already certified A BIGGER BANG Platinum. The Stones debuted at no.2 on Billboard and no. 1 in Canada. I don't think the Stones are worried! The Paul McCartney Tour is also the top tour according to Billboard based on receipts for a single event. The McCartney opening shows grossed over $2 million per show. That is the most for a single show. So McCartney is on pace to be the top concert draw for 2005. You can't have it both ways. CHAOS AND CREATION has received unanimous praise and plaudits by all the critics. Rolling Stone gave it four stars. Artistically, it is a remarkable achievement. And all this without almost any radio airplay! CHAOS debuted at no. 6 on Billboard and should go platinum soon. Paul McCartney is not too worried about the album charts right now. Fox News just does not have a clue!

Update (10/17/05)

Update (10/7/05)

Update (10/3/05)

Hi Abbeyrd, This might be old news (sorry if I'm repeating what others have already sent it) but I just purchased Paul's "Chaos" cd from Coconuts Records.

The front of the cd had two stickers.
The first one in the upper left hand corner says........
Paul McCartney (in that font where when you turn it upside down it still reads Paul McCartney)
CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACKYARD The 2nd sticker says...

13 NEW recordings featuring the hit single "FINE LINE"
See inside for a collectable US Tour souvenir, a chance to WIN A LEXUS and other great prizes
LIMITED TIME ONLY Inside is a 3 & 1/2" by 2 & 1/2" card that has a photo of Paul wearing a US sweatshirt playing his Hoeffner bass with "Paul McCartney US presented by Lexus" written on it. The other side tells about your chance to win a Lexus and other great prizes if you go to their web site and enter the access code on the card.

Keep up the great work !!

Jim Eimont
New Jersey

Hey Steve,

Some answers for recent inquiries. To Christopher Chardi--I have no problems playing CHAOS in my CD-ROM drive, however, it sounds distorted. It is copy-protected, so perhaps that's the problem. I've played older CD's on my computer and heard no distortion.

To Art Cimiluca--I also bought CHAOS from Best Buy and downloaded "Comfort Of Love" successfully. I remember being asked by Windows Media if I wanted to download a license for the track, and I said yes, but I don't remember exact details. You might try again and go slowly through each step to see if it asks you to download a license first. Good luck!

To Jerry Kreitman and everyone--You can enter the contest to win a Lexus and other prizes, including tickets to see McCartney (which should be the first prize!), WITHOUT going online or purchasing CHAOS (but you should anyway). The rules say you can send a postcard. I am trying to get the address without going on the Lexus site since I don't have Flash installed on my PC and don't want it installed. If I do, I'll pass it on here.

One last comment re CHAOS: I took a break from it after playing it nonstop for a week or so, and the first CD I put in the player was PET SOUNDS. About three songs in, I said, "That's it." CHAOS is Paul's PET SOUNDS. The more you listen, the more apparent the similarities are. Same production feel, same melancholic atmosphere. Check it out.

Peace & love,
Carolyn

Steve,

It boggles my mind to understand radio today. On one hand, you hear all of the critics saying what a great CD Chaos and Creation in the Backyard is and on the other hand, why isn't anyone playing A Fine Line?? All you hear it is on Paul McCartney specials and on the Lexis commercial. Is satellite radio playing it? Perhaps this is a good question to ask your visitors. . .

Thanks,
Jeff

I read about that guy having a problem with his code. It's CASE SENSITIVE, so use caps and it will work fine. Yours in all things Fab, Terry

Concerning Jerry Kreitman saying his Lexus passcode didn't work (I'd love to have the Lexus with the Hofner painted on it): I bought the album at Target; my passcode did work, the song download "She's So Beautiful" worked, but my top hinge was also broken. I just switched the CD and artwork to a single jewel case and stored the bonus DVD with others in my CD/DVD area. I'm just glad it wasn't a dual disc. Nothing but problems with those things. Keep up the great work, Chris Reay

Update (9/22/05)

Hi Steve,
Don't know if anyone else noticed it, but if you look at the cover design of the limited edition version of 'Chaos and Creation', as well as the same design on the label of the CD itself, Paul McCartney's name spells the same way even if you turn it upside down. A very clever design indeed.

Hello,

I've been a visitor to your site for several years now and really like it. I'm in the Washington DC area and have tickets to see Paul McCartney in October. It will be the 4th time I've seen him.

My reason for writing is mainly in regards to the new album "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard." First of all I to bought the special DVD edition at Tower Records in Fairfax, VA and there is indeed a broken hinge on the top of the CD. Doesn't bother me much personally but buyers should beware. This new CD is by far the best McCartney album since "Band on the Run" in my opinion. Specifically because the songs work and there's not a bad song on the album. No corny lyrics and the arrangments are simple and make sense. By far the most Beatlesque album he's ever recorded. The only thing that may make some listeners raise an eyebrow is perhaps the tempo on a couple of tracks could have been been picked up a bit to make them rock a little more, but because the songs work so well this opinion can easily be overlooked. Beatles fans this is the one we've been waiting for! Hip-Horay to Paul and to Nigel Godrich the producer! I can't wait for follow-up.

Thanks,
Robert

Is anybody having problems playing "Chaos and Creation" on their computer? I can't even get the thing to spin up. Is it copy protected?

I just thought I’d let you and your readers know about a problem with the “free download” of “Comfort of Love”. I just got the special edition from BestBuy and downloaded the bonus track. Whenever I try to play it; however, I get a message that I do not have the proper license, so it will not play. On a brighter note, the album is great (I really like "English Tea") and my case was not cracked.

CHAOS AND CREATION is no. 1 in music on amazon.com on Wednesday, September 14, the second day of release.

Sam's Club has the long box version. No special stickers on it, evidently no downloads. They only had the one long box - no signs of a long box special edition.

I just realized a funny little thing: Take the CD of "Chaos And Creation", spin it upside down, and you can still read the letters "Paul McCartney".

A few Norwegian reviews of "Chaos And Creation..." from the major 
medias (in Norwegian):

* VG: http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=290130
* Dagsavisen: 
http://www.dagsavisen.no/nyetakter/anmeldelser/article1738123.ece
* Aftenposten: 
http://www.aftenposten.no/kul_und/musikk/article1113178.ece
* Dagbladet: http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2005/09/13/443173.html
* TV2 Nettavisen: 
http://pub.tv2.no/nettavisen/side2/musikk/article455330.ece


The album gets from 2 to 5 points (out of 6 - the "dice method") and 
comments ranging from "Sir Paul McCartney's new record is very 
ordinary, and comes far down the list of albums by the old Beatle" to 
"If you only buy ONE album this autumn, this should be the one."

Update (9/14/04)

Hey Guys, Don't know if you've had any reports of this, but this morning when I bought the deluxe edition of Macca's new album at a Best Buy (in Middletown, NY), I exchanged it because the upper hinge on the 2-disc tray was broken. (A clean break where the hinge meets the tray. So it didn't happen afterwards, during shipping or handling.) Went outside the store (again) and found the same problem with the 2nd one !! Went out to my car with the 3rd package and found the same problem !! I gave up and drove home, figuring they might all be like that. I'm figuring that some SuperGlue will fix it. :-) There was no exterior damage to the jewel cases ... I didn't know until I tried to look at the DVD. The bottom hinge is OK.

Paul appeared on Virgin Radio's Breakfast show Sept. 9 with Pete and Geoff this morning. He performed "Friends To Go," "Follow Me," "Too Much Rain," and "Yellow Submarine. Paul gave advice to children calling in to complain about their parents. He told them to "Get rid of your parents..." All in jest of course.

Paul helped Breakfast show's Annabel Port finish a song about "tomatoes." Paul stressed that the word "beef" in the song should be clarified so people know it's about "beef tomatoes." Pete and Geoff showed Paul some items on ebay that related to him and had him guess bids on them. Afterwards Paul feigned distress from looking at the ebay items.

To listen to the entire interview click here (Thanks also to raph.)

Hi there,

I saw the note posted on your web site about the US version of the 'Fine Line' single being available at Borders for 50 cents. Just wanted to add, since I didn't see it elsewhere on the site, that this single only contains the song "A Fine Line" -- no b-sides like the import versions. Just the one song.

Steve,

In case you haven't heard...Just picked up "Chaos" at Target. The bonus cut for download is "She's so Beautiful."

TV ALERT: "Paul McCartney: Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard" SPECIAL! Wednesday, September 14th on VH1 at 7- 7:30pm ET Repeat: Thursday, September 15 at 11am ET

Sunday, September 18th Paul will be on "CBS News Sunday Morning" 9am-10:30am ET

CBS Sunday Morning announced on their program this morning they will kick off their new fall season with Paul McCartney. They didn't explain if that meant a segment or interview (they didn't show any footage or photos of him).

Update II (9/12/05)

In reference to the various "exclusives" being offered by retailers, the "Best Buy" ads state that their bonus is a download of the song "Comfort of Love", which of course has been released as a b-side in Europe. The "Walmart" website lists their exclusive download song as "Growing Up Falling Down", which is the other b-side that has been released in Europe.

The "Target" ads also reference an "exclusive" download but the ads don't name the song. If it is truly "exclusive", it would have to be something other than those two European b-sides. The only other song I would think it would possibly be is the Japan-only bonus track "She's So Beautiful", but of course that is supposed to be a Japan exclusive, so I don't know what "Target" might have.

It certainly piques my interest and makes me wonder if I should buy it at "Target", because it would make obtaining that Japan-exclusive track much cheaper than paying approximately $50 for the Japanese import in the US. Then again, their track may not be quite so "exclusive", or it may be simply a remix or some slight variation on one of the album tracks. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

You would think that the big, deluxe, "Special Edition" set would contain everything that has been released in conjunction with this album. Yet, fans are forced to hunt for Dutch CD singles and maybe even download additional tracks to get everything.

Hi, Here are some details about the limited edition Chaos release including a DVD:

- "Follow me" and "This never happened before" were the first tracks recorded at RAK Studios in London during the first sessions. "Follow me" features his live band with Abe (on percussion), Rusty and Brian (acoustic guitars). "This never happened before" will probably be the second single from the album.
- "How kind of you" was the last track recorded for the album at Air Studios during the last week of recording sessions.

On the DVD the special Between Chaos and Creation is brilliant. It's mostly recorded at his own Hog Hill Studios in England with snippets of the recording sessions in Ocean Way, RAK and Air. It features Paul and producer Nigel talking about each track. At the end there's a lovely instrumental that is completely new and is not included on the album. The European cd is copy controlled which is stated on the cover as well as the slipcase for the limited release with DVD. "Fine line" performance is the same as the version already featured on Paul's site and was taped at Hog Hill. How Kind Of You is a 5-minute feature that includes the song (album version) as soundtrack and details all the instruments in the studio as well as all the handwritten lyrics for all songs. I didn't like Fine Art very much (as well as the drawings in the booklet by Brian Clarke) but it features the instrumental tracks for "Riding to Vanity Fair", "At the mercy" and "Anyway" which are nice to hear.

All the best, Edward Eikelenboom (Dutch Paul McCartney Fanclub)

Coming up: 60 page London Town special written in English!

Hi, y'all--

In case your bank account's not already low, there are a bunch of different editions of Paul's new "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard" coming on Tuesday:

--Regular CD
--Limited Edition CD in a "Brilliant Box" (that's a kind of packaging - no, I don't know what it means either)

Then, Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart are each getting their own versions. They have their own catalog numbers, and they come with, I believe, like a souvenir card of some kind. So they each have their own Regular and Limited Edition ones. And I think there's a long box. Don't know if that's the usual thing just for Costco or if everybody gets the long box. There will also be a couple of new samplers for Lexus and Fidelity Investments. Neither is out yet. Just like a best-of collection for each (they're different - one for Lexus, another track listing for Fidelity). Not rare - 50,000 of them for Lexus, I think.

That's all for now! Matt

In Mexico there will be two editions of Chaos & Creation in the Backyard (Copy Control) like the European format used with EMI releases,

Update (9/8/05)

GO BEHIND THE CHAOS AND SEE THE CREATION

Paul McCartney To Release ‘Chaos And Creation In The Backyard’ Special Edition CD and Bonus DVD Featuring An Intimate Behind The Scenes Look Into The Making Of New Studio Album In-Stores September 12th 2005

Paul McCartney will release a Special Edition CD/DVD of his soon to be released new studio album ‘Chaos And Creation In The Backyard’. The Special Edition, due in-stores on Monday, September 12th, will include a bonus DVD packed with exclusive, never-before-seen behind the scenes footage, as well as special intimate performances of music from the new album.

Filmed in Los Angeles and London, the special DVD gives a rare and unprecedented look inside the mind of one of the world’s most prolific and renown songwriters. It captures McCartney working alongside producer Nigel Godrich in a way that has never been seen, as they collaborate to make McCartney’s 20th studio album.

The main feature, ‘Between Chaos And Creation,’ is a 30-minute documentary style film that tracks McCartney’s creative journey making of the new album. It takes the viewer song by song, through the album, and demonstrates his unparalleled song-writing skills and musical versatility.

DVD extras also include special performances of album tracks, the new single, ‘Fine Line,’ as well as ‘How Kind Of You.’ In addition, there is an art feature entitled ‘Line Art,’ with fine artist Brian Clarke. It’s a series of sketches put to music from the new album.

‘Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard’ is a return to the basics for McCartney. The album successfully fuses his undeniable song writing talents with his unparalleled musicianship. In fact, McCartney is credited with playing the majority of the instruments on the album, which is somewhat reminiscent of “McCartney” (1970) when he was credited with playing all of the instruments. They include the drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, as well as many of the less traditional instruments such as block flute, harmonium and flugelhorn.

‘Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard’ is a mix of up-tempo piano driven McCartney instant classics such as ‘Fine Line’ and ‘Promise To You Girl’ and more introspective darker tracks such as ‘At The Mercy,’ ‘Too Much Rain’ and ‘Riding To Vanity Fair.’ One of the many highlights is a track entitled, ‘Jenny Wren,’ which Paul describes as “daughter of Blackbird,” as well as ‘Follow Me,’ which McCartney debuted at The Glastonbury Festival, while on his ’04 Summer European Tour.

Paul McCartney is currently preparing for his sold out ‘US’ tour of North America, which kicks off on September 16th in Miami.

www.paulmccartney.com

I just purchased the US CD single "Fine Line" from Borders for 50 cents. Affixed to the shrinkwrap is a $6.00 off coupon good towards the purchase of the Chaos CD available next week.

I almost fell out of my chair. I haven't seen this deal mentioned anywhere. Didn't Paul raise hell when Michael Jackson sold "Revolution" to Nike? Isn't this pretty much what Celine Dion did in selling a single to Chrysler last year as an ad soundtrack? Looks like he's using a commercial tie-in to promote the single/album.

According to this week's Music Week, A Fine Line sold 5,486 copies in its first week to reach no. 20 in the Official UK Singles Chart, making it 'his biggest hit since Young Boy reached number 19 in 1997'. I know a lot of people will instantly say that's a ridiculously low number of sales but it's not really, especially when you consider that this week's number one, Dare by Gorillaz, 'only' sold 26,661. Everyone knows single sales have been on the slide for years. Long gone are the days of million sellers (in the space of a week anyway and even then they're very rare). I've read a lot of people on Paul's forum say that singles never go up the U.K. singles chart but, whilst I am not particularly optimistic or expectant that A Fine Line will not slip downwards from now on, this isn't necessarily so since downloads were incorporated into the singles chart earlier this year. James Blunt's You're Beautiful is one example of a recent single which worked its way gradually up the charts to end up at number one. I'm not saying A Fine Line will end up in the top spot at all as I do suspect that the vast majority of Paul's fans who would buy his new single probably already have, but I wanted to point out that downloads have changed the face of the UK singles chart and actually made it quite interesting and even exciting again. Keep up the good work. All the best, Richard Sinclair P.S. My own band put out a single last year and sold something like 300 copies in the first week and landed at number 91!! Make of that what you will!

Hi Steve, Thought I'd share some musings on some of the comments I've heard about Paul's new album (CHAOS for short). A couple of points have stood out in the reviews I've read (and please note, I haven't heard the CD yet). It seems as if every record Paul's come out with since RAM has been "his best solo record yet". Why do reviewers feel compelled to dis Paul's other solo albums in order to praise his latest? I sincerely doubt that CHAOS is Paul's best solo album ever, as one reviewer seems to believe. Even if it's a great album, are these people seriously claiming that TUG OF WAR or BAND ON THE RUN were just "doodlings"? C'mon, people, get real here. And CHAOS has songs that have "real emotions", like sadness? Gee, stupid me, I kind of thought "From A Lover To A Friend" had some real sadness in it. But what do I know, I don't write for a national magazine.

It also seems to me that Paul, since Wings, anyway, makes two kinds of studio records. One kind is mostly him on his own, with a little help from outsiders (the McCartney albums, FLAMING PIE, CHAOS). The other is him with studio musicians assisting, usually with a more ambitious sound than his self-created works (TUG OF WAR, FLOWERS IN THE DIRT, DRIVING RAIN). To be quite honest, I usually prefer it when he works with other musicians and tries more experimental sounds. PRESS TO PLAY is one of my favorite McCartney albums--not his best, granted, but one I really enjoy listening to. I loved DRIVING RAIN, too, even if David Kahne was the jerk who dropped Wilco from Reprise--but that's neither here nor there. Anyroad, MCCARTNEY II was great if lightweight, but I thought FLAMING PIE was vastly overrated, with some of Paul's worst solo work. Period. The few great songs on there didn't redeem stuff like "Really Love You" or the title track, which sounds like he recorded it in five minutes.

So what all this boils down to is this: I'll give the new album a chance, but I sure wish people would quit elevating it by knocking down Paul's other records. Apart from THE FIREMAN, none of them are really that bad. :) --Carolyn

VH1 will be airing a half-hour special called "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" on Wednesday Sept. 14th at 7:00 PM (Eastern time).

Hi Steve,

Just wanted to let you know that radio 2 (radio2.nl) is playing the new album all week, starting sep 5.. In every show they will play a track. Chaos & Creation is Radio2 CD this week. The tracks's i've heard sound great.

Hi Steve,

Dutch radio station Radio 2 will play a song of Paul's new album each day this week. Today they broadcasted Riding To Vanity Fair (which is great by the way!). You can listen to it until Monday 12/09 by clicking this link: http://cgi.omroep.nl/cgi-bin/streams?/radio2/avro/schiffers/maandag.rm?start=00:163:50&end=00:168:49

Enjoy!
Regards,
Wibo Dijksma

Update (9/5/05)

Steve, I'd like to put a statement on your site concerning one of Paul's songs. Some folks on Beatles' discussion lists have been assuming Paul might be sued for plagiarism so I decided to write in advance for you. First off, thanks for giving us such site - a very democratic board. Last Monday Paul was on UK's BBC Radio 4 Front Row show, and played some cool bits of his new songs on acoustic guitar and piano, and also was interviewed by presenter John Wilson. It was such a nice show. We could hear Paul explaining about the writing and recording of 3 C&CITBY songs: How Kind of You, Jenny Wren and Anyway. At moment he was to play the song Anyway, from his new album Chaos And Creation in the Back Yard, Wilson noted that the chords had "shades of Curtys Mainfield People Get Ready". Paul admitted that the begining of the song had Southern roots and such, and even kidded that "are you saying I nicked it...it's too late". But getting serious, I compared both songs, and actually only the chords of People Get Ready are similar. The notes and the melody are different. And it's just two or 4 bars in the tune, and then the song departs to very unusual ways. So I hope it can be cleared up. Thanks a lot Claudio Dirani

Update (8/31/05)

There is a pic of Paul and Jason Falkner on this link I'm sending you. As you may already know, Falkner plays on Growing Up, Falling Down. Cheers

Hi Steve -

I was at the Capitol Tower last Tuesday, preparing a radio special with Bonnie Raitt for the world premiere of her new CD. By the way - Bonnie's CD is wonderful and she is in a great place. After finishing in the famed studios with Ms. Raitt I had a couple of Fab moments I wanted to share:

1) I got to listen to Paul's "Chaos And Creation In The Backyard" CD. A listening room was set up in the building for media visitors to listen to the disc. This is rather unconventional as ordinarily I would just get an advance CD as a radio programmer, but I was told that so far only 2 dozen print journalists in the world have received the CD itself (to make their deadlines), and, not a single radio person has gotten the full CD yet.

The room had 3 cushy blue chairs in it, with acrylic glass square boxes next to them. Locked. In each box was an IPod with "Pete Mitchell" listed as the artist for the program! A remote control was on top of each box - as was a dark maroon page also encased in hard plastic with Paul McCartney - Chaos And Creation In The Backyard" at the top in the album's old timey typeface and then the 13 song titles listed and enumerated. On both opposing walls was a 3 foot by 3 foot reproduction of the cover photo taken by Mike McCartney.

I was told I was the first in the room as it had just been set up, with an equivalent room being prepared in NY. There were pens to take notes but I chose to just soak it in. I was unprepared for what I heard. I had read articles comparing this CD to 1970's "McCartney," but I found very few similarities (except for the instrumental bonus song tucked away a bit after the end of the closer "Anyway"). The new Paul CD, to me, seemed very artsy, with hardly any concessions to commerciality or the marketplace.

The instrumentation (save perhaps the single and Promise To You Girl) was like a cross between "Eleanor Rigby" and "Distractions" from Flowers In The Dirt - without the heaviness of those strings. This is not to say the CD is all about orchestration. But this album has very few hooks or choruses, solos or standard song structures. (Of course neither did "Press To Play" and I found that almost unlistenable). It was fascinating for the most part, but it is one of those albums that will take many listens to figure out where it stands in Macca's catalogue. "Jenny Wren" and "English Tea" were the most accessible - and the album as a whole was VERY listenable. Can't wait to listen another hundred times to get a handle on it. Whereas much of Paul's stuff can be instantly appealing and then fade, I am hoping the opposite is true of "CACITBY".

Thanks for all you do.
Jody Denberg
KGSR Program Director
Austin, Texas

Hi Guys,

Just listened (thx to EMI NL!!) with the whole Dutch McCartney team four times!!! to "Choas and Creation," and its a fine album, much better than "Driving Rain," a worthy follow up to Flaming Pie!

All the best!,
Dutch Paul Mccartney fanclub http://home.planet.nl/~spl00000/
Simon van der Peet

Update (8/25/05)

CHAOS AND CREATION PIN BOARD - NEW TRACKS AND 'FINE LINE' PERFORMANCE VIDEO

More content added to the ‘Chaos and Creation Members Pin Board’ at www.paulmccartney.com

As members of the site you can now listen to clips of the ‘Chaos and Creation In The Backyard’ album tracks ‘Jenny Wren’ and ‘Promise To You Girl’, plus watch a fantastic performance video of the new single ‘Fine Line’ that features Paul performing all the instruments on the track. Also added are some flash banners ads that can be downloaded, plus a ‘Fine Line’ screen saver.

The full line up of content now available on the Pin Board is:

• - Full length audio of ‘Fine Line’
• Audio clips of ‘Jenny Wren’ and ‘Promise To You Girl’
• ‘Fine Line’ Performance video.
• Flash Banner ads for ‘Fine Line’
• Downloadable ‘Fine Line’ screensaver
• Paul McCartney promo images
• ‘Chaos and Creation In The Backyard’ Album packshot and press release

Keep checking back for more content very soon, including some 'Behind The Scenes' video clips of new songs from the new album. 'Fine Line' is released as a single on 29th August, followed by 'Chaos and Creation In The Backyard' on 12th September. You will be able to download 'Fine Line' at www.paulmccartney.com as of next week in the new digital store.

With the new 'US' Tour coming up look out for our 'Live Review' feature on www.paulmccartney.com . We will be adding a tool to the site, where you can upload your own reviews after attending one of Paul's shows! www.paulmccartney.com

Hi! Just a quick note to let you know that there are now 3 full length tracks from Paul's new CD ("A Fine Line" - "Jenny Wren" - "Promise To You Girl") plus a video for "A Fine Line" posted on the "Chaos & Creation Clipboard: on McCartney's website. There are also some banners and a screen saver, but they were not yet working when I went on. I love your website - it is my startup page and I check it several times a day. You can visit mine at www.kwiatsongs.com if you are interested. Anyway - thanks for all the great on-going Beatles info! - Tim Kwiat

Hi, Steve.

On the sub-site for "Chaos & Creation in the Backyard", Paul's got up two more songs:

"Jenny Wren", a melodic acoustic number in the realm of "Blackbird" or "Mother Nature's Son", and with a backward solo. Honestly sounds like a lost track from somewhere between Revolver and the White Album.

"Promise to You Girl" breaks, after an introductory verse, into a linking harmony section that sounds as if it was lifted straight off Abbey Road before turning into an uptempo piano-driven rocker that's possibly most reminiscent of the second half of "Beautiful Night" (though minus the strings and horns).

Both are truly quality tracks - disc's shaping up to be a high mark in his output. The site's also now got the in-studio video for "Fine Line", plus some photos, banners and a screensaver.

Best,
Steve

Hi Steve;

Further to the "hidden track" at the end of the album, it is an instrumental and don't forget two more new non-album tracks on the Fine Line single, "Comfort Of Love" and "Growing Up Falling Down."

Cheers,
Robert Drossaert.

Hello Steve,

There is the 14th track on the album. The hidden track is called "I've Only Got Two Hands". And it seems like this track is only available on the CD version (both standard and limited edition).

Regards, Leslie

The single was reviewed on BBC 6 Music's Roundtable show last week. Every one of the guests liked it and had lots of positive things to say about it. Can't remember how many points it scored, but it was good to hear such positive feedback to a new McCartney single. Hopefully another good sign.

Update (8/17/05)

Disc format DVD-5   
PAL and NTSC 
Regions Free/All Regions 
Video 

50 minutes total, comprising: 
'Between Chaos and Creation' - 30 minute documentary 
'Fine Line' (Studio Performance video) - 5 mins 
'Line Art' - animated piece - approx 10 minutes 
- accompanied by 3 instrumental tracks: Anyway, At the Mercy and Vanity Fair 

'How Kind of You' - menu piece - 5 minutes 
Compressed to MPEG-2 variable bit-rate 
Aspect Ratio - 16:9 anamorphic 
Audio 

60 minutes total, comprising: 
LPCM Stereo  - 50 minutes, as above 
DTS 5.1 Surround Sound - 5 minutes - 'Fine Line' only 
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound - 5 minutes  - 'Fine Line' only 
Menus 

Main menu - 5 minute animation of 'How Kind of You' 
Audio option menu for 'Fine Line' only - static 

Update (8/16/05)

Update (8/6/05)

Update (7/30/05) Another "Fine Line" image. (Thanks to Markus den Boer.)

Hi Steve,

This was your question: The website jiggler.de has posted what it says is the cover for Paul's album (scroll to bottom). If that's it, it's a great looking cover.

And we've ask it at EMI Netherlands and they confirmed it, that this is the cover of Paul's new album. The Dutch people can read this conformation here: http://www.beatlesfanclub.nl/opmerkelijk.html#DIT_WORDT_DE_HOES_VAN_HET_NIEUWE_ALBUM It's written in the Dutch language.

Greetings and keep up the good work,
Bertus Elzenaar Coördinator of www.beatlesfanclub.nl

I love your site, too. It's a must-check-out every day, unlike other sites I have bookmarked. My opinion on A FINE LINE...have to agree with some of the comments disagreeing with your take on it sounding like a Driving Rain outtake/session leftover.

Actually, when I first heard it on the AOL site, I wasn't thrilled...but I think it had more to do with the crappy sound. Listening to it several times now on Paul's site, it definitely has a fuller, more vibrant sound. It grows on you with each listen, too...which a good "single" should. Whether or not today's market will allow it airplay-- and then sell if it even gets that play-- remains to be seen. It's too bad Paul's best solo work (Flaming Pie, Run Devil Run, Driving Rain) has come at a time in his career where most music buyers deem him (and others of his age and era) irrelevant. It sure beats the hell out of most of the pop crap and hip hop horrors that one is subjected to on pop radio these days, though.

Sonically, A FINE LINE echoes, to me, sort of a COME AND GET IT/GET ON THE RIGHT THING-type feel/sound...but, obviously, that has a lot to do with the piano being the main thrust in the instrumentation. Overall, very catchy, lyrically not embarrassing (which can always be an issue with Paul's solo work), and it makes you really want to hear the rest of the album. In fact, can't wait to hear it!

Keep up the terrific work!! Matt Talvi

I thought you'd be inundated with this info, so I didn't send it yesterday, but if you click around on the AOL site, you can see a track list for "Chaos and Creation ..." at http://music.channel.aol.com/artist/main.adp?tab=album&albumid=787157 I thought Fine Line sounded like it belonged on Tug Of War or Pipes of Peace, not because it sounded like a particular song from either album, but it had the brightness and joy that the up-tempo songs on those albums had. Not to mention being a more completed song than most on Driving Rain. Now I regret that my wife and I decided to skip seeing him this time around because of the cost. We usually try to see 3 to 5 shows each tour, this will be Paul's first US tour I will have missed entirely.

Hi, Steve.

Love your site - I've been visiting for years now. To my ears, the version of the single on PaulMcCartney.com sounds - while fuller - distorted. It's a really great single, possibly his best since "My Brave Face". I'm surprised at how very Jeff Lynne the Nigel Godrich production sounds, at least on this song. The only thing that bothers me is the cover for the single, for this very simple reason: Paul is one of the three most famous lefties in rock... why not have a fine line drawing of a LEFT HAND on the cover?

'FINE LINE' RELEASED ON AUGUST 29TH / CHAOS AND CREATION PINBOARD

'Fine Line' is the first single to be released from Paul McCartney's forthcoming brand new studio album 'Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard'. 'Fine Line' will be released on the 29th of August. You can listen to the whole track in full right now at www.paulmccartney.com/chaoscreation/ . The track is part of a special section that has been created to hold all the information and content that you could possibly need on Paul’s forthcoming album. The ‘Chaos and Creation Pinboard’ will include album clips, promo video clips, photos and artwork, interview clips, video footage, exclusive competitions and many more interactive tools.

To gain access to the Pinboard section you need to be signed up to the www.paulmccartney.com mailing list – if you have received this you are signed up already, so tell your friends or fellow Paul McCartney fans to sign up and get ready for all this fantastic forthcoming album content! To listen to ‘Fine Line’ in full go to www.paulmccartney.com/chaoscreation/ 'Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard' is released on September 12th.

www.paulmccartney.com

Hi Steve,

I love your site . It's a must see every day . That being said , I disagree with your initial thoughts about A Fine Line . Rather than sounding like something off of Driving Rain , the first half reminds me more of something off of Flaming Pie and the second half of the songs sounds more like something Wings would do .

Sorry Steve, I don't hear the parallels between "Fine Line" and the "Driving Rain" album. The song reminded me, on first hearing, of the track "Flaming Pie," but that was mainly because of the instrumentation. To my ears, the sound is fresh, and makes me really want to hear the rest of the album. Thanks for all your work. I visit your page daily (or sometimes more).

Heard the new single on AOL today. The claim on the advertisement is McCartney's best single in 10 years. They are right. Brilliant uptempo song with great piano and great vocals. Classic McCartney. Enjoy.

Steve,

I don't know if anyone's pointed this out yet, but any thunder that might have headed Macca's way with his new album will now be grouped together with the new Stones album, due the WEEK before. So now we're in for the same kind of lumped together '60s leftovers' stories/reviews that accompanied McCartney and Jagger's respective solo releases in 1993. How depressing. And, as desert, the Stones album is called "A Bigger Bang", referencing the Big Bang. Which, of course, will give all the oh-so-clever music critics out there an even easier time lumping them together. "Chaos and Creation..." Cheez!!

Update (7/26/05)

source Dutch Paul Mccartney Fanclub, Simon van der Peet, spl@tref.nl
In Nederland zullen er 3 versies van de single uitkomen. Zie hieronder de tracklistings: 

Een CD-Maxi: 
Tracklisting:           Fine Line       
                        Comfort in Love (non-album track)
                        Growing Up Falling Down (non-album track)

Een ouderwetse vinylsingle 
Tracklisting:           Fine Line 
                        Growing Up Falling Down (non-album track)

Een CD-single 
Tracklisting:           Fine Line 
                        Comfort in Love (non-album track)

Dan ben je weer helemaal bij :) 

Groet 
Floris 

A few comments about the Japanese release of "Chaos and Creation...": First, according the listing for the Japanese import version on the US Amazon site, there is only one "exclusive" bonus track on the CD. It is dangerous to go by any early listings on Amazon or any other outlets, however. It's better to wait until it is closer to the release date. Amazon doesn't even have cover art up yet. Also, Amazon has three versions of the album listed. They have the Japanese import version, they have what is presumably the standard US release, and they also have a "Special Edition" version that seems to also be a US release through Capitol. My best guess is that the "bonus DVD" being touted for the Japanese version will also be included in the US version, and that DVD is what will constitute the "Special Edition" version of the US release. It seems as though bonus DVD's or hybrid CD/DVD discs are becoming more common with new music releases. It appears that, as with Ringo's "Choose Love" album, "Chaos and Creation..." will also be released both as a standard CD-only version as well as a "Special Edition." I'm only guessing of course. While bonus tracks on CD's are common for Japanese releases, I would find it odd for an entire DVD dedicated to the making of the album to only be released in Japan.

I wouldn't be surprised if the one or two or however many bonus tracks slated for the Japanese CD indeed end up being exclusive to Japan, as this is a common practice for artists. Perhaps, as with some releases in the past, the Japanese bonus track(s) will consist of non-album tracks that are also released on CD singles, such as the apparent UK-only "A Fine Line" CD single which is due at the end of August. Of course, the listing on the US Amazon site for the "A Fine Line" import CD single does not list any tracks, so we don't even know if the single will have any extra non-album tracks.

What it boils down to is that US fans at least will probably end up having to buy something more than the standard US release to get all of the various non-album material. Of course, most US fans are used to this. But, as I said above, I doubt that the DVD will be the item that is exclusive to Japan. Extra album tracks seem much more likely as exclusives.

A few more tidbits I just noticed on the US Amazon US site:

There are two versions of an import CD single for "A Fine Line" listed. One version does not list the tracks. This version has been up on the Amazon site for a while. A second version lists two tracks: "A Fine Line" and "Comfort In Love", the second track of which appears to be a non-album bonus track/outtake. (I believe this may have been a song Paul performed a Landmine benefit show in the last few years). A bit more detail is also given for this listing:

"First Single from his 2005 'chaos and Creation in the Back Yard' Full Length. Includes a Different Unreleased B-side Track Than the 7" Vinyl Single."

So, there will be at least one or two CD singles, at least one of which whill have a non-album track. There will also apparently be a vinyl single which may have yet another bonus track not found on the album or CD single.

I would imagine these two bonus tracks may be the bonus tracks that will appear on the Japanese pressing of the album.

My best guess as to why Amazon has two versions of the single listed is that either they simply have two versions of the same CD single listed (perhaps the newer listing with the tracklisting is an "updated" version of the listing, with the older listing not being taken down), or that other listing is actually an erroneous version of a listing for an import 7 inch vinyl single. Or, perhaps they will be releasing two different versions of the same single, as Paul did with several of of the "Flaming Pie" CD singles back in 1997.

Hopefully somebody will be able to come up with a definitive listing of all the different album and single variations and where we need to go to get all of the different songs.

Update (7/25/05)

C-NY-AOL ( BW)(NY-AOL) Paul McCartney Debuts New Single, ''Fine Line,'' as AOL(R) Music First Listen on Tuesday, July 26; New Album, Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard, Arrives In Stores September 13 Entertainment Editors

NEW YORK(BUSINESS WIRE)July 22, 2005Marking the end of a nearly four-year hiatus since his last studio recording, Paul McCartney is preparing for the September 13 release of Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard - and only AOL(R) Music has the first single, "Fine Line." The song will debut as part of AOL Music's First Listen program on Tuesday, July 26. Fans can listen to "Fine Line" on the Web at www.aolmusic.com beginning Tuesday at 12:01 AM EST. It will be available exclusively at AOL Music for 24 hours before anywhere else.

Following 2001's platinum-selling Driving Rain, Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard, which was produced by Nigel Godrich (who has produced for Radiohead and Beck), is McCartney's 20th studio recording since parting with The Beatles. The album is a return to basics for the renowned musician, successfully fusing his incomparable song writing talents with his unparalleled musicianship. Featuring sonically robust songs, Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard is a melange of up-tempo piano driven classics and introspective darker tracks resulting in a strikingly intricate and meaningful album. The album's release will coincide with the September 16 launch of McCartney's new 37-city US tour.

The AOL Music First Listen program offers exclusive world premieres of new songs by the biggest names in music before they are available anywhere else. Since the program launch in January 2002, fans on AOL Music have been the first to hear songs from top artists across musical genres, including Bruce Springsteen, Usher, Coldplay, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Destiny's Child, Britney Spears and more. AOL Music First Listen is available for free on the web at www.aolmusic.com.

Hi there,

CD Japan.com has Paul's new CD listed as coming with a bonus DVD, containing 2 previously unpublished tracks, interview, recording session footage, photo gallery, and more. (You can order the Japanese CD above from amazon.co.uk or amazon.com.) (Thanks also to Jeff Smuylan.)

Update (7/18/05)

Hi,

Today (July 6) EMI Germany sent some information to the media concerning Paul's new album, which will be released September 12th in UK and September 13th in the US. As noted earlier, Paul plays most of the instruments himself. The album was produced by Paul and Nigel Godrich.

Some of the song titles are:

• - Fine Line
• - Promise To You Girl ("rather fast, piano-driven tracks, classic McCartney")
• - At The Mercy
• - Too Much Rain
• - Riding To Vanity Fair ("darker, more thoughtful tunes")
• - Jenny Wren (Paul: "Daughter of "Blackbird"")
• - "Follow Me"

In the press statement the album is described as "harmonically echoing McCartney's early solo albums as well as late Beatles". Let's wait and see...

All the best from Germany and keep up the good work!

Dear Steve,

Paul McCartney's new studio album "CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACK YARD" appears in Germany on September 12, 2005.

This album marks a return to the roots for McCartney. Its incontestable talents as Songwriter are here congenial linked with its incomparable musical ability. Actually McCartney brought the majority in of the instruments on the album, which reminds of its album "McCartney" from 1970, when the artist brought all instruments in. The instruments played here of it cover schlagzeug, guitar, bass, key board as well as many of the less conventional instruments such as flute, harmonium and english horn.

Here are some more information for German speaking readers in Austria, Switzerland and Germany: http://www.germanbeat.info/sh_maccaus_ev.html

Update (7/10/05)

PAUL McCARTNEY SET TO RELEASE FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN FOUR YEARS

"CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACK YARD" IN RECORD STORES SEPTEMBER 12TH

"Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard," Paul McCartney's 20th studio recording since The Beatles, marks an end to a nearly four-year hiatus since his last studio recording, 2001's platinum certified "Driving Rain." The new 13-track album is co-produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Travis and Beck) and McCartney, and was recorded in London and Los Angeles over the course of the past two years. Its release coincides with the September 16th launch of McCartney's all new 37-city "US" Tour, his fastest selling concert tour ever.

"Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" is a return to the basics for McCartney. The album successfully fuses his undeniable song writing talents with his unparalleled musicianship. In fact, McCartney is credited with playing the majority of the instruments on the album, which is somewhat reminiscent of "McCartney" (1970) when he was credited with playing all of the instruments. They include the drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, as well as many of the less traditional instruments such as block flute, harmonium and flugelhorn.

"Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" is a mix of up-tempo piano driven McCartney instant classics such as 'Fine Line' and 'Promise To You Girl' and more introspective darker tracks such as 'At The Mercy,' 'Too Much Rain' and 'Riding To Vanity Fair.' One of the many highlights is a track entitled, 'Jenny Wren,' which Paul describes as "daughter of Blackbird," as well as 'Follow Me,' which McCartney debuted at The Glastonbury Festival, while on his '04 Summer European Tour.

But "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard" would not have been either if not for the suggestion of now legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin. Familiar with Nigel's credentials and with his published desire to work with an established artist, Paul made the call that finally put the two together in the studio. The collaboration seemed an unlikely one and thus the rumors began. What type of album was McCartney making?

"I did not want to rush this album," said McCartney, who despite repeated inquiries, touring commitments and pressure from his record label, managed to maintain his focus. "I think it was worth the wait though. The music became more interesting over time and I'm really proud of what we did."

The results are evident throughout. The songs are sonically robust, the instrumentation and orchestration first rate and the chemistry between Paul and Nigel apparent. The album has an organic feel reminiscent of Paul's first solo release, "McCartney," (1970) and some of The Beatles later recordings.

"We really made a lot of it up as we went along," added McCartney. "I'd try something and if it didn't work I'd try something else until it did. It was like making a go-cart in the backyard."

"When Paul and I got together we had a common goal," said Godrich. "We wanted to make a great album that was true to Paul. I think that's exactly what we did."

Full Tracklisting - "Chaos And Creation In The Back Yard":

• Fine Line 3:05
• How Kind Of You 4:47
• Jenny Wren 3:47
• At The Mercy 2:38
• Friends To Go 2:43
• English Tea 2:12
• Too Much Rain 3:24
• A Certain Softness 2:42
• Riding To Vanity Fair 5:07
• Follow Me 2:31
• Promise To You Girl 3:10
• This Never Happened Before 3:26
• Anyway 3:50

Total Running Time: 46:54

Update (7/7/05)

Update (7/4/05)

Finally we have a title: The new album will be called "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard". There is a short article (including an interview with Paul) in the current edition of Q magazine which also mentions that producer Nigel Godrich executed strict quality control during the recording sessions. Also, in a BBC radio interview today Paul confirmed this album title. Although there is supposed to be sufficient material for a double album, the new record will feature 13 tracks in total.

All the best,
Sven K.

Update (3/22/05)

The following is a translation to the Portuguese Link:

For those of you who are wondering about Paul McCartney's new album, we got news that it should be out around August to promote Paul's American Tour. These are some liners about the songs, but nothing guaranteed.

• Flying Blind Dark Eagle - Beatles Style sounding.
• Not Enough Hours In The Day - Ballad similar to Beautiful Night.
• Bushie-Tushie Jelly Jam -Reggae style like de C Moon - George Bush parody.
• I'll Testify (To The Power of Love) - R&B Motown
• Riding On A Rocket - rock and roll a la Jerry Lee Lewis.
• The Wings of a Lightest Weight - Power Pop. Written during Flaming Pie.
• Big Gorilla - pop.
• Comfort of Love - Semi-rocker mentions John Lennon. .
• Follow Me - Beatles Acoustinc style
• Always Be There - Beatles 1964/65.
• I've Got My Magic Back - Mix between Day Tripper and Paperback Writer.
• Have Mercy On Me -Blues.

Hi! Congratulations on the excellent webpage! I'd like to contriubute this translation into English of the review mentioned by Hibben (it's not Spanish, but Portuguese ;). Original source: http://www.blackbird.com.br/dirani.php

And more on translation from Ole M. Olsen:

Hi:

I noticed Hibben's tip about the web page http://www.blackbird.com.br/dirani.php with info (or rumours?) about Paul's new album. The page is in Portugese (.br is Brazil). I usually use http://babelfish.altavista.com/ to read web pages (or other texts) in languages I don't speak. It won't give you a perfect translation, of course, but in most cases you're able to tell what is being said. :-)

"Those of you who would like to know the release date of the new McCartney's album should know that there is a due date. Straight from Capitol I got the news that the CD will be available not later than by the end of August, as he will be starting his new tour on Sept. 16 and he is willing to promote on stage his new album and perform some of the tunes. It seems that the title will be TIMELINES, though it has not been confirmed."

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Hi,

I've been reading your reports on how the new Macca album is coming with great interest. And since you are trying to figure out what songs may or may not be on it, I thought you might be interested in the following site: http://www.blackbird.com.br/dirani.php

It's in Spanish (or something like it) so I don't understand everything that's being said on it but it does seem to indicate that along with the songs you've already mentioned ("Wings of a Lightest Weight," "I've Got My Magik Back," "Baby Won't You Come With Me?" "Flying Blind Dark Eagle," "Riding On A Rocket," Bushie-Tushie Jelly Jam," "Big Gorilla" and "Not Enough Hours In The Day") there are about 4 or 5 more titles that may be on it...(the 5th "Have mercy on me" is said to be a cover, so I don't know if he'll include that). These are "I'll Testify (To The Power of Love)," "Comfort of Love," "Follow Me," "Always Be There" and "Have Mercy On Me."

Every song's got a small comment to indicate what we might expect, but as I said that's in Spanish so it's not entirely clear to me what they mean, but most of the time I can make an educated guess.

Anyway, I hope this is helpfull to your site and I'll keep checking it out and waiting what else you can dig up.

Yours sincerely,
Hibben

Paul McCartney's new album could be released between late August and early September, just before the start of his U.S. tour, according to various sources. Two songs that may be included on the still-untitled set are said to be "Flying Blind Dark Eagle" and Riding On A Rocket." As previously announced, McCartney has been working with producer Nigel Godrich , whose credits include the experimental modern rock band Radiohead. Macca's also done some tracks with American producer David Kahne . On some songs, the Beatles legend plays all the instruments, while other tracks feature musicians from his past touring band.

Macca's album - songs that may be on Bushie-Tushie Jelly Jam ... Big Gorilla ... Not Enough Hours In The Day...

Macca album between late August, early September. Two songs that may be included: Flying Blind Dark Eagle & Riding On A Rocket...

Update (1/31/05)

Paul is definitely working with Nigel Godrich on the new album, with Paul mostly playing instruments himself (with some exceptions, which you've noted). He has also recorded tracks with David Kahne and the McCartney band, though it's likely those songs will be released at some other time - more recording, I understand, is also possible, in fact.

Update (12/8/04)

It seems more official that Nigel Godrich is producing the new McCartney album as he has announced it himself on his own website. It will definitely have quite a heavy Nigel Godrich influence as two of the last three Travis albums were produced by Nigel and they were recorded at Ocean Way and RAK in London. Obviously favoured by Nigel as he has used these with McCartney. Nigel and Travis also use Jason Falkner and Millenia Strings both also now enlisted for the new album

Update (11/8/04)

Hi Steve,

I just read in an exclusive interview with Travis singer Fran Healy that Nigel Godrich is in the studio with Paul at this moment to produce his new album. Nigel Godrich has produced Travis’ third album “The invisible Band” and has also worked with Radiohead and Beck. The interview was published in Humo, a very popular Belgian magazine. Healy said in the interview “That happened in Ocean Way where (looks at his watch) Nigel, as we speak, begins the recording of the new CD of Paul McCartney – exclusive because nobody knows about this yet”. Ocean Way is the name of the studio where “The Invisible Band” is recorded and where Paul is now recording his new album.

Keep up the good work!

Update (10/7/04)

Steve,

Another contributor to the new McCartney album - Millennia Strings of London. See their web site - click on credits - Paul is top of the drop down list. Mentions 'recordings' for a forthcoming album recorded at RAK and Angel Studios.

Update (10/6/04) We heard unconfirmed reports that while the musicians working on the upcoming album got along great with Paul, his producer did not and some of those album sessions may not see the light of day.

Update (10/5/04) More clues about the next album:

Update (4/27/04)

Recording with Macca - A rumor stemming from a recent post on Beatlefan.com states that Sir Paul McCartney is currently recording in L.A. in a new power-trio lineup involving himself on bass, Matt Chamberlain on drums and Jason Falkner on guitar. Jason recently confirmed that Chamberlain is not part of this lineup.

Update (4/22/04)

Update (4/7/04)

Update (4/5/04)

Update (11/26/03)

Update (10/4/03)

Update (9/22/03)

Update (9/20/03)

"What an awful title. Besides, we heard the stripped versions on Anthology. If you really want to her the Beatles "naked", listen to the Star Club tapes. That's raw, energetic rock and roll."

Update (9/19/03)

Update (9/18/03)

Guitarist Rusty Anderson is happy to be in England and working on Paul McCartney’s new album. "We're just beginning the process and so far, so great,” said Rusty. “Interacting with him and the band in the studio has been a real gas. Paul's talents are always inspirational. The tours, the CDs and the DVD were good fun, and I’m honored to continue working with him on this next bit.”

Rusty is looking forward to playing with Paul and the band at the third annual Adopt-A-Landmine Benefit Gala on September 23 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, which will be emceed by Jay Leno and features a set by James Taylor as well. ‘It's an important charity and it feels great to be part of it,” he said. “They're removing landmines and helping the victims put their lives back together. Seeing all the fans with their ‘Adopt a Landmine’™ shirts in the crowd on the last tour was great. It’s going to primarily be an acoustic show...should be good fun.”

And what did Rusty do this summer? Aside from guitar-slutting around with other artists, he was putting the finishing touches on his upcoming solo CD Undressing Underwater. The album, which features Paul, Brian, Abe and Wix assisting Rusty on Hurt Myself, along with guests such as Stewart Copeland, should be at the top of every Christmas list!”

Update (9/12/03)

HI Steve,

I think Paul McCartney might be recording at Abbey Road. When I was on my London Beatles Walk there today, I saw Geoff Baker (Paul's publicist) getting out of a taxi and going into the Studio. Normally where Geoff is Paul is. It also ties in with your story about Paul working with Radiohead's producer as they often work at Abbey Road too.

I'll let you know if I have any definite sightings

Richard Porter (London Beatles Walks)

Update (9/10/03)

Yes, Macca is at work with Travis and Radiohead's Nigel Godrich. But it seems his new album won't be a single producer issue. It seems we'll have a Flowers In The Dirt kind of thing. David Kahne will be back soon to the control room. He'll join Macca in London in about 20 days...

Update (9/9/03)

Hi, Steve--

I've just heard that Paul is currently working with Radiohead producer/engineer Nigel Godrich, along with, as Rusty Anderson has said, the touring band.

Update (9/4/03)

Hi, Steve--

The "Paul McCartney Love Songs" album is actually a new collection coming in January. Definitely not the new recording in the works.

A brief followup on your news item about Paul's "Love Songs" album. I first heard about this last week from a source close to MPL who was attempting to confirm the details. Speculation is it will be a disc of repackaged love songs ("My Love", "Maybe I"m Amazed" etc... a la the Elvis disc released last year on the same theme). Speculation also is that a few unreleased tracks might be included. Keeping our ears to the ground...the release is to coincide with the Valentines Day season.

Update (9/2/03)

Update (8/28/03)

The summer's flying by, work's almost done on Rusty's new CD Undressing Underwater, which is good as Rusty's got less than a week to go before heading across the pond to start on Paul's new record. Brian Ray, Abe Laboriel and Wix Wickens will also be joining Paul in the studio.

Update (6/17/03)

Update (5/13/03)

(4/9/03) Paul, seen in an interview on the BBC1 "Look North" show over the weekend, reportedly said he's writing new material and plans to record later this year. The show also showed footage from the Saturday Sheffield show. (Thanks to Cheryl.)