The Meaning Behind The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird,’ Which Beyoncé Covers On ‘Cowboy Carter’

The Beatles released “Blackbird” in 1968. Thirteen years later, Beyoncé was born (thank God), and roughly 42 years later, Beyoncé will release a cover of “Blackbird,” which is listed as “Blackbiird” on her Cowboy Carter tracklist. The highly anticipated country album is due out on Friday, March 29, serving as her Renaissance Act II.” Cowboy Carter also finds Beyoncé covering Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and welcoming Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Shaboozey as featured artists.

The Meaning Behind The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” Which Beyoncé Covers On Cowboy Carter

In 2018, Sir Paul McCartney explained to GQ how and why he wrote “Blackbird,” as excerpted below:

“I was sitting around with my acoustic guitar, and I’d heard about the civil rights troubles that were happening in the ’60s, in Alabama, Mississippi, [and] Little Rock, in particular, so that was in my mind, and I just thought it’d be really good if I could write something that if it ever reached any of the people going through those problems, it might give ’em a little bit of hope. So, I wrote ‘Blackbird.’

And in England, a bird is a girl, so I was thinking of a Black girl going through this, you know, now is your time to arise, set yourself free, and take these broken wings. One of the nice things about music is that you know that a lot of people listening to you are going to take seriously what you are saying in the song. So, I’m very proud of the fact that The Beatles’ output is always really pretty positive.”

In 2016, McCartney met Thelma Mothershed Wair and Elizabeth Eckford, two Little Rock Nine members who attended his concert in Little Rock, Arkansas, as relayed by Rolling Stone at the time. McCartney posted a photo alongside them and wrote, “Incredible to meet two of the Little Rock Nine—pioneers of the civil rights movement and inspiration for ‘Blackbird.’”

Cowboy Carter is out 3/29 via Parkwood/Columbia. Find more information here.

The Best Vinyl Releases Of February 2024

vinyl
Uproxx

Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.

Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of February below.

Paul McCartney & Wings — Band On The Run (50th Anniversary Edition)

Band On The Run vinyl
UMe

The end of The Beatles was a sad moment for music, but the silver lining was that it led to Paul McCartney forming Wings, a band that enjoyed a beloved run of its own. The group’s defining third album, 1973’s Band On The Run, turned 50 recently, so now we have a new vinyl reissue of the album. The 2LP edition includes a treat for fans: an “Underdubbed” Mixes Edition of the album, of which McCartney himself explains, “This is Band On The Run in a way you’ve never heard before. When you are making a song and putting on additional parts, like an extra guitar, that’s an overdub. Well, this version of the album is the opposite, underdubbed.”

Get it here.

Amy Winehouse — Frank (Reissue)

Amy Winhouse Frank vinyl
UMe

We lost Amy Winehouse far too soon, but the pair of albums she left behind is special. It all started with Frank in 2003 and the album turned 20 years old recently. To celebrate, we now have the coolest-looking version of the album, a lovely new picture disc vinyl pressing.

Get it here.

The Who — Quadrophenia (Reissue) and The Who By Numbers (Reissue)

Who Quadrophenia
UMe

The Who were masters when it came to making music that rewards close listening. Now, the sonic details of two of the group’s finest albums, Quadrophenia and The Who By Numbers, can be enjoyed better than ever with these new vinyl reissues, which got a half-speed mastering for the occasion.

Get Quadrophenia here. Get The Who By Numbers here.

Issac Hayes — Hot Buttered Soul (Reissue)

isaac hayes vinyl
Craft Recordings

As part of their Small Batch vinyl series, Craft Recordings has come through with an audiophile-friendly version of an Isaac Hayes classic, which features lacquers cut from the original tapes. Ultimately, Craft proclaims this release to be “as close as the listener can get to the original recording.” As the name of the reissue series suggests, this isn’t one to take your time with, as it’s limited to only 3,000 copies. The overall packaging of the reissue is also stunning.

Get it here.

Idles — Tangk

Idles Tangk vinyl
Partisan

Uproxx’s Grant Sharples wrote of the latest album from UK rockers Idles, “The Bristol post-punk band Idles used to operate in one mode: loud, abrasive, and often furious. Their sheer volume was their main signifier, but now they’ve partially softened up, adding more subtlety to their anthemic tunes. On Tangk, their fifth record, the intensity remains, but rather than going in a purely punk direction, they make their noisy guitars and unrelenting drums a bit more rhythmic.”

If that sounds good to you, the band is selling the LP in a number of neat-colored vinyl editions.

Get it here.

John Coltrane — A Love Supreme (VMP Edition)

Coltrane Love Supreme vinyl
Vinyl Me, Please

Reissue kings Vinyl Me, Please have an impressive new edition of the John Coltrane classic A Love Supreme. It’s one for completionists: The 8LP box set features the album itself, as well as “every live and alternate take.” If you wanted the ultimate experience of one of jazz’s most iconic recordings, this is it.

Get it here.

Grandaddy — Blu Wav

Grandaddy Blu Wav vinyl
Dangerbird Records

After some time away, Grandaddy has been back at it over the past few years. February yielded the indie favorites’ sixth album, Blu Wav, and the blue marble vinyl pressing is a gorgeous way to enjoy it.

Get it here.

MGMT — Loss Of Life

MGMT Loss Of Life vinyl
Mom + Pop

Similarly, MGMT also pressed their latest LP on some vibrant vinyl colors, like the tangerine version seen above. In her review of the project, Uproxx’s Carolyn Droke wrote, “As a whole, Loss Of Life shows MGMT have gone full circle and come back to their foundations as an indie band, both sonically by shedding the dark melodies of 2018’s Little Dark Age in favor of a more buoyant sound, and literally by signing to an independent record label.”

Get it here.

Usher — Coming Home

Usher Coming Home vinyl
gamma

Usher had a bigger February than anybody with his Super Bowl Halftime Show and his new album, Coming Home. The performance was the headline news, but if you’re not sleeping on the new LP, Usher has it available on slick clear vinyl.

Get it here.

Helado Negro — Phasor

Helado Negro Phasor
4AD

Helado Negro has been consistently rock-solid for over a decade now, busting out a new album usually at least every couple years since 2009. His eighth LP, Phasor, arrived earlier this month, and you have options in terms of vinyl aesthetics. There’s the “coke bottle translucent green” pressing pictured above, or a standard black if you’re more of a tried-and-true traditionalist.

Get it here.

Paul McCartney Net Worth 2024: What Is The Beatles Legend Worth?

Paul McCartney is an emblem of musical genius whose influence spans decades. He has amassed a fortune that is as monumental as his contribution to music and culture. According to Equity Atlas, as of 2024, McCartney’s net worth is a staggering $1.2 billion. McCartney’s journey from the bassist of The Beatles to a solo artist and beyond illustrates a career marked by innovation, resilience, and unparalleled success.

A Symphony Of Success: McCartney’s Musical Journey

Paul McCartney
The Beatles poke smiling faces out of a banner drawn with beatle bodies holding guitars in the early part of their band’s career.

Paul McCartney’s rise to fame began in the early 1960s with The Beatles. They were a band that would forever change the music landscape. With Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Abbey Road, and The White Album, McCartney and his bandmates crafted the soundtrack of a generation. Following The Beatles’ split, McCartney did not miss a beat, launching a successful solo career and forming Wings, which produced hits like “Band on the Run” and “Live and Let Die.” His knack for melody cemented his status as one of the greatest songwriters and musicians ever.

Beyond The Music: Business Ventures & Philanthropy

Further, McCartney’s acumen extends beyond his musical talents into shrewd business decisions and investments. His involvement in publishing rights, particularly his ownership of a vast catalog of music copyrights, including works by other artists, has significantly contributed to his wealth. McCartney’s ventures into fashion, film, and digital media further showcase his entrepreneurial spirit. Philanthropically, McCartney is deeply committed to various causes. He advocates for animal rights, environmental conservation, and music education, reflecting his broader impact on society and culture.

An Undying Legacy: Influence & Recognition

Paul McCartney
INDIO, CA – OCTOBER 15: Musician Paul McCartney performs during Desert Trip at the. Empire Polo Field on October 15, 2016 also in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The magnitude of McCartney’s influence is mirrored in the numerous accolades and honors he has received over the years. A multiple Grammy Award winner, McCartney was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 for his services to music. His songs have left an indelible mark on the music industry, covered by countless artists and inspiring generations of musicians. McCartney’s ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining his signature quality has kept him relevant in the industry for over six decades.

Paul McCartney’s journey from a Liverpool teenager to a global icon encompasses creative evolution, business intelligence, and a relentless drive for philanthropic change. As McCartney continues to tour, record, and influence, his legacy remains a beacon of excellence in the music world and beyond, proving that his contributions are timeless and invaluable.

The post Paul McCartney Net Worth 2024: What Is The Beatles Legend Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Paul McCartney Is Watching ‘Better Call Saul,’ So He’s Probably Also Confused Why Rhea Seehorn Hasn’t Won An Emmy

Paul McCartney has just seen a face. Bob Odenkirk’s face, specifically.

The Beatles legend recently revealed that he’s making his way through Better Call Saul, the prequel to Breaking Bad that’s arguably better than the original. In response to a question on his website about what he watches when he’s on tour, McCartney replied, “I just go to ‘New Releases’ and unfortunately they’re not new – I’ve seen most of them! They don’t update them quick enough for me.” He continued, “On car journeys, I watch stuff on my iPad which can be films or series. I’m currently on Better Call Saul and it’s a good one.”

He has to admit Better Call Saul is getting better all the time (even though it’s, uh, over).

If I was given five minutes to interview McCartney about anything I wanted, including the Beatles, Wings, or his cameo on The Simpsons, I would ask him, “Why hasn’t Rhea Seehorn won an Emmy?”

At least there’s still time: the actress, who gave a remarkable performance as Kim Wexler on Better Call Saul, is up for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series against five people from The White Lotus, Gerri from Succession, and The Crown‘s Elizabeth Debicki. Why is she in the supporting category? That would be question number two for Paul.

The Emmy Awards air on January 15, 2024. Macca will be watching.

The Best Vinyl Releases Of April 2023

Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.

Whatever you might be into, each April brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of April below.

Get it here.

Jai Paul — Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones)

jai paul vinyl
XL

It’s not often we hear much from Jai Paul, but he just played Coachella and he also has a fresh new vinyl release. It’s a pressing of Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones), the officially released version of Paul’s famously leaked set of demos from 2013. This is the first time the set has ever been made available on vinyl and only 3,000 copies were made available, so it’s a must-have for Jai Paul die-hards.

Get it here.

Warren Zevon — Excitable Boy (Reissue)

warren zevon vinyl
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab

45 years ago, in 1978, the now-late Warren Zevon dropped what would become his signature album, Excitable Boy. For this reissue (which features classics like “Werewolves Of London” and the title track), the album was remastered from the original analog master tapes and pressed on 180g 45 RPM vinyl, making this edition an audiophile’s dream.

Get it here.

Rudimental — Home (10th Anniversary Reissue)

rudimental
Asylum/Atlantic/Black Butter

Rudimental is a beloved UK dance music institution now, but it all started with 2013’s Home. It’s been a decade since that debut album dropped, so now there’s a new anniversary edition that includes a number of new remixes made specially for this reissue.

Get it here.

The White Stripes — Elephant (Deluxe)

elephant
Third Man Records

Jack White and the folks at Third Man Records know their way around vinyl, so their new deluxe reissue of the White Stripes classic Elephant is one to behold. It’s pressed on beautiful clear, colored, smoky vinyl, which is home to beloved tunes like “Seven Nation Army” and “The Hardest Button To Button.”

Get it here.

Aesop Rock and Blockhead — Garbology Instrumentals and The Recycling Bin

garbology
Rhymesayers Entertainment

Aesop Rock and Blockhead have formed a strong partnership over the years, and now the rapper and producer are bringing a pair of their projects to vinyl for the first time. Garbology Instrumentals is an instrumental version (duh) of the pair’s 2021 album, while The Recycling Bin is a companion EP featuring Blockhead remixes of Aesop songs that Blockhead previously wasn’t involved with.

Get it here.

Love And Rockets — Earth, Sun, Moon (Reissue) and Love And Rockets (Reissue)

love rockets vinyl
Beggars Banquet/Big Time

’80s English rock group Love And Rockets (which rose from the ashes of Bauhaus) is in the midst of some catalogue reissues and April brought a pair of new ones. Both albums — Earth, Sun, Moon and the self-titled one — come on classic black vinyl and the latter includes their best-known song, the top-three hit “So Alive.”

Get Earth, Sun, Moon here. Get Love And Rockets here.

Violent Femmes — Violent Femmes (Reissue)

violent femmes vinyl
Craft Recordings

Record Store Day was this month and Craft Recordings came through with a number of reissues, including a new picture disc to mark the 40th anniversary of Violent Femmes’ self-titled album. Aside from being a gorgeous piece to look at, it features favorites like “Blister in the Sun” and “Please Do Not Go.”

Get it here.

Paul McCartney And Wings — Red Rose Speedway (50th Anniversary Reissue)

mccartney
Apple

Speaking of Record Store Day, Paul McCartney And Wings made the day count with a 50th anniversary rerelease of Red Rose Speedway. This edition will sound as good as possible thanks to the half-speed remastering treatment the LP received. This was the first Wings album to top the charts in the US, so if you don’t have any of the McCartney group in your vinyl library, this reissue is a good place to start.

Get it here.

GoldLink — At What Cost (Vinyl Me, Please Reissue)

goldlink
Vinyl Me, Please

At What Cost was a strong and well-received debut for GoldLink back in 2017. Vinyl Me, Please is celebrating the project in 2023 with a lovely new reissue, which is pressed on 2-LP orange and blue galaxy vinyl and comes with newly written listening notes.

Get it here.

Metallica — 72 Seasons

Metallica 72 Seasons
Blackened

Metallica have been at it for over 40 years now, and on their new album 72 Seasons, it really sounds like James Hetfield and company truly haven’t lost a step. All the new fans they gained after their Stranger Things sync last year are in for a treat with this exceptional LP.

Get it here.

The Best Vinyl Releases Of December 2022

Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.

Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out the best vinyl releases of December below.

Crosby, Stills & Nash — Crosby, Stills & Nash (Reissue)

crosby stills nash vinyl
MoFi/Rhino

It’s been over 50 years since Crosby, Stills & Nash released their beloved self-titled debut album and now it’s lovingly been given a deluxe vinyl reissue. This edition was mastered from the original tapes and the packaging is similarly detailed, featuring special foil-stamped jackets and other intricacies that make this UltraDisc One-Step 180g 45RPM 2LP collector’s edition the version of this album to own.

Get it here.

Neil Young — Harvest (50th Anniversary Reissue)

neil young harvest vinyl
Reprise

Speaking of the CSNY squad, Neil Young’s Harvest turned 50 this year. So, he’s given the iconic album a big box set that comes with, along with the beloved original album, three studio outtakes and a previously unreleased 1971 BBC solo performance, as well as a hardbound book and fold-out poster.

Get it here.

Bo Burnham — Inside (Deluxe)

bo burnham inside deluxe vinyl
Imperial/Mercury

Bo Burnham’s Inside (The Songs), consisting of tunes from his Inside comedy special, was an unexpected hit, as it became his first top-10 album in 2021. Now there’s a new limited edition box set, a 3-LP release that includes everything from Inside as well as the later supplementary release, The Inside Outtakes. Target and Urban Outfitters have their own exclusive versions, too, pressed on opaque white and crystal clear vinyl, respectively.

Get it here.

Paul McCartney — The 7″ Singles Box

Paul McCartney die-hards: this one’s for you. Earlier this month, Macca dropped The 7″ Singles Box, which features a whopping 80 7-inch singles. In total, there are 163 tracks making up over ten hours of music and a 148-page book (that features writing from McCartney and Rolling Stone‘s Rob Sheffield), all housed in a wooden crate. Only 3,000 copies have been produced, too, so if you’re interested, it’s one to scoop up quickly while it’s still available.

Get it here.

Idles — Five Years Of Brutalism (Anniversary Reissue)

Idles Brutalism
Partisan

For Idles, it all started with 2017’s Brutalism. Half a decade later, the band has given the LP a fresh coat of paint with Five Years Of Brutalism. This anniversary rerelease is pressed on cherry red vinyl, comes with alternative artwork designed by the band’s Joe Talbot, and is limited to just 10,000 copies worldwide.

Get it here.

Alabama Shakes — Boys & Girls (10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

Boys & Girls Alabama Shakes
ATO

It’s been ten years since Brittany Howard established herself as one of music’s most powerful vocalists with the release of Alabama Shakes’ debut album, 2012’s Boys & Girls. To mark the occasion, there’s a new reissue that is packaged in a foil-board gatefold jacket and comes with a bonus 12-track KCRW radio session from January 2012.

Get it here.

Pharoah Sanders — Karma (Reissue)

pharoah sanders vinyl
Verve/UMe

Karma is an enduring classic from 1969 and if the Pharoah Sanders album isn’t in your library yet, here’s a terrific opportunity to add it. This reissue was mastered from the original analog tapes and was pressed on 180-gram vinyl, which is housed in a high-quality tip-on deluxe gatefold jacket. The release comes after the jazz icon’s death, which came in September at 81 years old.

Get it here.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens — Catch Bull At Four (50th Anniversary Edition)

cat stevens catch bull at four vinyl
A&M/UMe

If you own Catch Bull At Four on vinyl, it was pressed when the LP was originally released back in 1972. Now, though, the Yusuf/Cat Stevens album has been reissued in vinyl for the first time since then. It’s also been newly remastered and is available in both 180-gram black vinyl and limited edition 180-gram orange vinyl editions.

Get it here.

Queens Of The Stone Age — Like Clockwork and Villains (Reissues)

qotsa villains vinyl
Matador Records

Queens Of The Stone Age have kept their output relatively minimal over the past decade, as their two most recent albums are 2013’s Like Clockwork and 2017’s Villains. If you need to get caught up, though, the band has given those two LPs new reissues. Like Clockwork was recut from the original master tapes and comes with alternate artwork, while Villains comes pressed on limited edition leaf-green transparent vinyl and with a new poster.

Get it here.

Inspectah Deck– Uncontrolled Substance (Vinyl Me, Please Reissue)

inspectah deck vmp
Vinyl Me, Please

Wu-Tang Clan has spawned a number of beloved solo albums, including Inspectah Deck’s 1999 debut Uncontrolled Substance. This new Vinyl Me, Please reissue is actually the first time the project has ever been re-released and this 2-LP edition comes pressed on understated but lovely “cop car blue” vinyl.

Get it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

The 2022 Holiday Gift Guide For Vinyl Lovers

There aren’t many drawbacks when it comes to vinyl, but here’s one that’s a perpetual elephant in the room: it sure can get expensive. So, if you have a vinyl collector in your life who could use a fancy new record and you want to save them the stress of selling a kidney to pay for it, why not get them a slick new LP for their library this holiday season?

In terms of where to start your hunt, we’ve done some legwork for you. A lot of fantastic new vinyl releases dropped this year (which we keep up with in our monthly Best Vinyl Releases round-up, by the way) and we’ve collected a few of our favorites here. These picks span genres, price points, and formats, so no matter who it is you’re shopping for, the following list should at least point you in the right direction.

Taylor Swift — Midnights

Taylor Swift Midnights vinyl
Republic

Price: $29.99

Midnights is perhaps the biggest album of the year, and as always, Taylor Swift came through with the merch. Her webstore has four differently colored versions of the album on vinyl, too. If you want to dig deep into your pockets and buy all of them, the four editions can be placed together and form a clock face on their back sides.

Get it here.

Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982 Vinyl Box Set

Blondie vinyl box set
Blondie

Price: $400

If your vinyl library doesn’t have any Blondie in it, this box set is probably the best possible place to start your collection off right. It has the band’s first six albums — Blondie, Plastic Letters, Parallel Lines, Eat To The Beat, Autoamerican, and The Hunter — as well as four additional LPs that feature outakes, B-sides, and other exclusive rarities that add up to 124 total studio tracks.

Get it here.

Lizzo — Special

Lizzo Special Vinyl
Atlantic

Price: $24.98

One of the year’s most colorful albums has gotten a decidedly less vibrant vinyl release. It’s a beauty, though, as this edition of Special is pressed on silver vinyl, and if it piques your interest, you ought to act fast: It’s exclusive to Lizzo’s web store and only 7,000 copies are set to be sold.

Get it here.

Harry Styles — Harry’s House

Harry vinyl
Harry Styles

Price: $39.98

It could be argued that Harry Styles had a bigger year than anybody else in music, with “As It Was” spending 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, making it one of the longest-running chart-toppers ever. With that in mind, Harry’s House is a definite vinyl buy, especially if you opt for one of the exclusive colors (orange and seaglass green) available in his webstore.

Get it here.

The Beatles — Revolver (Reissue)

beatles revolver vinyl
UMe

Price: $29.99 – $199.98

A Beatles vinyl reissue isn’t exactly a hard sell, especially when it comes to this new release of Revolver. This version features newly mixed audio available in mono, stereo, and Dolby Atmos iterations, and the Super Deluxe edition even comes with a 100-page hardbound book. It’s a must-own for any Beatles fan, and probably any music fan, too.

Get it here.

Alex G — God Save The Animals

Alex Go God Save The Animals vinyl
Domino

Price: $22

Uproxx’s Ian Cohen previously declared that God Save The Animals, the new Alex G album, is the artist’s best. He wrote in part, “Folky Alex G, abstract Alex G, slowcore Alex G, rawk Alex G, it’s all here, but God Save The Animals manages to circle back to his origins placing the vocals higher than they’d ever been since Race or Rules.”

Get it here.

The War On Drugs — I Don’t Live Here Anymore (Limited-Edition Deluxe Box Set)

Price: $69.98

It’s been over a year since The War On Drugs dropped their latest album, 2021’s I Don’t Live Here Anymore. To mark the occasion, they have a limited-edition deluxe box set available now, which includes unreleased tunes “Oceans Of Darkness” and “Slow Ghost” on a 7-inch. They’ve even gone through the trouble of making an unboxing video for the release, so check that out above for more details about what’s included in the expansive set.

Get it here.

Steve Lacy — Gemini Rights

steve lacy vinyl
RCA

Price: $22.99

Steve Lacy was perhaps the year’s biggest breakout star thanks to his No. 1 hit “Bad Habit,” and furthermore, Gemini Rights was one of 2022’s best-received albums. The soulful, psychedelic R&B sounds of the LP are begging to be played via turntable, so you can’t go wrong adding this one to the collection.

Get it here.

Paul McCartney — McCartney I II III Box Set

Paul McCartney I II III Box Set
Columbia

Price: $89.98

Super young Paul McCartney fans might know the Beatles leader best by his latest solo album, 2020’s McCartney III (or perhaps the next year’s McCartney III Imagined project featuring contemporary artists). Well, as the title suggests, it’s part of a trilogy of albums, which have now been collected in a new box set. The vinyl edition includes special photo prints as well as notes about each album from McCartney himself.

Get it here.

The Weeknd — Dawn FM

The Weeknd Dawn FM Target Vinyl
Target

Price: $39.99

The Weeknd had one of the year’s biggest albums with Dawn FM, and now fans can secure their own uncommon piece of it: The album has gotten an exclusive vinyl edition that’s only available at Target and features alternative artwork and silver translucent vinyl.

Get it here.

ABBA — Vinyl Album Box Set

Abba Vinyl Album Box Set
POLAR/Universal Music

Price: $249.98

ABBA (who somehow only just picked up their first-ever Grammy nomination, by the way) have a storied discography and now you can own it all thanks to a new box set. It features each of the band’s nine albums — including their latest, last year’s comeback LP Voyage — along with ABBA Tracks, which includes non-album singles and B-sides.

Get it here.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens — Harold And Maude (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

cat stevens harold and maude
A&M/Cat-O-Log/UMe

Price: $35.98

Harold And Maude has become one of the defining films of its era, and Yusuf/Cat Stevens played a part in that with his soundtrack. That first came out 50 years ago, and now this vinyl reissue of it combines Stevens’ songs with dialogue from the film for the first time.

Get it here.

Big Thief — Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You

big thief vinyl
4AD

Price: $30

Not only is the latest Big Thief album a killer listen, but this particular vinyl edition of it is sustainably produced. The jacket is printed on 100-percent recycled board, while the two LPs are produced from recycled materials (which means any given individual record won’t look exactly like the one in the photo above, so it’s a responsible way to give a truly unique gift).

Get it here.

PJ Harvey reissues

vcsPRAsset_3465972_118794_d9dc4c54-e4c7-4970-8283-8ea4ddc2f65a_0.jpg
UMe/Island

Price: varies

For months now, PJ Harvey’s entire discography has been getting the vinyl reissue treatment, so there are options here. A particularly compelling one is the 6-LP B-Sides, Demos & Rarities set, with features 59 tracks, most of which are unavailable on other formats and 14 of which were previously unreleased.

Get it here.

Roxy Music reissues

Roxy Music vinyl
Virgin/UMe

Price: varies

Roxy Music have been riding the same wave as PJ Harvey this year, as they too have given all eight of their albums fresh vinyl pressings. This is the best these classic LPs ever sounded, too, as they were all remastered at half speed and are packaged with revised artwork with a glossy laminated finish.

Get it here.

Beyoncé — Renaissance

Beyonce Renaissance vinyl
Beyonce

Price: $44.98

It’s Beyoncé. On vinyl. This one isn’t really a tough sell. Renaissance was one of the year’s most anticipated albums, “Break My Soul” was a hit, and some (like Questlove) are already calling the release a classic. So, if it’s not already in the collection, it ought to be.

Get it here.

Alvvays — Blue Rev

Alvvays Blue Rev vinyl
Polyvinyl

Price: $27

Speaking of anticipated albums, Blue Rev was the Canadian group’s first album since 2017 and it’s perhaps the most critically acclaimed release of their career. Aside from the bold blue pressing shown above, there’s also a slick translucent edition that’s limited to just 4,000 copies that’s another appealing option.

Get it here.

Vinyl Me, Please

Interpol Turn On The Bright Lights Vinyl Me Please
Vinyl Me, Please

Price: varies

Time and time again, Vinyl Me, Please comes through when it comes to exclusive, appealing vinyl pressings. Pictured above is a gorgeous reissue of Interpol’s Turn On The Bright Lights (grab it here if that’s what you want), but their entire inventory is worth perusing to find the right album for your giftee. They also offer different options for gift memberships, so sending a loved one on that journey could be the way to go and the gift that keeps on giving.

Get it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Queen Elizabeth II Turned Down A Performance From Paul McCartney To Stay Home And Watch ‘Twin Peaks’

Paul McCartney met Queen Elizabeth II multiple times before her death at 96 years old last week, including in 1997 when he was knighted for his services to music. “It was one of the best days ever,” the Beatles legend wrote on Facebook as a tribute to the British monarch. “I felt very honored to be offered a Knighthood and of course, it would have been rude to turn it down!” Unlike the time when the corgi-loving queen turned down Macca because she needed to know what happened to Laura Palmer.

As noted by Indiewire, an amusing story from a 2011 NME interview with Twin Peaks composer Angelo Badalamenti has resurfaced following Paddington Bear getting sad.

“Back when Twin Peaks was kicking off around the world, I flew by Concorde to London, to work with Paul McCartney at Abbey Road. He said, ‘Let me tell you a story’. Not long before we met, he’d been asked to perform for the Queen for her birthday celebrations. And when he met her, he started to say, ‘I’m honored to be here tonight your Majesty, and I’m going to play some music for you.’ And the Queen says, ‘I’m sorry, I can’t stay, it’s five to eight and I have to go and watch Twin Peaks!’”

Getting out of a work obligation to stay home and watch TV? The queen was never more relatable.

(Via Indiewire)

Eminem, Adele, And The Other Musicians Who Just Need One More Award For An EGOT

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards were handed out this weekend and it was a big moment for some notable folks in the music industry: Adele, Eminem, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr all won awards, which puts them each just a Tony Award victory away from attaining the coveted EGOT status — meaning they’ve won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar (Academy Award), and Tony.

The Adele: One Night Only concert special won a total of five awards, as did the The Beatles: Get Back documentary, getting Adele, McCartney, and Starr their first Emmys. This year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show also got three awards, giving Eminem his first Emmy.

Those four artists now join a list of musicians who are just one win away from the EGOT, as they all already had Grammy and Oscar wins under their belts. Aside from the aforementioned, performers just missing a Tony include Cher, Common, producer/composer Ludwig Göransson, Randy Newman, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Barbra Streisand, and composer John Williams. Meanwhile, Oscar Hammerstein II, Elton John, and Stephen Sondheim are an Emmy shy of their EGOT. As for artists who are an Oscar shy, that list includes Quincy Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Bette Midler, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The short list of those who have gotten their EGOT already includes Richard Rodgers (who secured his in 1962), Helen Hayes (1977), Rita Moreno (1977), John Gielgud (1991), Audrey Hepburn (1994), Marvin Hamlisch (1995), Jonathan Tunick (1997), Mel Brooks (2001), Mike Nichols (2001), Whoopi Goldberg (2002), Scott Rudin (2012), Robert Lopez (2014), Andrew Lloyd Webber (2018), Tim Rice (2018), John Legend (2018), Alan Menken (2020), and Jennifer Hudson (2022).

Find the full list of people (musician or otherwise) who are one win away from an EGOT below.

Needs an Emmy Award

  • Henry Fonda
  • Oscar Hammerstein II
  • Elton John
  • Alan Jay Lerner
  • Frank Loesser
  • Benj Pasek
  • Justin Paul
  • Stephen Sondheim
  • Jule Styne

Needs a Grammy Award

  • Jack Albertson
  • Anne Bancroft
  • Ingrid Bergman
  • Shirley Booth
  • Ralph Burns
  • Ellen Burstyn
  • Viola Davis
  • Melvyn Douglas
  • Bob Fosse
  • Jeremy Irons
  • Glenda Jackson
  • Jessica Lange
  • Frances McDormand
  • Liza Minnelli
  • Helen Mirren
  • Thomas Mitchell
  • Al Pacino
  • Christopher Plummer
  • Vanessa Redgrave
  • Jason Robards
  • Geoffrey Rush
  • Paul Scofield
  • Maggie Smith
  • Maureen Stapleton
  • Jessica Tandy
  • Tony Walton

Needs an Academy Award (Oscar)

  • Harry Belafonte
  • Leonard Bernstein
  • Jerry Bock
  • Martin Charnin
  • Cy Coleman
  • André De Shields
  • Fred Ebb
  • Cynthia Erivo
  • Anne Garefino
  • George Grizzard
  • Julie Harris
  • Hugh Jackman
  • James Earl Jones
  • Quincy Jones
  • Rachel Bay Jones
  • John Kander
  • Tom Kitt
  • Alex Lacamoire
  • Stan Lathan
  • Cyndi Lauper
  • Katrina Lenk
  • Audra McDonald
  • Bette Midler
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda
  • Cynthia Nixon
  • Trey Parker
  • Ben Platt
  • Billy Porter
  • Marc Shaiman
  • Bill Sherman
  • Ari’el Stachel
  • Matt Stone
  • Charles Strouse
  • Lily Tomlin
  • Dick Van Dyke
  • James Whitmore
  • David Yazbek

Needs a Tony Award

  • John Addison
  • Adele
  • Kristen Anderson-Lopez
  • Julie Andrews
  • Burt Bacharach
  • Alan Bergman
  • Marilyn Bergman
  • Jon Blair
  • George Burns
  • Cher
  • Common
  • Eminem
  • Rob Epstein
  • James Gay-Rees
  • Michael Giacchino
  • Alex Gibney
  • Alex Gibson
  • Ludwig Göransson
  • Brian Grazer
  • Hildur Guðnadóttir
  • Ron Howard
  • Paul McCartney
  • James Moll
  • Morgan Neville
  • Randy Newman
  • Sid Ramin
  • Trent Reznor
  • Caitrin Rogers
  • Atticus Ross
  • Martin Scorsese
  • Ringo Starr
  • Barbra Streisand
  • Peter Ustinov
  • John Williams
  • Robin Williams
  • Kate Winslet

Glastonbury Announces Its 2022 Lineup With Headliners Paul McCartney And Kendrick Lamar

When it comes to Europe’s summer festivals, Glastonbury is the grandaddy of them all. Think Coachella, but bigger and across five days. Now Glastonbury has finally announced the long-awaited lineup for the June 22nd to 26th affair, and the festival also cemented the headlining slate with Kendrick Lamar and Paul McCartney.

McCartney and Lamar will be playing the grandiose Pyramid Stage, along with a previously announced performance from Billie Eilish. We’ll go ahead and take the Pepsi challenge on these headliners, because can this really be topped? Taking place at Worthy Farm in Pilson, Somerset, England for the first time since 2019, the camping festival had already been sold out before the lineup was ever announced. It’s a testament to the cultural significance of this massive gathering and the lineup is positively bonkers.

Also on the bill are legendary diva Diana Ross; pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo; Mercury Prize winner Arlo Parks; jazz fusion legend Herbie Hancock; Oasis leader Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds; a TLC reunion; indie-pop queens Mitski, Phoebe Bridgers, and St. Vincent; Little Simz headlining the smaller West Holts Stage; and a whole lot more. Glastonbury says that there’s still more artists to be announced, including more headlining and emerging acts.

Check out the full lineup poster above and visit the Glastonbury website for complete details on the fest, lineup, and a final ticket pre-sale opportunity.