MACCA SOARED TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH WINGS

AUTHOR Philip Norman once wrote a bitter poem about Sir Paul, dubbing him a "deified Scouse with unmusical spouse" and ending, "May they bury you soon in the middlemost midst of the road."

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Paul McCartney & Wings Wings

What was it about the likeable knight and his post-Beatles career that agitated the self-styled culturati so? The idea that he was the syrupy, sentimental lightweight to Lennon's cynical right-on heavy-hitter was so widespread that Macca wrote Silly Love Songs in response.

But this 32-track compilation defuses claims that Wings were mawkish and naff. Band On The Run was Beatles-level great - even John liked it. And, like infectious rocker Jet, poppier million-seller Let 'Em In and Bond theme Live And Let Die, it was an international smash.

Five of these songs were US chart toppers, including My Love and Listen To What The Man Said.