Monday 20 July 1987 | Hog Hill Mill Studio, Sussex, England
On 20 and 21 July 1987, Paul McCartney recorded his album Choba B CCCP — a collection of rock ‘n’ roll covers — over two consecutive days at his Hog Hill Mill studio in Sussex. This article covers the first day of sessions, 20 July.
McCartney sang and played bass guitar throughout. He was joined by Mick Green (guitar), Mick Gallagher (keyboards), and Chris Whitten (drums).
Songs Recorded on 20 July 1987
At least 12 songs are known to have been taped during this first session. All but the final track were released on Choba B CCCP:
| # | Song | Released on album |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas City | Yes |
| 2 | Twenty Flight Rock | Yes |
| 3 | Lawdy Miss Clawdy | Yes |
| 4 | I'm In Love Again | Yes |
| 5 | Bring It On Home To Me | Yes |
| 6 | Lucille | Yes |
| 7 | I'm Gonna Be A Wheel Someday | Yes |
| 8 | That's All Right (Mama) | Yes |
| 9 | Summertime | Yes |
| 10 | Just Because | Yes |
| 11 | Midnight Special | Yes |
| 12 | It's Now Or Never | No (unreleased) |
Session Details
| Date | Monday 20 July 1987 (day 1 of 2) |
| Studio | Hog Hill Mill, Sussex, England |
| McCartney | Vocals, bass guitar |
| Mick Green | Guitar |
| Mick Gallagher | Keyboards |
| Chris Whitten | Drums |
| Songs taped | At least 12 |
| Album | Choba B CCCP (initially released in the USSR only, October 1988) |
About Choba B CCCP
Choba B CCCP — which translates roughly from Russian as “Back in the USSR” — was McCartney's tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues songs that had inspired him as a teenager. The album was initially released exclusively in the Soviet Union in October 1988, where it sold out almost immediately. It was later given a worldwide release in 1991.
The choice of songs reflected McCartney's deep roots in American rock ‘n’ roll: Twenty Flight Rock was famously the song he played for John Lennon at their first meeting in 1957; Kansas City had been a staple of The Beatles' live set; and That's All Right (Mama) was Elvis Presley's debut single.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Choba B CCCP?
Choba B CCCP is a rock 'n' roll covers album by Paul McCartney, recorded over two days on 20 and 21 July 1987 at his Hog Hill Mill studio in Sussex. The title translates roughly as "Back in the USSR" in Russian. It was initially released exclusively in the Soviet Union in October 1988 before receiving a worldwide release in 1991.
Where was Choba B CCCP recorded?
Choba B CCCP was recorded at Paul McCartney's Hog Hill Mill studio in Sussex, England, over two consecutive days on 20 and 21 July 1987.
Who played on Choba B CCCP?
Paul McCartney sang and played bass guitar. He was joined by Mick Green on guitar, Mick Gallagher on keyboards, and Chris Whitten on drums.
Why was Choba B CCCP released only in the USSR?
Choba B CCCP was initially released exclusively in the Soviet Union in October 1988 as a gesture towards Soviet music fans, who had limited access to Western rock 'n' roll. It sold out almost immediately. A worldwide release followed in 1991.
What is the significance of Twenty Flight Rock on Choba B CCCP?
Twenty Flight Rock was the song Paul McCartney played for John Lennon at their first meeting on 6 July 1957, impressing Lennon enough to be invited to join the Quarry Men. Its inclusion on Choba B CCCP was a nod to McCartney's rock 'n' roll roots and the song's place in Beatles history.
→ 20 July in Beatles History
→ July in Beatles History
→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
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