Burning The Ground Exclusive
In late 1985, Paul McCartney added another unexpected entry to his eclectic catalog with the release of “Spies Like Us,” the theme song for the John Landis-directed comedy of the same name starring Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. While not remembered as one of McCartney’s most celebrated singles, the track is an interesting snapshot of mid-80s pop production, Cold War paranoia dressed in pop satire, and a Beatle experimenting with the MTV era.
Background
The film Spies Like Us was a goofy Cold War buddy comedy, and Warner Bros. wanted a big-name theme song to match. Enter Paul McCartney, who had already proven with “Live and Let Die” that he could craft cinematic pop with flair. This time, though, instead of lush orchestrations, McCartney leaned heavily into synths, drum machines, and Fairlight sampling, hallmarks of the mid-80s studio sound.
The single was produced by McCartney himself, with Hugh Padgham (known for his work with Genesis, Phil Collins, and The Police) contributing his signature gated drum textures.
The Song
“Spies Like Us” is a quirky mix of playful lyrics, staccato vocal chants, and punchy electronic rhythms. McCartney doesn’t play it straight; instead, the song mirrors the slapstick tone of the movie. The hook, “Ooh ooh, what do you do, no one else can dance like you,” is pure Macca—catchy and cheeky at the same time.
While not universally loved by critics (some dismissed it as lightweight compared to his more serious work), the track’s off-kilter energy feels in line with the zany espionage antics of Chase and Aykroyd. It’s Paul having fun, and that spirit comes through.
Chart Performance
Despite mixed reviews, “Spies Like Us” did surprisingly well commercially. It peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1986, marking McCartney’s last U.S. Top 10 hit to date. In the UK, however, it stalled at #13.
The music video, directed by John Landis, featured McCartney performing the song intercut with clips from the film—though Chase and Aykroyd also appear goofing around as “backing musicians,” adding to the lightheartedness. MTV gave it steady rotation at the time.
Legacy
“Spies Like Us” is often overlooked when discussing McCartney’s career highlights, but it remains a fascinating curio. It captures a moment when one of the world’s greatest songwriters was still experimenting, still adapting, and still landing hits two decades after the Beatles.
Final thought: “Spies Like Us” may not sit alongside Band on the Run or Maybe I’m Amazed in McCartney’s pantheon, but it’s undeniably catchy, delightfully odd, and very much of its time. A Top 10 hit from a Cold War comedy—only Paul could pull that off.
SIDE A:
Spies Like Us (Party Mix) 7:13
Mixed By – John Potoker
Spies Like Us (Alternative Mix-Known To His Friends As “Tom”) 3:59
Mixed By – Art Of Noise*
SIDE B:
Spies Like Us (DJ Version) 3:48
My Carnival (Party Mix) 6:00
Mixed By – Gary Langan
Performed By – Paul McCartney And Wings*
Producer – Paul McCartney
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Spies Like Us | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #7 |
| 1985 | Spies Like Us | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #31 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Capitol Records – V-15212, MPL (2) – V-15212
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Misprint
Country: US
Released: Nov 18, 1985
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Lacquer Cut By – ES*
- Photography By [Back Cover] – David Morse (2)
- Photography By [Front Cover] – Linda McCartney
- Producer – Padgham* (tracks: A1 to B1), McCartney* (tracks: A1 to B1), Ramone* (tracks: A1 to B1)
- Written-By – Paul McCartney
NOTES:
Title Song From the Warner Bros. Motion Picture
A1 Mixed in New York
A2 Mixed in London
A1 & A2: From The Warner Bros. Motion Picture “Spies Like US”
B2 Recorded in New Orleans and Dedicated to Professor Longhair
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
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FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
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Thank you for this Paul. I remember buying the single in 1985 and whilst not loving it, I always thought it was OK. Listening again and it’s brought a smile to my face and it isn’t as mediocre as I remember. I also bought the ‘Wingspan’ CD and wondered why it stopped at 1984 and didn’t include his mid-80s material. Guess he’s not that fond of it as it didn’t perform so well in the charts. So thanks for the DJ version as I don’t believe that’s available on CD anywhere, only the longer 7″ inch mix which outstays it’s… Read more »
When Art of Noise got a hold of the track things got interesting!
Back in the day I recall hearing an alternate mix of the Spies…now i know it was real… Thanks!
Thanks very much for this!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I did used to have this. I loved the song and the movie. The main reason for my buying it was to get the Art Of Noise remix. I don’t know how they got involved (someone mentioned it was obvious because of Hugh Padgham’s involvement, but I don’t know why they said that as Hugh never worked with the Art of Noise) though Gary Langan mixed My Carnival and he was in the Art Of Noise. The Art of Noise remix is unique in that it is the only remix of someone else’s… Read more »
Fans of the Art of Noise mix should look for this release: https://www.discogs.com/master/413252-Various-The-Art-Of-The-12-Volume-Two-A-Promotion-Of-A-Way-Of-Life. The master used on this album was provided by Sir Paul himself, and for some reason runs 1:30 longer.
When the compilers of the two releases below, requested the Art of Noise Mix masters back from McCartney’s people, they realised that the first 90 seconds had been removed from the version as pressed on the 12″. The full version can be found on these.
https://www.discogs.com/release/3098068-Various-The-Art-Of-The-12-Volume-Two-A-Promotion-Of-A-Way-Of-Life
https://www.discogs.com/release/12633446-The-Art-Of-Noise-In-No-Sense-Nonsense
I was a big fan of the movie back in 1985, which i saw at the cinema. So pleased to have these versions in digital djpault quality.
I like the cover art too.
Thanks Paul 🙂
That’s awesome, John! Very cool that you got to see it on the big screen back in ’85—that must’ve been a blast. Glad you’re enjoying the digital quality rips and the cover art too. Always happy to share these gems! 🙂
Woo hoo love it Paul!! I was hoping you would post your transfer of this after last week’s Press and the special requests for Spies Like Us. The first release from the Press To Play sessions! Certainly not a ‘conventional’ McCartney single by any stretch, made even more of a curio by the fact it was his last Top 10 single. I remember the video’s heavy rotation on MTV and the ear worm of the chorus. Gotta give McCartney credit for building a song out of the phrase “Spies Like Us.” Another big THANK YOU Paul!! So excited to have… Read more »
Woo hoo indeed! 🙂 You summed it up perfectly—it really is such a curio in McCartney’s catalog, unconventional but still catchy enough to climb into the Top 10. That video on heavy MTV rotation definitely burned the chorus into everyone’s brain! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the “Paulity” transfer, and I really appreciate the enthusiasm. Here’s to a great week ahead!
Wow! What a nice surprise! I loved that movie! I had no idea there were remixes to this song, let alone by ART OF NOISE!!! Makes perfect sense when you realize that Hugh Padgham was involved. Those drum textures literally lend themselves to remixing! This is exciting!
Also, watching the video, you quickly notice that Paul was really enjoying this!
So glad this was a nice surprise for you! 🙂 The Art of Noise involvement really does make perfect sense once you hear it—those Hugh Padgham drum textures were just begging for remix treatment. And yes, totally agree, Paul looked like he was having a blast in that video, which makes the whole thing even more fun. Exciting stuff indeed!
Immediately heard the hook in my head although I arguably haven’t heard this track in decades! Thanks for this! Look at those credits!!! So cool, what a time warp!
Right?! That hook is impossible to forget once it’s in your head! 🙂 I had the same experience revisiting it—instantly transported back. And yes, those credits are wild… McCartney working with Hugh Padgham, Phil Ramone, Art Of Noise, and John Potoker, such a cool time capsule. Glad you enjoyed the little trip through the time warp!
Yes! ! !
Hey Paul.
Just a little information on the track, “My Carnival”. It was recorded during the Venus And Mars recording sessions in New Orleans, but unreleased until the Spies Like Us singles, and later included in the 1990’s cd of the Venus And Mars album, along with the second B Side from 1980’s Coming Up single, Lunch Box Odd Sox.
Hey George,
Thanks so much for adding that info! I love that “My Carnival” came out of the Venus and Mars sessions—it really carries that New Orleans flavor. It’s so interesting how it finally surfaced as the B-side to Spies Like Us before finding its home on the later CD reissue. And you’re right, pairing it with “Lunch Box Odd Sox” makes for such a quirky, fun bonus. Always appreciate your insight!
Oh, I wanted to tell you this earlier in the year, but I’ve been doing an online radio show with In My Dreams Radio. Unfortunately, as I’m having to move out of where I’m currently living, my show is temporarily ending as of the last Monday in September.
This is so much fun, Paul. I haven’t heard the song in years so I’m excited to finally getting the 12-inch from you. The single has my curiosity piqued because of Art of Noise’s involvement!!
I repeat, I AM VERY EXCITED!!!
Jeff
Jeff, I love the enthusiasm!! 🙂 The 12-inch is such a treat, and that Art of Noise connection definitely adds another layer of intrigue. They had such a unique approach to sound, so hearing their fingerprints in the mix makes it even more fun. I think you’re going to enjoy diving back into this one after all these years!
As a massive McCartney fan, I’m utterly ticked to see some of his 12″ singles pop up here. If you want to hear a 12″ that sounds a million miles away from McCartney’s reputation, give Pretty Little Head a spin… It may even get you dancing…
That’s awesome, Paul! McCartney’s 12″ singles really do show such a different side of him, and “Pretty Little Head” is a great call—definitely one of his most unexpected and experimental moments. I’ve heard about how wild that mix is, so I can imagine it really does get you moving. Thanks for sharing your passion, I always enjoy hearing which tracks stand out to fellow fans!
That should read “tickled”…
HELL YES. I was hoping this was coming after you posted the Press single. Love, love, love the Art of Noise mix on this. Thank you!
HELL YES indeed!! 🙂 The Art of Noise mix really does take it to another level—so glad you’re loving it as much as I do. Always great to share these with someone who appreciates the deep cuts!
Thanks for the rip, Paul! I vaguely remember the hook but not the rest of the song. I look forward to hearing the mixes! Thanks again!
You’re very welcome, Fred! That hook definitely sticks, but the mixes add a whole new layer of fun to revisit. Hope you enjoy giving them a spin—always happy to share! 🙂
I was hoping you’d post this favourite of mine soon, Paul. And here we are. I’m looking forward to downloading it at the end if the week when I return from my short vacation on the Dutch coast which is only a 2.5 hour drive from where I live. All the best and keep dancing. 🙂
I hope you have a very nice vacation, Song_and_Dance!!
Jeff
Thank you so much, dear Jeff.
A lovely appartement, blue sky, sunny days and 81 degrees. What more could you want. 🙂
Perfect timing then! 🙂 I’m glad I could get this one up while it’s still fresh on your mind. Hope you’re having a wonderful time on the Dutch coast—it sounds beautiful. Safe travels back, and the music will be waiting for you when you return. All the best, and yes… keep on dancing!
I think this was McCartney’s last top 10 song as a solo artist, actually. Great tune – thanks!
You’re absolutely right—Spies Like Us was McCartney’s last U.S. Top 10 as a solo artist, hitting #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. A fun bit of trivia for a track that sometimes gets overlooked. Glad you enjoyed revisiting it!
Thanks for this. I’ve always liked this track (despite what my friends thought of it), and I’ve always felt his Press to Play era is underappreciated. I hope someday we get an SDE of it.
Absolutely! Spies Like Us and the Press to Play era as a whole really deserve more love. There’s a lot of experimentation and interesting production happening there that often gets overlooked. Glad to hear you’ve always appreciated it!
Nice rarity Paul. Many thanks for these mixes.
You’re welcome 🙂
I see what you did there!
I thought you might like this one 🙂