Young at HeartReviewed in the United States on January 1, 2025
Even though you know the songs, this CD is worth adding to your collection. The vocals are crisp and clear, with the music sounding like you're front row and center at a live concert, even though it was recorded in 1974. The tunes sound fresh and the Wings vocals and instruments still resonate fifty years later.
Joel BellmanReviewed in the United States on December 25, 2024
Deep but worthwhile tracks for fans of Paul’s solo work. These songs are culled from the sessions done for an obscure British TV documentary of that title from the mid-‘70s, one of prolific Paul’s most artistically fertile periods
Chuck GarnerReviewed in the United States on December 18, 2024
This offers a glimpse of what Wings would have been had Geoffrey Britton remained with the group. The lack of numerous overdubs makes this a "stripped-down" version of many Wings songs, and for that alone it is interesting to hear. Excellent recording, quality, and package.
Clive R. StaceyReviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
This release , a soundtrack to a documentary from 1974, is made for fans rather than the casual buyer, and is great for that market. I prefer the listening experience of this album more than viewing the documentary (which was available on the Band On The Run archive collection set) which I found lacked atmosphere. But the album brings an intimacy and warmth which is a joy to the listener. Some full-on versions of tracks such as Soily, Jet and Junior's Farm really rock, and there are a few rarities on here too. Some tracks sound more like Paul just playing around, which is really why this album doesn't work for casual fans, as they sound like throwaways which should be hidden away on some archive box set somewhere. But for fans, these are great little moments.
I would like to have seen more information in the package about the documentary itself, just to give some backgroind. There is a fold-out leaflet which has very little info, so more would have been good. The front cover is a bit rubbish too, but that's irrelevant really as it's the music that matters, which is great.
Gary ZenkerReviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024
Paul McCartney is one of the most successful and popular musicians living. From Beatles to the ever-changing Wings line-up to his Paul McCartney solo career, there always seems to be something special with every change of musicians and every release.
But Paul's work that came from the Wings years are some of fans' absolute favorites. As artists grow, there's no way to go backward to once they once were. But sometimes, fans are lucky that there are undiscovered gems that remain "in the can," and the fans CAN find a way back. One Hand Clapping is 26 tracks of bliss for these fans.
The listing for One Hand Clapping, the latest release, offers no background or history so let me start there and then get to the review.
One Hand Clapping dates back to 1974, following the successful release of Band on The Run and its seven week #1 status on the brit charts. Wings went to Abbey Road Studios to do a bit of recording for what at the time they believed could be a studio album. Video recording was done as well, prepping for a documentary.
The then-current line-up for Wings included Paul and Linda, plus Denny Laine, Jimmy McCulloch and Geoff Britto, together with orchestral arranger Del Newman and saxophonist Howie Casey.
The songs have their origins from several Wings albums and singles:
Disc 1
1. One Hand Clapping
2. Jet
3. Soily
4. C Moon
5. Maybe I’m Amazed
6. My Love
7. Bluebird
8. Let’s Love
9. All Of You
10. I’ll Give You a Ring
11. Band on the Run
12. Live and Let Die
13. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five
14. Baby Face
Disc 2
1. Let Me Roll It
2. Blue Moon of Kentucky
3. Power Cut
4. Love My Baby
5. Let It Be
6. The Long and Winding Road/Lady Madonna
7. Junior’s Farm
8. Sally G
9. Tomorrow
10. Go Now
11. Wild Life
12. Hi, Hi, Hi.
Some sound surprisingly similar like the released versions. But then you listen and think "that part of the instruments wasn't on the release" and begin to listen more carefully for other differences. It's a counterpoint to the eventually released Wings Over America, offering a different feel to some of the same song selection.
McCartney's voice sounds wonderful. Some of the songs have the wonderful feeling of being underproduced (Sally G and Tomorrow), which puts the focus on what IS there...and its simpler beauty.
It's fair to say that the art and liners for this release are sparse. Turns out that the release uses the original artwork created for the project. I have to say that I would have preferred some more detailed content. It looks a bit like it could have been a boot from those days. The elements are a sharp contrast from the photography-focused Band on the Run Cover or the imagery from Venus and Mars
Graphics aside, Wings fans are going to love this collection. I know I do.
James P RossReviewed in the United States on January 1, 2025
Great album
Mike SReviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
Paul McCartney & Wings' One Hand Clapping is a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of one of rock’s most iconic acts. Originally recorded in 1974 but shelved for years, this release is a hidden gem for fans of McCartney’s post-Beatles work. It captures a moment when Wings were transitioning into the powerhouse band that would later dominate the '70s, with McCartney refining his sound and songwriting.
The album gives us raw, stripped-down performances of some of Wings' classics, including “Band on the Run” and “Jet,” but also offers a look at lesser-known tracks like “Soily,” which never made it onto a studio album. It’s intimate yet energetic, with McCartney’s unmistakable vocals and the tight musicianship of the band on full display.
What’s really special about One Hand Clapping is how it showcases McCartney’s genius at work. You hear the band jamming, experimenting, and locking into grooves, all while McCartney’s musical mastery ties it together. It’s not a polished, overproduced studio album; rather, it feels like being in the room with them during rehearsals, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the magic happening.
For diehard McCartney fans, this is a must-listen. It provides a new perspective on a well-loved era of his career, offering both nostalgia and fresh appreciation for his work with Wings.
MIGUELReviewed in Mexico on December 4, 2024
Sonido excelente, recomendado para colección. Pudieron mejorar la calidad del póster, el librito japonés con la letra de las canciones algunas tienen error y otras no están completas.
Captain ManotickReviewed in Canada on September 4, 2024
This is Paul and band at the height of the 70s success. The versions of many familiar McCartney tunes are more than just well-played, they display a spirit and commitment that is intoxicating. I have played this one over and over. For those who had the long circulated bootleg versions of these sessions, do not hesitate to buy this official version that has more punch and fury than those old tapes. Paul’s singing here is among the finest he has recorded. All musicians are playing their best. Linda McCartney, Jimmy McCulloch and Geoff Britton stand out in particular. There are also some wonderful solo acoustic guitar and solo piano performances from Paul. It is like having Paul in your living room. One minor criticism, I think these could have been grouped together on the second cd and the full-band performances on the first.
GonzaloReviewed in Spain on January 1, 2025
Excelente disco que recupera unas grabaciones históricas de las que sólo había versiones piratas. La calidad de la grabación es óptima y la presentación adecuada.
Un repaso interesante a los primeros años de Paul en solitario.
Al KILLIReviewed in Belgium on December 28, 2024
Wings dans ce qu’il a fait de meilleur !
Peter BischofReviewed in Germany on December 15, 2024
Young at HeartReviewed in the United States on January 1, 2025
Even though you know the songs, this CD is worth adding to your collection. The vocals are crisp and clear, with the music sounding like you're front row and center at a live concert, even though it was recorded in 1974. The tunes sound fresh and the Wings vocals and instruments still resonate fifty years later.
Joel BellmanReviewed in the United States on December 25, 2024
Deep but worthwhile tracks for fans of Paul’s solo work. These songs are culled from the sessions done for an obscure British TV documentary of that title from the mid-‘70s, one of prolific Paul’s most artistically fertile periods
Chuck GarnerReviewed in the United States on December 18, 2024
This offers a glimpse of what Wings would have been had Geoffrey Britton remained with the group. The lack of numerous overdubs makes this a "stripped-down" version of many Wings songs, and for that alone it is interesting to hear. Excellent recording, quality, and package.
Clive R. StaceyReviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
This release , a soundtrack to a documentary from 1974, is made for fans rather than the casual buyer, and is great for that market. I prefer the listening experience of this album more than viewing the documentary (which was available on the Band On The Run archive collection set) which I found lacked atmosphere. But the album brings an intimacy and warmth which is a joy to the listener. Some full-on versions of tracks such as Soily, Jet and Junior's Farm really rock, and there are a few rarities on here too. Some tracks sound more like Paul just playing around, which is really why this album doesn't work for casual fans, as they sound like throwaways which should be hidden away on some archive box set somewhere. But for fans, these are great little moments. I would like to have seen more information in the package about the documentary itself, just to give some backgroind. There is a fold-out leaflet which has very little info, so more would have been good. The front cover is a bit rubbish too, but that's irrelevant really as it's the music that matters, which is great.
Gary ZenkerReviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024
Paul McCartney is one of the most successful and popular musicians living. From Beatles to the ever-changing Wings line-up to his Paul McCartney solo career, there always seems to be something special with every change of musicians and every release. But Paul's work that came from the Wings years are some of fans' absolute favorites. As artists grow, there's no way to go backward to once they once were. But sometimes, fans are lucky that there are undiscovered gems that remain "in the can," and the fans CAN find a way back. One Hand Clapping is 26 tracks of bliss for these fans. The listing for One Hand Clapping, the latest release, offers no background or history so let me start there and then get to the review. One Hand Clapping dates back to 1974, following the successful release of Band on The Run and its seven week #1 status on the brit charts. Wings went to Abbey Road Studios to do a bit of recording for what at the time they believed could be a studio album. Video recording was done as well, prepping for a documentary. The then-current line-up for Wings included Paul and Linda, plus Denny Laine, Jimmy McCulloch and Geoff Britto, together with orchestral arranger Del Newman and saxophonist Howie Casey. The songs have their origins from several Wings albums and singles: Disc 1 1. One Hand Clapping 2. Jet 3. Soily 4. C Moon 5. Maybe I’m Amazed 6. My Love 7. Bluebird 8. Let’s Love 9. All Of You 10. I’ll Give You a Ring 11. Band on the Run 12. Live and Let Die 13. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five 14. Baby Face Disc 2 1. Let Me Roll It 2. Blue Moon of Kentucky 3. Power Cut 4. Love My Baby 5. Let It Be 6. The Long and Winding Road/Lady Madonna 7. Junior’s Farm 8. Sally G 9. Tomorrow 10. Go Now 11. Wild Life 12. Hi, Hi, Hi. Some sound surprisingly similar like the released versions. But then you listen and think "that part of the instruments wasn't on the release" and begin to listen more carefully for other differences. It's a counterpoint to the eventually released Wings Over America, offering a different feel to some of the same song selection. McCartney's voice sounds wonderful. Some of the songs have the wonderful feeling of being underproduced (Sally G and Tomorrow), which puts the focus on what IS there...and its simpler beauty. It's fair to say that the art and liners for this release are sparse. Turns out that the release uses the original artwork created for the project. I have to say that I would have preferred some more detailed content. It looks a bit like it could have been a boot from those days. The elements are a sharp contrast from the photography-focused Band on the Run Cover or the imagery from Venus and Mars Graphics aside, Wings fans are going to love this collection. I know I do.
James P RossReviewed in the United States on January 1, 2025
Great album
Mike SReviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
Paul McCartney & Wings' One Hand Clapping is a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of one of rock’s most iconic acts. Originally recorded in 1974 but shelved for years, this release is a hidden gem for fans of McCartney’s post-Beatles work. It captures a moment when Wings were transitioning into the powerhouse band that would later dominate the '70s, with McCartney refining his sound and songwriting. The album gives us raw, stripped-down performances of some of Wings' classics, including “Band on the Run” and “Jet,” but also offers a look at lesser-known tracks like “Soily,” which never made it onto a studio album. It’s intimate yet energetic, with McCartney’s unmistakable vocals and the tight musicianship of the band on full display. What’s really special about One Hand Clapping is how it showcases McCartney’s genius at work. You hear the band jamming, experimenting, and locking into grooves, all while McCartney’s musical mastery ties it together. It’s not a polished, overproduced studio album; rather, it feels like being in the room with them during rehearsals, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the magic happening. For diehard McCartney fans, this is a must-listen. It provides a new perspective on a well-loved era of his career, offering both nostalgia and fresh appreciation for his work with Wings.
MIGUELReviewed in Mexico on December 4, 2024
Sonido excelente, recomendado para colección. Pudieron mejorar la calidad del póster, el librito japonés con la letra de las canciones algunas tienen error y otras no están completas.
Captain ManotickReviewed in Canada on September 4, 2024
This is Paul and band at the height of the 70s success. The versions of many familiar McCartney tunes are more than just well-played, they display a spirit and commitment that is intoxicating. I have played this one over and over. For those who had the long circulated bootleg versions of these sessions, do not hesitate to buy this official version that has more punch and fury than those old tapes. Paul’s singing here is among the finest he has recorded. All musicians are playing their best. Linda McCartney, Jimmy McCulloch and Geoff Britton stand out in particular. There are also some wonderful solo acoustic guitar and solo piano performances from Paul. It is like having Paul in your living room. One minor criticism, I think these could have been grouped together on the second cd and the full-band performances on the first.
GonzaloReviewed in Spain on January 1, 2025
Excelente disco que recupera unas grabaciones históricas de las que sólo había versiones piratas. La calidad de la grabación es óptima y la presentación adecuada. Un repaso interesante a los primeros años de Paul en solitario.
Al KILLIReviewed in Belgium on December 28, 2024
Wings dans ce qu’il a fait de meilleur !
Peter BischofReviewed in Germany on December 15, 2024
Gehört in die Sammlung