UNPLUGGED ( THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG )

UNPLUGGED ( THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG ) : After the lavish "Tripping The Live Fantastic" and out of Paul McCartney's many live recordings ( and he have lots of them ), I find this the most appealing. There are interactions with his audiences which I found greatly lacking in almost all of his other live records. Paul's rapport with his audience are flawless. Seems he have them eating out of his hand from the very first chord of his guitar. I mean if I want to listen to an exact duplicate of a recording, I've have the original why bother with this, right. Anyway, this was a much smaller audiences as compared to his arenas type of concerts which can easily filled in thousand upon thousands of people. The edition here is done right too just about the right flow unlike his other live set where some of the continuation are badly done. This was also, I believe, the first unplugged concert of its kind that set of a trend followed by other top recording artists. It's done informally and it brings the artists closer to his audiences. Only wish I could get my hand on the DVD.

Be-Bop-A-Lula : The same song that started John Lennon's "Rock 'n' Roll" album. While John;s version is harder and edgier, I find this version more laid back and relax and ultimately more appealing.

I Lost My Little Girl ( McCartney ) : Said to be Paul's first ever composition. It's simply and plain adorable.

Here, There And Everywhere ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This Beatles classic is given a more personal feel. The audience loves it and so did I.

Blue Moon Of Kentucky : Big as he is, Paul was not too big to covered record of his early idol. Thought, never officially recorded by Paul, he did performed this song once in a while during his early Wings's days. This was the first official showing of this track and it's not half bad too.

We Can Work It Out ( Lennon / McCartney ) : I love this. Paul forgot the verses to this song as he started but being forever the showman, he redoes it to every body's delight and thus endears himself to his audiences even more. You don't find this kind of informality anywhere else,do you.

San Francisco Bay Blues ( Fuller ) : A fine and lively performance of this Jesse Fuller composition by Paul.

I've Just Seen A Face ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul first perform this Beatles classic on his "Wings Over America" album. Seems he have more than a passing liking for this track. Clearly Paul was in his element here. Another stellar performance. The performance here is more faithful to the original than on the Wings' version.

Every Night ( McCartney ) : Paul's first ever performance of this classic from his debut album "McCartney."  I've always love this song and this version gives me no reason to stop loving it. The tempo here is slightly slower though.

She's A Woman ( Lennon / McCartney ) : During the time when The Beatles were still a performing acts, this song was featured quite regularly on their play list. This was Paul's first return to this song since the hazy lazy days of the sixties. Quite a different arrangement than the one The Beatles did.

Hi-Heels Sneakers ( Higgenbotham ) : This standard was on the chart the same time The Beatles occupied the top 5 places in the chart. Another stellar performance but honestly can we expect less.

And I Love Her ( Lennon / McCartney ) : One of the highlights from "A Hard Day's Night," this was the first time Paul have sung this live. Slightly slower than the original, but no less appealing.

That Would Be Something ( McCartney ) : Not one of his most familiar song, this second song from his debut album brings us back to a time less complicated. Fascinating that he can change his voice as to when he like. Nice as it was, this song have no chance completing against the bulk of classics here.

Blackbird ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Another Beatles tune reworked, this was done quite faithfully to the original. The guitar plucking, the voice. You could just fool the casual fans that this was The Beatles performing. I almost expect to hear the birds singing as well.

Ain't No Sunshine ( Withers ) This time Hamish Stuart one of Paul's band member is given vocal duty here. A rather slow and soulful rendering, it offered a change of pace and is passable.

Good Rockin' Tonight : A fine rockabilly number by Paul. Again the musicianship is flawless. Paul shows if he wants to, he could easily out Elvis Elvis Presley.

Singing The Blues ( Endsley ) : Always loves this Guy Mitchell's song but Paul's version here brings a new dimension to the song. Possibly even better than the original version.

Junk ( McCartney ) : This was the second instrumental version of this song originally found on his debut album. There was a version with vocal and another instrumental version there. Probably used to end the show and showing the credits.


25th October 1996.