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Read the original blog post4.09pm
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1 May 2011
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This is one of those Paul tracks I really should hate for a number of reasons but against all reasoning I adore. The main vocal should be an instant turn-off yet holds some weird innocent charm (he’s basically blackmailing the woman he’s cheating with afterall) and I love how Paul changes to a more hardline approach when he sings the bridge.
Obviously written for Michael Jackson but I’ve never listened to his version. Don’t want to either.
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Beatlebug"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)
12.53pm
1 December 2009
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I prefer MJ’s version, actually – the word “girlfriend” itself sounds less precious coming from the throat of a 19-year old than a man of 36.
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BeatlebugGEORGE: In fact, The Detroit Sound. JOHN: In fact, yes. GEORGE: In fact, yeah. Tamla-Motown artists are our favorites. The Miracles. JOHN: We like Marvin Gaye. GEORGE: The Impressions PAUL & GEORGE: Mary Wells. GEORGE: The Exciters. RINGO: Chuck Jackson. JOHN: To name but eighty.
2.10pm
17 June 2021
Offline I listened to Michael and Paul’s versions back to back. I do prefer Michael’s version, even though I’m not a huge fan of him.
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4.55pm
31 March 2008
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‘Girlfriend’ was written by Paul McCartney and released on the penultimate Wings album London Town. It was later recorded by Michael Jackson for Off The Wall. See more…
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11.07am
26 January 2017
Offline Been on a major MJ kick lately. I like both versions, but I gotta take the classy Quincy orchestration over the more standard 70s rock arrangement from London Town , plus MJ’s voice levels up any song in an undeniable way. I think the Wings version does a nice job accentuating the chord progression more so than Off the Wall which is much more groove based. Either way I was pleased to have that Beatley moment while tearing through Off the Wall time after time. Apparently not a favorite of MJ/pop fans, but I think its a really nice composition, albeit much stronger musically than lyrically.
Not to derail but I’ve found myself especially enamored with Rod Temperton’s contributions to Jackson’s catalogue, Off The Wall, Rock With You, Thriller, and my personal favorite Baby Be Mine are absolutely fantastic songs. He, Quincy and Michael were a powerhouse in their prime. Paul and Michael’s collaborations are also great but I know a lot of people are turned off by the corniness of it. I don’t mind it because of their vocal performances and instrumental arrangements.
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Beatlebug"The pump don't work cause the vandals took the handles!"
-Bob Dylan, Subterranean Homesick Blues
"We could ride and surf together while our love would grow"
-Brian Wilson, Surfer Girl
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