KISSES ON THE BOTTOM

KISSES IN THE BOTTOM :  Paul McCartney did a Rod Stewart here. Recording a CD of great standards that he first encountered way back when he was a teen and this CD was also the first album that he did not play any instrumentals. Actually Ringo Starr was the first Beatles or the first popular artist who did this kind of album. Remember "Sentimental Journey." What is it that The Beatles haven't started first. Anyway, this was the Deluxe Version with 3 additional tracks. Of the 16 tracks here, all were covers except for 3 originals. While one was top notched, the second one was unremarkable and the third was a remake of his own 'Baby's Request' from his album with Wings' "Back To The Egg,' given a brand new version. Unfortunately, well received this album may be for most but it's just not for me. The best tracks are his own originals which led me to believe Paul McCartney was always better when he was writing his own songs. They are way too many ballads here. He should have added some uptempo songs to even up the pace of the album. Being as it is, this album is a set back for me after his trilogy of great albums.

I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter ( Ahlert / Young ) : Paul sure sounds funny here. If I have heard this on the radio, I wouldn't have guess it was him. Boring.

Home [ When Shadows Falls ] ( Van Steeden / Clarkson / Clarkson ) : I'm not sure what to make of this but it's definitely a better choice than a sleeping pill.

It's Only A Paper Moon ( Arlen / Harburg / Rose ) : This one is just slightly bearable 'cos it's slightly uptempo and sung in that playful McCartney's way.

More I Cannot Wish You ( Loesser ) : Another yawn inducing recording. It's not so bad that I cannot bear listening to like his "Press To Play" album. It's just boring bad. Maybe I'll put it on just so that I can have some music in the background.

The Glory Of Love ( Hill ) : Just slightly better. At least I can hear some melody somewhere. The guitar playing is glorious.

We Three [ My Echo, My Shadow And Me ] ( Mysels / Roberson / Cogane ) :  I can tolerate this one too. Am I beginning to get the grip of things here. Laid back and comfortably seated with a wine and a love one on a sofa. You can't go wrong with this song.

Ac - Cent - Tchu - Ate The Positive ( Arlen / Mercer ) : I don't about the rest but this track strangely reminds me slightly of 'The Bare Necessities' from " The Jungle Book."

My Valentine ( McCartney ) : The first original track and I wouldn't have thought it was written by Paul cos it could just blend in with the rest. I could live with this. Definitely one of the better track and shows that Paul is ever so versatile.

Always ( Berlin ) : Irving Berlin was a legendary writers of many fine so
ngs but somehow I don't think this was one of them. Boring.

My Very Good Friend, The Milkman ( Spina / Burke ) : This is a slightly uptempo track, the type  which I like so I am okay with this track.

Bye Bye Blackbird ( Henderson / Dixon ) : Ringo Starr did this song on his first solo album "Sentimental Album." I can't really recall Ringo's version but Paul's version here just about sent me to slumber land. I may just fall asleep holding the CD cover in my hand.

Get Yourself Another Fool ( Henry / Tucker ) : On a good day I may like this but when I am hot and bothered, I don' t think I can tolerate this.

The Inch Worm ( Loesser ) : Not much different from the rest but this one I can take. Maybe I'm a sucker for the backing choirs or maybe dying for a change of pace.

Only Our Hearts ( McCartney ) : The second original track and a slight breath of fresh air. I sure hope Paul goes back to writing his own songs on his next album.

Baby's Request ( McCartney ) : I've always have a soft spot for this Wings' number from his "Back To The Egg" album. Paul sang in the same laid back style as the songs here but no less appealing. In true Beatles style there's a short bouncy instrumental piece nearing the end of the song. Still love it but of course the original was better.

My One And Only Love ( Mellin / Wood ) : The last song and and I heaving a sign of relief that the disc is finally over. Think it'll be a while before I put on this again.

20th February 2012.

GOOD EVENING NEW YORK CITY

GOOD EVENING NEW YORK CITY : Yet another Paul McCartney live offering. It have got to a stage that it's not a major event when he released a live albums. There have been just too many. This shows was recorded at the famed Shea Stadium where The Beatles once made history by playing to a crowd of 55,600 thousand people. The first time any bands have played in a football field. Now renamed Citi Fields and moved a hundred yards away, Paul McCartney is to stake his claim as one of the top player in the music business. And claimed it he did. At aged 67, he have put most of his contemporaries half his age to shame. This concert is the best so far from the rest of his concerts. This CD was released with 2 disc of music CD and one DVD with songs running in the same order of the music

DISC 1 & 2 AUDIO MUSIC

Yet again a stellar concert performance. Paul McCartney seems to get better with age. Arguably the best of them all but this CD was like its predecessors, was marred seriously by the total editing out of Paul's playful banter with the audiences which defeat the purpose of the live concert experience. Without the between songs bits, listeners are left with highly energetic and faithful takes on well worn songs that more often than not  fail to live up to their studio counterparts. I don't feel the frustration on this CD so much 'cos there was the accompanying DVD but it's safe to say I will be playing the DVD more than the music CD. Paul is a genius and is good at most everything he does but a good concert music editor he certainly is not.

DISC 3  DVD

Drive My Car ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Starting out with footage of The Beatles running across Shea Stadiums, Paul McCartney started the show with this stellar rocker in fine form.

Jet ( McCartney / McCartney ) : The second track and Paul already in full command.

Only Mama Knows ( McCartney ) : Nice to see Paul interacting with the crowd which I know he did but was always edited out from the music CD. This track is fast becoming a favourite from the "Memory Almost Full.' album.

Flaming Pie ( McCartney ) : First time I heard this live and taking it with the rest of the classics, it do sound so bad.

Got To Get You Ito My Life ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul talked about the time The Beatles were performing there and they couldn't hear a sound then let rip into this Beatles favourite. He got it right this time. In his previous concert, he couldn't quite reach the high note.

Let Me Roll It ( McCartney ) : Paul sings this song at almost all of his concerts that I can't really tell one version from the others. Still, nothing beats seeing Paul belting out this song live.

Highway ( McCartney ) : I haven't heard this one before. It was from his "Electric Arguments" album made under the guise of The Fireman that is not available here. Sounds good though. If only I could get my hand on the album.

The Long And Winding Road ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Always amazed at the adatability of Paul when he can go effortlessly from the guitar to the piano without missing a beat. This song never failed to impressed no matter how many times he played it and he played it at every one of his concerts.

My Love ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Another great Paul McCartney ballad that he really does good

Blackbird ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul teased this audiences a bit with his acoustic mastery before he launches into the familiar strains of this Beatles classic. Honestly you could hear a pin drop when Paul sings. Then crowd was so engrossed.

Here Today ( McCartney ) : Paul's interaction with his audiences is warm and endearing. It really is a shame that it was all edited from his music CD. Here he was reading the cards fans were holding for him. His ode to his friend, John Lennon was more heartfelt here than on his other concerts 'cos you can almost hear him chocking up on the lyrics.

Dance Today ( McCartney ) : This lively single from his latest album have him playing a mandolin and the crowds clapping and singing along. Not bad for a fairly new song.

Calico Skies ( McCartney ) : This was one of his better ballad from his recent outputs and it shows here.

Mrs. Vandebilt ( McCartney / McCartney ) : This was a pleasant surprise hearing this the first time live. A solid favourite from "Band On The Run," wonder why he took so long to play this live.

Eleanor Rigby ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This may be one of the greatest songs of all time but the over exposure of this is fast driving me away from this song. Still, as always Paul gives a flawless version here.

Sing The Changes ( McCartney ) : Another one from his "Electric Arguments" album. A new song to me and one I wouldn't mind having in my collection.

Band On The Run ( McCartney ) : I thought I've heard it all but this version rocked as well. Paul's voice is in fine form and the audiences which consist of all ages singing along reinforced the classic status of this Wings classic.

Back In The U.S.S.R. ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Rocking version of this first track from "The Beatles" aka "The White Album." The crowd went mad.

I'm Down ( Lennon / McCartney ) : I've never really like this early rocker but this version made me reexamine my prejudice with this tune. Footage alternate between the current Paul and The Beatles Paul. The crowd went wild and this was a mean version too. Short but definite.

Something ( Harrison ) : I've always love his little tribute to George Harrison. He starts the song soft with the ukulele and then went into full blown version on the second half of the song
which we were all familiar with, Beautiful.

I've Got A Feeling ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This lesser known Beatles track from the "Let It Be" album was always one of my favourite and this was one of the first time Paul sang this. Awesome version with a prolong ending that goes like a jam. Sure miss the John Lennon bit though.

Paperback Writer ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Not actually one of my favourite Beatles song but I know a good version when I hear one and this is one kick ass version.

A Day In The Life / Give Peace A Chance ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Always a poignant moment for me whenever Paul decides to give his mate a nod and this version sure does it for me. He did his 'Hey Jude' routine with the audience with 'Give Peace A Chance.' A stellar performance. John would have been please.

Let It Be ( Lennon / McCartney ) : It's back to the piano with the standard of standards. Sung with the accompanying of lighted candles everywhere, it's surreal. Still bring chills down my spine.

Live And Let Die ( McCartney / McCartney ) : James Bond time with James Bond extravagant that even M would have been impressed.

Hey Jude ( Lennon / McCartney ) : The mother of all singalongs. The usual routine that he have done this a thousand times. The man first then the ladies then all together but I'm not complaining. So inspiring and heartfelt.

Day Tripper ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Totally amazing, this man have the energy of a Transformer. No sooner than he regain his composure form the above, he's right back with this rocker and he did a damn good job too.

Lady Madonna ( Lennon / McCartney ) :  Paul McCartney's skill on the piano was never in doubt and here he displaces it so well on this fine song.

I Saw Her Standing There ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This song could never sound bad coming from the great Paul McCartney himself and this arguably could be the mother of all versions even though he have played it at almost all of his concerts. And as a bonus he have Billy Joel performing with him. Things couldn't get better than this. The applause is over whelming.

Yesterday ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul goes quite on this most gentle of ballad. Again you could hear a pin drop while he was singing. The fans clearly loves him.

Helter Skelter ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Truth be told I've never like this song on "The White Album." Too loud for me ( I was only 9 when I first heard it ) but this version sure rocked the pants off me. Now only I came to realise the significant of this great song. Absolutely loves it.

Get Back ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Heard this song a thousand time but I am still not yet tired of it. You go figure that out.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band / The End ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Finally we've come to the end of the show and slightly sad too to see it end. Paul thanks everybody and the audiences and then let rip with this album closer in splendid style.

DOP : 6th March 2010.

AMOEBA'S SECRET

PAUL McCARTNEY LIVE IN LOS ANGELES : THE GRAMMY NOMINATED AMOEBA 
SHOW : This was an a secret performances by Paul McCartney at Amoeba Music In Hollywood on 27th June, 2007. Originally released as an EP which I've bought earlier, I found this complete recording later at a fleas market at a much cheaper price then the one which have only 4 songs and at 3 times the price. Sign. This is more in line with his "Unplugged" album 'cos he was playing to just a small audience and thankfully, his chattering with the crowds was not edited out entirely. Anyway, since Paul have had so many live CD released, this one holds no significant for me other than being just a keepsake.

Drive My Car ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Typically of any Paul McCartney's live show, this one just starts off without any introduction. The music's fine but Paul's voice seems to be losing his battle with age.

Only Mama Knows ( McCartney ) : This almost the same version as the one on his last album "Memory Almost Full."

Dance Tonight ( McCartney ) : Another from his latest album, this one at least have him chattering with his audiences which was sorely lacking from his other concerts. Rather faithful cover of the original.

C Moon ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Clearly Paul was in his element when he was playing in front of a live crowd and clearly his audiences loves him. He altered the lyrics now and then and the audience loves it.

That Was Me ( McCartney ) : Obviously Paul was trying to promote his latest album as this was the third song from his last album. Somehow this sounded better live.

Blackbird ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Back to familiar materials with this Beatles favourite. Paul was always friendly and chatting with his audiences, and it's nice and warm to hear him goofing around with them. Don't know why he chooses to edited them all off in his other concerts CD.

Here Today ( McCartney ) : Always a poignant moment when Paul sings this ode to his fallen comrade. Truly a heartfelt vocal that you can feel it.

Back In The U.S.S.R. ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This one flared much better than 'Drive My Car.' Maybe he haven't warmed up yet.

Get Back ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This was what the audience wanted to hear and Paul sure gave them what they want.

Hey Jude ( Lennon / McCartney ) : There are two songs that Paul could not get away without singing. 'Let It Be' was one and this. Given the time constrain, I guess he chooses this one and given his age, he was 65 when this was recorded, you gotta gives the man credits. He did the same routine as on his other concerts. The boys first then the ladies, then everybody......

Lady Madonna ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul's voice as evidence on his "Back To The U.S." CD seems to get better as he sings along. A stellar performance.

I Saw Her Standing There ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Trust Paul to save the best for the last. If you don't get off and rock to this, there's got to be something wrong with you. First heard more than 40 years ago and still sounds as good. This song will never ever go out of style. DOP : Unknown.

AMOEBA'S SECRET :  This was actually the legitimate release of the secret concert. The complete concert CD release was the bootleg version which admittedly was more fulfilling and satisfying while this CD only gives a sample of that show. Still, this one cost me much more than the complete CD.

Only Mama Knows ( McCartney ) : Refers to above CD.

C Moon ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Refers to above CD.

That Was Me ( McCartney ) : Refers to above CD.

I Saw Her Standing There ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Refers to above CD.

DOP : 30th January 2012.

MEMORY ALMOST FULL

MEMORY ALMOST FULL : Paul McCartney's third in a row that have the critics raving with great reviews. Anyone who said Paul have lost it have obviously got it wrong. Starting our with "Driving Rain" which I don't quite like to "Chaos And Creations In The Backyard' and now "Memory Almost Full." Frankly I am not too crazy about this album as the critics. There are some good songs but there are fillers as well. Still for a man who've been making music for more than 50 years, it's beyond amazing that he can still make an album that's universally accepted by all so I won't begrudge him for the few fillers. I've bought this album when it first came out at full price. Later while visiting a local book fest, I spied this deluxe version selling at a fraction of the original price and with an additional CD of bonus songs too. What was I supposed to do. I sold the original one I have and bought this, the current one.

DISC 1

Dance Tonight ( McCartney ) : According to the interview, Paul was given a mandolin to play and he didn't know what to make of it. While experimenting with it, he came up with this catchy number. Amazing how he can write a song out of an instrumental that he don't even know how to play. The first single obviously.

Ever Present Past ( McCartney ) :  This is one another catchy track. The kind that reminds you of Paul during his heydays with Wings when he was overflowing with melodies in his head. 'I do I do I did...I did I did I do.....' , the kind of nonsensical verse that he wrote just to fits into the melody.

See Your Sunshine ( McCartney ) : A fairly enjoyable track with a nice chorus.

Only Mama Knows ( McCartney ) : A rocker that Paul has started including in his play list in his concerts. I am okay with this track 'cos of my familiarity with it.

You Tell Me ( McCartney ) : This track could have been nice but it's Paul's singing that spoit it for me. Almost squeaking in his falsetto attempt.. A pity 'cos I know this song could grow on you.
Maybe in the future, another single will record and bring this song to another audience.

Mr. Bellamy ( McCartney ) : A strange track that shows Paul's strange sense of humour. It wouldn't feel out of place in "McCartney 2."

Gratitude ( McCartney ) : If the above were bad, this one have me cringing. It sounded so forced  Clearly Paul appeared to be scrapping the bottom of the barrel and it shows. But if he scrap hard enough he'll find a few melodies or two but this is not one of them.

Vintage Clothes ( McCartney ) : Finally, after three songs, one worst than the others, we are back on track. This track reminded me of Paul when he was with Wings. The kind of song with hooks that grabbed at you. This and the following three tracks are supposed to be medleys. It was listed so on the CD and other than there was no pause in between the songs, I wouldn't have been aware there were medleys.

That Was Me ( McCartney ) : Paul was in continuing fine form with this second song in the medley.

Feet In The Clouds ( McCartney ) : Probably the most catchy of the medleys. I loves this.

House Of Wax ( McCartney ) :  'Wanderlust' but not quite. The last and heaviest sound of the medleys. Still a fitting end to a fine medley of songs.

The End Of The End ( McCartney ) : Paul's writing his own epitaph and a joyful one at that. Weird sense of humour but it got a nice melody anyway. I wouldn't mind this song being played on my own death too.

Nod Your Head ( McCartney ) : A nice melody but again Paul singing in that not so nice voice of his. Kind of force again. I'll pass on this.

DISC 2

In Private ( McCartney ) : The kind of instrumental that Paul used to record in his early days. Not as edgy or intense as his previous works but still okay to the ears.

Why So Blue ( McCartney ) : An average track that was released only to fill up the space on this extra disc. Pleasant but of no significant. Only for people like me.

222 ( McCartney ) : Another instrumental with the occasional squeaking by Sir Paul that only make sense to him.

Paul talks about the music of Memory Almost Full : Like what the title said, Paul talking about the music of "Memory Almost Full."

DOP : Unknown.

CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACK YARD

CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACKYARD : After having gone through a few torturous album from our now Sir Paul McCartney, I was quite cautious about his new release. This was a critically acclaimed album which was produced by Radiohead's Nigel Godrich at the suggestion of George Martin. This album could have been called "McCartney 3" 'cos here Paul played almost all the instrumentals himself. This album also marks the first time since 1984's "Give My Regards To Board Street" that Paul did not produced any of his music. The sound here is vastly different from what we are used to hearing from Paul. I was all ready to buy this. I went to the shop and tested a few of the tracks. On first hearing, I find it was just horrible and I just couldn't accept it and I left without buying. After a few weeks, I  mustered up enough courage and purchased it after all. After repeated listening, I began to appreciate the hidden beauty that was this album. Truly, his best since "Flaming Pie" and there really isn't a bad tracks here. My faith in Paul McCartney was completely restored.

Fine Line ( McCartney ) : The first single from this album and it's easy to see why. This uptempo could have you up and tapping your feet. 

How Kind Of You ( McCartney ) : I've been singing the first line to my kids for weeks till they wanna scream. The instrumental ending however, is too long. Would have been great if Paul have trimmed it slightly. Still, great stuff.

Jenny Wren ( McCartney ) : In the mould of 'Blackbird', this acoustic track rest easy on the ear and was the next single. The kind that Paul excelled in.

At The Mercy ( McCartney ) : An average song but with a killer bridge that raised it above the average.

Friends To Go ( McCartney ) : Another fine track. The kind of songs that is instantly pleasing to the ear.

English Tea ( McCartney ) : This one actually conjured an images of people drinking English tea, what else on a bright sunny day in an English garden.

Too Much Rain ( McCartney ) : Paul's sense of melody is clearly intact as this track shows.A beautiful melody coupled with beauty singing.

A Certain Softness ( McCartney ) : I was tempted to write this as a lesser track but changed my mind as I listened on. It's pure bliss listening to this.

Riding To Vanity Fair ( McCartney ) : After the avalanche of find songs, this one sounds slightly lesser in quality. Still not enough to press the skip button.

Follow Me ( McCartney ) : My firm favourite here. This one struck you as been very familiar. Curious that it wasn't released as a single. The melody and hook is one of Paul's best that hacked back to his best works.

Promise To You Girl ( McCartney ) : Paul is certainly on a roll here. Almost every song here is a gem. This one started out as a ballad and soon let ripped into the hardest track here. A pleasant of pace.

This Never Happened Before ( McCartney ) : Yet another gem. Paul certainly redeemed himself many times over with this release. One of instantly liked songs.

Anyway ( McCartney ) : The last song but certainly not the least. The melody is classic McCartney. In true Beatles traditional, just when you thought the song was over, it picked up speed and goes all instrumental almost as long as the original song, but who's complaining.

DOP : 15th March 2006.

BACK IN THE U.S. LIVE 2002

LIVE IN THE US. 2002 : The " Driving Rain Tour " and Paul McCartney was in top form vocally. Never once did he falter in his singing like in his previous concerts. This is Beatles heaven for his millions of fans. Watching the DVD was quite an experience. Seeing old men and women crying, couples embracing and little kids dancing and swaying along to the music. Truly Paul was a phenomenal that transcends ages. At the start of 'The Long And Winding,'  in an unguarded moment, he was caught choking in his throat when his crew surprised him with dozens of pink heart shaped cardboard. Forever the showman, he struggled onto the next verse like it was the most natural thing in the world. Truly a magical concert. There were quite a few celebrities in the audiences as well. Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Jack Douglas to name a few. Seeing them watching together with normal fans were surreal. Unfortunately, the magic in the DVD did not transcended into this double CD. This could have been a fantastic CD and I really can't believe that Paul McCartney could let us sit through close to 2 hours of songs with nary a words in between. There actually was but it was unwisely edited out so all there's left was songs after songs after songs. If I want to listen to all these songs as it was, I can easily burned them all into a CD 'cos I have all the songs anyway. I bought this CD at a discount at a fleas market. Being as it is, this CD served only a a souvenir of that beautiful and magical tour. As for listening to it, I think I much rather prefer the DVD thank you. By the way, the songs in the concert are not in the same order as the CD.

DISC 1 :

Hello, Goodbye ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Just like that without any introduction, we are trussed onto this old Beatles standard. Great performance.

Jet ( McCartney / McCartney ) : This old Wings concert favourite followed suite. Not much different from his other performances in his other concerts.

All My Loving ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Never heard his singing this since The Beatles heyday. Nice.

Getting Better ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This was another Beatles songs that he never sang before. Had the crowd singing along with him. Almost as good as The Beatles version.

Coming Up ( McCartney ) : Another stellar performance thought a little low key than the original. At his age that's understandable.

Let Me Roll It ( McCartney ) : This was not one of my favourite songs but the performance here was something else. Opened a new dimension for me on this song.

Lonely Road ( McCartney ) : I wasn't much of a fan of his new materials, particularly from his "Driving Rain" album so I'll take this as it come.

Driving Rain ( McCartney ) : This was a fairly good rocker with silly lyrics.

Your Loving Flame ( McCartney ) : Another new song from his latest album.

Blackbird ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul's back in business. When Paul goes acoustic with just his guitar or the keyboard accompanying him, he just couldn't go wrong.

Every Night ( McCartney ) : This was a slightly slowed down acoustic version than the original but the crowd lapped it all up.

We Can Work It Out ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul remember the words to this son this time. He forgot them on his "Unplugged" album and have to redo the song. He flawlessly went through this Beatles standard splendidly.

Mother Nature's Son ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Another Beatles which he performed here for the first time. Nothing beats an ex Beatle singing a Beatles songs.

Vanilla Sky ( McCartney ) : Paul's Grammy winning songs from the Tom Cruise's starring movie of the same name. Seems somewhat awkward being in the company of all those classics. Not a bad track though.

Carry That Weight ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul altered the lyrics slightly to suit the current situation in the stadium. You could heard a pin drop as Paul sang this song,

The Fool On The Hill ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Yet another Beatles classic performed masterfully. Almost identical to The Beatles originally.

Here Today ( McCartney ) : Paul's heartfelt tribute to his former colleague, John Lennon. It would have been great if his little speeches before he started on this song were included.

Something ( Harrison ) : The same goes for this George Harrison 's tribute. A slipped down ukulele driven version unlike some version when he launched onto a full blown electric guitar and all on the second half of the song. Ukulele was George's favourite instrumental. The crowd just clapped along. The editing out of the speeches was a gross injustice which I cannot condone.

DISC 2 :

Elanor Rigby ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul seems to keep the musical backing top a minimum for quite a number of his songs and it's a good thing for we can get to hear him clearly. Due to overt exposure, I was never a big fan of this Beatles classic. A nice version though.

Here, There And Everywhere ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This song just cannot go wrong. Paul's voice sound as clear and fine as can be in this toned down version.

Band On The Run ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Paul went back to full blown version of this firm concert favourite. A stellar performance. The crowd went wild during the third part of the song.

Back In The U.S.S.R. ( Lennon / McCartney ) : It's amazing that Paul still have the stamina to sing this song the way he used to all those years ago. His band provides him great backing too.

Maybe I'm Amazed ( McCartney ) : A good performance but the "Wings Over America" version was better but then again that was twenty years ago so that's forgivable.

C Moon (  McCartney / McCartney ) : Always loved this reggae influenced song. Playful and fun. The kid in me enjoyed this tremendously and the man after too.

My Love ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Finally, Paul did a version of this song that I liked. The previous one I don't like 'cos it sounded so hollow but this one is stellar.

Can't Buy Me Love ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Now this is a downright kick ass version. Never heard it sounded so good.

Freedom ( McCartney ) : I loved this. Paul's spur of the moment composition after witnessing first hand the 911 tragedy on a plane. The lyrics may not be rocket science type but hey you name me a song that can get people singing along the first time they heard it.

Live And Let Die ( McCartney / McCartney ) : This James Bond Theme given the full blown no hold fireworks and all treatment.

Let It Be ( Lennon / McCartney ) : From this moment on, it's Beatles time all the way and what better song than this legendary standard to leads the way. Beautiful.

Hey Jude ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul have been doing this routine on this song for quite a while. The mass singalongs, the girls singing first, then the boys then altogether but how is complaining. Everybody is having a good time.

The Long And Winding Road ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Another stellar version of this most majestic of his Beatles composition.

Lady Madonna ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Truly it's amazing that Paul at his age can just go on and go giving one amazing performance after another. This one is no exception.

I Saw Her Standing There ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This is a rip rolling version that got the crowds on their feet. Even the little ones too. And me too.

Yesterday ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Yet another stunning performance of the standard of all standards.

Sgt., Pepper's / The End ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Finally the show comes to an end and I am glad it did too. For I need a rest too. The ending from "Abbey Road"  medley mingled well into the end of the show. The instrumental bit was prolonged slight though. Truly a remarkable show. A damn shame it cannot be transcended onto the CD.





DOP : Unknown.

DRIVING RAIN

DRIVING RAIN : After the critically acclaimed back to form "Flaming Pie," and just when I thought Paul have got his mojo back, he came up with this dumper of an album. Maybe it was just me, it was getting good reviews but the sales was just the opposite. It was his lowest selling album in his homeland. Most of the songs here were inspired by his then wife but soon to be divorced, Heather who was also the main subject of one of the song here. Maybe there's something to do with her. It took me a few years after the release of this CD, before I bought it. I wasn't really missing much. Still, all is not lost. As said before, no Paul McCartney album can be a complete loss. There's bound to be a gem or two hidden somewhere.

Lonely Road ( McCartney ) : Surprise, surprise, a ballad to start off his album. The first time I believe since the short but sweet 'Venus And Mars' that mingled into the hard rocking "Rockshow." many years ago. Still, a fair decent track here.

The much better alternative cover

From A Lover To A Friend ( McCartney ) : Another ballad and another decent track. Paul still haven't sang yet and I've yet to pull at my hair.

She's Given Up Talking ( McCartney ) : Third ballad in a row. Is Paul getting mellow and forgotten how to rock when he's in love. It didn't happened when he was with Linda.

Driving Rain ( McCartney ) : The title track and title tracks are almost always assumed to be good. This one is just average. The lyrics are laughable. '1,2,3,4,5, let's go for a drive,6,7,8,9,10, let's go there and back again.....' anyone...? Still, forget the lyric, this is still a listenable track. Rock critics would never accept this but I ain't no critic, I am just a music lover.

I Do ( McCartney ) : Paul at his wistful mood. Sounded out quite fine till he decided to raised his voice a note higher which don't quite work. Could have had the potential to be anther 'I Will', his more convincing ode to Linda.

Tiny Bubble ( McCartney ) : An average song boosted only by Paul McCartney's mastery and skills.

Magic ( McCartney ) : I don't know. Maybe it's just me but it sure sounds like the same song as 'Tiny Bubble.' You could have fooled me.

Your Way ( McCartney ) : Another slowie albeit a better sounding one. Clearly, Heather is doing things to Paul and it's not too good at all.

Spinning On An Axis ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Yet another average track here. His son, James just managed to get him slightly back on track but clearly Heather is the one in charge here. I like the musical backing though.

About You ( McCartney ) :  An much missed uptempo track. Heck after four snail paced average sounding ballads, any uptempo songs would sound good. And in this case, good.

Heather ( McCartney ) : A almost instrumental ode to his then Lady Love. In his long and winding career, Paul have recorded many instrumentals but this is not one of his more memorable one.

Back In The Sunshine Again ( McCartney/ McCartney- ) : Clearly Paul need to search somewhere else for inspiration other than Heather who just may turned out to be his Yoko Ono. At least Yoko inspired great music from John Lennon. I see no sunshine here at all. James McCartney as his son should have the balls to tell his daddy if his song is not up to his usual standard.
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Your Loving Flame ( McCartney ) : Such a pain to listen to. Oh, Paul....

Riding Into Jaipur ( McCartney ) : Rather lamb sounding Indian inspired song. George Harrison was clearly the master at this.

Rinse The Raindrops ( McCartney ) : Oh this is terrible. And I can't even sleep through this.

Hidden Track

Freedom ( McCartney ) : I don't care what the critics say. I loved this song. Written at the spur of the moment after witnessing the 911 from a plane he was travelling in. It was honest and it have a killer chorus. This track was inserted at the last minute so the title was not on the sleeve. Don't know about the critics and the sceptics but I am grateful for the inclusion of this song.



DOP : 11th NOVEMBER 2008.