When the #2 Steals the #1 Spotlight

What happens when the person in the Number 2 spot gets the spotlight?

Lennon and McCartney had a stranglehold on The Beatles’ songwriting. They simply decided that all their songs would list the two of them, even if Harrison and Starr contributed, they would not get credit. The result was that the two “economy class” Beatles were never invited to the writing party. Harrison, however, decided if John and Paul could write, “why not me”?

He proceeded to not only create many fine songs that helped strengthen The Beatles’ catalogue, but his song “Here Comes The Sun” surpasses all Beatles songs as the most-streamed by far. That is a remarkable achievement for the “dark horse” Beatle.

The Rolling Stones’ Number 2, Bill Wyman, had a steeper uphill struggle with Jagger and Richards and achieved only one songwriting credit for “In Another Land” on Their Satanic Majesties Request. Wyman’s composition was a moderate success, without the Glimmer Twins’ help. By all accounts, they were not happy about it, and Wyman had to ask Steve Marriott to help him make the recording, because he was left deserted.

Here are three more examples of the Number 2 in the band “stealing the show.”

XTC – “Making Plans For Nigel”

In 1979, XTC released “Making Plans For Nigel.” Bassist Colin Moulding wrote and sang lead on the tune, which became massive in Europe and got played on rock or college radio stations in the U.S. Guitarist Andy Partridge wrote the lion’s share of XTC’s material, but “MPFN” was Moulding’s creation and was regarded as their first breakout song.

When it was first released, the sound was stunningly original with its electronic pulse, chugging tempo, and smashing percussion. It was quite different from the screaming and jarring assault of the punk bands at the time. It was not jazz, folk, or blues. It was an innovative approach, and utterly modern.

“MPFN” still sounds newer than tomorrow to my ears. And Partridge knew Moulding had a winner. It’s not hard to spot his jealousy in the sci-fi haunted house video that was made to promote the song. Partridge leaps in front of Moulding, clearly miffed at Moulding’s triumph.

The Jam – “Smithers Jones”

While not as successful as “Making Plans For Nigel,” Bruce Foxton’s composition “Smithers Jones” is one of several chestnuts in The Jam’s catalogue. It was initially released as a B-side of the Paul Weller-written “When You’re Young” single.

An alternative take was put on The Jam’s Setting Sons in an orchestral version. The song tells a sad story of a hapless working stiff who loses his position. Foxton warns the protagonist, “You’re a part of the production line, You’re the same as him, You’re like tinned sardines, Get out of the pack, Before they peel you back.”  The Jam’s chief songwriter, Weller, generously contributed uncredited lyrics and welcomed Foxton’s original. Unlike the other lead writers reviewed here, Weller encouraged Foxton to create. Stan Jeffries, author of The Jam – On Track, believes it is Foxton’s finest compositions.

“Behind My Camel” – The Police

“Behind My Camel” was released on The Police’s third album Zenyatta Mondatta. This album is notorious because it deserves the description of a “difficult” third album. All the fun and excitement that The Police were having on their first two releases had vanished. The band was arguing as much as recording.

Sting was the major songwriter and lead singer, and he was penning chart toppers, such as “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” which won a Grammy for “Best Rock Performance.” Amongst the turmoil, Andy Summers wrote “BMC.”  Sting refused to help with the haunted instrumental, so Summers had to play guitar and bass on the track. To Sting’s and Steward Copeland’s dismay, the song won a Grammy for “Best Rock Instrumental.”

“To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your path, and don’t worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest. Always do what you are afraid to do.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

-Vincent Maganzini

Photo: George Harrison (public domain)