WINGS OVER AMERICA

WINGS OVER AMERICA :  Paul McCartney & Wings first ever live album and arguably the best live album from Paul with a group or by himself.. Here, Paul was at his peak commercially and in popularity. It was like the second coming of The Beatles. So famous was he that there was a running joke about people not knowing which group he was in previously before he became a member of Wings. Prior to this, Paul was hesitant about performing Beatles songs due to the on going business dealing so it was a great delight to fans when he decided to includes five Beatles songs here. I've watched this video once when a neighbor rented it for me and I remember jumping up and down in excitement, comparing the songs from the concert to this record. This was a massive 3 records set when first released with two gorgeous posters to boot. The CD version have only two CD and it was not well packaged. A new reissued is on the way and well, I have to convince my friend to buy this from me again. A great success and it have fans and critics salivating. But somehow, there was something missing for me. The playing were too close to the original and there were very few interaction with the audiences, something which I feel is crucial to a live recording. Anyway, this is still essential for my collection.

DISC 1

Venus And Mars / Rock Show / Jet ( McCartney ) : During his 70's concerts, this was the songs that Paul McCartney used to open his concerts and with good reasons. The lights were dimmed as the song came along with Paul singing in his crystal clear voice and then breaking into the second song with all lights out spectacularly. The audiences lapped it all and for the duration of the show, Paul have them right at the palm of his hand. 'Jet' followed the pace.

Let Me Roll It ( McCartney ) : Never was a fan of this track. Still I'll survive till the next one.

Spirits Of Ancient Egypt ( McCartney ) : Even while watching this, I wasn't aware that it was actually Denny Laine singing and not Paul. A fine song still.

Medicine Jar ( McCulloch / Allen ) : This fine Jimmy McCulloch from "Venus And Mars" sounds just like in the original. A break of total monopoly by Paul which was very generous of him.

Maybe I'm Amazed ( McCartney ) : This was the real show stopper for me. It was sung in his crystal clear voice as opposed to his rugged version on his debut album. I never really like this song much but this version made me re-access this song and it was released as a single too.

Call Me Back Again ( McCartney ) : Again not one of my favorite but still a worthwhile track as one local reviewer said.

Lady Madonna ( McCartney / Lennon ) : The first Beatles song that Paul sang and at this concert. This one have the audiences eating out of his hand in awe. Very emotional seeing how one of the greatest artist singing one of his greatest hits. Note that the credits was reversed and there was no problems with John Lennon who was still alive then.

The Long And Winding Road ( McCartney / Lennon ) : If the first one set them going, this one almost reduced them to babies. A rather different version than The Beatles version but still an emotional experience. In some cases, you can even see some of the audiences crying( in the DVD ).

Live And Let Die ( McCartney ) : This James Bond Theme was certainly not as elaborated performed as his later concerts with full blown explosion and lighting. Seems rather tame here but good enough.

Picasso's Last Words ( McCartney ) : This was done quite faithful to the album version except for the French interlude and the medley sections.

Richard Cory ( Simon ) : Always loved this track sung here by Denny Laine and his altering the lyrics slightly to " ...I wish that I could be...John Denver' never fails to tickle me. Around this time John Denver was another 'king' in America.

Bluebird ( McCartney ) : This was an acoustic take of this fine song from "Band On The Run." and no less appealing.

I've Just Seen A Face ( McCartney / Lennon ) : And it's back to Beatles mode for the next few songs. This was a rather uptempo version with the drum beat brought to the forth. Always good to see a Beatle performing a Beatles song.

Blackbird ( McCartney / Lennon ) : There was a 'Bluebird' so why not 'Blackbird'. Although this Beatles song was more celebrated and more well known, I much preferred his solo 'Bluebird.' but this is a nice version still, almost the same version as the album note for note.

Yesterday ( McCartney / Lennon ) : In all his latter day concerts, this was one of the songs that Paul could not NOT sing. There would be a riot if he missed out this song. It's rather nice to hear this early version rather than his more elaborated version at his latter concerts.

DISC 2

You Gave Me The Answer ( McCartney ) : Paul into his 'granny' music. Don't know about the rest but I love his 'granny' music. Those who loves Paul should love his 'grannies' or they must surely be hypocrites. I know of so called Beatles fans who detested his 'grannies.'  Why, even my father was converted. This version stays faithful to the original which proves that Wings really does know how to play their instruments. No studio gimmicks.

Magneto And Titanium Man ( McCartney ) : Much as I loved the album tracks, I do think Paul is playing too much of his album tracks. He should be playing more of his hits which everybody including yours truly wants to hear.

Go Now ( Banks / Bennett ) : A nice change of pace with this nice Moody Blues oldies sang by an ex Moody Blues member, Denny Laine. Never really got to hear the original but this is nice version.

My Love ( McCartney ) : Always loves this song but the version here is somewhat lacking. Maybe I missed the full blown orchestral bit in the album version but this one here sounds a bit hollow. The album version is better to be sure.

Listen To What The Man Said ( McCartney ) : The same applies here too. The awesome guitar lead was replaced here by the piano which was a let down. Again the album version rocked but not this.

Let 'Em In ( McCartney ) : This once sounds just like the album version, the bell chimes and all.

Time To Hide ( Laine ) : Denny Laine's turn to shine and shine he did with this one. Note for note almost the same as the album version.

Silly Love Songs ( McCartney ) : One of my favorite songs but yet again the performance here was a let down. Sounds hollow and rushed or was that just me.

Beware My Love ( McCartney ) : This is more like it. A rousing rocking version of this track.

Letting Go ( McCartney ) : Not my favorite but still a nice track to wade through the concert as we waited for better songs.

Band On The Run ( McCartney ) : Another not so good performance on one of my favorite songs. Come to think of it, I've yet to hear a better version of this song live. Give me the album version anytime.

Hi Hi Hi ( McCartney ) : Paul here asking the audiences whether they are ready for some rock and roll and then let rip with this fine rocker which was once banned by the radio for it's reference to drugs.

Soily ( McCartney ) : Once only available in this album, he should have let a bigger song to close up the concert, something along the line of 'Hey Jude' or his solo 'Mull Of Kintyre.' As it is, the concert seems sizzles out rather than going out in a blaze of glory.

DOP :