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.
.
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.

LIVERPOOL SOUND COLLAGE

LIVERPOOL SOUND COLLAGE : However thought of compiling this into a CD sure have a weird sense of humor. I got this on discount mercifully. For $20.00, I have this, Linda McCartney's Wild Prairie and Yoko Ono's "Walking On Thin Ice." Of all the three, this was the worst of them all. I find it a great sin that Paul McCartney and The Beatles name should be associated with this trash.  My copy is still brand new more than 10 years since I've bought it 'cos I hardly played it. Paul McCartney have done better experimenting than this.

Paul McCartney, The Beatles
Plastic Beetle : A collage of endless sounds and chatters with snippets of The Beatles' 'Mr. Moonlight.'

Super Furry Animals, The Beatles
Peter Blake 2000 : Sure doesn't know what to make of this. Like a chant with a girl repeating herself countless time. It's close to 17 minutes long and only after having gone through eight torturous mindless chatter, we get to something remotely sounds like music. Paul singing I think.

Youth
Real Gone Dub Made In Manifest In The Vortex Of The Eternal Now : More mindless electronic music they say but I call it noise. The kind of nose one made when playing computer game. This time Paul really lets me down but at the small price I am paying for, I guess I have ot no cause to complain.

Paul McCartney, The Beatles
Made Up

Paul McCartney, The Beatles, Super Furry Animals
Free Now

WINGSPAN : HITS AND HISTORY.

WINGSPAN : HITS AND HISTORY : I am a great Paul McCartney fan and I have had almost all of his albums except for the odd classical and experimental albums. So I wasn't really keen to get this collection. I don't mind owning it of course but at $99.00, that'a a bit too much for songs that I've already owned. I stumbled onto this at a book fair and it was going at the incredible steal of $9.90. Naturally I grabbed it. Hearing an album of all of Paul McCartney's hits is always a satisfying listen leaves one wanting for more.....

HITS :

Listen To What The Man Said ( McCartney ) : Refers to " Venus And Mars"album.

Band On The Run ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Band On The Run " album.

Another Day ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Ram " album.

Live And Let Die ( McCartney ) : Somehow due to whatever reasons  I am not sure but this smash James Bond Theme from the movie was a same name was a stand alone single and was never available on any album at least on those that I owe. This movie incidentally was also Roger Moore's debut as James Bond. The song was more memorable than the movie. One of the better James Bond Themes.

Jet ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Band On The Run" album.

My Love ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Red Rose Speedway " album.

Silly Love Songs ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Wings At The Speed Of Sound" album.

Pipes Of Peace ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Pipes Of Peace" album.

C Moon ( McCartney ) : Refers to " Red Rose Speedway " album.

Hi Hi Hi ( McCartney ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Red Rose Speedway " album.

Let 'Em In ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Wings At The Speed Of Sound" album.

Goodnight Tonight ( McCartney ) : Refers to "McCartney 2 " album.

Junior's Farm ( McCartney ) : This was yet another edited version of the single released. A solid rocker typical of the type that Paul was releasing at that time. The B sides 'Sally G" was even better.

Mull Of Kintyre ( McCartney / Laine ) : Refers to "London Town" album.

Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Ram" album.

With A Little Luck ( McCartney ) : This smash hit from the "London Town" was not the version as on the album but a short version without the killer link which was a pity.

Coming Up ( McCartney ) : Refers to "McCartney 2 " album.

No More Lonely Nights ( McCartney ) : Refers to " Give My Regards To Board Street" album.

HISTORY : 

Let Me Roll It ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Band On The Run" album.

The Lovely Linda ( McCartney ) : Refers to "McCartney" album.

Daytime Nighttime Suffering ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Back To The Egg" album.

Maybe I'm Amazed ( McCartney ) : Refers to "McCartney " album.

Helen Wheels ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Band On The Run" album.

Bluebird ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Band On The Run" album.

Heart Of The Country ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Ram" album.

Every Night ( McCartney ) : Refers to "McCartney " album.

Take It Away ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Tug Of War" album.

Junk ( McCartney ) : Refers to "McCartney " album.

Man We Were Lonely ( McCartney ) : Refers to "McCartney" album.

Venus And Mars / Rockshow ( McCartney ) : This version was a much shorter version than on the "Venus And Mars" album. Totally unsatisfying due to its editing.

The Back Seat Of My Car ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Ram" album.

Rockestra Theme ( McCartney ) Refers to "Back To The Egg" album.
Girlfriend ( McCartney ) : Refers to "London Town " album.

Waterfalls ( McCartney ) : Refers to "McCartney 2 " album.

Tomorrow ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Wildlife" album.

Too Many People ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Ram" album.

Call Me Back Again ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Venus And Mars" album.

Tug Of War ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Tug Of War" album.

Bip Bop / Hey Diddle ( McCartney ) : This was a medley of 'Bip Bop' which originally was a track from the"Wildlife" album and 'Hey Diddle' which was found on the reissused of the "Ram" album.

No More Lonely Nights ( McCartney ) : Refers to "Give My Regards To Boardstreet". album.

DOP : 23th August 2009.

A GARLAND FOR LINDA : A COMMEMORATION OF THE LIFE OF LINDA McCARTNEY

A GARLAND FOR LINDA : A COMMEMORATION OF THE LIFE OF LINDA McCARTNEY : 

John Tavener : Prayer For The Healing Of The Sick ( Thekla ) :

Judith Bingham : Water Lilies ( Bingham )
John Rutter : Musica Dei Donum ( Lassus )
David Matthews : The Doorway Of he Dawn ( Anonymous )
Sir Paul McCartney : Nova [ arranged by John Harle ] : ( McCartney ) :
Roxanna Panufnik : I Dream'd (Panufnik ) :
Michael Bekeley : Farewell ( Bekley )
Giles Swayne : The Flight Of The Swan ( Anonymous )
Sir Richard Rodney Bennett : A Good-Night ( Quarles ) :
 DOP : 29th April 2005

RUN DEVIL RUN

RUN DEVIL RUN : LIMITED EDITION SET : Paul McCartney's first studio recording after the death of his beloved wife Linda. Much like his" Choca B Cccp" Russian album, this was mostly a cover record with only.3 originals. More committed than the Russian album, this was more in the same vein as John Lennon's "Rock 'n' Roll" album of the 70's. Quite an enjoyable album and would not be totally out of touch on anyone party. Paul did a small show based on tracks on this album at the legendary Cavern which was available on DVD. The only Beatles song that he sang was 'I Saw Her Standing There.'

DISC 1

Blue Jean Bop ( Vincent / Levy ) : Loved this playful take on this Gene Vincent original. Kinda set the tone for the rest of the album.

She Said Yeah ( Williams ) : Paul McCartney and The Beatles were great fans of Larry Williams. They did three of his songs as The Beatles. This version was hard as hard as it could be.

I'm All Shook Up ( Blackwell / Presley ) : Elvis Presley never sounded this hard. If you were driving and this came up on the radio, you could be forgiven for not recognising this song.

Run Devil Run ( McCartney ) : The first original from this album. Trust Paul to be adaptable enough to come up with songs that sounded like the covers he is covering.

No Other Baby ( Bishop / Watson ) The first one that truly stays on your mind. For days I would say. Said to be the most obscure song on the album but Paul's version made sure it doesn't stays so.

Lonesome Town ( Knight ) : Paul in his most heart wrenching vocal and it seems he still have it in him to tug at your heart string.

Try Not To Cry ( McCartney ) : Clearly Paul haven't really lost his touch on writing catchy song as this one demonstrated. Incredibly but this kind of songs seems  to come easy to Paul. One of the highlights here.

Movie Magg ( Perkins ) : The kind of story songs that delights. Paul seems to be enjoying himself here. Enjoyable stuff from The Beatles former idol. Carl Perkins.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man ( Berry ) : An almost unrecognisable version of this Chuck Berry rocker. A great version on a not so great song in my opinion. I think if Paul have changed the lyric, he could have claimed this song as his. Loud though.

What Is It ( McCartney ) : The final McCartney original  here. A fairly decent rocker that's quite listenable.

Coquette ( Green / Kahn / Lombardo ) : A Fat Domino's obscure B sides. Domino was always one of Paul's favorite, and this was done as a tribute to his childhood idol. Not a bad tribute.

I Got Stung ( Schroeder / Hill ) : Another Elvis Presley's song that totally different from The King's version. Lot more rocker than the original version. I couldn't recognise this song.

Honey Hush ( Turner ) : This is getting to sound too familiar with the other tracks. A nice track but problem is I can' t really tell one from the other.

Shake A Hand ( Morris ) : Seems Paul still have his vocal chord in place. Wonder why he sounded so hoarse and growl-like in his concert. The man is baring his heart out.

Party ( Robinson ) : Let's have a party and this was the last song. He should have sung ' Let's Go To Bed,' Anyway, it's a good end to a great album though a bit too taxing on the ears. Loud man.

DISC 2

Interview : An interview conducted by Laura Gross. Just a one time listen and that's it. At my age, by the time I came to the end of the interview,

WIDE PRAIRE

WIDE PRAIRIE :  Much have been said about Linda McCartney's singing ability. Most were not good and some even tend to be cruel mockings of her. And in most cases the claims are not exactly baseless. Linda McCartney though married to one of the most talented, most well loved and most famous musician in the modern century just can't sing. Period. Her singing is pretty much like you and me, but she have one thing going for her. She  have Paul McCartney as her husband and thus are accessible to the best musicians and equipments that money can buy to assist her in her recording activities. Not that she delights in doing it but this CD I suspect was made in jest for self listening and never was for public consumption.  Had Linda still  lives today, I doubt very much that this recordings will ever seen the light of day. Hell, I would sound good too if Paul were to be my backing band. Still, surprise, surprise, there aresome moment of joys to be found here. It is not a total loss as in line with any Paul McCartney's CD. I got this on discount.

Wide Prairie ( L. McCartney ) : A tongue in cheek joyful little rocker, this one have Linda in what Paul called her 'twangy' voice singing. The only one with Paul helping out on the vocal. I like this.

New Orleans ( L. McCartney ) : I like this too. A fairly fast pace track.

The White Coated Man ( McCartney / McCartney ) : A slower track but still listenable.

Loves Full Glory ( McCartney ) : Sounds like a Paul McCartney's ballad but partly so 'cos this was written by Linda but still it have the McCartney name. Some even call this ballad beautiful.

I Got Up ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Yeah the singing is nothing to shout about. It's after a non musician singing but with the best musicians  backing her, she pulled it off.

The Light Comes From Within ( McCartney / McCartney ) : This is the last of the 'good' songs here. From then on the album turned uninteresting.. This is one of my favourite and it actually contained the lyrics ' you fucking no one, you stupid dick' coming the wholesome Linda McCartney. how shocking.

Mister Sandman ( Ballard ) : This Chordettes original, first released 1954 was a popular song and was covered by various artists and here it was given a karaoke run through by Linda.

Seaside Woman ( l. McCartney ) : This reggae single was released under the guise of Suzy And The Red Stripes during the 70's. It was a fan's request for this song that prompted Paul McCartney to complied and released all of Linda's songs.

Oriental Nightfish ( L. McCartney ): The first truly boring song here. It managed to reach song no. 9 before it turned boring. Not bad I would say.

Endless Days ( L. McCartney / Mick Bolton ) : Kinda of reminds me of Yoko Ono's singing but there's a certain charm about it. Child like type of singing. Rather like Yoko's 'Yes, I Am Your Angel' from "Double Fantasy."

Poison Ivy ( Leiber / Stoller ) : This was one of my all time favourite song but here it was being mangled. Linda's voice just is not for rocker like this. Songs like this should be sung loud with a full musical backing. I wouldn't have recognised this song if I haven't been paying attention.

Cow ( McCartney / McCartney / Laine ) : A dull track but with fine guitar work here. Only barely tolerable.

B-Side To Seaside ( McCartney / McCartney ) : Another barely tolerable track. Saved only by the fine musician backing which was top rated.

Sugartime ( Charlie Philips / Odis Echols ) : Clearly this is not meant for public consumption. Paul is hard chattering in the back ground.

Cook Of The House ( McCartney ) : This was the only track official released on the "Wings At The Speed Of Sound." album. A nice gesture by Paul to his wife. I don't believe there's any other singers doing that for their wives.

Appaloosa ( L. McCartney ) : Written as a tribute to her love of native American history, the Nez Perce Indians and their Appaloosa horses. An average track but with stellar musical backing.











DOP :