The Unknown Paul McCartney: McCartney and the Avant-Garde (Paperback)

~ Ian Peel (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Immortalized in music’s pantheon, ex–Beatle Paul McCartney nevertheless remains one of the least fully appreciated of modern icons. Now, music journalist Ian Peel looks at McCartney’s surprisingly rich contribution to avant–garde music.

From the Publisher

For over three decades, Paul McCartney has initiated and participated in projects that have taken him far from the kind of music associated with the Beatles, Wings, and his career as a solo artist. From as far back as the mid–sixties, there have been experimental solo projects, both under his own name and incognito. Among these are the Beatles’ legendary “Carnival of Light,” the Percy Thrillington diversion in the seventies, and the recent Fireman dance CDs—as well as less–publicized activities, all of which Ian Peel fully details here for the first time. In writing this book, Peel interviewed many of the musicians who have worked closely with McCartney, including Thrillington mainspring Richard Hewson, bassist Herbie Flowers, psychedelic artist David Vaughan, Gong’s David Allen, and Frank Zappa collaborator Mike Keneally. What emerges is a unique insight into Paul McCartney’s little–known contribution to avant–garde music. Ian Peel is a British music journalist with a special interest in digital dance music and other experimental forms.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Reynolds & Hearn (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1903111366
• ISBN-13: 978-1903111369
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #149,631 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Paul McCartney Goes Too Far, April 17, 2003

By A Customer

Ian Peel methodically tracks McCartney's experimental music work going back to Revolver and detailing many half-forgotten, odd Wings tracks, B-sides, and side projects. Not just about his avant-garde career but looking at his musical career beyond its pop context. It would have been better had it explored the fascinating dynamic of his simultaneous experimental/avant garde work with his classical composing, which is not given much space. Only other hesitation to five stars is at times it is too laudatory where more critical writing might have been more appreciated. Still, quite an achievement. This book goes very far (Paul McCartney Goes Too Far was the title proposed for a Beatles era experimental Stockhausen/Cage inspired work he never finished) toward giving more appropriate weight to what Paul was up to all those Wings years outside of the pop spotlight.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Macca Topples Over The Unknown Edge, July 27, 2003

By	Michelle Hensley (Heart Of The Midwest) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Being a self-confessed 'McCartney can do no wrong' fan, more books like this would help me prove my point. Macca has always been a little more complicated than people give him credit for. His side interests have always fascinated me. The author covers some general history of the avant garde scene, enough to show you Macca just didn't dabble, and he was in rather deep. I especially enjoyed the interviews with the Fireman producer, and the member of Super Furry Animals (sorry, don't recall their names). The only complaint I have is that the author tends to jump back and forth some, but it's a rather quick read that any Macca fan should make. Another suggestion - pick up the UK edition, it has a much cooler cover.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Look at Paul McCartney's 'Other' Side., July 14, 2003

By	Louie Bourland (Garden Grove CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

When it comes to the Beatles, many would say the John Lennon was the most 'avant-garde' Beatle because of his work with Yoko Ono. However, Paul McCartney was quite an 'avant-garde' Beatle as well, sometimes moreso than Lennon. During the last decade, Mccartney's experimental side has shown up more frequently with his two albums released under his Fireman pseudonymn as well as his nearly non-musical "Liverpool Sound Collage" from 2000.
In his book "The Unknown Paul McCartney", Ian Peel goes in deep to reveal a not-so-well-known side to Paul's musical personality.
It is a fascinating revelation to Paul's experiments and fascinations with avant-garde music. Many of his unusual musical experiments such as the tapeloops The Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows" all the way up to The Fireman albums, "Liverpool Sound Collage" and his forays into orchestral music are explained in full detail in this book. It is wonderful and eye-opening.
Ian Peel has done some excellent research in compiling the information for this book. After reading this book, you will no doubt have a greater appreciation for Paul McCartney's more experimental musical side. Also, one may listen to his avant-garde work with a different set of ears. Excellent book!!