Pair of Pauls

Paul McCartney's intimate 1970 solo debut disc McCartney (MPL/Hear/Concord) opens with the sweet if insubstantial "The Lovely Linda," and features a multitude of family-oriented photos, many of which were taken by his photographer wife, the late Linda McCartney. That's something of a tip-off that McCartney was as interested in being a musician as he was in being a family man. As with each of the Beatles' initial solo records, the guys sound determined to make their individual mark, and McCartney is no exception. Solid selections such as "Every Night," "Maybe I'm Amazed," "That Would Be Something" and even "Teddy Boy" ground the disc, adding weight and room for the lighter tunes. The special two-CD edition includes a seven-track bonus disc with outtakes, live cuts and more.

Arriving a little more than 10 years later, McCartney II (MPL/Hear/Concord) is essentially a one-man affair. McCartney, who arrived late to the synth/dance scene, although he did have something of a disco hit with the 1979 Wings 12" single "Goodnight Tonight," sounds a bit out of step here – as if he were creating in a bubble, minus the "winged" influence. The single "Coming Up" was certainly catchy, and "Waterfalls" washes over listeners, while the instrumental "Frozen Jap" could almost function as influence for what was to come during the synth-powered early 1980s. A bonus disc includes live, full-length and edited versions.

Like McCartney, Paul Simon also had his work cut out for him when releasing his 1972 self-titled Columbia Records solo debut disc, newly reissued by Legacy in expanded editions with four other titles (1973's There Goes Rhymin' Simon, 1974's Live Rhymin' and 1975's Still Crazy After All These Years ). With a little luck and a lot of talent, this bold post-Simon & Garfunkel recording allowed Simon to stretch and strut in different directions, laying the groundwork for his future output. The album delivered accessible hits ("Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," "Mother and Child Reunion") amidst the deeper cuts ("Peace Like a River," "Run That Body Down.") Simon maintained this level of mastery over the course of the next two studio discs, striking a balance between being a hit-maker and a singer/songwriter of substance, and throughout the course of his career, right up to the present day.

Jack Johnson “Flake” (Directed by Adam Turrisi) | How To Get Over ...

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Jack Johnson Songs, Sitting, Waiting, Wishing, Upside Down, Good People, If I Had Eyes, Hope, Breakdown, Better Together, Flake

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