Just think this forum needs a thread for my favourite Wings album, Red Rose Speedway!
I was acquainted with the Wings albums before becoming familiar with The Beatles, so I guess my love for these albums grew from a place free from prejudice and comparing solo albums with previous group works etc.
A lot of my first impressions of RRS as a young kid still resonate the same way with me today. My favourite songs are still 'Little Lamb Dragonfly', 'Get On The Right Thing', and 'Hold Me Tight'. I still really love the medley on Side 2. That medley rivals the end of 'Abbey Road' for song strength, pure ambition and diversification.
I still love the warmth of the production of the album. A richness comes through that you don't get on the likes of McCartney II/Tug of War/Pipes of Peace, or Flowers in the Dirt. Melts like chocolate!
The track sequencing is perfect - sure it doesn't open with a barnstormer like 'Too Many People' or 'Band on the Run/Jet', but more like a "hey man, come on in, relax!!" kinda deal with 'Big Barn Bed'! I like how Side 2 opens with the elegant simplicity of 'Single Pigeon' - one of the underrated songs, but right up there with the likes of Martha My Dear on the white album - they both possess such beautifully-crafted piano melodies.
For many, the low point on RRS is the 'Loup' instrumental. I think it's fantastic! It's like Macca exploring progressive rock, going kinda Dark-Side-of-the-Moon Pink Floyd-y!
The medley is the icing on the cake. 'Hold Me Tight' is a classic tune that could've been released as a single just like 'My Love' was, but I also think 'Hands of Love' is a top tune. The closing track in the medley, 'Power Cut', owes its coda to 'Hey Jude' - all good vibes and the entire album oozes warmth and cosy fires!
The album artwork is also very well-designed. From the eyecatching cover of Macca's face in front of a motorbike with a red rose in his mouth, to the black label with the "W" Wings logo in silver, to the multi-page booklet with all the cool/crazy artwork inside with all the song lyrics typewritten, to the back cover with the braille on it - so many good memories of the overall experience interacting with the LP itself and playing it and falling in love with it. Band on the Run had the same effect on me, but RRS will always have a special place in my heart. I hope it gets remastered soon someday!
