Thursday, September 23, 2010

Sweetest Little Show by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1983

The instrumental break is the best part of this song, and although it is not a medley as such, this song segues into "Average Person" without a break on Paul's "Pipes of Peace".

Sweet Sweet Memories by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1993

Decent Paul track released as one of the b-sides on the "Off the Ground" CD single.

Sweet Music by Lon and Derrek Van Eaton – ***

First released: 1972

George performs on this track from Lon and Derrek Van Eaton’s album, "Brother".

Sweet Little Sixteen by The Beatles – ***; by John Lennon – **; by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1975

Lennon recorded a plodding version of this Chuck Berry tune for his "Rock ‘n’ Roll" album. Berry’s version from 1958 is vastly more upbeat. It was also on 1990’s "Lennon" and "Instant Karma" from 2001. In 2006, Ringo recorded a version with Jerry Lee Lewis that appears on Lewis’ "Last Man Standing" album. The Beatles performed it live on "Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg 1962" in 1977. A 1963 radio version appears on 1994's "Live at the BBC".

Sweet Little Bird by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney song dating from 1974 and 1978.

Sweet Georgia Brown by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1964

One of the Tony Sheridan/Beatles cuts recorded in 1961.

Sweet Baby by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

Paul McCartney song given to his brother Mike in 1974. It is unknown whether there is a Paul version. I haven't heard it.

Swanee River by The Beatles – (NR)

Unreleased.

This is rumored to be a missing Tony Sheridan/Beatles number from 1961, but The Beatles involvement is nonexistent.

Suzy Parker by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1970

The Beatles do a spirited version of this song for "Let it Be", but to date, it has never been officially released to record.

Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox) by John Lennon – ***

First released: 1974

Possibly the weakest moment on Lennon’s "Walls and Bridges" album, this track is saved by the punched up funky beat using sax and trumpets. This song was about his then-current relationship with May Pang. It is obvious that Pang didn’t inspire as good of tunes as the ones he composed about Yoko (or even Cynthia). It’s also on 1990’s "Lennon". There’s also a demo version released on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology".

Sure to Fall (In Love With You) by The Beatles – ***; Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1981

The Beatles recorded a version of this 1956 Carl Perkins tune at the dawn of their career for the 1962 Decca Audition. The Beatles also recorded a radio version in 1963 that was released on 1994's "Live at the BBC". Later, Paul convinced Ringo to record a new version for the latter’s "Stop and Smell the Roses" album in 1981. The song was also included on "Starr Struck: Best of Ringo Starr, Vol. 2" in 1989.

Sunshine Sometime by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

Pretty good outtake dating back from 1970 and Paul's "Rupert" sessions in 1978. Personally, I would dust it off and give it a legitimate release. Nice harmonies. There are also instrumental versions floating around as well.

Sunshine of Your Love by Jack Bruce – ****

First released: 2000

A live version by Jack Bruce appears on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far". Excellent bass work!!! Check out the video version for full effect.

Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond) by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1973

Yee-hah! George Harrison continues to deliver the goods for the "Ringo" album, with this bluegrass inspired song. The lyrics don’t mean much to me, and as I’ve said tons of times before, I’m not really a lyrics person. Maybe it does mean something, who knows? I just like the bright and cheery fiddle-playing in this “good time” Ringo tune.

Sunshine In Your Hair by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney song dating from 1974 and 1978.

Sunshine by Lon and Derrek Van Eaton – ***

First released: 1972

George performs on this song from Lon and Derrek Van Eaton’s album, "Brother".

Sunrise Mix by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1994

A track from McCartney's trance album "Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest" released under the pseudonym The Fireman.

Sunday Bloody Sunday by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1972

Although it’s about the same subject, this John Lennon tune has nothing to do with the U2 tune of the same name. It’s a very meaty song and makes it a favorite of mine. I love the drum work on this one. From "Some Time in New York City".

Sun King by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1969

Great harmonies accentuate what is essentially a nonsense song lyrically by Lennon from "Abbey Road". A demo snippet is featured on 2003's "Fly on the Wall". The song was reversed and released as "Gnik Nus" on The Beatles' "Love" in 2006.

Sun is Shining by Paul McCartney – ***

First Released: 2008

Nice, peaceful Fireman song that probably should have been called "I Get Up". Off Paul’s album "Electric Arguments", but kind of sounds like something The Rolling Stones would have recorded for "Beggars Banquet".

Sun Country Classic Cooler by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1987

Former drinker Ringo Starr wasn’t when he made a few of these funny commercials.

Sun City by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1986

Another one of those group effort songs like "Band Aid" or "We are the World". Ringo is more prominent in the video, drumming along with son, Zak.

Summertime by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1988

Kind of an odd choice (at least in my opinion) for Paul to cover on his "Choba B CCCP" album, especially in comparison to the more rocking tunes filling out the album. He does a very nice version of the old 1935 George Gershwin number from "Porgy and Bess". Apparently, "Summertime" vies with "Yesterday" as the most covered song in the history of popular music, so it was only natural that Paul should choose to perform this.

Summer’s Day Song by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1980

Pretty good song that originally was just an instrumental from "McCartney II", but Paul went back and added some words to it, but it's still kind of draggy.

Summer of ’59 by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 2005

Another dull track from Paul's "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard" sessions. It's the b-side from the "Jenny Wren" single.

Suitcase by Badfinger – ****

First released: 1971

George produced and performed on this song by Badfinger.

Suicide by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

A little snippet of this appears at the tail end of "Hot As Sun/Glasses" on "McCartney", but it is part of a much longer piece, which to date has not been released. It was recorded a few times, most notably in 1969, 1970 and 1974. This is the notorious song that McCartney wanted Sinatra to sing. If I was Sinatra, I would have turned it down, too. Who wants to sing about suicide, anyway?

Sugartime by Linda McCartney – ***

First released: 1998

Linda McCartney recording dating from 1977 that eventually appeared on her "Wide Prairie" album.

Sue Me, Sue You Blues by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1973

Critics have accused the "Living in the Material World" album of being too preachy about George Harrison’s religious beliefs, but one listen to this track from the album proves otherwise. It’s also a great track. Should have been a single, but George probably didn’t want to air his dirty laundry as a hit single.

Style Style by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1993

Catchy tune that was released as one of the b-sides from the "Off the Ground" CD single.

Studio Talk by Ringo Starr – ***

Unreleased.

Miscellaneous jabber by Ringo and company during the 1987 Chips Moman recording sessions.

Stuck Inside a Cloud by George Harrison – ***

First released: 2002
This was intended as the first single from George’s posthumous "Brainwashed" album, but it eventually lost out to "Any Road" instead. I didn’t like it at first, but later it grew on me. A very sweet and gentle song.

Stroke, The by Billy Squier – ****

First released: 2010

Billy Squier returns to the All-Starrs and performs another one of his big hits. This appears on "Live at the Greek Theatre 2008" from 2010.

Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1967

This was the first single by the "new" Beatles and what a difference a break makes. It was the b-side to "Penny Lane", but really a hit on its own. Later in the year it ended up on the non-soundtrack side of "Magical Mystery Tour". And it’s on "1967-1970" and on the "Imagine: John Lennon" soundtrack from 1988. A "(demo sequence)", "(Take 1)" and "(Take 7 and edit piece)" appear on "Anthology 2" in 1996. Back in the 80s and 90s, Ronn Owens of KGO radio in San Francisco used to say that he hated this song. Amazing. Of course, in reading this book, I'm sure that some of you aren't crazy about my opinions either. To each his own. It is also used for 2006's "Love".

Paul performs a live version of this from 1990 in a medley of Lennon hits that appeared on the b-side of the "All My Trials" single along with "Help!" and "Give Peace a Chance".

"Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest" by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1994

After a practice run with the "Deliverance" dub, Paul goes full steam ahead with a largely trance album that is really totally unlike anything he has released before. He even released it under the name, The Fireman. Even though there are nine tracks on the album, none is particularly distinguishable from the other.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1994

Title track from McCartney's trance album "Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest" released under the pseudonym The Fireman.

Stranglehold by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1986

I don't know about you, but I really dig on this song. I like the chunking guitar and the whiny brass. It was the second single off of Paul's "Press to Play", but it didn't do much. Oh well.

Stormy Weather by Ringo Starr – ***

Unreleased.

Unreleased outtake from Ringo’s first solo album "Sentimental Journey" recorded in 1969. They should have put it out when the CD reissue took place and for now is still an unreleased rarity. It’s in the same style as the rest of the tunes from the album, but I think that Ringo’s voice cracking in the fadeout is what’s kept this one on the shelf. I find that charming, however. Ringo probably doesn’t.

Storm by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

Paul composed and recorded the music for his "Rupert" project in 1978 that remains unreleased.

Stop and Take the Time to Smell the Roses by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1981

A very humorous track from Ringo’s "Stop and Smell the Roses" album. Although it was just a b-side to "Private Property", Ringo saw fit to film a video for the song that’s quite good as well with Ringo as a cop. When the album was issued to CD in 1994, the "Original Vocal Version" of this track was added as well reinstating the “Ford Cortina” line that was thought to get Ringo in trouble.

"Stop and Smell the Roses" by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1981

After the disasters of "Ringo’s Rotogravure", "Ringo the 4th" and "Bad Boy", Ringo was determined to get back on top with an album like "Ringo" or "Goodnight Vienna". It featured songs by George and Paul and was planned to have songs by John as well, but Ringo chose not to record them after Lennon’s death. Probably a wise choice at the time, but at this point, I would still like to hear Ringo record his own versions of "Life Begins at 40" and "Nobody Told Me". The CD booklet discusses the whole lengthy story of these recordings and adds six extra tracks that were recorded at the time, but left off the final album. I really liked this album back in 1981, although I thought Ringo’s remake of "Back Off Boogaloo" was abysmal.

Stop in the Name of Love by Mary Wilson – ***

Unreleased.

The Supremes’ Mary Wilson sang while George played guitar at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, in which The Beatles were also inducted.

Sticks and Stones by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

The Beatles performed a version of this song during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Step Lightly by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1973

This was off of "Ringo" and also issued as the b-side of "Oh My My". It’s pretty silly, you know, Ringo tap-dancing and all on a record! And you know, Ringo has always been known for his tap-dancing!

Step Inside Love by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1996

Though Cilla Black recorded a proper version of this song, Paul took The Beatles through a loose version that segued into an impromptu song called "Los Paranoias" in 1968. Both are on "Anthology 3".

Stella May Day by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

McCartney recorded this unreleased song in 1995.

Steel and Glass by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1974

"How Do You Sleep? Part Two" from "Walls and Bridges". This time, Lennon is singing about Allen Klein and not McCartney. The moral of the story is don’t get on Lennon’s bad side or you might have a not-too-flattering song written about you. It’s also on 1990’s "Lennon" and 2006’s "Remember". A demo version was released in 1986 on "Menlove Avenue" and on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology".

Stay by John Lennon – (NR)

Unreleased.

Lennon jammed a version of this song in 1980.

Monday, September 20, 2010

"Starr Struck: Best of Ringo Starr Vol. 2" by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1989

By 1989, it seemed that Ringo packed in his recording career for good, so it was nice of Rhino Records to collect the better material from the second half of his solo career. It is a great collection, and is much better than slogging through the lousier tracks of "Ringo’s Rotogravure", "Ringo the 4th", "Stop and Smell the Roses" and "Old Wave". At the time of issue, since CDs were still in their relative infancy, Rhino couldn’t foresee a time when all of Ringo’s albums represented here would be issued to CD. The four tracks included in this collection from "Old Wave" also represent the first US release of these songs.

Stardust by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1970

Surprisingly, George never recorded this tune, probably because Ringo recorded this 1927 Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish tune first for his "Sentimental Journey" album. Paul arranged the track for Ringo.

"Standing Stone" by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1997

Yet another of McCartney's classical ventures. I hate to say it, but I like each endeavor less and less than the previous one.

Stand By Me by John Lennon – ***

First released: 1975

From Lennon’s "Rock ‘n’ Roll" album and the first single from the album. Virtually everyone has recorded this Leiber/Stoller/King classic including Lennon’s own son Julian, but it is the Ben E. King version from 1961 that all other versions are based. I don’t know if this was the wisest choice for a single as Lennon’s version kind of plods along, but hindsight displays the record’s charms. It’s also on "The John Lennon Collection" from 1982 but only in the UK. We had to wait until the 1989 CD reissue for this song to be included. It’s also on the "Imagine: John Lennon" soundtrack from 1988, 1990’s "Lennon", "Lennon Legend" from 1997, "Instant Karma" from 2001, and "Working Class Hero" from 2005.

St. Louis Blues by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

The Beatles performed a version of this during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Squid by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1997

McCartney tune dating from 1986 that was released as the b-side of one of the "Flaming Pie" singles as part of "Oobu Joobu".

Spooky Weirdness by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1976

Is it wrong to say that this is the best track off of "Ringo’s Rotogravure"? I like it because it’s a brief bit of inspired nonsense in the best "Revolution 9" style. Not hit single material, it is a breath of fresh air and comedy relief after an entire album of too serious studio recordings.

Spiritus by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 2006

Another track from Paul's classical "Ecce Cor Meum" album.

Spiritual Regeneration by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Is there a version of this that doesn't have Wolfman Jack talking over part of it? This was recorded by The Beatles and Mike Love in India in 1968 when they were all with the Maharishi.

Spirits of Ancient Egypt by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1975

Denny Laine takes a lead vocal on this track from Paul's "Venus and Mars". A pretty hard rocker from a great album. A live version was performed and released on "Wings Over America" in 1976.

Spirit of the Forest by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1995

Another one of those charity records with a zillion performers. Ringo's on it somewhere.

Spiral by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1999

One of the few original tracks from Paul's largely instrumental "Working Classical".

Spinning On An Axis by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 2001

Slightly better tune from Paul from his lame "Driving Rain" album.

Spin It On by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1979

Great little rocking tune, from Paul and Wings on "Back to the Egg". It was the b-side of "Getting Closer" in the US and "Old Siam, Sir" in the UK. Paul needs to do more songs like this.

"Spike" by Elvis Costello – ****

First released: 1989

Elvis Costello album that features that McCartney co-compositions and vocals on "Veronica" and "Pads, Paws and Claws", and Paul's playing on "...This Town". Demo versions of each of these songs were added to the 2001 reissue.

Spies Like Us by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1985

I happen to like Paul's theme song from the Dan Aykroyd/Chevy Chase comedy. It has a good chunking guitar beat and was Paul's last Top Ten single hit in the US. It was added to the 1993 UK "Press to Play" CD reissue. There was also a 12" single that had a few remixes by The Art of Noise with many added Aykroyd and Chase sound bites. These remixes are still absent from official CD issues.

Sparrow by Mary Hopkin – ***

First released: 1969

Mary Hopkin’s b-side to "Goodbye", also produced but not written by McCartney.

Spaceman by Harry Nilsson – ***

First released: 1972

Harry Nilsson song with Ringo’s participation.

"Space Within Us, The" by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 2006

Live McCartney DVD covering the 2005 tour. Strangely, this was not concurrently released onto CD, probably because DVDs were now routinely outselling CDs. McCartney performed some songs live that had never been performed before and his singing voice is still in the top form that it was on "Back in the US/World".

Souvenir by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1997

Great tune with great lyrics and great sound effects from Paul's "Flaming Pie". I especially like the sound at the end that sounds like a fuse burning up or something. Great stuff.

Sour Milk Sea by George Harrison – ***

Unreleased.

George recorded a demo version of this song in 1968 intended for inclusion at one point for the "White Album", but eventually given to Jackie Lomax. George produces and plays on this Jackie Lomax version from "Is This What You Want?"

Sound Stage of Mind by George Harrison – **

Unreleased.

Unreleased live track performed by George on his 1974 tour. Nothing special.

"Sound of the Stars" by The Beatles – (NR)

First released: 1966

Double-sided flexi-disc designed to promote the "Disc" and "Music Echo" pop music newspaper. It included interviews with quite a few singers and groups, among them The Beatles, the Hollies, Spencer Davis, and Pete Townshend. The Beatles were interviewed by Radio Caroline disc jockey Tom Lodge on Friday, 25 March 1966. The interview was conducted at a photographic studio where The Beatles posed later that day for Robert Whitaker and his infamous Butcher photographs.

"Songs by George Harrison" by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1987 and 1992

Two-volume limited edition book set that features material by George similar to the mass-produced "I Me Mine". Both books had a bonus CD of previously unreleased material, some still unreleased to this day. The CD with "Volume 1" contained "Sat Singing", "Lay His Head", "For You Blue (Recorded live in Washington DC, December 1974)", "Flying Hour" and the CD with "Volume 2" contained "Life Itself (Demo Version)", "Hottest Gong in Town", "Tears of the World" and "Hari's on Tour Express (Recorded live in Washington DC in 1974)". It is a very handsome set and I hope they reissue it or the music tracks in a more accessible form. "Lay His Head" did get a brief release as the b-side to "Got My Mind Set on You" and "Tears of the World" became a bonus track on the "33 1/3" reissue.

Song We Were Singing, The by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1997

The best album opener in quite a while for Paul, this one from his "Flaming Pie" masterpiece.

Song to Woody by George Harrison – ***

Unreleased.

George performs a version of this Bob Dylan track in 1970.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Song for John by Yoko Ono – **

First released: 1997

One of two additional tracks added to the Ryko CD version John and Yoko’s "Unfinished Music No. 2 – Life With the Lions". Very similar to songs like "No Bed For Beatle John".

"Son of Dracula" (feature) by Ringo Starr – (NR)

First released: 1974

Harry Nilsson and Ringo star in the horror movie musical released by Apple Films.

"Somewhere in England" by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1981

This was the infamous George Harrison album that Warner Bros. told him to go back and rework. It’s amazing because although the new tracks are very good, the tracks they are replacing were good, too. I think "Blood From a Clone" explains the story quite well. When the CD was issued in 1991, it was very bare bones. When the CD reissue came out in 2004, it was hoped that the four replaced tracks would be returned to the lineup, but although the original artwork was reinstated, the tracks were not. All that was added was a demo version of "Save the World", which was nothing special. Here’s hoping that someday they’ll reissue it right. In the meantime, I am burning my own. "Tears of the World" did end up on the "33 1/3" CD reissue and "Lay His Head" was on the b-side of "Got My Mind Set on You" single and Japanese CD single. "Flying Hour" and "Sat Singing" have yet to see a standard commercial release of any sort, though they were both on the "Songs by George Harrison" bonus CD single. Thank God for bootlegs.

The cover art was originally supposed to be George’s profile blended into a map of England. That was replaced by a photo of George straight on standing in front of a painting of a sidewalk. As previously mentioned, the original planned artwork graced the 2004 edition. I like this album. Many don’t, but I do.

"Sometimes I'd borrow...those still exist" by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1995

Snippet of 1994 interview with McCartney by Mark Lewisohn that appeared on "Anthology 1".

Sometimes by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1998

Country-inspired Ringo tune released on the limited edition Best Buy single and left off of "Vertical Man". It sounds quite a bit like "Don’t Be Cruel", which itself was a bonus track from the "Time Takes Time" album sessions.

"Something New" by The Beatles – **

First released: 1964

The Beatles' third US album. It really wasn't new as it included almost all of the tracks from The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" soundtrack issued on United Artists about the same time, hence the lower rating. Later, it was included as part of "The Capitol Versions, Volume 2".

Something by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1969

The best tune that Lennon-McCartney never wrote. Just ask Frank Sinatra. George’s shining hour on "Abbey Road" and accompanying single was later performed live at "The Concert for Bangla Desh" as one of its encores. This version is included on 2009’s "Let it Roll – Songs by George Harrison".

The studio version also appears on "The Best of George Harrison". It's also on "1967-1970" and 2000's "1". A demo version appears on "Anthology 3" in 1996. It is also used for 2006's "Love".

Also performed on George Harrison’s "Live in Japan" album and tour in 1991. Paul does a tribute version that appears on 2002/3's "Back in the US/World" and on 2009’s "Good Evening New York City".

Someplace Else by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1986

Yet another "Shanghai Surprise" track salvaged for George’s "Cloud Nine" album. We have to thank Madonna for this…or do we?

Somedays by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1997

Paul contemplates life again in another tune devoted to Linda from "Flaming Pie". An instrumental version appears on "Working Classical" in 1999.

Somebody Who Cares by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1982

Great track that somehow has gotten lost in the shuffle from Paul's great "Tug of War" album.

"Some Time in New York City" by John Lennon – **

First released: 1972

This is a tough album to like. In some ways it is harder to like this album than say the ramblings and screaming on the "Unfinished Music" series. I think it’s mainly because John and Yoko meant well with this and failed miserably. That’s not to say there’s nothing of merit here. It’s just such a letdown after the "Imagine" album. I have to say that "Woman is the Nigger of the World", "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "John Sinclair" are among my favorite Lennon songs, but not THE favorite songs in his catalog. There was also a useless "Live Jam" LP added to the original collection that was included in its entirety on CD. When the CD was remastered and reissued in 2005, Yoko wisely discarded the more useless noise from this LP and added "Listen the Snow is Falling" and "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" to the collection.

Some People Never Know by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1971

I like the guitars and the harmonies from the basically undistinguished song from McCartney on "Wild Life".

Some People by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 2005

Average song from Ringo's "Choose Love". It’s also on 2008’s "5.1".

Some Other Guy by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1994

The Beatles recording of this song from The Cavern in 1962 has circulated numerous times and is the earliest film footage of The Beatles performing with Ringo and is included in the "Anthology" videos. A live radio version recorded in 1963 appeared on 1994's "Live at the BBC" and was the first official release of this song.

Some Days by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

Decent, McCartney composition that only appears on the 1960 home recordings that still haven't been officially released.

Solid Gold by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1975

Ringo does some megaphone announcing on this track from Keith Moon's "Two Sides of the Moon". It was also released as a single.

Soldier of Love by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1994

This Arthur Alexander track should have been the single off of "Live at the BBC" instead of "Baby it's You". Just my opinion.

Soily by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1976

Though performed live many times as far back as 1972, a live version wasn’t released until "Wings Over America" in 1976. It was also the b-side to the live version of "Maybe I’m Amazed" for people who didn’t want to splurge for a three-album set for only one new Wings-created track. Eh, buy the album you cheapskates!

Soggy Noodle by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1993

Useless ditty by Paul released as one of the b-sides on the "Off the Ground" CD single.

Soft Touch by George Harrison – ***

First release: 1979

Some good instrumentation on this song from "George Harrison". The song was also the b-side of the "Love Comes to Everyone" single.

Soft-Hearted Hana by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1979

Though I do not know the identities of the voices in the background of this song, I always pictured it to be George’s dinner with the Pythons, since they are definitely British voices. Does anyone know? This b-side to "Blow Away" was also included on the "George Harrison" album. A funny side note is the cassette version of the "George Harrison" album had a special note included stating that the speed variation in this song was intentional and not part of a screwed up tape!

So Sad by George Harrison – **

First released: 1974

I’m sorry that George was going through a difficult time with his wife Patti at this time, but that’s no excuse for releasing an album as lousy as "Dark Horse" with a song as lousy as this. I guess the former Beatles were required to release at least five studio albums before the end of their contract in early 1976, so George was apparently hoofing it to get material out. He should have waited. He could have put out another double album later as "Extra Texture", though not perfect, is a much better album.

So Like Candy by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1991

McCartney/MacManus collaboration from 1987 that appeared on Elvis Costello's "Mighty Like a Rose".

So How Come No One Loves Me by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1994

Everly Brothers song from 1961, performed in 1963 by The Beatles. It appears on 1994's "Live at the BBC".

So Glad To See You Here by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1979

Rockestra makes an encore performance on Paul's "Back to the Egg", complete with snippets of "We're Open Tonight" in tow. I like this better than the main Theme, but still falls short of expectations for me.

So Bad by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1983

Paul tries for a second time to sound like Michael Jackson, making me wonder if he intended this as yet another duet with him from "Pipes of Peace". It was also a minor hit single, but should have been the b-side like it was in England.

This is also one of the songs McCartney chose to remake in an inferior version for "Give My Regards to Broad Street" in 1984. This was originally left off of the vinyl version, but added to the CD.

Snookeroo by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1974

Elton John and Bernie Taupin composed this bouncy hit for Ringo that almost buries Ringo in the mix from "Goodnight Vienna". Even Elton counts it off. It was an a-side in the UK, but only a b-side in the US backing "No No Song". It was also included on 2007’s "Photograph" compilation minus Elton's count in.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Sneaking Sally Through the Alley by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1977

Robert Palmer had a hit with this back in 1974, but that doesn’t mean Ringo should have covered it. It’s on the "Ringo the 4th" album if you want to hear it.

"Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The" (series) by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1967

Many ties with The Smothers Brothers. During the show’s most notorious run from 1967-1969, The Beatles premiered their "Hey Jude" and "Revolution" videos, which appeared on "The David Frost Show" in Europe. Then, George himself made a personal appearance on the show.

The Smothers Brothers was canceled and the brothers went their separate ways for a time. By 1974, they were back together and at one of these reunion concerts is where John Lennon and Harry Nilsson got kicked out of the nightclub.

In 1975, the Smothers were back on the air, and Ringo performed "No No Song" with them, and then told a few jokes.

Smile Away by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1971

If you really listen to the lyrics of this song, they're kind of disgusting. If you don't, it's kind of powerful rocker from Paul's "Ram" album.

Slow Down by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1965

One of three Larry Williams covers The Beatles did. This one first appeared on a UK EP. It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988. A 1963 radio version appears on 1994's "Live at the BBC".

Slippin’ and Slidin’ by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1975

This Penniman/Bocage/Collins/Smith tune from John Lennon’s "Rock ‘n’ Roll" album was supposed to be the second single or the b-side. There was even a video made and a live performance of the song, but the single was never officially released, just promo copies. Little Richard released the original version in 1956. Lennon’s version would have been a great hit. It was also on 1990’s "Lennon" and "Instant Karma" from 2001. There’s also a demo version released on 1998’s "The John Lennon Anthology". Lennon also performed this live on "A Salute to Sir Lew Grade" in 1975, but this version has not been officially released. A version with minor alterations appeared on "The Old Grey Whistle Test" also in 1975. That version is now on DVD.

Sleepless Night by Yoko Ono – **

First released: 1984

A Yoko song that kind of plods along. Not one of my favorites from John and Yoko’s "Milk and Honey".

Ski-ing by George Harrison – ***

First released: 1968

Another track from George’s "Wonderwall Music". Sounds like one of the rocking jam sessions from "All Things Must Pass", but a whole lot shorter.

Six O’Clock by Ringo Starr – **

First released: 1973

For me, the dullest song off of "Ringo". Paul composed this and it sounds like a throwaway after you listen to the "Live and Let Die" single and "Red Rose Speedway" and "Band on the Run" albums from Paul, all issued the same year. Poor Ringo. At least Paul pushed for Ringo to issue "You’re Sixteen" as a single instead of this boredom. Fortunately, the drab song was shortened for final album release, but if you want to hear the original length, all you need to do is turn to the 1992 CD reissue of Ringo’s "Goodnight Vienna". The extra minute and a half does nothing. I don't know if there is a Paul demo of this song. I haven't heard it.

Sitting at the Piano by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney song dating from 1974. Not sure if I've heard it.

Sisters O Sisters by Yoko Ono – ***

First released: 1972

This is really Yoko’s song, but it is part of "Some Time in New York City". A very feminist song, but not as good as what she would do on her own "Approximately Infinite Universe" album. It was also the b-side to John’s "Woman is the Nigger of the World".

Single Pigeon by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1973

If you thought "Little Lamb Dragonfly" was bad, wait till you slog through this track from Paul's "Red Rose Speedway". At least it lasts less than two minutes.

Singing Om by George Harrison – **

First released: 1968

Another song from George’s "Wonderwall Music". The title pretty much sums up what happens.

Singing the Blues by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1991

McCartney does a live take of the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991.

Sing the Changes by Paul McCartney – ***

First Released: 2008

The most commercial sounding track off of Fireman’s "Electric Arguments". It segues nicely into "Travelling Light". Paul must have figured that one out and sang it live on 2009’s "Good Evening New York City".

Sing One For the Lord by Billy Preston – ***

First released: 1970

Billy Preston track from his album "Encouraging Words" that George plays on.

Since My Baby Left Me by John Lennon – ***

First released: 1986

First released on the posthumous "Menlove Avenue" compilation in 1986, it finally was released in the proper context on the 2004 CD reissue of "Rock ‘n’ Roll". It was written by Arthur Crudup.

"Simpsons, The" (series) by Ringo Starr – ****; by Paul McCartney – ****; by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1987

Long-running animated TV series that had its origins on "The Tracey Ullman Show". Later, in 1989, it spun-off into its own weekly series. Over the years many guest celebrities have voiced themselves and other characters including three of the four Beatles in separate episodes.

Simple Song by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney track dating from 1990. I haven't heard it.

Simply Shady by George Harrison – *

First released: 1974

Oh cringe, cringe, cringe! George, why oh why did you do it? As George sings “Somebody brought the juicer”, the record listener immediately goes, what the hell happened to George’s voice?!? The "Dark Horse" album is virtually unlistenable and this track is a testimony to that fact.

Simply Love You by Paul McCartney – ***

Unreleased.

Paul McCartney song given to his brother Mike in 1974. It is unknown whether there is a Paul version. I haven't heard it.

Simple Love Song by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1977

This song is slightly better from "Ringo the 4th".

Simple As That by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1986

Originally from "It's a Live-In World-The Anti-Heroin Project" which also featured Ringo in a spoken word recording (see "You Know It Makes Sense"), this Paul track was better than most he released at the time. Finally, it was included on the UK CD reissue of "Pipes of Peace" from 1993. It's a very, very, very catchy tune and could have been a single.

Silly Love Songs by Paul McCartney – ****

First released: 1976

At the time of release, this song was really ridiculed. I happen to like it and it along with "Let 'Em In" are the two real highlights of the otherwise lame "Wings at the Speed of Sound". It was a hit single anyway. It also appears on 1978’s "Wings Greatest", 1987’s "All The Best" and 2001’s "Wingspan". A live version was performed and released on "Wings Over America" in 1976. This is one of the songs McCartney chose to remake in an inferior version for "Give My Regards to Broad Street" in 1984.

Silent Homecoming by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1970

Ringo sings a typical country song on "Beaucoups of Blues".

Sie Liebt Dich by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1963

German version of "She Loves You" originally recorded for Germany, but released as a single in the US on Swan Records. Later it was included on the various "Rarities" compilations in 1980 and still later it was included on "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988.

Showtime by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1990

Opening track showing Paul and his new band revving themselves up before going on stage on "Tripping the Live Fantastic".

Show Me the Way by Peter Frampton – ****

First released: 2000

A live version by Peter Frampton appears on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far".

Shout by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1995

Though recorded in 1964, this Beatles cover of the old Isley Brothers song was not released until "Anthology 1".

Should’ve Known Better by Richard Marx – ***

First released: 2008

Richard Marx song from Ringo’s "Live 2006" album from 2008.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Shot of Rhythm and Blues, A by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1994

Arthur Alexander released this song in 1962 and The Beatles did a cover of it in 1963 for "Live at the BBC".

Short Fat Fanny by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

The Beatles perform a version of this song during their 1969 "Get Back" sessions.

Shooting Star by Simon Kirke – ***

First released: 2000

A live version by Simon Kirke appears on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far".

Shirley’s Wild Accordion by The Beatles – ***

Unreleased.

This was to be a track on 1967’s "Magical Mystery Tour". You can hear some of Shirley’s accordion music in the film, however, with The Beatles singing along.

"Shining Time Station" (series) by Ringo Starr – ***

First released: 1989

Ringo started narrating adventures of "Thomas the Tank Engine". Later, PBS thought it would be a great idea to create a wraparound segment with Ringo cast as Mr. Conductor, which he duly did. Still later, Ringo got bored with this idea and was replaced by George Carlin, and then by Alec Baldwin. Now they're back with just "Thomas the Tank Engine" with some unknown narrating. Ah well.

As for the show itself, it’s a bit sugary sweet for my tastes, but seeing Ringo or George Carlin was always a treat.

Shine Silently by Nils Lofgren – ***

First released: 1990

A live version by Nils Lofgren appears on 1990’s "Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band" (this version reissued on 2000’s "The Anthology…So Far").

Shimmy Shake by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1977

The Beatles performed it live on "Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg 1962" in 1977, although I think they really sing “Shitty Shake”.

Shelter in Your Love by George Harrison – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased George outtake dating from 1985.

Sheila by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1977

The Beatles performed it live on "Live at the Star-Club, Hamburg 1962" in 1977.

Sheik of Araby by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1981

One of the many songs The Beatles performed for their Decca audition in 1962. Probably the goofiest song The Beatles performed for this audition sung by George with crazy background noises by Lennon. I first heard this on a Beatles radio show in the early 80s and was entranced by how brazen The Beatles could be with almost anything. Although it was "officially" released in 1981, the true official release was on "Anthology 1" in 1995.

She’s So In Love by Ringo Starr – *

Unreleased.

Ringo can barely croak out this somewhat falsetto ballad that would be better off staying in the can. Eventually, Ringo would quit smoking, but not at the time of this performance from 1978.

She’s Not There by Rod Argent – ****

First released: 2008

Rod Argent song from Ringo’s "Live 2006" album from 2008.

She’s My Baby by Traveling Wilburys – ***

First released: 1990

The debut single off of George’s "Traveling Wilburys, Volume 3". This has nothing to do with the Paul McCartney and Wings tune of the same name and is a showcase for Jeff Lynne (here known as Clayton Wilbury). Pretty good tune, but as with everything on "Volume 3", not as strong as "Volume 1".

She’s My Baby by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1976

People think that "Silly Love Songs" was silly, but this song is really silly from the same album by Paul, "Wings at the Speed of Sound", (comparing your love to gravy, indeed!). This has nothing to do with The Traveling Wilburys song of the same name. An instrumental version appears on "Working Classical" in 1999.

She’s Leaving Home by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1967

McCartney doing one of those “soap opera” songs that Lennon was never too crazy about. I think it’s fine and it appears on "Sgt. Pepper". It was never performed live until 2003's "Back in the World", and on 2005's In "Red Square" DVD with drummer Abe Laborial doing the high voice parts.

She’s Given Up Talking by Paul McCartney – *

First released: 2001

More bad lyrics from McCartney. "Not a dickie bird"? Really! The tune is so-so and the whole embarrassment appears on "Driving Rain".

She’s About a Mover by Ringo Starr – ****

First released: 1983

I actually heard Ringo’s version of this song played once on a country station on the radio at the time of release on Ringo’s "Old Wave" album, that it might have actually been released. It is the best track off of the album and was a remake of the old Sir Douglas Quintet song from 1965. The song was also included on "Starr Struck: Best of Ringo Starr, Vol. 2" in 1989.

She’s a Woman by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1964

One of my favorite Beatles songs of all time. I much prefer the heavily echoed Capitol Records version. It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988. A 1964 radio version appears on 1994's "Live at the BBC".

A 1966 live version appears on "Anthology 2" in 1996. McCartney does a live take of the song on "Unplugged (The Official Bootleg)" in 1991.

She's a Friend of Dorothy by John Lennon – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased Lennon demo dating from 1975.

She's a Friend of Dorothy by John Lennon – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased Lennon demo dating from 1975.

She Said Yeah by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1999

Paul finally covered a Larry Williams track that he always wanted to do for his "Run Devil Run" album. He claims that The Beatles would have done it after covering "Bad Boy", "Slow Down" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzie", but never got around to it. Williams version dates from 1959.

She Said She Said by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1966

Originally conceived of as "He Said, He Said", Lennon made the sex change to protect the innocent, in this case, Peter Fonda, a person that I helped interview once and I won a Telly Award for, but that’s another story. Anyway, it appears here in all its glory on "Revolver".

She Loves You by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1963

The song and single that put "Yeah, yeah, yeah" into the world's subconscious. It first appeared on CD on "Past Masters, Volume One" in 1988. I first heard it on 1973's "1962-1966" compilation and prior to listening to this album, only heard the "She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah" part and didn't much care for the other part of the song upon first hearing it. Now I like it. It's also on 2000's "1". A live version from 1963 appears on "Anthology 1" in 1995.

She is So Beautiful by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 2005

Another track from Paul's "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard", except that you won't find it here, you have to buy the Japanese version of the album where it is a bonus track. Or, you can download it. Actually, this one is a little bit better than what is on the standard version of the album.

She Got it Good by Paul McCartney – (NR)

Unreleased.

Unreleased McCartney track recorded in 1974 and 1978.

She Came In Through the Bathroom Window by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1969

Part of the "Abbey Road" medley that McCartney wrote, and he carries on through the end of the album. A demo version appears on "Anthology 3" in 1996. A different demo snippet is featured on 2003's "Fly on the Wall".

This is the song that McCartney supposedly "forgot the lyrics" to during his 2002 "Driving Rain" Tour.

Shazam by The Beatles – (NR)

Unreleased.

The Beatles performed this on "Saturday Club" in 1963.

"Shaved Fish" by John Lennon – ****

First released: 1975

Lennon’s first greatest hits compilation that didn’t sell nearly as well as it should have, probably due to the fact that he didn’t always release the best songs as singles off of his albums. Also, for some strange reason, "Give Peace a Chance" was cut short as was "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" which would have been strong selling points as both songs had not appeared on albums previously. Personally, I would have put the full versions of both of those songs, removed "Mother" and the brief live "Give Peace a Chance Reprise" and added "Love", "Stand By Me", "Jealous Guy", and maybe even "Move Over Ms. L" to give the album more hits and more unreleased to album material. Later compilations would make improvements, but this one is still great for Lennon’s pre-retirement career. The cover paintings are also excellent.

Sharing You by The Beatles – (NR)

Unreleased.

The Beatles performed this Goffin/King composition live in 1962.

"Shanghai Surprise" (feature) by George Harrison – **

First released: 1986

A floperoo of floperoos for Handmade Pictures, Madonna, Sean Penn, but an unqualified success for George Harrison! How so? Well, it got him off his ass to record some new material that was originally designed for a soundtrack album and eventually saw release on his "Cloud Nine" album in 1987. He also makes a cameo appearance in the film performing "Zig Zag". Two stars are for George’s performance, certainly not Madonna’s or Sean Penn’s.

If there were a soundtrack album, the track listing would be (in no particular order).
1. Shanghai Surprise
2. Someplace Else
3. Breath Away From Heaven
4. Hottest Gong in Town
5. Zig Zag

Shanghai Surprise by George Harrison – ****

First released: 1986

This SHOULD have been a single. Even if the film flopped (which it did), this still SHOULD have been a single. It’s just a great song. For years I had to listen to a crappy cassette copy taped off of the VHS videotape of the feature film. Later, it was on a bootleg. Finally, it was officially released on the 2004 reissue of George’s "Cloud Nine" album where it SHOULD have been in the first place.

Shallow Grave by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1996

Elvis Costello teams up with Paul McCartney again for this song on Elvis' album "All This Useless Beauty".

Shake, Rattle and Roll by The Beatles – ***

First released: 1996

The Beatles ran through this song back in 1969 and it finally saw release on "Anthology 3".

Shake a Hand by Paul McCartney – ***

First released: 1999

Paul does a decent recording of this old Little Richard tune on "Run Devil Run".

Sha La La La La! by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1994

A little comical spoken word intro part preceding "Baby It’s You" on The Beatles' "Live at the BBC".

"Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1967

A really good Beatles album and rightly so. In fact, it was one of my earliest purchases and was indeed my favorite Beatles album until I heard the “White Album”. It’s still a fantastic album with "Good Morning Good Morning" and "A Day in the Life" being my favorite tracks.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1967

The great opener with phony audience reaction makes for a great beginning to a great album. Even The Beatles thought so as they added a Reprise at the end of the album before "A Day in the Life". 1996's "Anthology 2" contains a demo version of the "Reprise". The opening version however leads directly into "With a Little Help From My Friends". It's also on "1967-1970" and 1999's "Yellow Submarine Songtrack". The "Reprise" is also used for 2006's "Love".

Different live versions were performed on 1990’s "Tripping the Live Fantastic" and 2002/3's "Back in the US/World" and on 2009’s "Good Evening New York City". The latter two versions were coupled with "The End".

Sgt. Pepper’s Inner Groove by The Beatles – *

First released: 1967

Uncredited Beatles nonsense from the UK 'Sgt. Pepper" album that wasn’t released in the US until 1980’s "Rarities". When The Beatles catalog was issued in 1987 to CD they added the "Inner Groove" in a lengthier clip with an extended fadeout. They shouldn’t have bothered. The two-second version was just fine. My take on what The Beatles are saying is, “I never could see any other way”.

Sexy Sadie by The Beatles – ****

First released: 1968

Originally titled "Maharishi", Lennon changed the name, but not the intention of this song from the "White Album". Later on, Tom Petty "borrowed" this droning guitar riff for his own "Into the Great Wide Open". A demo version is included on "Anthology 3" in 1996.

"Sextette" (feature) by Ringo Starr – *

First released: 1978

Appallingly bad feature film with Ringo in a small role as one of octogenarian actress Mae West’s ex-husbands. Films like this are what killed Ringo’s film career, and Ringo’s acting is so wooden, it makes you wonder if he had even appeared on film before. It’s kind of laughable to watch (not funny mind you), but it is very painful as well. It’s viewable mainly to see who career will be killed next.

7 Deadly Sins by Traveling Wilburys – ***

First released: 1990

Boo Wilbury (Bob Dylan) sings lead on this song from George’s "Traveling Wilburys, Volume 3". The cohesiveness of this album or lack thereof makes this song seem like an outtake from the latest Bob Dylan album.

7am by Paul McCartney – **

First released: 1989

Another trance track from Paul's (a.k.a. The Fireman) album "Rushes".