MPL/Capitol/UMePaul McCartney‘s debut solo album, McCartney, was released 50 years ago today, on April 17, 1970. In celebration of the milestone anniversary, a special Spotify Listening Party will be held, starting at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
Besides a full playback of the album, the event will offer fans the chance to take part in a live chat where they can share their favorite songs, lyrics and memories, while checking for official comments from Sir Paul’s official Spotify account. Fans also can connect via social media using the hashtag #McCartney50.
Meanwhile, a newly restored version of the official music for “Maybe I’m Amazed,” probably the best-known song from the McCartney album, will premiere on YouTube today at 10 a.m. ET.
McCartney spent three weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart in May and June of 1970, although no singles were released from it. Paul produced the record, played all the instruments and sang all the vocals with the exception of some backing vocals from his wife, Linda. Linda McCartney also took the photos that appear on the album’s front and back covers.
In addition to “Maybe I’m Amazed,” the album includes such gems as “Every Night,” “Junk” and “Teddy Boy,” three songs that McCartney previously had worked on with The Beatles but were not released on any of the band’s studio albums.
McCartney pretty much signaled the official breakup of the Fab Four, as Paul had issued an advanced press release promoting his album that included comments in which he announced he had no future plans to work with The Beatles.
As previously reported, a 50th anniversary half-speed-mastered vinyl reissue of McCartney will be released as part of the 2020 Record Store Day campaign, which takes place June 20.
Here’s the McCartney track list:
Side One
“The Lovely Linda”
“That Would Be Something”
“Valentine Day”
“Every Night”
“Hot as Sun/Glasses”
“Junk”
“Man We Was Lonely”
Side Two
“Oo You”
“Momma Miss America”
“Teddy Boy”
“Singalong Junk”
“Maybe I’m Amazed”
“Kreen-Akrore”
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