A person that used to write for Sloucher once mentioned that Electric Light Orchestra was an alternate universe “what if The Beatles didn’t break up?”

At first I thought it was the power of Tetley’s Bitter talking through this person, but the more I listened to E.L.O., the more I realised there was quite a bit of truth on that wild statement.

I’ll concede. ELO are not the full Beatles, but at least Macca. Last train to London could’ve been a Wings hit. Same for Evil Woman. Telephone line is a “granny music” as pure as Lennon predicted McCartney would always write. Overture 10538 would be a duet with George Harrison and his tactical guitar work.

Band on the run is Wings’ 3rd album and Paul’s 5th post-Beatles release. McCartney was trying his best but never quite achieved the recognition he wanted until Band on the run. Perhaps being the amiable Beatle was countered by being the one who broke the band. Fans can hold a grudge.

Choosing Band on the run is both a statement and a wild bet. Its structure is as far as possible from a pop hit. Then again, people do love songs with weird structures, as Boston, Queen, and Journey have proven. You get a slight proggy feel on the track’s opening, then a dreamy middle, and after that dramatic sting leftover from the Live and Let Die sessions, you get that Creedence Clearwater Revival chord dancing.

Many people who know me might be raising and eyebrow. I don’t usually listen to The Beatles, and much less so Paul McCartney. I hold a dear place for the fella in my heart, though. The very first record I bought with my savings was Paul McCartney and Rupert the bear’s We all stand together. Hum the song to any Mexican Gen-Xer and they’ll join you right away. I also was a fan of All the best! and there’s a copy in my house knocking about.

Band on the run might not be the one song people think of when you talk about Paul McCartney’s extensive, diverse discography, but it’s easily my fave, elbow to elbow with Uncle Albert. I like McCartney when he pushes himself to do his best. I don’t mind his mushy stuff, but it’s multifaceted songs like Band on the run that demonstrate why he is held in such high regard.

I’m not going to write The Beatles, though.

-Sam J. Valdés López