If there’s one thing we can learn from Paul McCartney’s signing to Decca, it’s that the label heads there probably would’ve given his little band a record deal 50 years ago had the mop-topped foursome been clad in pink tutus and traded their rock riffs for more plié-ing, mes amours. But finally, after decades of scoring number one albums for a label not named Decca, Paul McCartney has finally proven himself worthy in the UK label’s eyes. It’s not clear at this time whether they consider him as historically important as their legendary first recording of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas,” but that’s tough to beat.
McCartney’s first ballet, Ocean’s Kingdom, marks his first time putting on a leotard and gracefully dancing it out with the company, commissioned by the New York City Ballet. Described as “a love story within the story of an underwater world whose people are threatened by the humans of Earth,” the new ballet will premiere this September. McCartney stated, “What was interesting was writing music that meant something expressively rather than just writing a song.” True, who knows what Ob-la-di, ob-la-da really means on an emotional level?
If you’ve always admired his work but thought he’d be better if he were to focus on underworld themes and ocean-size dreams, then you’ll definitely be in line for the NYCB’s Fall Gala on September 22. The score will be released on October 4 in the US by Hear Music/Telarc. View the full tracklisting and get ready to get deep with Paul McCartney.
Ocean’s Kingdom tracklisting:
01. Movement 1: Ocean’s Kingdom
02. Movement 2: Hall of Dance
03. Movement 3: Imprisonment
04. Movement 4: Moonrise
• Paul McCartney: http://www.paulmccartney.com
• Decca: http://www.deccarecords.com
