Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
Chaos and Creation in the Backyard is the thirteenth solo studio album by Paul McCartney, released on 12 and 13 September, 2005.[2][3] Some 18 months in the making, the album was produced by Radiohead and Beck collaborator Nigel Godrich at George Martin's suggestion.
Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
12 September 2005
September 2003 – April 2005
46:53
Parlophone (UK)
Capitol (US)
Capitol Records/Universal Music Enterprises (2018 reissue)
McCartney plays almost all of the instruments, similar to his 1970 album McCartney, the 1980 McCartney II album and the 2020 McCartney III album. In addition, Chaos and Creation in the Backyard marks the first time since 1984's Give My Regards to Broad Street that McCartney was not credited as producer or co-producer of one of his studio albums.
Chaos and Creation in the Backyard was McCartney's last rock album release for longtime label EMI. He signed a deal with Hear Music, owned by Starbucks, in March 2007.[4] He later returned to his old label Capitol Records in 2016.
Music and lyrics[edit]
McCartney said that the song "Friends to Go" is influenced by, and dedicated to, George Harrison.
Recording[edit]
Recording sessions for the album covered a period of some 18 months, with many pauses. First sessions were held at RAK Studios, London in September 2003 by McCartney and his band. After a few takes, Godrich said to McCartney he wanted to work with him alone, not involving the band. After some months' break, sessions resumed at Ocean Way Studios, Los Angeles in April 2004, with more sessions in September. Final recordings took place at AIR Studios, London in April 2005.[7]
Artwork[edit]
The cover for Chaos and Creation in the Backyard is from a photograph of McCartney strumming a guitar in his family's back yard in Liverpool, taken by his brother Mike McCartney (aka Mike McGear) and originally titled Paul Under Washing, before being retitled Our Kid Through Mum's Net Curtains.
Release and promotion[edit]
The first single, the upbeat "Fine Line", was released in late August 2005, ahead of the release of Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, and reached No. 20 in the UK. A second single, "Jenny Wren", reached No. 22 in the UK that November. "Fine Line" and "Jenny Wren" appeared on singles with their running time shortened. The singles also included five non-album b-sides: "Comfort of Love", "Growing Up Falling Down" ("Fine Line"), "Summer of '59" (vinyl edition of "Jenny Wren"), "This Loving Game" and "I Want You to Fly" (CD edition of "Jenny Wren").
The Japanese CD release of the album included the song "She Is So Beautiful". The song was also offered as a free download in Windows Media Audio format to US customers who purchased the CD at Target stores. Other bonus downloadable songs were made available to people who bought the CD at certain other stores, such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart.
The 'US' Tour in 2005 helped to promote the album in the US and Canada.
There was also a promotional concert for the album held at Abbey Road Studios, called Chaos and Creation at Abbey Road. During the show McCartney played acoustic versions of various songs, demonstrated some instruments and told stories. At the end he and the audience recorded a short track together.
The album was reissued in 2018 on vinyl in black and gold editions.[8]
Recording dates per The Paul McCartney Project[27]
Fine Line
How Kind of You
Jenny Wren
At the Mercy
Friends to Go
English Tea
Too Much Rain
A Certain Softness
Riding to Vanity Fair
Follow Me
Promise to You Girl
This Never Happened Before
Anyway