Wings - Venus and Mars

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 8 / 6 / 2025

Label: Capitol Records
Format: CD

intro

Impressive 50th anniversary reissue of Wings’ under-rated 1974 album

1973's ‘Band On The Run’ has long been widely acknowledged as Paul McCartney's post-Beatles masterpiece - which meant that subsequent Wings album was going to pale in comparison. And, inevitably, the immediate sequel to ‘Band On The Run’ which was 1975's ‘Venus And Mars’ never achieved the same acclaim. Listening again to the newly remastered 50th anniversary reissue of this album, however, demonstrated clearly that it has enduring appeal. The trio of Paul and Linda McCartney plus Denny Laine who recorded ‘Band On The Run’ were augmented by guitarist Jimmy McCulloch and drummer Geoff Britton (soon to be replaced by American drummer Joe English) on the sequel record and the quality of musicianship is consistently high. The lead single from ‘Venus And Mars’ was ‘Listen To What The Man Said’ which remains one of Wings' most popular hits, enhanced by Linda's backing vocals and Tom Scott's sax solo plus the multi-tracked guitars of Laine, McCulloch, McCartney plus guest Dave Mason (from UK rock band Traffic). Another highlight is ‘You Gave Me The Answer’ which is in the old-time Music Hall style used so effectively on The Beatles' ‘When I'm Sixty-Four’ whilst ‘Call Me Back Again’ is one of McCartney's favourite soul ballads – which he has subsequently said was a plea for reconciliation with fellow ex-Beatle John Lennon. ‘Love In Song’ is another superb hearbreak ballad - and on ‘Spirits Of Ancient Egypt’ the often underrated Denny Laine (formerly of The Moody Blues) supplies powerful lead vocals. ‘Letting Go’ is another bluesy number that is still a highlight of McCartney's exhilerating live shows. ‘Venus And Mars’ has been painstakingly remastered from the original Abbey Road recording tapes. It is available on vinyl (£41) and on streaming services – with the latter incarnation being given a high-quality Dolby ATMOS remix. It is an album that includes many McCartney gems - and the sheer quality of the record does reaffirm just how brilliant an artist Paul McCartney was, back in his heyday.

Track Listing:-

1 Venus And Mars
2 Rock Show
3 Love In Song
4 You Gave Me The Answer
5 Magneto And Titanium Man
6 Letting Go
7 Venus And Mars – Reprise
8 Spirits Of Ancient Egypt
9 Medicine Jar
10 Call Me Back Again
11 Listen To What The Man Said
12 Treat Her Gently – Lonely Old People
13 Crossroads Theme