Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Paul McCartney’s debut solo album on The Beatles Channel

April 18, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Paul McCartney‘s first solo album, McCartney. In honor of this anniversary, Chris Carter will take listeners on a track-by-track guided tour through the album on The Beatles Channels (Ch. 18), which you can stream for free now until 5/15.

Originally released in April 1970, one month before The Beatles’ swansong Let It Be, McCartney saw Paul getting back to basics. Writing every song and playing every instrument (with backing vocals from Linda McCartney), the eponymous album represented a creative rebirth, bursting with new ideas, experiments, playfulness and freedom. McCartney’s bare-bones home recording aesthetic imbued the album with an authentic lo-fi spirit, a much sought after a sound that continues to retain a contemporary edge 50 years on. In contrast to the professional difficulties that came with the demise of the world’s most iconic band.

McCartney will receive a special 50th anniversary release in a limited edition half-speed mastered vinyl pressing for Record Store Day on Saturday, June 20.

You can hear this special on The Beatles Channel Sunday, April 12 at 11am; Wednesday, April 15 at 12am; and Thursday, April 14 at 1pm (all times ET).