Lovers of the 1970s-era music of Paul McCartney and Wings are living the dream. When it comes to new content, we’ve been treated to one revelation after another in recent years. Hot on the heels of last year’s "One Hand Clapping" is a newly minted half-speed vinyl edition of "Venus and Mars," Wings’ exquisite follow-up release to the chart-busting "Band on the Run" album. And it doesn’t disappoint.
Originally released in May 1975, "Venus and Mars" proved that "Band on the Run" hadn’t been a fluke. When it came to the "One Hand Clapping" sessions, McCartney wanted to test Wings’ roadworthiness, an exam that the post-Beatles outfit passed with flying colors. "Venus and Mars" acted as the blueprint, then, for the blockbuster "Wings Over the World" tour. Indeed, the epic “Rock Show” prefigured McCartney’s plans for conquering the rock ‘n’ roll box office. With unchecked bravado, he promises to stage Wings blowout events at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and fabled North American venues like Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl. “We’ll be there!” he sings.
