MEAT LOAF - I’D LIE FOR YOU (AND THAT’S THE TRUTH)

Released: October 3, 1995

Charts:  US: #13   UK: #2 

Meat Loaf’s 1995 album “Welcome to the Neighbourhood” featured the standout Diane Warren-penned ballad, “I’d Lie for You (And That’s the Truth).” Released as the album’s lead single in October 1995, it reached #2 in the UK and #13 in the US. The song embodied classic Meat Loaf elements: emotional vocals, escalating drama, a false ending, and a theatrical music video. Featuring Patti Russo as his duet partner, the song captures Meat Loaf’s trademark grandiosity, as he promises his lover unconditional devotion if she would simply believe in him. 

The music video for was directed by Howard Greenhalgh with cinematography by Daniel Pearl and borrows heavily from the Indiana Jones film series. Initially resembling a continuation of Meat Loaf’s previous video for “I’d Do Anything for Love,” the storyline quickly transitions into a high-budget adventure. Meat Loaf and his female companion (played by Dana Patrick, lip-syncing Patti Russo’s vocals) are pursued into the desert by a helicopter, observed by an Indiana Jones-like relic hunter (Brett Cullen) and a military despot (Xander Berkeley).

The plot involves treasure hunts, perilous vehicle chases, and explosions. The heroine is drawn to the adventurer, creating a love triangle where Meat Loaf expresses his devotion through song. Ultimately, the adventurer chooses treasure over love, leaving Meat Loaf to reunite with the woman.

 

WINGS - MULL OF KINTYRE

Publicació: 11 de novembre de 1977

Llistes: Regne Unit: #1 (9 setmanes)

“Mull of Kintyre” ocupa un lloc especial en la discografia de Wings com una cançó escrita per Paul McCartney i Denny Laine per retre homenatge a la pintoresca península de Kintyre, a Escòcia, on McCartney posseeix la granja High Park Farm des de 1966. El single va aconseguir un èxit notable al Regne Unit, convertint-se en el hit més important de Wings al país. Va arribar al preuat número u de Nadal el 1977 i es va convertir en un dels senzills més venuts de tots els temps al Regne Unit, superant els dos milions de còpies venudes a nivell nacional.

“Mull of Kintyre” es va enregistrar el 9 d’agost de 1977 a Spirit of Ranachan Studio, situat a High Park Farm, a Escòcia. Aquesta gravació va tenir lloc durant una pausa en les sessions de l’àlbum “London Town” a causa de l’embaràs avançat de Linda McCartney. La cançó inclou el so distintiu de les gaites Great Highland, tocades per la Campbeltown Pipe Band, procedent de la propera localitat de Campbeltown. Les veus de McCartney i la seva guitarra acústica es van gravar a l’aire lliure, donant a la cançó un aire natural. Publicada com a single de doble cara A l’11 de novembre de 1977, juntament amb “Girls’ School”, la peça va aconseguir un èxit significatiu independentment de l’àlbum.

La cançó es va començar a gestar el 1974, apareixent en una maqueta inicial coneguda com “The Piano Tape”. Composada inicialment al piano, la lletra, que ja incloïa la tornada completa i alguns fragments que més tard formarien part de la versió final, ja estaven presents en aquesta etapa inicial. La primera estrofa, que també actua com a tornada recurrent, expressa admiració per la bellesa natural de la regió del Mull of Kintyre i el sentiment de llar que evoca. McCartney va explicar que la cançó era una oda d’amor a la zona on vivien, capturant la seva estima per Escòcia i el seu desig de ser-hi, fins i tot quan era lluny.

El videoclip oficial va ser dirigit per Michael Lindsay-Hogg i filmat a Saddell Bay, al costat est de la península de Kintyre. La ubicació estava a uns set quilòmetres de High Park Farm, on es va enregistrar la cançó, i el vídeo es va rodar uns dos mesos després de la gravació. Al vídeo, Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney i Denny Laine interpreten la cançó amb el paisatge escènic de Saddell Bay de fons. La Campbeltown Pipe Band hi apareix, marxant i tocant a la platja. El vídeo acaba amb una cantada al voltant d’una foguera, amb la participació d’extres de Campbeltown. Aquesta representació visual va augmentar l’atractiu de la cançó i es va emetre en nou edicions regulars de Top of the Pops mentre “Mull of Kintyre” ocupava la primera posició.

Per atendre les preferències del públic nord-americà, Paul McCartney va incloure “Girls’ School”, una cançó rock de to semi-pornogràfic, com a cara B del senzill. Malgrat que “Mull of Kintyre” es va convertir en un èxit massiu en diverses parts del món, no va aconseguir el mateix nivell d’èxit als Estats Units. Tot i això, “Girls’ School” va aconseguir arribar al Top 40 nord-americà.

WINGS - MULL OF KINTYRE

Released : November 11, 1977

Charts:  UK: #1 (9 weeks)  

"Mull of Kintyre" holds a special place in Wings' discography as a song written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine to pay homage to the picturesque Kintyre peninsula in Scotland, where McCartney has owned High Park Farm since 1966. The single achieved remarkable success in the UK, becoming Wings' most significant hit in the country. It secured the coveted Christmas number one spot in 1977 and went on to become one of the best-selling singles of all time in the United Kingdom, surpassing two million copies in sales nationwide.

"Mull of Kintyre" was recorded on August 9, 1977, at Spirit of Ranachan Studio, located at High Park Farm in Scotland. This recording took place during a break in the sessions for the London Town album due to Linda McCartney's advanced pregnancy. The song featured the distinctive sound of Great Highland bagpipes played by the Campbeltown Pipe Band from the nearby town of Campbeltown. Paul McCartney's vocals and acoustic guitar were recorded outdoors, adding to the song's organic and natural feel. Released as a double A-sided single on November 11, 1977, alongside "Girls' School," the track became a significant success independently of the album.

"Mull of Kintyre" originated in 1974, featuring on an early home demo known as "The Piano Tape." Initially composed on the piano, the song's lyrics, primarily the completed chorus and some fragments that would later be part of the final version, were already present at this early stage. The first verse, which also serves as the recurring chorus, expresses admiration for the natural beauty of the Mull of Kintyre region and the sense of home it evokes. McCartney shared that the song was a love ode to the area where they lived, capturing his appreciation for Scotland and his desire to be there, even when away.

The official music video was directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and filmed at Saddell Bay on the eastern side of the Kintyre peninsula. The location was approximately seven miles from High Park Farm, where the song was recorded, and the video was shot about two months after the song's recording. In the video, Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, and Denny Laine perform the song against the scenic backdrop of Saddell Bay. The Campbeltown Pipe Band is featured, marching and playing on the beach. The video concludes with a bonfire singalong, including extras from Campbeltown. This visual representation added to the song's appeal and was showcased on nine regular editions of Top of the Pops when "Mull of Kintyre" held the number one position.

In an effort to cater to the American audience's potential preference, Paul McCartney included "Girl's School", a semi-pornographic rocker, as the B-side of the single. Despite the success of "Mull of Kintyre" becoming a massive hit in various parts of the world, it did not achieve the same level of success in the United States. However, "Girl's School" did manage to crack the US top 40. 

 

ROD STEWART - THE KILLING OF GEORGIE

Llançament: 13 d’agost de 1976

Llistes d’èxits: EUA: #30  Regne Unit: #2

“The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II)” és una cançó en dues parts de Rod Stewart, inclosa en el seu àlbum de 1976 “A Night on the Town”. Llançada com a single l’agost de 1976, va passar deu setmanes a les llistes britàniques, arribant al número 2. La cançó també va entrar en llistes internacionals, assolint el lloc 25 als Països Baixos, el 30 als Estats Units i el 33 al Canadà. La primera part va ser més popular, mentre que la segona tenia un to més sobri. Stewart va admetre haver-se pres llicències poètiques, canviant l’any dels fets del 1974 al 1975 per qüestions de rima.

Llançada el 1976, “The Killing of Georgie” abordava el tema llavors tabú de l’homofòbia i les lluites de la comunitat LGBTQ+. Inspirada en el seu mànager i publicista gai, la cançó explica la tràgica història d’un home, Georgie, assassinat per una banda de carrer. La balada es considera una de les obres més emotives de Stewart, tractant qüestions socials amb compassió.

La primera part de “The Killing of Georgie” narra la història de Georgie, un home gai semi-ficcional i amic de Rod Stewart. Després de sortir de l’armari davant dels seus pares i ser rebutjat, Georgie es trasllada a Nova York, on troba acceptació i popularitat entre l’elit de Manhattan i la comunitat gai local. El 1975, després d’assistir a una obra de Broadway, Georgie és atacat per una colla i mor accidentalment. Stewart reflexiona sobre els consells de Georgie per viure la vida plenament. La segona part de la cançó lamenta la mort de Georgie, amb Stewart expressant l’absència i l’impacte que Georgie va tenir en aquells que l’estimaven.

El veterà DJ anglès David “Diddy” Hamilton va relatar un error durant el programa Top of the Pops mentre presentava “The Killing of Georgie”. Després d’un dinar amb promotors de discos, Hamilton va anunciar per error la cançó com “The Killing of Georgie Fame”. Tot i els intents per corregir-se, va continuar equivocant-se i no va ser convidat mai més a presentar el programa. Dos anys després, Hamilton va descobrir que li havien posat LSD a la beguda com a broma durant el dinar, cosa que explicava la seva confusió en antena.

Rod Stewart també va recordar un incident memorable mentre interpretava “The Killing of Georgie” a finals dels anys 70. Durant els concerts, es muntava una escena de carrer de Nova York a l’escenari, amb un fanal de mida real que descendia des de dalt. En una ocasió, Stewart es va col·locar accidentalment sota el fanal mentre baixava, que el va colpejar a l’espatlla i el va fer caure davant de 18.000 persones. Després de l’incident, Stewart va bromejar dient que ni la cançó ni el fanal s’han tornat a utilitzar.

La BBC no va tenir cap problema amb “The Killing of Georgie”, malgrat la seva temàtica i els seus 6 minuts i 31 segons de durada, però, va prohibir un altre senzill de Stewart, “Tonight’s The Night”, en aquell moment (tot i aixecar la prohibició més tard) per les seves connotacions sexuals explícites.

Boy George, que apreciava la cançó durant la seva joventut mentre formava la seva identitat, la va interpretar amb Rod Stewart durant la gira Global Hits el 2023.

ROD STEWART - THE KILLING OF GEORGIE

Released: August 13, 1976

Charts:  US: #30   UK: #2 

“The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II)” is a two-part song by Rod Stewart from his 1976 album A Night on the Town. Released as a single in August 1976, it spent ten weeks on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 2. The song also charted internationally, reaching No. 25 in the Netherlands, No. 30 in the US, and No. 33 in Canada. Part I was the more popular, while Part II had a more somber tone. Stewart admitted to taking poetic license, changing the year of the event from 1974 to 1975 for rhyming purposes. 

Released in 1976, Rod Stewart’s “The Killing of Georgie” tackled the then-taboo subject of homophobia and the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Inspired by Stewart’s gay manager and publicist, the song tells the tragic story of a gay man, Georgie, who was murdered by a street gang. The ballad is considered one of Stewart’s most lyrically poignant works, addressing societal issues with compassion. 

The first part of “The Killing of Georgie” tells the story of Georgie, a semi-fictional gay man and friend of Rod Stewart. After coming out to his parents and being rejected, Georgie moves to New York, where he finds acceptance and popularity among Manhattan’s elite and the local gay community. In 1975, after attending a Broadway show, Georgie is attacked by a gang and accidentally killed. Stewart reflects on Georgie’s advice to live life to the fullest. The second part of the song mourns Georgie’s death, with Stewart lamenting his absence and expressing the lasting impact he had on those who loved him.

Veteran English DJ David “Diddy” Hamilton recounted a mishap on Top of the Pops while introducing Rod Stewart’s “The Killing of Georgie.” After lunching with record pluggers, Hamilton mistakenly announced the song as “The Killing of Georgie Fame.” Despite attempts to correct himself, he continued to struggle and was never invited to present the show again. Two years later, Hamilton learned that his drink had been spiked with LSD as a prank during lunch, explaining his on-air confusion.

Rod Stewart recounted a memorable stage mishap while performing “The Killing of Georgie” in the late 1970s. During live shows, a New York street scene was set up on stage, featuring a full-size lamppost that descended from above. On one occasion, Stewart accidentally stood beneath the descending lamppost, which struck his shoulder, causing him to stumble and fall in front of 18,000 people. Following this incident, Stewart humorously noted that neither the song nor the lamppost has been used again.

The BBC had no issue with “The Killing of Georgie”, despite its theme and 6:31 length, but banned Stewart’s other single, “Tonight’s The Night”, at the time (later lifting the ban) for explicitly sexual innuendos.

Boy George, who cherished the song during his youth while embracing his identity, performed it with Rod Stewart during the Global Hits tour in 2023.

 

THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS - I CALL YOUR NAME

Released: February 28, 1966

Album: If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears

“I Call Your Name” is a song by the Beatles, primarily written by John Lennon with help from Paul McCartney. It was released in the US on “The Beatles’ Second Album” and in the UK on the “Long Tall Sally” EP. The Mamas & the Papas covered the song in 1966 on their debut album “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears”. Cass Elliot notably whispers “John… John” during the instrumental break as a nod to her crush on John Lennon. The group closes the song with “I call your name… ye-ah!”—a playful reference to the Beatles’ iconic “Yeah, yeah, yeah” from “She Loves You”.

Lennon initially gave “I Call Your Name” to The Dakotas, another Liverpool band, but he was dissatisfied with their arrangement and its lackluster B-side performance. As a result, Lennon decided to have The Beatles re-record the song. The Mamas & the Papas’ 1966 cover of the track appears to compensate for Lennon’s earlier disappointment. Their version features a bright, honky-tonk piano, lush harmonized vocals, and a polished instrumental bridge.

On “I Call Your Name” the narrator grapples with feelings of loneliness, questioning their role in the relationship’s end. They express their struggle with insomnia and despair, revealing their difficulty in coping with the loss. Despite their emotional fragility, they find fleeting solace in calling out their former partner’s name, symbolizing their lingering attachment. 

The original cover of “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears” album, featuring a bathroom photo with a visible toilet, was pulled in 1966 for being deemed indecent. Later versions either had a scroll pasted over the toilet listing the album’s hit singles or cropped the bathroom out entirely. The original uncensored version is now a collector’s item, valued highly. 

The album included several covers in addition to original material. Notably, it featured soul singer Bobby Freeman’s “Do You Wanna Dance?” and “Spanish Harlem,” a collaboration between Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector.