Paul McCartney & Wings
Helen Wheels/Country Dreamer

THE REVIEW

Before the release of "Band On The Run" towards the end of 1973, the Wings released a single that actually had no promotional value for the work that was being completed in the London studios, after the actual recording took place in Nigeria.

"Helen Wheels" is a wild, driving rock track that marks the end of the group's settling period. It is indeed the last example of a raw and tough song form that marked much of the Wings' activity in the '71-'73 biennium (consider "Hi Hi Hi" or "Give Ireland Back To The Irish"). The song features a sharp and edgy melodic foundation highlighted by prominently played electric guitars by Paul and Denny Laine; moreover, the group is now reduced to a trio, with the impeccable drummer Macca behind the skins. "Helen Wheels" is dedicated to the McCartney's Land Rover, a true hell on wheels, "Hell On Wheels" indeed. The lyrics continually reference Paul's wandering experiences from the previous year's tour, "M6 South Down To Liverpool, Where They Play The West Coast Sound/Sailor Sam He Came From Birmingham But He Never Will Be Found". The track is punctuated by the chorus sung at the top of their lungs by Paul, Linda, and Denny, and a very crazy and fun music video was also made.

The B-side, "Country Dreamer", is a country ballad that opens with a delicate acoustic arpeggio; it's an ode to country life just as "Heart Of The Country" was in "Ram", "You and I, country dreamer/when there’s nothing else to do/Me oh my, country dreamer/make a country dream come true". The track dates back to the "Red Rose Speedway" sessions and has never been officially performed live, just like "Helen Wheels".