Biography
Thrillington is a 1977 album by Paul McCartney, under the pseudonym of Percy “Thrills” Thrillington. The album is an instrumental cover version of Paul and Linda McCartney’s 1971 album, RAM. Arranger Richard Hewson was asked to arrange the orchestration before Ram had yet been released and it was recorded in June 1971—with McCartney as producer—and with an intended release shortly thereafter. Paul and wife Linda’s decision to form Wings resulted in the album being shelved until 1977. In preparation for the release of Thrillington, McCartney invented the fictitious socialite Percy Thrillington, and even took out ads in various UK music papers announcing Thrillington’s so-called comings and goings to generate curiosity and interest. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrillington
Album & Cover
With no mention of McCartney’s name whatsoever — save in the main liner notes where he is described as a friend of Percy — Thrillington went unnoticed upon its release where it became a sort of collector’s item—not a hot one for there was some doubt as to whether Thrillington was really Paul McCartney and the role he played in it. McCartney was never asked about his role in that album until he finally admitted it to journalist Peter Palmiere at a Los Angeles press conference on November 27, 1989 during the second leg of his world tour. McCartney told Palmiere “What a great question to end the conference. The world needs to know! But seriously it was me and Linda—and we kept it a secret for a long time but now the world knows!— you blew it!” After the admission, the album nearly tripled in value. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrillington
Cover Location: Hipgnosis Studio, London, UK
Who Did What: Cover Design – Hipgnosis/Jeff Cummins. Painting – J. Cummins
Label: Capitol ST-11642(US), Regal Zonophone EMC3175(UK)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell
Tracklist
| Side One Too Many People 3 Legs Ram On Dear Boy Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey Smile Away |
Side Two Heart Of The Country Monkberry Moon Delight Eat At Home Long Haired Lady Back Seat Of My Car |
Credits
Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor [Orchestra] – Richard Hewson
Engineer – Tony Clark
Liner Notes [Sleeve Note] – Clint Harrigan
Producer – Percy “Thrills” Thrillington
Written-By – P. & L. McCartney (tracks: A4, A5, B1 to B4), P. McCartney (tracks: A1 to A3, A6, B5)
Notes
Released with a printed inner sleeve.
