Words like “legendary” and “historic” are often used in discussions about classic rock, just like hair replacement tips are shared. Sotheby’s frequently features items like George Harrison’s famous shopping lists or John Lennon’s notable nasal clippings. For example, Wings’ 1974 studio session was recorded while their album Band On The Run was at the top of the charts. This session was supposed to be a live album and film but was put on hold for 50 years before being released as One Hand Clapping in June. Over time, any footage of Paul McCartney in the studio becomes special, even this old session, but McCartney did wish he wrote a Sting song.
In the documentary, McCartney talks about wanting to work with a group instead of performing alone. The film shows us Abbey Road in 1974, where a new lineup of Wings is rehearsing their biggest hits. We see familiar faces like McCartney, his wife Linda, and guitarist Denny Laine, along with new members Jimmy McCulloch and drummer Geoff Britton, who adds energy to the studio.
However, the idea of a “group” feels a bit misleading. During discussions about song takes, it’s clear everyone quickly agrees with Paul, showing that he leads the group. The music they create is rich and lively, with great performances of songs like “Jet” and “My Love.” Even the fun song “C Moon” changes into an upbeat track halfway through.
The film contrasts special musical moments with the everyday work in the studio, but it’s not as dramatic as Peter Jackson’s Get Back series. This isn’t The Beatles in action, so there aren’t many surprising moments, like seeing “Get Back” being created in real time.
Still, there are highlights. A studio dog wanders around during a moving performance of “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Wings give an exciting performance of “Band On The Run,” and an orchestra makes “Live And Let Die” sound like a movie score.
The documentary also includes two solo performances by McCartney. In one, dressed in a bow tie, he shares how he wrote light tunes like “When I’m Sixty-Four” because he thought he might end up performing in cabaret after The Beatles broke up. He also sings a charming unreleased song called “I’ll Give You A Ring.”
To fill out the hour-long film, there’s a segment of Paul playing acoustic guitar in the Abbey Road garden, featuring an unreleased song called “Blackpool” and covers of Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly. While everything McCartney has done may be seen as historic, it’s the fact that such amazing moments were once considered unimportant that makes One Hand Clapping truly special.
