Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda Paul McCartney: Dreams, Dickens… and Oobleys
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Jun 17, 2025 Join Sir Paul McCartney, the legendary Beatles bassist and a musical icon, as he reflects on his remarkable career and unique songwriting methods. He shares how ‘oobley’ chords sparked some of the band's greatest hits and discusses the balance between creativity and performance challenges. McCartney delves into the personal stories behind songs like 'Let It Be,' revealing how dreams and grief shape creativity. With anecdotes about his evolving artistry, this conversation offers a rich glimpse into the mind of a musical genius.
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Singing Demands Multitasking Brain
- Singing requires multitasking, like regulating memory, reading cues, and managing distractions simultaneously.
- This complex mental juggling enhances the live performance beyond simply singing words.
Start Songs by Noodling Chords
- Start songwriting by noodling on piano or guitar with some chords under your fingers.
- Use "oobly" chords—sweet, juicy, sophisticated chords—to inspire new musical ideas.
Demonstrating "Oobly" Chords
- Paul demonstrates "oobly" chords on piano - smooth, sexy chord shapes that inspire musical ideas.
- He explains using dummy syllables in early lyrics to find melodic phrasing and word flow.
