How a strange 1989 b-side is the perfect entry to explore Paul McCartney’s forgotten dance experiments.

The Twelve Inch 130 : "Où-Est-Le-Soleil" (Paul McCartney)

Welcome, I’m Pe Dupre and this is “The Twelve Inch”, a newsletter that tells the history of dance music between 1975 and 1995, one twelve inch at a time.

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Paul McCartney’s solo career is a tapestry of highs and lows, ranging from the timeless classics of Band on the Run to whimsical tracks like "We All Stand Together" with the Frog Chorus. His vast and diverse catalogue reflects an artist constantly experimenting, evolving, and often surprising his audience. Among his many musical ventures, McCartney’s foray into dance music remains one of his more curious—and often misunderstood—chapters.