A MAGIC CHRISTIAN MYSTERY and BEATLE CONNECTIONS GALORE
According to reports, this version of the Paul McCartney song was released around the same time as the Apple Badfinger version. The Magic Christian version was not a hit. Produced by the late keyboardist, Gary Wright, who was to back both George Harrison and Ringo Starr in their solo careers.
Ex-Move guitarist Trevor Burton was supposedly involved with this recording and speculation abounds that Denny Laine and Steve Gibbons also played a role in the record. I believe Beatles associate Tony Bramwell has mentioned at one time that Denny Laine had a role in this recording. I was able to find a copy of this recording at the DISCOGS site. Some of the 45’s issued had the song title listed as “If You Want It” rather than “Come and Get It.” The first pressings had the publisher listed as Apple. Later copies had the publisher listed as Northern Songs!
A different title is used on this McCartney tune as well as having a different publisher listed.
THE MAGIC CHRISTIANS
There is another connection. The Magic Christians were supposedly made up of some of the members of the group Balls which included Denny Laine who was with the Moody Blues and later with Wings and the flip side of one of the 45’s by Balls was written by both Denny Laine and Alan White who was to join the Plastic Ono Band and later the group Yes. Alan and Denny both passed away a while back. Because of the scarcity of a Denny Laine/ Alan White co-authored track and the multiple solo Beatles and McCartney connections, I bought a copy of the 45 at the Discogs site.
BALLS
This is the rare Denmark picture sleeve to the Balls 45 which contains the obscure Denny Laine/ Alan White co-authored track called “Janie Slow Down.” Odd that Denny Laine would play with Wings and Alan White would end up being in a band with John Lennon and also backing George Harrison!
Here is a brief history of the group Balls provided by this internet link:
Balls, a Birmingham supergroup of the 1960s (brumbeat.net)
Balls also did an Apple acetate of the song “Fight For My Country.”
I am amazed at your unique finds!!!!!Thank you for sharing.
You are much too kind with your praise Eddie, as I receive much of this information from many individuals who assist me in my collecting passion. Having the umbrella of this blog allows the items to be gathered under the same roof! I thank you for the nice compliment!