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.