The band reassembled on January 23rd and between then and February 9th they finished off a song that would become their next single and the first release on Columbia records in the USA.
This session and all of the EGG session were co-produced by Chris Thomas. Thomas had worked previously with The Beatles, Badfinger, Pink Floyd (he mixed DARK SIDE OF THE MOON), The Sex Pistols and he would go on to work with Pete Townshend, Elton John, INXS and Macca again in 1999 (RUN DEVIL RUN album).
The songs they finished were released on March 23rd and was “Goodnight Tonight” b/w “Daytime Nighttime Suffering.”
“Goodnight” was the first McCartney song which featured an extended DISCO mix single (7:25) in addition to the radio friendly version (4:18).
The band filmed on April 3rd an amazing new music video for “Goodnight”, with the band dressed/performing in vintage 1930’s style.
I had just moved to Las Vegas in late 1978 and when the single came out the radio stations played the more traditional mid-tempo rocker “Daytime” on the radio.
Both songs are outstanding, as Paul really wanted these and the future album release to bring him and his band back to the forefront.
“Goodnight Tonight” Disco driven, with one of Paul’s most amazing baselines of his career. Lots of synths and percussion fill out the mix and make this one a fantastic return to form.
Juber’s amazing flamenco guitar work takes this song to a wonderful new level. Rating – 9
“Daytime Nighttime Suffering” A fantastic song about a woman’s private misery, this song builds quickly after its dramatic opening. Great drumming by Holly and lead and backing vocals that rival the best of Wings. Rating – 9
The single went to reach #5 on the charts.
Both songs issued only as a stand alone single, since Paul didn’t feel they matched the sound and style of the NEW album.
On March 16th CBS television broadcast “Wings Over The World,” the 1976 concert film. Like many of Paul’s ideas at the time, this film came out too late to capitalize on the momentum.
The new band filmed videos for most of the songs on the new album, intended for a promotion television show (it was shown on June 10th, 1981. Again, two years after the British album release and after the demise of the band).
One of the places they filmed in and recorded in was Lympne Castle, where the band spent a day playing an extensive jam session of oldies, unreleased ideas and even a vintage Beatles track (“Tell Me Why”).
The new album was ready and released on May 24th in the U.S. and June 8th in the U.K.
Next up……. Breakfast served….BACK TO THE EGG. But trouble is brewing in the kitchen as well…..
A Life Through The Eyes Of A Man 