The McCartney Legacy Part 1 was a wonderful book about Paul McCartney, perhaps my favorite of the several I've read, and believe me I've read a few. I think I actually enjoyed part 2 even more. These are the most comprehensive and fascinating books covering Paul's career and works. As someone who already knew a ton about Paul and The Beatles, I still learned some new things.

I was very excited to read this as I had so enjoyed the previous book, The McCartney Legacy, Volume 1: 1969-73. This second volume picks up where the last left off, with the very successful album "Band on the Run" having been released. The book started off a little boring with Paul helping out his younger brother Mike to record an album. The structure of this book is such that every recording session is dissected in minute detail. There is a listing of what studio the songs were recorded in, and a detailed description of takes and each song's evolution. Like its predecessor, this is a huge book- the book proper is about 800 pages and the last 20% of the additional pages account for Acknowledgements, Notes, Bibliography, Discography, Videography, Concert Tours, and Illustration Credits. These authors have left no stone unturned in documenting the life of Paul McCartney as a solo artist, along with his wife Linda McCartney, and the Mark II and Mark III lineups of WINGS. The book chronicles their journey recording the albums "Venus and Mars", "Wings at the Speed of Sound", "London Town", "Back to the Egg", and "McCartney II", along with concert tours and music videos. Interspersed are commentary from the musicians and other music personnel involved, as well as reproductions of record advertisements and reviews from critics. There is also a lot of information about the various homes that the McCartneys purchased, offices and recording studios built, business deals for record royalties and publishing, and the frustrating lingering legalities to iron out amongst Paul and his former Beatles brothers: John, George and Ringo. The book ends with Paul McCartney's marijuana bust at the airport in Japan in January 1980 which derailed WINGS' tour. If you are a diehard Beatles and/or Paul McCartney fan, this book will be right up your alley. However, if you're not inclined to delve so deeply into the bowels of recording to dissect every fact about the creation of McCartney's music, this might not be for you.

Thank you to the publisher Dey Street Books who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

An absolutely stunning achievement. This second volume of the post-Beatles life of Paul McCartney begins shortly after the release of "Band on The Run" and goes through Paul's drug bust in Japan in early 1980. Although it covers a time period that is arguably less exciting than the first volume--which covered the breakup of The Beatles and McCartney's first few solo albums--there is a wealth of detail and information packed into this second volume. The key albums covered include "Venus and Mars" and "Wings At The Speed of Sound" along with the lesser-known "London Town" and "Back to the Egg." Also covered in detail are the ins and outs of the various members of Wings who, aside from Denny Laine, seemed to change with every album/tour. This volume also covers the various conversations, correspondence and get-togethers between Paul and John Lennon during the time period, which occurred on Paul's many visits to New York City. Simply put, this volume (and volume 1) are essential for any Beatles or McCartney fan. I cannot wait for volume 3!

Just like the first volume, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Exhaustively researched, and engagingly written the overwhelming amount of detail didn't distract from the pleasure I had reading about Paul McCartney's post Beatle years. Almost 800 pages covering only 1974-1980, this track by track, overdub by overdub can at times seem like forensic stalking but it is so well written that I couldn't put it down. The insightful exploration of Paul trying to balance his goal of having a democratically run band while also exerting his perfectionist control over the music was the highlight of this volume. I found myself revisiting each album in this volume with a renewed focus on the complexity of these recordings. So cue up the playlist and listen along as you read. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for an advanced reader copy.

The substantial length of this book indicates that it cannot be easily read in a single afternoon. However, dedicated fans of the Beatles and Paul McCartney, who crave extensive detail and information, will undoubtedly consider this work a treasure trove. As a long-time admirer of the Beatles, I found the depth of information overwhelming, particularly given the constraints of daily life. Nevertheless, I recognize that there is a significant audience eager for such comprehensive insights.

Paul McCartney is recognized by various names. Historically, he will forever be associated with the Beatles. Although the Beatles represented just a decade of his life, their influence transformed music and altered how he was perceived by fans, fellow artists, and history itself. The legacy of the Beatles looms large over all his subsequent work.

The exploration of entertainers through literature has been extensive. The prose is engaging, maintaining a smooth narrative even when discussing intricate details like the numerous false starts of a song. The authors delve into the lives of all individuals connected to McCartney, including band members, management, and former Beatles, utilizing contemporary sources that capture the essence of the era, acknowledging how narratives can evolve over time. These segments are particularly enjoyable, showcasing McCartney's ability to transform past influences into innovative new works, making this a significant contribution to both the understanding of the artist and the musical landscape of the seventies.

Fans will greatly appreciate the insights, behind-the-scenes narratives, gossip, and details about McCartney, along with the creative processes behind some of the beloved songs.

Thank you NetGalley and Dey Streets Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

My thanks to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for an advanced copy of this book that looks at not just a day in the life, but almost every day in the life, of an entertainer, entrepreneur, father,husband and of course ex-Beatle during a particularly creative period in the 1970's.

James Paul McCartney has been known by many names. Macca by those who want to be in know, the Cute One from his fans, his brother called him Our Kid, and royalty bestowed him with Sir. Too history he will always be a Beatle. To McCartney himself he will always be Paul, maybe loving husband, loving father. And always ex-Beatle. Though the Beatles were only ten years of his life, that band changed music and the way that McCartney was treated by fans, other performers and history. Everything that has followed will always be created under the shadow of the Beatles. And this the second volume of a very intensive and extensive history about the man and the creation of his music, one can see that legacy weighing heavily on the man, and the writer/ performer. The McCartney Legacy: Volume 2: 1974 – 80 by Allan Kozinn; Adrian Sinclair looks at an especially creative period for McCartney as he spread his Wings, separated himself from the Beatles, reformed friendships, and began to create a new legacy for himself.

The book begins with McCartney having an album, Band on the Run, doing well on the charts, but without a band to play the music. The last band had imploded, and McCartney needed a drummer, and more importantly create a feeling of unity with his new players, and those left behind. At the same time McCartney was finishing up the divorce of the four Beatles as a business, a divorce that was dragging along do certain members seeming to not want to let go. Songs were written, an album with his brother was made, and things were starting to look up. Though a trip to America would lead to another drug arrest for a member of the band, along with a lot of issues arising in the band, that would lead to another change in players. A world tour was a success, albums were selling but every question from the press seemed to be about reunion plans for the Beatles. As the relationship between the ex-Beatles began to get better, and McCartney was becoming more confident as an artist again, dark shadows were starting to draw closer.

I have read many books over the years on entertainers, but short of Bob Dylan I have never read a book that was so deeply researched, and so telling about an artist, his life, and his creativity. One can find out what the players had for breakfast on various days. Most likely fried bread and eggs, that seems to come up a lot. The writing is very good, even on little things like talking about how many false starts a song might have, they keep the narrative flowing. Once started it is very hard to put down. The authors go into the the lives of the people involved, including all the members of McCartney's band, management and of course ex-Beatles. The authors draw on sources of the time, which are the best, as they saw that time has a habit of changing stories, when the story becomes the truth, and the truth is sort of lost. There are mentions by critics about performances, songs and more. Best of all, is the authors look at how McCartney creates his work. Drawing on the world around him, using newspapers for album titles, even comic books for song inspiration. These sections are wonderful to read with McCartney just bringing in old songs, old works and making something new. A truly remarkable work both on the man and his creativity as well a history of music in the seventies.

Fans will go love the information, the behind the scenes stories, gossip and info on McCartney, as well as how some of their favorite songs have been written. A book I can't stop thinking about, maybe I'm amazed by all the work put into its creation and look very forward to more.

Brilliant!
Much has been written about Paul McCartney as Beatle and solo artist and this will undoubtedly carry on. However, nothing can compare to the time, research and extremely readable work that has been done yet again by authors Kozinn and Sinclair
The McCartney journey continues in Volume 2 of this artful biography covering the years 1974 - 1980 and as in Volume 1, no stone is left unturned. The path that Paul has traveled is a combination of talent, determination, glory days and disappointments, all for the love of his craft.
I for one, felt like a ‘fly on the wall’ watching Paul and Linda navigate through this period as husband/wife, parents, musicians and band members. Recording sessions, chatter, conversations and a hanging Wings lineup adds additional color and flavor to this amazing portrait.
A remarkable, authoritative gift and a five star read.
With thanks to NetGalley, the authors and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Since I haven't read the first volume, I used that as an excuse to procrastinate and watch the Ron Howard produced movie "Eight Days a Week". It helped remind me of all that had gone down beforehand and Paul McCartney's probably state of mind. Good decision. Well, until I opened the digital book and realized it has some 768 pages. Whoa, maybe I shouldn't have taken that extra time before reading. Given my tendency to take pages of notes for myself, I ultimately came to realize that I also needed to put down the pen and just read. So, here's my overall take rather than one picking out details to highlight and discuss.

First, given the length, it's obvious you aren't going to sit down and breeze through this one in an afternoon. That said, the avid Beatles/Paul fan who simply cannot get enough detail and information will surely find this book a goldmine. For me, even as a long time fan of the man and who has read many book on the Beatles and Paul, it was more detail than I could fully take in given the demands of real life, but knowing how avid some fans are, I imagine it will find a market. There are not just details such as in the minutia of finding a new drummer for Wings, but lots and lots and lots of names, some famous, some you'll have at least heard of, and some that, well, were unknown to me. I definitely wasn't aware how woven together the four Beatles were by contracts and Apple, at least the details of it all. Knew it was complicated but not how complicated, let's just say. Although I've been in the studio to observe musician friends record, the details of the various recording session was fascinating although much of the info was well over my head. I did note that Paul wasn't making many friends at the time, even neglecting to give credit to some, some whose names you'll surely recognize. So, you'll sit in on recording sessions, spend some time as a fly on the wall while the McCartney family travels, see Linda taking some lessons, hear what those Paul encountered, such as his chats with Yoko during John's time with May, and what those he worked with (or against) at the time thought, and, well, much, much, much more.

Overall, despite being far more detailed than I could fully take in, I did enjoy the chance to be that proverbial fly on the wall. The chapter titles weren't necessarily perfectly descriptive but gave you a feel for what might be revealed or focused on. I loved the one very early on that was simply "Daddy, Are You Some Kind of Rock Star?" and later, "Holly Days in Scotland". There are photos from the time period, extensive notes, and credits given. So, not a quick, light read, but lots of info for the finding. My thanks to #DeyStreetBooks for allowing me this deep dive into this era of Paul McCartney's life. As a young girl, he was my favorite and while he often doesn't come across as very likable here at times, given the situation and status of his career at the time, no one doubts his talents.

Unfortunately I was not given the link to download this to my kindle and unable to read this on my phone.