It can be argued quite successfully that Paul McCartney was not only a leading innovator in pop music as a member of The Beatles, but also a big part of the bloated self-indulgence of stadium rock acts like Queen, Led Zep and Kiss that ultimately led to the full-scale backlash that fueled the punk revolution.
Of course, in 1976, there were few bands more bloated and self-indulgent than Wings, who had the solid gold clackers to issue a three-platter live album called Wings Over America. Thing is, for all of its largesse, it ranks right up there with the best live albums of the time, keeping company with the likes of Frampton Comes Alive, Cheap Trick At Budokan, and The Who Live At Leeds.
Of course, for Beatle fans, this album is notable for its inclusion of five Beatles songs, giving younger Beatles fans the opportunity to hear the songs in concert for the first time.
While the album was insanely popular at the time, spawning the monster radio hit "Maybe I'm Amazed" and going to #1 in the U.S., it is only now being given the remaster treatment that it deserves.
And, as luck would have it, there are several different configurations of the album to fit any budget. In fact, Macca completists and those with money to burn can treat themselves to a deluxe edition that contains a treasure-trove of add-ons, including a 112-page book by David Fricke featuring new interviews, a 136-page replica tour book, and an 80-page book of drawings by artist Humphrey Ocean.
Of course, the only way to truly experience this album in all its greatness is to get your hands on the remastered 180 gram audiophile vinyl edition, which can be had for the very wallet-friendly price of $31.99.