Paul McCartney Plans Pop Standards Disc, ‘Heavier Rock’ Album and Solo Reissues

Paul McCartney is currently working on an album of pop standards, while also writing material for a 'heavier rock' disc. In addition, the former Beatles member is preparing to reissue a couple of his solo albums.

Macca tells Rolling Stone that he hit the studio in April to record a number of tracks for the pop standards album, which has apparently been one of his long-term goals. "I've wanted to do that kind of thing forever, since the Beatle days," explains McCartney. "But then Rod [Stewart] went mad on it. I thought, 'I have to wait so it doesn't look like I'm trying to do a Rod.'"

The recent sessions featured McCartney working with jazz artist Diana Krall and her band on several of the tunes. "It's get-home-from-work music," says Macca. "You put it on and get a glass of wine." The disc is tentatively slated to be released in early 2012.

The legendary singer-songwriter reveals that he's also penning songs for a 'heavier rock' album. The effort is inspired in part by a talk Macca had with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, who explained how he recorded his band's latest disc in his own garage.

"I love that -- you get a crazy idea and go with it," says McCartney of Grohl's strategy. "You never know, I may run into a garage to make this other album -- but it won't be in Dave's garage."

Meanwhile, in June, McCartney is set to reissue his 1970 disc 'McCartney' and 1980 album 'McCartney II' as deluxe editions with bonus tracks. In addition, he appears on the tribute album 'Rave On Buddy Holly' (due June 28) with a cover of 'It's So Easy.' Other artists on the collection include Lou Reed, Graham Nash and Patti Smith.

Finally, McCartney will play a gig in Las Vegas on June 10, with more shows being planned for this year.