FLAMING PIE

FLAMING PIE : Paul McCartney's new album just after the enormously successful "Beatles Anthology" seems to woken him up significantly from slumber land which prompted him to produce this stellar album. An album that I truly enjoyed since quite a while. Here Paul went back to basis and recorded the songs the way The Beatles used to do. He was rewarded with the album receiving the best reviews since 1982's "Tug Of War." Here Paul sounded relaxed and not under any pressured to release any album. At this point in his life, he probably could continue living like a king without ever recording again, but as he have admitted, he enjoyed his work. This was mainly an acoustic driven album and his most Beatles sounding yet. Ringo Starr was on hand to help out on a few tracks and even enjoyed a writing credit on a song.

The Song We Were Singing ( McCartney ) : A nice start to a great album. Paul sounded relaxed and laid back. Paul doing what we know he is capable of all along.

The World Tonight ( McCartney ) : One of the first single. A fairly uptempo track and a damn fine one. Incredibly, Paul sings it as casual as can be.

If You Wanna ( McCartney ) :  Another nice acoustic driven track. The melody is nice too. Steve Miller guest starring acoustic and harmony vocal.

Somedays ( McCartney ) : The first Paul McCartney obligatory ballad and for once since quite a while, this one sounds convincing and not forced. 'Distraction' anyone.....

Young Boy ( McCartney ) : Another one of those songs that struck you immediately as familiar but nope, it's a new song by Paul McCartney. Awesome that at this stage in his life, he can still comes up with the goods.

Calico Skies ( McCartney ) : The sixth song and not a sign of waning. Clearly Paul is on a roll here. A nice and rather short ballad. The strumming is great too,

Flaming Pie ( McCartney ) :  Amidst all the great songs here, the title track here seems slightly out of mark. Only slightly mind you. Still doesn't warrant pressing the skip button.

Heaven On A Sunday ( McCartney ) : James McCartney, Paul's son made his debut here on electric guitar. Jeff Lynn is on board too playing acoustic guitar. Pleasant like a stroll on a Sunday.

Used To Be Bad ( Miller / McCartney ) :  I love this. The lyrics are not overly great but I am not complaining 'cos the music is good. Paul McCartney and Steve Miller are two bad asses who make good music together. Great fun.

Souvenir ( McCartney ) : I don't know if I am biased but I just can't find a bad tune here. This though not totally great does maintained your attention.

Little Willow ( McCartney ) :Supposed to be about the death of Maureen Starkey, Ringo Starr's former wife, The melody and vocal are poignant and heartwarming. On par with hit tribute to John Lennon a few album back 'Here Today.'

Really Love You ( McCartney / Starkey ) : How appropriate. Right after his song for Ringo Starr's ex wife, we have Ringo himself here playing drums on this fine foot tapping rocker. The first ever McCartney / Starkey composing credits on any songs.

Beautiful Night ( McCartney ) : Ringo guest here again. A nice song with a nice melody but the ending is slightly long. 

Great Day ( McCartney ) : I can't believe it. The last song and not once did I feel bored. Truly Paul was in his element here. My hero's back.

DOP : 14th June 1997.

PAUL IS LIVE : Have't bought this album yet but I will in due time.

OFF THE GROUND

OFF THE GROUND : Paul McCartney's 9th solo album released in 1993 as a follow up to "Flowers In The Dirt." Although featuring almost the same musicians as "Flowers In The Dirt" and it even have Elvis Costello collaborating on a few track, this album was less warmly received by the public. Admittedly it was considerably weaker in material. The collaboration with Elvis Costello were left overs from the last album and sound half cooked and incomplete. Not one of his best albums.

Off The Ground ( McCartney ) : Paul McCartney have years of experience of writing this kind of song. Fairly nice melody, nice singing and nice musicianship and we have a potential good track. Problem is we've heard this million times before and this is after Paul McCartney we are talking about. Should we expect less.

Looking For Changes ( McCartney ) : An uptempo track that is fairly entertaining. No
thing more.

Hope Of Deliverance ( McCartney ) : The single from this album and clearly the best track here. The kind of song that struck you on first hearing. When people think of this album, this is the song they will remember.

Mistress And Maid ( McCartney / Manus ) : Ordinary songs composed by extraordinary men. I maintained that apart from John Lennon, Paul McCartney work best alone. Not the worst of track but neither will it have me rushing to press the repeat button either.

I Owe It All To You ( McCartney ) : Paul singing in his clearest of voice but the material is lacking somehow. Just doesn't have that something extra found in his earlier works.

Biker Like An Icon ( McCartney ) : If John Lennon is still around, Paul will probably be disowned by writing silly songs like this. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. I tolerate this only because I still have some respect for the man.

Peace In The Neighbourhood ( McCartney ) :  There are so many forgettable songs here. I can listen to this album a few more times but problem is once I step out of the house and I heard the same songs on the radio, I still wouldn't have a clue that I actually know the song. This is one of those songs.

Golden Earth Girl ( McCartney ) :  This piano driven song have an intro that slightly reminds me of one of his great "Maybe I'm Amazed" and that's all it have going for it on this track. Offered a change of pace to an otherwise guitar driven album.

The Lovers That Never Was ( McCartney / Manus ) : This is slightly better than the average. At least it offered a glimpse of the Paul that I used to love.Here he showcased his 'Lady Madonna' vocal style.

Get Out Of My Way ( McCartney ) : A jolly and joyful song this one is quite enjoyable but below average for Paul McCartney,

Winedark Open Sea ( McCartney ) : At last a fine satisfying ballad from Paul until almost the end of the album. Seems a little late in coming for redemption. This track does reminds me of the old Paul McCartney.

C'mon People ( McCartney ) : Yet another average track. There are actually not a really bad tracks here, only lack of memorable songs. I was on the verge of drifting to dream land while listening to this. Paul did a

DOP : 2nd June 1998.

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.

TRIPPING THE LIFE FANTASTIC

TRIPPING THE LIVE FANTASTIC : Paul McCartney's massive tour of the 90's. This series of concerts was voted "International Tour Of The Year" by Performance Magazine, the concert trade newspaper. On April 21st, 1990, at his second show at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, 184,000 Brazilians turned out to celebrate his first visit to their country and set the new official World Record for the biggest stadium concert in the history of rock and roll. On paper, the play list are too good to be true.In between his Wings and solo outputs, there are close to 20 over Beatles songs, it just can't go wrong. But somehow, I have a beef with the editing. The interaction with the audiences which usually what made or break a live set is mostly edited out or kept to a minimum and Paul who owned a voice that was once the finest in rock and roll alongside John Lennon is pushing 50 and was losing some of its power. He can't reach some of the high note like he used to.Still for Beatles fan, this is also a treasure doves of memories to live through. I got this CD at a fleas market at a comparatively cheaper price. I wouldn't buy this at the full price.

CD 1 :
Showtime : A short tuning of the guitar and the show begins.....

Figure Of Eight ( McCartney ) : This track from " Flowers In The Dirt" sounded quite decent than what I initially heard from the album. You think he'll want to start the show off with a familiar tunes which he have tons of. Well, that's Paul McCartney for you.

Jet ( McCartney ) : This old time concert favourite was a welcome sight and sound. Paul seems to be growling at time or was that just me.

Rough Ride ( McCartney ) : This is a nice one. A quite moment that doesn't need the voice to be stretch.

Got To Get You Into My Life ( Lennon / McCartney ) : The first Beatles song here but the high note he certainly can't reach. It pained me to see him tried and failed.

Band On The Run ( McCartney ) : This was a better version here than then one he did on "Wings Over America." Whenever he tried to reach the high note, he turned his voice into a growl but I am not fooled. Still it was not so obvious here.

Birthday ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This track was released as a single to coincide with John Lennon's 50th birthday. A nice version but no match for The Beatles of course. A nice gesture nevertheless.

Ebony And Ivory ( McCartney ) : Paul's smash hit from his critically acclaimed 1982 album "Tug Of War" with his guitarist Hamish Stuart taking over the Steve Wonder part. A decent duet.

We Got Married ( McCartney ) : An average track from his most recent album "Flowers In The Dirt." Paul's fine as long as he doesn't have to stretch his vocal chord.

Inner City Madness ( McCartney / McCartney / Stuart / McIntosh / Wickens / Whitten ) : A quick readjustment of the equipment.

Maybe I'm Amazed ( McCartney ) : Paul did a first rated stellar no other human could possibly perform version of this on his "Wings Over America" CD. Unfortunately I don't think he can ever perform like that again as this version were to proved.

The Long And Winding Road ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul flared better on this as the key was monotonous. This was one of his most beautiful and majestic song and he couldn't afford to go wrong.

Crackin' Up ( McDaniel ) : Just a short and teasing rendition of the highlight from his "Choba B Cccp" cover album.

The Fool On The Hill ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Here Paul dedicates this song to his former comrades and then let off on one of his most loved classic.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band ( Lennon / McCartney ) : I hate to say this but Paul's version of this song is atrocious. He was growling his way through the verses.He should know what to sing and what not to sing. Mercifully it leads off to an instrumental bridge which was way better than his singing.

Can't Buy Me Love ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This is a much better experience. When Paul sticks to his range, he can't go wrong.

Matchbox ( Perkins ) : This was previously performed by Ringo Starr as The Beatles but here Paul gives it a shot and I think it would fits in perfectly on his "Choba B Cccp" album.

Put It There ( McCartney ) It is on the quieter moment that Paul shines as on this number. It ended with an ending from The Beatles's "Hello Goodbye," A stellar performance here.

Together ( McCartney / McCartney / Stuart / McIntosh / Wickens / Whitten ) : A song Paul probably made up during rehearsal and it shows.

CD 2

Things We Said Today ( Lennon / McCartney ) : A stellar version of a stellar song from "A Hard Day's Night." but with a prolong if unnecessary instrumental end. Love this though.

Eleanor Rigby ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Always thought this Beatles track from "Revolver" was  a bit too dramatic for me. Paul's voice sounded slightly different from his Beatles version. Still this is not a bad version.

This One ( McCartney ) : My favorite from "Flowers In The Dirt." This is one mean track as good as the original. Paul's voice is fine here.

My Brave Face ( McCartney / Macnus ) : Yet another fine performance from Paul done in almost the same as the original note to note.

Back In The U.S.S.R. ( Lennon McCartney ) :  A little hoarse sounding if you ask me but still a fine show.

I Saw Her Standing There ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This was Paul in all his glory. The playing, the singing. All done to perfection. If this don't get your feet tapping, you may have a problem.

Twenty Flight Rock (  ) : The one that got him a membership to The Beatles. Don't exactly know about that performance that convinced John Lennon to have him on board but he sure as hell convinced me with this version.

Coming Up ( McCartney ) : Quite a nice one here but Paul got dangerously close to growling again which I distinctively hates.

Sally ( Haines / Leon / Towers ) :  A song found exclusively only on this album. A soft moment with the piano. It's not too bad but it's understandably almost buried by the tons of classics here.

Let It Be ( Lennon / McCartney ) : One of the few songs that Paul could not NOT sing in any of his concerts. The original version was already perfect so any other versions can only be substandard even by the man who wrote it himself. Still a song that just have to be heard.

Ain't That A Shame ( Domino / Bartholomew ) : Interesting that Paul did so many tracks from the "Choba B Cccp" cover album. Though a fine performance, I much preferred him performing his originals.

Live And Let Die ( McCartney ) : An exercise in extravagant. I've heard many versions of this song and this version is not bad at all. I know 'cos I have heard them all, well almost.

If I Were Not Upon The Stage ( Sutton / Turner / Bowsher ) : Paul teasing the audience with a short rendition of this little ditty and then stopped abruptly and launch into the mother of all singalongs.....

Hey Jude ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Another of those songs that Paul cannot get away without singing. Apart from "Wings Over America," he performed this song at all his concerts. I love the part where he got all his audiences to sing along with him. Awesome.

Yesterday ( Lennon / McCartney ) : After the grand splendour that was 'Hey Jude,' Paul went back to his root with this simple but effective song. He have the audiences eating right out of his hand.

Get Back ( Lennon / McCartney ) : A fine version of this stellar track. Seems Paul get better as he warms up. Funny usually one gets hoarse as they sang but Paul goes the other way. He sang better as he sang on.

Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Recreating this medley almost note by note on The Beatles last days surely must have mustered a tear or two from the audiences. I didn't cry but it sure got me a lump on the throat.

Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying ( Greene ) : This is not a life recording. Probably recorded as the closing credit to the live show. Paul certainly have got better songs than this. A nice show to play when you are sleeping though.

DOP : Unknown.

FLOWERS IN THE DIRT

FLOWERS IN THE DIRT : I was rather wary of Paul McCartney's new studio album after the awful "Press To Play." This album was rather well received by fans and critics alike but it was just so so for me. A vast improvement over his last studio release no doubt but still nowhere near "Band On The Run' or "Venus And Mars." Although he was no John Lennon, Elvis Costello was still a better collaborator than Eric Stewart. 


My Brave Face ( McCartney / Manus ) : The first single and the kind of song that Paul can write in his sleep. Wonder what he needs Elvis Costello for. Kinda reminds of me 'Getting Closer' from Wings's final album "Back To The Egg." A solid track nevertheless.

Rough Ride ( McCartney ) : This is a great track in the great McCartney tradition.. Seems Paul have not lost his musical gift after all. Totally enjoyable..

The other Elvis

You Want Her Too ( McCartney / Manus ) : Hate to say this. Although most critics were raving about this track, I find it a little too force. Elvis is trying too hard to be John but John Lennon he is not so this is just an average track for me.

Distractions ( McCartney ) : A McCartney great ballad wanna be but unfortunately it almost borders on the embarrassing. Sounds like Paul is singing to himself under his breath. Absolutely not to be associated with his legendary classics.

We Got Married ( McCartney ) : Another run of the mill McCartney stuff. Not as bad as when I first heard it. Tolerable. The guitar interlude is great though.

Put It There ( McCartney ) : A soft gently folksy ballad that restored my faith in Paul McCartney. Yup, the man still have it in him if he tries hard or bothers enough.

Figure Of Eight ( McCartney ) : I like the musical backing more than Paul's vocal here. He have a great band here but I found his singing here quite a put on. Again, funnily enough, I use to hate this song when I first heard it but it's a totally different experience now. I almost like it.

This One ( McCartney ) : If I have doubt about liking 'Figure Of Eight,' this one I definitely like. A solid rocker in the best McCartney tradition. Loved it the first time I heard it and loved it more now that I've revisit the song. It was a single release.

Don't Be Careless Love ( McCartney / Manus ) : One of their lesser duet. Two greats together and they came up with this sorry excuse of a song. Come on, please please us OK.......

That Day Is Done ( McCartney / Manus ) : This is a much better collaboration. More worthy of their combined credibility. Sounded a bit forced but nevertheless still listenable.

How Many People ( McCartney ) : A reggae throw away. Offensives only to his reputation but I'll live through this. Even at this time, Paul's filters are still quite listenable. Thing is with Paul McCartney, you expect memorable, not just listenable.

Motor Of Love ( McCartney ) : Was surprised at this track. I've always remember this track as an uptempo but it turned out to be an average ballad. Old age must surely be creeping up on me.

Ou Est Le Soleil ( McCartney ) : A mindless piece of musical adventure that's may be good for the dance floor but not for the ear.

BONUS TRACKS

Back On My Feet ( McCartney / Manus ) : A decent collaboration but not memorable at all.

Loveliest Thing ( McCartney ) : Just when I was about to give up, Paul slipped us this gem of a song, and I have plain totally forgotten about it. The kind of great stuff that Paul used to write.

DOP : 11th December 1996.

CHOBA B CCCP THE RUSSIAN ALBUM

CHOBA B CCCP THE RUSSIAN ALBUM : This album was initially released exclusively only in the U.S.S.on vinyl in 1988 but due to popular demands and the constant black market release of this disc, Paul finds it make common sense to finally make it available on CD worldwide. More like a companion piece to John Lennon's "Rock 'n' Roll" album, this one sounds more spontaneous rather than committed rock interpretation.. Still after the torturous last few albums, this is good news. At least it allowed me to catch my breath and retained the respect for the man. All the tracks are good with some greats here and there. A solid CD well worth the money spend.

Kansas City ( Leiber / Stoller ) : I've never really like this song when I first heard it from The Beatles. Maybe it was too different and loud for my tender ear. Here it managed to holds up its head  much better then when I first heard it and I enjoyed it too.

Twenty Flight Rock ( Cochran / Fairchild ) : The song that got Paul McCartney into The Beatles. I always love the rock and roll bass line playing in the background and this one is awesome. Though I don't play this CD as much as the other. I know a classic when i hear one. Great stuff.

Lawdy Miss Clawdy ( Price ) :  A piano driven song that was first heard from Jerry Lee Lewis. Paul's version has less the fire and the intensity of the original.

I'm In Love Again ( Domino /  Bartholomew )  : Paul McCartney's playful kind of singing here can't fail to raise a smile and the constant nodding of your head to the infecious melody. One of the highlights.

Bring It On Home To Me ( Cooke ) : John Lennon did this in his "Rock 'n' Roll" album. Maybe I am biased but I prefer the former's version. Not that Paul's version is bad. Just a preference between apples and oranges.

Lucille ( Penniman / Collins ) : Paul did this as one of The Beatles on "Live In The BBC" as an up and coming band, as a nod to The Everly Brothers who were in the audience. Here he sings it with much more grace and confidence and comes up with a winner. The backing was first rate.

Don't Get Much Around Here Anymore ( Ellington /  Russell ) : Wasn't really aware that this was a rock song. It was better suited by crooners like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the likes. But Paul managed to out crooner the pack and packed this with a rockier sound and I bet he sounds better than those old crooners. I love it.

I'm Gonna Be A Wheel Someday ( Domino /  Bartholomew / Hayes ) : I thought I was listening to Jive Bunny in the opening bar. A nice track.

That's All Right, Mama ( Crudup ) : The Beatles did this too in "Live At The BBC." Paul McCartney must be feeling nostalgia and it's not bad thing.

Summertime ( Gershwin ) : Paul's version of this standard seems rather tame. He could have make this another 'Hey Jude' experience but probably he is just enjoying himself and take take as a jam session. I enjoy it too so who cares.

Ain't That A Shame ( Domino / Bartholomew ) : John Lennon did this too on "Rock 'n' Roll." and John's version is more intense and urgent compared to this. And yeah I prefer that other version. Maybe John is a better rocker than Paul or was that just me.

Crackin'Up : This was not included on the original album. I know not why but this is a great track. First time I heard it, I fell hard for it. I'll be real pissed if this was left off.

Just Because ( Shelton /  Robin ) : I thought this was the track on John Lennon's "Rock 'n' Roll" but it wasn't and I was glad. John's version on that record was beyond great. It was absolutely awesome. I would surely seemed biased if I go for that version too. Anyway, this different song is great too. A keeper.

Midnght Special ( Trad. arranged by Paul McCarney ) :  If you listen to this sub consciously, you might be forgiven if you thought it was some other song. It doesn't sounds quite like 'Midnight Special' but still not a bad version. Anyway, this song really belongs to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Listen to their version and you don't need to listen to any others versions.

DOP : 1st December 1996.