McCartney [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Amazon.com essential recording
Paul's first solo outing is very much a homegrown affair with him singing and playing everything (apart from a few harmonies by Linda). The expectations were high, and while not everything clicked, there was enough good stuff for the legend to continue. "That Would Be Something," "Man We Was Lonely," "The Lovely Linda," and "Teddy Boy" all make the grade, but everything is eclipsed by "Maybe I'm Amazed," which remains one of his most enduring songs, up there with anything the Beatles released (and which would have sounded quite at home on Let It Be). --Chris Nickson

Product Description
Remastered reissue of his first studio album, recorded at his home studio in 1970.

McCartney,Paul McCartney,EMI Int'l,Album Rock,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop,Soft Rock

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McCartney [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Average customer rating: Disappointing A solid effort MUCH better than "Chaos & Creation" and "Drivin' Rain" More of the Same - Magic and Maturity rip off

Memory Almost Full Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Hear Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur Live In Dublin Lost Highway It Won't Be Soon Before Long ASIN: B000P2A242 Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Dance Tonight
2. Ever Present Past
3. See Your Sunshine
4. Only Mama Knows
5. You Tell Me
6. Mr. Bellamy
7. Gratitude
8. Vintage Clothes
9. That Was Me
10. Feet In The Clouds
11. House of Wax
12. The End Of The End
13. Nod Your Head

Amazon.com

"Many years from now" must have seemed like an understatement to 16-year-old Paul McCartney, wondering if he'd still be needed or fed at the age of 64. As it turned out, all doubt as to the latter had ceased by his 22nd birthday (though few could have predicted he'd end up washing down those meals with the liquid pride of Seattle). As to the former? Now that McCartney, as of the date of this album's release, has reached that mythic age, his greatest work is 40 years behind him, his solo peak over 30 years gone. Does the world need a new Paul McCartney album? The answer is yes, at least as much as it needs anything else that passes for music these days. With Memory Almost Full, Macca is back. No, it's not Ram or Band on the Run. It might not even be Flowers in the Dirt--in 1989, he had a full band, the support of Linda, and Elvis Costello as a collaborator. Here, he's on his own. Literally: on the majority of the tracks, everything but the strings is multi-instrumentalist Paul. But the surprise is that it's one of his freest, loosest affairs in years, sonically reminiscent of the Tug of War/Pipes of Peace era with nods to Abbey Road in the album-closing medley, McCartney's gravelly tones on "Gratitude," and 2007's version of "Her Majesty," the palate-cleansing "Nod Your Head." It's a surprise because of the album's inescapable sense of retrospection ("Ever Present Past," "Vintage Clothes," "That Was Me") and even a bit of weariness. The next-to-last song is "The End of the End," after all, in which McCartney tells us about what he'd like to happen "on the day that I die." (He wants "songs that were sung/to be hung out like blankets/that lovers have played on/and laid on while listening to songs that were sung," and will likely get his wish.) But it never gets overwhelming, for McCartney mostly resists his tendency to get plodding and maudlin. In fact, Memory Almost Full must be the most sanguine album made during the dissolution of a marriage since...well, ever. "What went out is coming back," he sings in "Vintage Clothes," and from the sound of things, that may not be just wishful thinking. What's past is prologue; if we're lucky, what to come may be McCartney's late renaissance. --Benjamin Lukoff

Album Description

The 13 new songs on Memory Almost Full are performed entirely by Paul McCartney (excluding strings) and produced by Grammy Award-winner David Kahne (The Strokes, Sublime, Bruce Springsteen and more).

More Paul McCartney

Band on the Run

Ram

Wingspan: Hits and History

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2007-07-26

I was really excited to get my hands on this CD -- even paid the Starbuck's price!!!! Not worth it. And I am a hardcore Beatle-McCartney fan. Nothing really new or exciting or reminiscent here. Sad.

A solid effort.......2007-07-25

I'm not going to over analyze. Do I generally like the CD? Yes. Are there at least a few songs I like? Yes. Will I play it again? Yes.

It seems most negative reviewers make the mistake of comparing this album to past works. Comparing this to Ram, or something 30+ years old is silly. This is not, and is not meant to be, the same. The one comparison I'll make is I do like this better than Chaos and Creation. Word is Paul began this album after Driving Rain, but put it on hold to do Chaos. This does seem like a successor to Driving Rain. So I'd say if you liked that CD a little, you'll find a few things on here you'll like. If you did not like Chaos that much, give this one a chance- the songs are much more catchy and memorable than most of Chaos. Do not expect the successor to Chaos, and for Pete's sake, do not expect this to sound like Band on the run!

As I said, a solid effort worth repeated plays that I'm glad I purchased.

MUCH better than "Chaos & Creation" and "Drivin' Rain".......2007-07-23

I am a life-long McCartney fan, and I evolved along with Macca, from the early 70s solo/Wings albums (including the underrated yet brilliant "Wings Wild Life" album) through the 80s and 90s and now the 21st century. I never understood the critical acclaim for either of the 2 previous albums "Drivin' Rain" and "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard", which I thought were simply unremarkable, even boring.

"Memory Almost Full" (13 tracks, 42 min.) is, thankfully and FINALLY a return to form for Macca. The opener (and single) "Dance Tonight" is reminiscent of "Hope of Deliverance" (from that other underrated album "Off the Ground"). "Only Momma Knows" rocks harder than anything Macca has done in the last 15 years, and sounds great. "You Tell Me" is a great understated song, reminding me of the 1970 "McCartney" album sound. Much is made of "Gratitude" (an ode to Heather Mills?) but it's one of the weaker tracks here actually. On the second half of the album, there are a number of shorter tracks, such as "Vintage Clothes" and "That Was Me", the latter reminding me of the "Ram" sound, Macca makes his point musically, and moves on, and it sounds great. The next-to-last track "The End of the End" is the exclamation point on the album, Macca looking forward to what will happen when he goes up into the Big Blue Sky, very moving and touching but not sappy, and a perfect cap of the album. The last track "Nod Your Head" sounds out of place after that, but rocks!

In all, I couldn't be more happy with this album. Macca is now 65 but "Memory Almost Full" proves that he is STILL relevant, and unlike "Chaos & Creation" and "Drivin' Rain", this is an album I will actually play again.

More of the Same - Magic and Maturity.......2007-07-23

Someday - probably long after the passing of every currently living generation - the music of The Beatles will be appraised in ways uncolored by our particular cultural associations and expectations. When that happens, "Memory Almost Full" could well be appreciated as just another example of the production that we can evaluate only in the afterglow of the different manifestations of Beatlemania.

Anyway, that's how I see it right now. These songs have all the strengths - and all the weaknesses of any work by that Sixties band. And if you're sad that we'll never hear certain voices harmonize again or experience the creative twists of those special collaborations, you just might hear part of that same sadness in these songs too. It's there in the weariness of "Dance Tonight" and the lyrics and melodies of songs like "You Tell Me".

If you feel angry and cheated by what the years have swept away in their passing, you just might find your bitter, bewildered, resentment echoed in "Only Mama Knows". Of course, those of us who can remember seeing the Fabs live on Ed Sullivan do not tend to associate dark thoughts with their music despite songs like "Helter Skelter", "For No One" or "I'm Down". One reason for that is that sadness and anger were mostly there as counterpoint. And humor was rarely absent.

"Mr. Bellamy" is nothing but a Beatles Song. It's perfectly strange with that odd, Liverpuddlian balminess that's in addition to the craziness of the title character, proud, isolated and driven by his own "delusionary state" to the verge of self-destruction. But it's also beautiful in ways both comforting and eerie.

If future generations find value in the music of the Beatles, it may be because they were so successful in blending and transitioning between emotions and tones in so many surprising and gratifying ways. Their dissolution as a band must have been caused in part by the impossibility of their continuing to meet the ever-rising expectations that each success brought about.

Thirty years after the breakup, the expectations have hardly subsided. No effort by Paul or Ringo can escape their impact. What's especially impressive about "Memory Almost Full" is both how Paul is able to face these expectations so directly and how he surmounts them - almost like a champion surfer riding a fast, tall whitecap until landing agilely on his feet with his board now held high.

There's plenty of fun and whimsy. There are some beautiful pieces of melody. There are some arresting affects such as a chorus in "Feet in the Clouds" that manages to sound both angelic and robotic at the same time. Maybe some bits seem too "light" and maybe some seem to be trying too hard to be "heavy". Still, the album hangs together on its own merits as much (or more) than any Beatles album where virtuosity and versatility were always more emphasized than thematic consistency. These songs are pretty much all about the passing of the years with touches of triumph, generosity, and nostalgia intermingling with feelings of loss, bewilderment and thrashing angst.

There was a time when I somehow felt cheated that time and tragedy had made it impossible for me to ever experience new Beatles music. This is a great creative effort by a complex, driven, and astounding talent that helps me understand (in several ways) how wrong that feeling was.

rip off.......2007-07-21

I not only was "painfully bored" but felt terribly ripped off! Sir Paul was probably in need of some fast cash to pay off Heather is the only thing I can think off that would make him put this one together. Sorry, but I normally love everything he does but this one really fell flat.

Average customer rating: I've been Very Critical... Memory almonst full 65 and still going strong Good music, poorly engineered recording Time to retire and rest on your laurels

Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition] Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Hear Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Traveling Wilburys (2CD/1DVD, Deluxe Edition) Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) Paul McCartney - The Space Within US Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur The U.S. vs. John Lennon ASIN: B000PMLFRU Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Dance Tonight
2. Ever Present Past
3. See Your Sunshine
4. Only Mama Knows
5. You Tell Me
6. Mr. Bellamy
7. Gratitude
8. Vintage Clothes
9. That Was Me
10. Feet In The Clouds
11. House of Wax
12. The End Of The End
13. Nod Your Head

Tracks:

1. In Private
2. Why So Blue
3. 222
4. Paul talks about the music of Memory Almost Full

Amazon.com

"Many years from now" must have seemed like an understatement to 16-year-old Paul McCartney, wondering if he'd still be needed or fed at the age of 64. As it turned out, all doubt as to the latter had ceased by his 22nd birthday (though few could have predicted he'd end up washing down those meals with the liquid pride of Seattle). As to the former? Now that McCartney, as of the date of this album's release, has reached that mythic age, his greatest work is 40 years behind him, his solo peak over 30 years gone. Does the world need a new Paul McCartney album? The answer is yes, at least as much as it needs anything else that passes for music these days. With Memory Almost Full, Macca is back. No, it's not Ram or Band on the Run. It might not even be Flowers in the Dirt--in 1989, he had a full band, the support of Linda, and Elvis Costello as a collaborator. Here, he's on his own. Literally: on the majority of the tracks, everything but the strings is multi-instrumentalist Paul. But the surprise is that it's one of his freest, loosest affairs in years, sonically reminiscent of the Tug of War/Pipes of Peace era with nods to Abbey Road in the album-closing medley, McCartney's gravelly tones on "Gratitude," and 2007's version of "Her Majesty," the palate-cleansing "Nod Your Head." It's a surprise because of the album's inescapable sense of retrospection ("Ever Present Past," "Vintage Clothes," "That Was Me") and even a bit of weariness. The next-to-last song is "The End of the End," after all, in which McCartney tells us about what he'd like to happen "on the day that I die." (He wants "songs that were sung/to be hung out like blankets/that lovers have played on/and laid on while listening to songs that were sung," and will likely get his wish.) But it never gets overwhelming, for McCartney mostly resists his tendency to get plodding and maudlin. In fact, Memory Almost Full must be the most sanguine album made during the dissolution of a marriage since...well, ever. "What went out is coming back," he sings in "Vintage Clothes," and from the sound of things, that may not be just wishful thinking. What's past is prologue; if we're lucky, what to come may be McCartney's late renaissance. --Benjamin Lukoff

Album Description

The 13 new songs on Memory Almost Full are performed entirely by Paul McCartney (excluding strings) and produced by Grammy Award-winner David Kahne (The Strokes, Sublime, Bruce Springsteen and more).

This beautifully-packaged, deluxe limited edition also comes with a 2nd disc that contains 3 unreleased bonus tracks and audio commentary by Paul McCartney describing the music, 6 foldout color postcard-sized photos, and full lyrics.

More Paul McCartney

Band on the Run

Ram

Wingspan: Hits and History

Customer Reviews:

I've been Very Critical..........2007-07-25

....Of Macca's last 2 CD's. Both of which I found very little to add to my all time Macca list. The return of "Driving Rain's" producer David Kahne to the board made me apprehensive as I did not like what he did (or did not do to "Driving Rain") meaning I felt most of the songs on DR were sloppy.

Here, after the better "Chaos" CD comes what has been to become known as "MAF!" I've really waited the month or so to listen to this one and I've decided this...

1.) Dance Tonight: Charming
2.) Ever Present Past: No...
3.) See Your Sunshine:...Errr...no
4.) Only Mama Knows: Nice rocker
5.) You Tell Me:....too draggy
6.) Mr. Bellamy: What's this? Great track!
7.) Gratitude: Ugh..didn't like it immediately...No.
8.) Vintage Clothes: Very Good.
9.) That Was Me: Like it...a lot.
10.) Feet in The clouds:...okay
11.) House Of Wax: What Is This?! I LOVE THIS SONG! Very different from anything I think I've ever heard Macca do. Very cool. My favorite track on this CD.
12.) The End of the End: Wow. Very thought provoking.
13.) Nod Yor Head: Rocking closer....it's alright.

The bonus tracks (In Private, Why So Blue & 222) could easily replace the songs I downed. I've always wondered if both this one and Chaos would have been much better if Macca GREAT touring band had played on all the tracks. i think by him doing everything it tends to loose flavor.

Just my opini-onion.

I like Dance Tonight, Mr Bellamy, Vintage Clothes, That Was Me and I love House of Wax.

Memory almonst full.......2007-07-22

Typical McCartney material. Great to listen to in the car - gets your feet tapping and makes you sing along to it.

65 and still going strong.......2007-07-22

This is a great album. Buy the deluxe edition; the interview with Paul on the bonus disc alone is well worth the price.

Good music, poorly engineered recording.......2007-07-18

I must admit that I'm somewhat surprised by the number of negative reviews I've seen for this album. I thought Paul came up with some good melodies here. The musicianship is first-rate. Paul's voice is in pretty good shape. Sure, there are times when the lyrics could've been better, but that's typical McCartney. Folks, if you didn't like this album at first, try listening to it a bit more. I think it's a heck of a lot better than most of the pop/rock being produced today. And let's not even talk about rap and hip-hop (yuck). This CD set contains songs that are fun to sing, complete with melodic twists and variations in tempo. You wouldn't think those would be such rare qualities in today's music, but they are.

I agree with the reviewer who was critical of the recording. One of the worst examples is "Only Mama Knows". Most of the song is pushed to the absolute limit of CD volume. There's no actual clipping indicated when the track is viewed on a good audio editing program, but it sounds like there was clipping at some stage of the recording/mixing process. The effect of this is distortion and almost no dynamic range. I suspect a remastered version of this album will be issued years from now, and the volume problem will be fixed. And, yes, I'll probably be foolish enough to buy it.

Time to retire and rest on your laurels.......2007-07-18

To say that I am disappointed in this compilation of McCartney music is an uderstatement. What was Sir Paul smoking when he conceived this idea? He has written these stupid essays and sung them into songs. And the essays are terrible and mindless.

Sir Paul, you are 64 and I will still send you a valentine, if you stop writing trashy music. And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. This one is sad.

It is time to retire and rest on your laurels.

Average customer rating: Bought the original in '71 One of the best of Paul's solo work Perhaps his best solo work An all-time favorite A classic

Ram Paul & Linda McCartney Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: McCartney Band on the Run Venus and Mars Red Rose Speedway All Things Must Pass [DIGI-PAK EDITION] ASIN: B000002UC7 Release Date: 1999-09-03

Tracks:

1. Too Many People
2. 3 Legs
3. Ram On
4. Dear Boy
5. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey
6. Smile Away
7. Heart Of The Country
8. Monkberry Moon Delight
9. Eat At Home
10. Long Haired Lady
11. Ram On
12. The Back Seat Of My Car

Amazon.com essential recording

Technically, it was Paul and Linda McCartney, since this album was very much a collaboration between them. Some of the material was of the standard we expected ("Monkberry Moon Delight," "The Backseat of My Car," "Uncle Albert/AdmiralHalsey"), but somehow it all seemed entirely too whimsical, as if they'd spent a bit too long isolated on the farm. It was the expectations that were the problem, of course. Paul was simply making a lighthearted album, and we wanted earth-shaking pronouncements. Take Ram on its own terms (i.e., fun), and it's throughly enjoyable. --Chris Nickson

Album Description

Reissue of the 1971 album. Paul McCartney's 2nd solo album, which was credited as a collaboration with his wife, Linda, is a more substantial and produced effort, yet it has much of the same homemade charm as its predecessor. Divided between simple pop/rockers and cleverly constructed mini-suites like 'Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey' and 'Back Seat of My Car', Ram doesn't gel into any major statement, but it has many pleasurable detours. McCartney layers the ramshackle rhythm tracks with odd sound effects and off-kilter arrangements. While the production might not always work, it does make for pleasant ear candy, not only on lovely songs like 'Heart of the Country' but also on throwaway numbers like the hard-rocking 'Smile Away' and 'Monkberry Moon Delight'. Packaged in a paper sleeve. EMI. 2005.

Album Details

Limited Edition Lp Style Sleeve

Customer Reviews:

Bought the original in '71.......2007-07-24

I remember the original from my senior year in high school in '71-'72. The songs brought back a flood of memories. McCartney just gets better with age. "Memory Almost Full" is great.

One of the best of Paul's solo work.......2007-07-22

This cd shows you what Paul McCartney could do when he was trying to impress John Lennnon with his solo work. The recording quality is simple and lean, but very pure, with some good guitar work from outside help. The bass was a little low in the mix compared to today's recordings and the vocals are promiment and drenched in reverb, the mode of the day. He even has Linda singing harmony and she did a good job for being drafted into the studio and no prior experience. It is better than alot of the current records, which are compressed to the max, and filled with overkill. This was a very happy time for Paul, when he'd finally found his "wings" after the Beatles. The song Too Many People was thought to be a critique of John Lennon, (you took your lucky break and broke it in two) and John fired back with the acerbic, How Do You Sleep? on his Imagine album, where George played a wicked slide guitar. It is a piece of Beatles history that started on this early post-Beatles album.

Perhaps his best solo work.......2007-07-20

Uncle Albert sounds great!! Paul had it all going on back on this 1971 release. His vocals are varied and smooth. There is no pappish sentimentality on Ram. It actually sounds better now than it did then. How is that possible? Must be the sign of a true classic.

An all-time favorite.......2007-07-13

This has always been one of my all-time favorite albums. It was so great to buy it on CD after not hearing it for almost 30 years. It still sounds great. Paul McCartney is at the top of his game. Like all Paul (or Beatles) albums, it's got such incredible diversity and depth. Great stuff!

A classic.......2007-06-04

Yes, this album is a classic, maybe the best pure "McCartney" album. It is filled with melodicism, great arrangements, hooks galore and, with no apologies, great nonsense lyrics. The Beatles had lost their sense of fun; to Paul's credit, he knew it, tried to restore it, realized it couldn't be done with the Beatles anymore, and set out to achieve it on his own (with his wife Linda).

He does achieve it, in spades. Evidently, that's not what critics were looking for in the summer of '71, and they all took their best shots at the album. Too bad, because it was their loss. The LP was full of extremely inventive fun, and that was what I needed in the summer of '71, and still need today. If you are new to Paul McCartney, this is the best place to start, and if you are an old fan, do yourself a favor and put this on again. I love albums where I can simultaneously reminisce and appreciate the present moment, because the music is so good.

Taken on its own terms, there is not a bad song, because every moment on the album is full of Paul's whimsy. I'll take Paul's whimsy any day before George's self-concious spirituality or John's self-concious indignation. Frankly, this makes me feel better, and that's what music is supposed to do, when all is said and done. That's what makes Ringo such a good album; nobody mistook that album for the next big artistic statement, and it holds up nearly as well as Ram. In the end, though, it's McCartney's overall musicianship, songwriting, playing and production that makes Ram not only autobiographical (this is Paul, fully revealed, at that point in his life), but also a musical masterpiece. Make no mistake, it is no less than that.

Average customer rating: Darn good but Wings Greatest was tighter This review is not going to talk about Paul, the songwriter, but Paul the musician WILL IT NEVER END FOR THE BEATLES The Good and the Bad An OK Paul Mccartney introduction

Wingspan (Hits & History) Paul McCartney , and Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Best of George Harrison Blast From Your Past Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon Band on the Run All the Best ASIN: B00005BA03 Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

1. Listen To What The Man Said
2. Band On The Run
3. Another Day
4. Live And Let Die
5. Jet
6. My Love
7. Silly Love Songs
8. Pipes Of Peace
9. C Moon
10. Hi Hi Hi
11. Let 'Em In
12. Goodnight Tonight
13. Junior's Farm
14. Mull of Kintyre
15. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey
16. With A Little Luck
17. Coming Up
18. No More Lonely Nights

Tracks:

1. Let Me Roll It
2. The Lovely Linda
3. Daytime Nightime Suffering
4. Maybe I'm Amazed
5. Helen Wheels
6. Bluebird
7. Heart Of The Country
8. Every Night
9. Take It Away
10. Junk
11. Man We Was Lonely
12. Venus And Mars/Rockshow
13. Back Seat Of My Car
14. Rockestra Theme
15. Girlfriend
16. Waterfalls
17. Tomorrow
18. Too Many People
19. Call Me Back Again
20. Tug Of War
21. Medley: Bip Bop/Hey Diddle/I Am Your Singer
22. No More Lonely Nights

Amazon.com

While his fellow ex-bandmates busied themselves with various high-profile projects (John Lennon with Imagine and a series of high-profile media events; George Harrison with All Things Must Pass and The Concert for Bangla Desh), Paul McCartney climbed into a van with his wife and a few journeyman players and gigged at university student unions for what amounted to spare change. Of course, by 1976 they were one of the biggest draws in rock, having the last laugh--if not necessarily the final word. Gathering the cream of their recorded output on a generous double-disc sampler-cum-TV-special-soundtrack seemed a promising effort at historical revisionism, but Wingspan itself is a distinct misnomer: fully 17 of the 40 tracks here hail from various pre- and post-Wings McCartney solo albums. Completely overlooked are unheralded B-sides such as "Oh Woman, Oh Why," "Little Woman Love," "Country Dreamer," "The Mess," "Walking in the Park with Eloise," "Sally G," and "Girl's School"--some of McCartney the bandleader and solo artist's scrappiest and most interesting work. All the expected hits are here and more, ranging from spunky rockers and hook-rich bubblegum to syrup-drenched ballads. What's lacking is a fresh and less myopic perspective. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Darn good but Wings Greatest was tighter.......2007-06-20

This give you more back for the buck but I have to say I like the Wings Greatest better because it is leaner and has only huge hits. This one has stuff like "C Moon" that was not a hit just a b-side I think it was not a A-side in Britain but I could be wrong. "Pipes Of Peace" was a UK number 1 but not even a US single, but no matter because it is not a Wings song. Neither is "Maybe I am Amazed", "Tug of War", "No More Lonely Nights" (both versions), "Take It Away", "Waterfalls", "Uncle Albert", "Another Day", "Man We Was Lonely", "Junk", "Every Night", "Too Many People". I think I got them all, I don't have it in front of me.

But that is all true, none of those songs were released as Wings. Which is silly because of the other hits songs he released as Wings: "Helen Wheels" (US top ten), "Maybe I'm Amazed (live)" US top ten, "I Have Had Enough", "Arrow Through Me", "Getting Closer", "London Town", "Girls School", "Sally G", Letting Go" - all of those were US top 40s.

The only "unreleased" track is a home recording that has Paul and Linda doing a medly of "Bip Bop" from the Wild Life album and "Hey Diddle". Please, they could have put the unreleased studio version of "Hey Diddle" on the album! How about any other of the many unreleased Paul songs that are very good and were going to be included on an album called Cold Cuts. What about the great "Cage" that was meant to conclude Back to the Egg (which had two top 40s, as listed above, but is only represented here by crappy Rockestra Theme probably just because it somehow won a Grammy).

This review is not going to talk about Paul, the songwriter, but Paul the musician.......2007-04-06

When we look at Paul McCartney,
we tend to forget one very very important fact...

Paul in his prime was simply one of the finest pop singers ever to have lived..
his vocal fundamentals
and technique were flawless...

Are people too hard on Paul in general... (fans, critics, and haters alike)... YES!!! ..without a doubt!!! Without Paul's incredible vocal power and ability, The Beatles would have never been able to pull of their amazing 3 to 4 part harmonies..

In the words of Reggie Jackson, Paul was the straw the stirred the drink.. Lennon's imagination may have been there, that's surely true and was certainly a gift... Harrison's natural beauty may have been there, this is surely true and was certainly a gift..

But Paul, Mr. Paul McCartney was what made the Beatles Pop Superstars.. His voice alone had the power to silence Beatle haters (even to this day!!!)

WHY YOU MAY ASK????

BECAUSE, Paul was the Beatle and only Beatle who could scream like Robert Plant and just as easily harmonize like Elton John.. his voice (so flexible, so maleable; combo Tenor + Baritone...) was a multi technicolor dreamcoat with unparralled ability to mimic any singer on the planet.. very few singers (perhaps Elton John, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder would fit in this category) could sing with such power and finess. This is why we must pay tribute to Paul's gifts and contributions to music.. IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!

WILL IT NEVER END FOR THE BEATLES.......2007-03-27

THIS ALBUM IS JUST PROOF THAT WHEN YOU GOT IT NOTHING CAN STOP YOU FROM SHOWING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Good and the Bad.......2007-03-24

This album released by the record companies, is a great indication of just how good Paul McCartney is (and was) and just how boring he is (was). With the Beatles, McCartney was inspirational and a key ingredient (duh). However, had he never been a Beatle, but just some guy who ventured forth, he probably would have hit the budget bins rather quickly. Wingspan (Hits and History) exposes this truth rather well. While sappy people with sappy tastes would have loved "Silly Love Songs," discriminating music listeners find it boring. "My Love," probably the most boring song in pop history, as well as one of McCartney's biggest hits, is exposed for all its monotony here. As I recall, McCartney's post-Beatle success is largely attributed to the fact that he was a Beatle, and from having re-listened to this tripe after buying the album, I have to say that he should not have traveled so far on the charts. Some gems exist, "Band on the Run," "Maybe I'm Amazed," and "Helen Wheels," come to mind. But on the other hand what is "Helen Wheels" about? For that matter, what are "Jet," "C-Moon," and "Hi,Hi,Hi" about? Which reveals the problem with all of McCartney's songs. Not all, but most of Paul's songs are about nothing, just a series of loosely connected rhyming verses with great melodies. Hence, his value. McCartney is gifted with great melodies, and it is those great melodies that make his music worth listening to, because the lyrics go nowhere and mean nothing. But the boy can write a melody!

If you are a Paul McCartney fan, and you want a collection to put into your library, this is as good of a Paul McCartney collection as you will find. On the other hand, be ready to skip over several selections, as the tedium is high, and the gems are flawed.

An OK Paul Mccartney introduction.......2007-03-06

I suppose this anthology is aimed at someone who has no Paul Mccartney CDs and wants a little more than the single disc All the Best. The first disc more or less duplicates All the Best, and the second appears to be Pauls picks for songs that should get more notice. I suppose it works in that respect, so this should be 4 stars. But I dock it a star- and here's why.

For starter's this is not a Wings Anthology, as the name implies. We get songs from Pauls first solo album all the way through the 80s. If I'm not mistaken, Ringo played on No more lonely nights, so I was wondering if anyone ever told him he's on a Wings album?

Also, I don't like the selections on the 2nd disc. Paul has recorded far better songs, so if the aim of this collection is to introduce one to Paul's Best, this ain't it. This collection could have been better by limiting it to Wings songs, and including either better "near hit" songs, or go the other way and release obscure songs for the Wings fans: B sides and rarities. Here ya go off the top of my head: From the first disc, eliminate Pipes of Peace, Coming up and No more Lonely Nights, since they aren't Wings songs. Instead, include Maybe I'm amazed, Venus & Mars/Rockshow, and Bluebird (from the 2nd disc). The second disc could then be something like:

1. Give Ireland Back to the Irish
2. The Mess
3. Mary had a little Lamb
4. Little woman Love
5. Helen Wheels
6. Country Dreamer
7. Sally G.
8. Letting Go
9. Beware my Love
10. London Town
11. I've had enough
12. Girlfriend
13. Girl's school
14. Getting closer
15. Spin it on
16. Old Siam sir
17. Arrow through me
18. Daytime nighttime suffering
19. Soily

Let's see if I still had room, I'd add a couple unreleased "cold cuts": Tragedy, Waterspout, etc. Anyway, I think this would be a much better collection, appeal to more of an audience, and be a more accurate representation of Wings. Or, better yet, Paul should just release a box set to cover all of this and more. Missed the mark for me.

Thanks for reading...

Average customer rating: Classic Early 70's Rock Album Wings Band on the Run One Of The Finest Rock Albums Ever Made, No Question About It. Love this album!!! Back in the day

Band on the Run Paul McCartney & Wings Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Venus and Mars Ram McCartney Imagine At The Speed Of Sound ASIN: B00000I7KL Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

1. Band on the Run
2. Jet
3. Bluebird
4. Mrs. Vandebilt
5. Let Me Roll It
6. Mamunia
7. No Words
8. Helen Wheels
9. Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me)
10. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five

Tracks:

1. Band On The Run (Barn Rehearsal)
2. Dialogue Intro/Band on the Run [Nicely Toasted Mix]
3. Band on the Run /Dialogue Link I [Original Version]
4. Band on the Run [Barn Rehearsal]
5. Dialogue Link 2/Mamunia /Dialogue/Mamunia /Dia ... [Original Version] - Denny Laine, Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney & Wings
6. Bluebird [Live]
7. Bluebird /Dialogue Link 4 [Original Version]
8. Dialogue Link 5/No Words /Dialogue [Original Version] - Geoff Emerick, Paul McCartney & Wings
9. No Words /Dialogue Link 6/Dialogue/Dialogue/Band on the ... [Original V - Paul McCartney & Wings, Tony Visconti
10. Jet /Dialogue Link 7/Jet /Dialogue [Original Version] - Al Coury, Paul McCartney & Wings
11. Jet [Berlin Soundcheck]
12. Band On The Run (Northern Comic Version)
13. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five /Dialogue Link 9/Dialogue [Original Ve
14. Mrs. Vandebilt /Dialogue Link 11/Dialogue [Original Version] - Kenny Lynch, Paul McCartney & Wings
15. Let Me Roll It /Dialogue Link 12 [Cardington Rehearsal]
16. Dialogue Link 13/Mrs. Vandebilt/Dialogue/Dialogue/Dialogue - Paul McCartney & Wings, Michael Parkinson
17. Helen Wheels /Dialogue Link 14/Dialogue [Crazed Mix] - Christopher Lee, Paul McCartney & Wings
18. Band on the Run /Dialogue Link 15/Dialogue [Strum Bit]
19. Picasso's Last Words /Dialogue Link 16/Dialogue [Original Version] - Dustin Hoffman, Paul McCartney & Wings
20. Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me) [Acoustic Version]
21. Band on the Run /Dialogue Link 17 [Nicely Toasted Mix]
22. Band on the Run [Northern Comic Version]

Amazon.com essential recording

Band on the Run should have been a disaster. Two of Wings' original members quit in a huff just before its production. The whimsical decision to record in Lagos, Nigeria, became a nightmare when McCartney and company found themselves in a decaying studio, then had many of the project's demos stolen by armed bandits. Despite these hardships--perhaps because of them--Band on the Run remains the most focused and consistently satisfying record of McCartney's wildly uneven post-Beatles career. This mini box set contains the original album, a well-written booklet by Mark Lewisohn, and a bonus disc featuring outtake snippets and interviews with all the album's participants (including its cover crew, which includes actors James Coburn and Christopher Lee) and Dustin Hoffman, who recounts how he spurred McCartney to spontaneously write "Picasso's Last Words" on a dare. This second disc would make a fine radio show; it comes up short where it matters most--in music. Time spent detailing the album-cover photo session could have been more gratifyingly devoted to more contemporary outtakes (much of the bonus Band material is culled from live performances from as recently as the mid '90s; perhaps McCartney wants us to know how important the record has been to him over the years) or to a pair of single B-sides, which are curiously absent here. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Classic Early 70's Rock Album.......2007-05-05

The best and most successful Rock album Paul McCartney, with Wings released. It is a classic rock album worthy of its praise, its boldness and McCartney was back with a bang with an emphatic message to the music world.


1. Band on the Run - A classic.

2. Jet - A classic. What a one-two punch to kick of the album?

3. Bluebird - Beautiful harmonies. Underrated.

4. Mrs. Vandebilt - A silly story song made good by Paul's great vocals and great musicianship of his trio.

5. Let Me Roll It - Remains a concert staple and fan favourite. This song is best performed live, the studio version is a weaker immitation of the real thing, which is live baby.

6. Mamunia - The melody master near his best, but many people don't know this song, it is a pleasure to listen to. Macca's voice is at its clearest, the band harmonises in peak form.

7. No Words - Has a Beatles/Badfinger sound to it. Paul and Denny harmonising is really something to hear.

8. Helen Wheels - A fun and catchy rocker, nothing earth shaking.

9. Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me) - Macca's musical response to a Dustin Hoffman challange. Its a great song, I love the drunken feel to the music, great engineering.

10. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five - A pulsating climax to the album, most of Pauls best albums finish with a bang.

Wings Band on the Run.......2007-03-10

The Wings roll it to you on the run, how great it is.

One Of The Finest Rock Albums Ever Made, No Question About It........2007-03-04

By 1974, Paul McCartney's solo career had an interesting conflict associated with it. He scored big with his first few solo albums, scoring big with hit singles like "Another Day", "Live And Let Die" and "My Love". His loyal fanbase was broader than ever.

However, Paul and his newly formed band Wings were ripped apart by music critics who felt John and George's solo work was far more innovative and overall worth owning. Paul decided to put an end to this criticism. He, along with his wife Linda and his fellow Wings bandmates, jetted down to Legolas in Africa to record what would become one of the best rock albums ever made. After several months that resulted in various technical problems as well as a mugging, "Band On The Run" was released.

"Band On The Run" is, to put it in simple terms, an awesome album. This is Paul at his best. This the Paul we all know and love. He is loose, focused and clearly enjoying himself along with the rest of the band. The album opens with the classic title track, which starts off as a slow, kind of whiny number, then picks up the pace a bit as an ominous revnge fantasy, then, out of nowhere, the horns flair up as if it were some sort of musical exodus, you can feel the rain exploding with a mighty crash drenching you. It's one of the most stunning musical moments on record.

From here on in, the album never lets up. "Jet" is a McCartney classic and a concert staple. A fast paced, wild rocker with a blast your throat out chorus and classic riff. "Helen Wheels" is a crazed bulldozer of a number that will blow your speakers out if played too loudly. This is Paul at his most raucous. "Let Me Roll It" is a blueslier number, a great love song that remains a concert showstopper. "Bluebird" and the lovely "Mamunia" provide the more mellow moments here, but do not drag down the album at all. The vitriolic "No Words" is a raw, gutsy ballad with some of Paul's most cynical and best lyrics ever. "Picasso's Last Words" is a three part chronicling of the last hours before the passing of the famous artist, complete with a singalong chorus and French interlude. The closing "Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five" is an out and out musical extravaganza complete with intense instrumental breaks and some fine piano work by Sir Paul. The one clunker is "Mrs. Vanderbilt", and even that's fine for what it is.

Disc 2 is the real treat. You get Paul performing various renditions of certain tracks (including several different variations of the title track), live performances, and tour rehearsals (including a blistering version of "Jet). The interviews detailing the arduous but enjoyable recording process is a thrill. To hear Paul as well as people like Geoff Edwards, Christopher Lee, James Coburn and many others give their input. The most entertaining interview by far comes from none other than a man who is to cinema what Paul is to music, the legendary Dustin Hoffman, whose fantastic detailing of his influence on "Picasso's Last Words" is a joy to listen to. Paul and Dustin should collaborate more often.

The booklet and photo spread are excellent bonuses, and this is an album all music fans need to have.

Love this album!!!.......2007-02-13

I have the vinyl, can't wait to recieve the CD!!! This will be played daily along with my Beatles CDs!!

Back in the day.......2007-02-12

As far as Paul McCartney's career away from The Beatles was, this was good it gets. The cd is great from Top to Bottom and a classic rock cd and deserves a spot in any classic rock collection. Truth be known when I was much younger 17; me and my friend would have a contest who could roll one the best before Paul could say Let Me Roll It in my most favorite tune on the cd, but it was an album back then.

Average customer rating: Pure Paul awesome raw talent Paul McCartney's first album sentimental It's different, and I love it!

McCartney Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ram Band on the Run Venus and Mars Red Rose Speedway John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band ASIN: B000002UC5 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Lovely Linda
2. That Would Be Something
3. Valentine Day
4. Every Night
5. Hot As Sun/Glasses
6. Junk
7. Man We Was Lonely
8. Oo You
9. Momma Miss America
10. Teddy Boy
11. Singalong Junk
12. Maybe I'm Amazed
13. Kreen - Akrore

Amazon.com essential recording

Paul's first solo outing is very much a homegrown affair with him singing and playing everything (apart from a few harmonies by Linda). The expectations were high, and while not everything clicked, there was enough good stuff for the legend to continue. "That Would Be Something," "Man We Was Lonely," "The Lovely Linda," and "Teddy Boy" all make the grade, but everything is eclipsed by "Maybe I'm Amazed," which remains one of his most enduring songs, up there with anything the Beatles released (and which would have sounded quite at home on Let It Be). --Chris Nickson

Amazon.com

Paul McCartney Photos

More from Paul McCartney

Wingspan (Hits & History)	All the Best	Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
Flaming Pie	Band on the Run	Back in the U.S.

Album Description

Remastered reissue of his first studio album, recorded at his home studio in 1970.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of Macca's First Solo LP, featuring his First Hit Solo Single 'maybe I'm Amazed'.

Customer Reviews:

Pure Paul.......2007-07-06

I imagine that there is no other pop musician who polarizes music lovers more than Paul McCartney. I was in the opposite camp from McCartney lovers for quite a few years;for me Lennon and Harrison were IT!
However,i have been revisting Macca's Beatles and solo material and I now believe myself to have treated him rather unfairly.
Is there anyone out there who can write such simple and beautiful melodies? Maybe there is and since I am 52 I may not be aware of some youngster out there who is of equal ability as Mac.
This LP came out w/ Let it Be and I believed that Mac was the one to blame for the breakup of t he Beatles,so I bought this Lp and then spent alot of energy dissing it to my friends,but I suppose all the while I was a closeted Macca fan and did not want to admit it.
This album is full of quality material,if crudely recorded,that only adds to it's charms.
Like i said in an earlier review of another Mac CD,every one of Mac's solo pop CDs/LPs has at least one killer song #1 with a bullet on it.
Mac just seems to be able to pluck them out of the air like so many golden apples,while lying back on the country grass in complete repose.
One reviewer said the "Glasses" is eerie. Well, in case nobody has mentioned it on this thread,"Glasses" is actually Paul and Linda playing/rubbing the rims of variously filled water glasses.
Paul was into avant-garde sound/music long before Lennon.
I believe Paul will be remembered as a composer/musician on par with the classical crowd of the 18th and 19th centuries,if for nothing than his remarkable melodic gift and great production and execution that is evident on most of his pop/rock recordings.
I feel lucky to have been born and to have grown up w/ his music.
History will bear out the fact that Lennon and McCartney were of a rare origin.There won't be their like to grace our ears and lives for many generations to come,if at all.
Thanks,God.

awesome raw talent.......2007-06-30

who cares what John Lennon,the critics,or his peers thought,this was good music and it has stood the test of time as well as the artist.these songs are easy to sing along with and keeps a happy melody in your head.Paul should have went solo long before he did.

Paul McCartney's first album.......2007-06-27

"McCartney", Paul McCartney's first album after the breakup of the Beatles, is a glimpse in time of this talented, enduring musician. Post-Beatles, pre-Wings, this album is a sort of personal memoir. McCartney wrote, produced, and performed the entire album in his home studio, before the age of synthesizers and digital effects. The results are sometimes uneven but sometimes brilliant. More than thirty-five years later he still gets mileage out of the classic "Maybe I'm Amazed" and Phoebe Snow, among others, have made successful covers of "Every Night." As much as anything, though, the album displays McCartney's seemingly endless ability to craft catchy tunes. "McCartney" is a pleasant romp through the meandering musical musings of the album's namesake.

sentimental.......2007-06-24

I always feel sentimental when I listen to this album. My LP is long gone and I'm thrilled to have finally found this CD (it wasn't available the last time I looked). I'm not the Beatles fan in my family (although I grew up listening to the music). My dad was and still is. Aside from all the Beatles records he had, he also had this album which was originally released the year I was born. These songs were the songs of my very early childhood. Although I am sure that earlier reviewers were correct when stating that this album does not meet the standards we have come to expect from McCartney after the Beatles era. Still, lets not forget that at this point in his life, the Beatles were over. Why would any artist continue using the same style in a new phase of his life/career. I think of Sting's solo album after The Police. Many die hard Police fans did not like Sting's first solo album. I don't think it was that bad albeit different from The Police. Likewise for McCartney. Well, regardless of how good or bad people view his post-Beeatles work, I will always love this album. Junk singalong was a melody I remember fondly as a child. Maybe I'm Amazed is a song my dad often strummed on his guitar. I will always equate this album to the early 70's. I don't long for the past but remembering it is bittersweet. Isn't this the purpose of good music --to touch us emotionally.

It's different, and I love it!.......2007-06-05

Although a first class pop band, not all the Beatles albums have aged equally well. This album is not as _consistently_ good as their best few ('Abbey Road' and 'Revolver' are superb). It contains a few lightweight tracks, but hey, so do plenty of Beatles albums.

However, the best tracks on 'McCartney' -- 'Junk' (including the instrumental reprise) and 'Every Night' -- are every bit as good as the very very best Beatles songs. And there very nice bits in some of the other tracks (eg. 'Maybe I'm Amazed' and 'Hot as Sun/Glasses').

But, most importantly, it's _different_ from the Beatles. It has certain great qualities most Beatles albums lack -- charm and spontaneity in particular. Let's face it, the Beatles were a great band, so they carried it off, but a lot of their material was overproduced (although magnificently so) and often lacked an edge (I actually prefer many of the takes that came out in the Anthology series), and some of it now sounds dated and kind of pretentious.

Of course these flaws don't matter -- they were the Beatles, great talents whose flaws and eccentricities just added character to their music. The point is, with this album, you have the _most important_ of those great talents producing songs with immense charm, warmth, sincerity immediacy and soul -- the very qualities in which the Beatles were so often somewhat weak.

It's different, and I love it!

Average customer rating: A FANTASTIC ALBUM! Fantastic Take a sad song and make it better"?

Judy Collins Sings Lennon & McCartney Judy Collins Manufacturer: Wildflower ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3 Just Roll Tape: April 26th, 1968 The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD) Beauty & Crime We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song ASIN: B000QFAEJG Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. And I Love Her
2. Blackbird
3. Golden Slumbers
4. Penny Lane
5. Norwegian Wood
6. When I'm Sixty-Four
7. Good Day Sunshine
8. Hey Jude
9. We Can Work It Out
10. Yesterday
11. I'll Follow the Sun
12. Long And Winding Road

Amazon.com

That the mainstream folk goddess has become quite a formidable torch singer in her golden years should surprise no one. Ms. Collins has always shone brightest as an interpreter of other's songs, from traditional folk tunes to such notable covers as her takes on Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" and Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns." Not far from 70 years of age at the time of this album's release, Ms. Collins lends a gentle irony to her reading of "When I'm 64." But her voice is clear; it's as youthful and plaintive as it's been in years. And on tracks like "Norwegian Wood" and "Blackbird," it's flat-out gorgeous. Ably backed by studio musicians Larry Campbell, Tony Levon, and Zev Katz, these jazzy renditions of your favorite Beatle numbers--though where's "Revolution"?--are simply a delight. Buy it for your mom, but treat yourself to a listen first. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

A FANTASTIC ALBUM!.......2007-07-26

JUDY COLLINS'S new album is truly quite a masterpiece.
I never was a BEATLES-fan, but hearing her interpretations of
these songs makes me just realize the greatness of these songs.
She brings a closeness to the lyrics, and her mucicality and artistry
that she has used on her other wonderful work throughout the years
makes this a fantastic album.
All 12 songs are just great, and if you did not know it, they could very well have been written with JUDY'S voice in mind.
The arrangements on each song is perfect and the musicians are brilliant.
This is really a great work of art!

Fantastic.......2007-07-24

At first, the notion of Judy Collins doing an all Beatles cd turned me off: who could improve on the originals? But this cd, the more I listen to it, really grows on me and I very much enjoy Collins's varied interpretations. In fact, she makes some of these tunes sound new again and who would have thought that possible? She is especially good on "Blackbird" and "Long and Winding Road," but also shines on "And I Love Her" and "Good Day Sunshine." "I'll Follow the Sun" was a perfect choice for her, as well. I'm not crazy about the children's choir on "Hey Jude," and it was a brave venture on her part to even record this classic...it works well in spots, but the ending kind of falls apart, in my opinion. The most remarkable thing about this cd is Collins's voice; it sounds as clear and crisp and warm as it did decades ago; in some ways, it sounds as if it's improved over time. I never would have guessed when I first started listing to Collins in 1968 that she would still be putting out albums almost 40 years later. All in all, this is a cd I would highly recommend. In my opinion, Judy could sing the alphabet and make it truly her own...at this point in her career she has nothing to prove, and it seems as if she's having lots of fun taking on the Beatles. Thanks again, Judy, for blessing us with your remarkable voice and keep on singing!

Take a sad song and make it better"?.......2007-07-17

After having recorded an all Dylan and then an all Leonard Cohen CD, Judy Collins finally sings twelve Lennon-McCartney songs. (Is it possible that she has only recorded one Beatles song previously, her glorious rendition of "In My Life"?) My favorite is "Yesterday," with a simple, mostly piano accompaniment, followed closely by "Blackbird," "When I'm Sixty-four" and "Hey Jude." "When I'm Sixty-four" is particularly poignant since John Lennon, as the whole world knows, was killed years ago and never made that magic number. Collins adds a nice touch by changing the final phrase to "when I'm 84." Adding a children's choir to "Hey Jude" works nicely as well. The selections that work best are those with fewer rather than more instruments (including Korg Triton and Minimoog) accompanying Ms. Collins.
"And I Love Her" and "Norwegian Wood" suffer from too much loud background music and should be remixed.

Ms. Collins faces the dilemma that everyone faces when he or she records music that the original group or singer has already made famous. While her arrangements of these familiar songs are perfectly fine, she does not improve on the originals. No one will ever sing "When I'm Sixty-four" and "Yesterday" better than the Beatles for the precise reason that they sang beautifully together. (The women who did a tribute album to Dolly Parton had the same problem a few years ago.) In a word, it is a lot easier to improve on a song sung by Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen than John Lennon and Paul McCartney. On the other hand, that a singer in her sixth decade is still singing and doing it so beautifully is cause for rejoicing.

While this is not Ms. Collins' best CD (I would give that to the outrageously wonderful "Who Knows Where the Times Goes"), her tribute to Lennon-McCartney is certainly worth listening to and far better than what most of her contemporaries are recording.

Average customer rating: should've bought it in high school Band on the Run is much better A stellar album! One of Paul's best! A Musical Trip Down Memory Lane

Venus and Mars Paul McCartney , and Wings Manufacturer: EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Band on the Run At The Speed Of Sound Red Rose Speedway London Town Ram ASIN: B00000721O Release Date: 1993-06-08

Tracks:

1. Venus and Mars
2. Rock Show
3. Love in Song
4. You Gave Me the Answer
5. Magneto and Titanium Man
6. Letting Go
7. Venus and Mars (Reprise)
8. Spirits of Ancient Egypt
9. Medicine Jar
10. Call Me Back Again
11. Listen to What the Man Said
12. Treat Her Gently/Lonely Old People
13. Crossroads

Amazon.com

Released in the glow of Wings' biggest and best album, Band on the Run, Venus & Mars found Paul McCartney in his element--a working rock star, being screamed at again, cheerfully riding the last rays of his youth. Adulation always brought the best out of him, and Venus & Mars is nearly the equal of its more lauded predecessor. McCartney never strays from his favorite themes (sex, drugs, rock & roll, and marriage), but his confidence is high as he mixes gorgeous, airy production numbers like "Listen to What the Man Said" and "Letting Go" with the ribald and hilarious. "Rock Show" matches the Who's "Long Live Rock" as the finest and funniest of those self-celebratory '70s stomps. McCartney's effortless marshalling of melody and arrangement hoists the blander material out of trouble, and the best stuff's powered by genuine, rediscovered verve. Facile and frivolous, but not at all bad. And their version of the "Crossroads" theme is wicked. --Taylor Parkes

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue of their #1 1975 album featuring the #1 smash 'Listen To What The Man Said', plus 'Letting Go', 'Venus And Mars/ Rock Show' and three bonus tracks: 'Zoo Gang', 'Lunch Box/ Odd Sox' & 'My Carnival'. 16tracks total. 1993 Parlophone release.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Version of the Hit Album with Listen to What the Man Said / Medicine Jar / Magneto and Titanium Man, plus Three Bonus Tracks Added: Zoo Gang / Lunch Box-Odd Sox / My Carnival.

Customer Reviews:

should've bought it in high school.......2007-07-18

This was one of those records I kept thinking about buying as a teenager but never got around to it. Should've bought in the 70's because I am enjoying it now.

Band on the Run is much better.......2007-06-18

This is far from McCartney's best. In fact, only five of these songs really stand out to me one way or the other. The best songs are easy to pick out: My top pick is the New Orleansy hit Listen to What the Man Said, followed by the album's only two rockers (Letting Go, Rock Show). On the bad end are Spirits of Ancient Egypt, which is just idiotic, and the dull ballad Call Me Back Again. Actually, a lot of these songs are ballads, and rather forgettable ones at that (Love in Song, You Gave Me the Answer, Medicine Jar, Treat Her Gently/Lonely Old People), but at least none of them are odiously bad. I'm not an expert on Paul's solo career, but I will say that Band on the Run leaves much more of an impact.

A stellar album!.......2007-06-18

What a great album! 30 years after, you still can listen in a row to all these great songs. This album, mostly recorded in New Orleans, has a special touch and was the foundation for the 75-76 tour that would bring the Wings around the world and take them to the top.

My 2 favorites: "Magneto And Titanium Man" and "Listen To What The Man Said"!

If you like the best hits of the Wings, go and buy it, you won't be disappointed!

One of Paul's best!.......2007-01-05

This is still one of my favorite McCartney albums. i bought this when it first came out, and liked every song!(which is unusual). in a time when Paul was writing sugary stuff, this effort was pretty darn good! great songwriting. it's like he actually had something to say, instead of frivolous stuff! Love in song, and rockshow are two examples of this great album. i feel like letting go, is another song which ROCKS THE HOUSE!! a great one to listen to any time of day!! Highly Reccomended!

A Musical Trip Down Memory Lane.......2007-01-05

Growing up I was a big fan of Paul McCartney and Wings. I was a little young to know or understand his music during the Beatle years so Wings was my first exposure. This CD brought back a lot of memories spent listening to the radio on a warm summer day without a care in the world. I am especially partial to Magneto and Titanium Man. Although the song is lyrical and fun, its melody and words hearken back to a more carefree time that we all wish to relive. The mastering of the CD was well done and the music was fairly dynamic when compared to other versions of songs from that era. I've definitely enjoyed this CD and have since begun searching out other recording from that era.

Average customer rating: Far and away, the best bet for Mac's solo career Paul still has it!!! Best Songwriting in Years What can I say? Nigel Godrich eats worms!

Chaos and Creation in the Backyard Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Bigger Bang Prairie Wind Back Home Souls Alike Wildflower ASIN: B000AL730O Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Fine Line
2. How Kind Of You
3. Jenny Wren
4. At The Mercy
5. Friends To Go
6. English Tea
7. Too Much Rain
8. A Certain Softness
9. Riding To Vanity Fair
10. Follow Me
11. Promise To You Girl
12. This Never Happened Before
13. Anyway

From Amazon.co.uk

Sir Paul is an elder statesman now, but Chaos and Creation in the Backyard finds him in considered and tastefully restrained form, penning songs worthy of his finest hour. McCartney crafts this collection of songs with exquisite balance, lining up haunting chimes and heartfelt lyrics ("Riding to Vanity Fair") alongside pounding "Hey Bulldog"-esque chords and eerily Beatles-ish multitracked vocals ("Promise to You Girl," "Fine Line") and, most impressively, distinctively new yet timeless gems of songcraft ("Anyway," "Jenny Wren"). Emotionally, Chaos and Creation manages to avoid being mired in oversentimentality, while retaining a powerful, understated sincerity. Poignant though it is, however, the record is essentially positive and hopeful: Sir Paul's playfulness beams through in his intonation, which picks up a line such as "It's not right/In your life/Too much rain" and breathes life and optimism into its words. "English Tea" completes the package, an unrepentantly twee serving of Anglo-nostalgia with recorder. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard displays the full range of McCartney's inimitable talent, presenting listeners with one of his finest solo albums. --Jonti Davies

More Paul McCartney

Ram	Band on the Run	McCartney
Flaming Pie	Wingspan: Hits and History	Run Devil Run

Customer Reviews:

Far and away, the best bet for Mac's solo career.......2007-07-05

With producer Nigel Godrich (a frequent Radiohead collaborator) helping out, Paul's latest effort may seem to reek of a desperation to connect with the hip, young crowd. In fact, Godrich seems to be on hand to make sense of the rougher impulses in McCartney's solo oeuvre, streamlining the mess into cohesion. Chaos and Creation is Paul's best and most consistent album since...well, ever.

Granted, I've heard less McCartney records than ones I haven't, but the general consensus suggests that the ones I've heard were the better ones. Although Paul had the most successful music career of the Beatles after the break-up, he's never hovered in the same league as Lennon or Harrison. But with this album, he proves that he may have been capable of crafting true albums all along; all he had to do, it seems, is just get away from those silly love songs. Even the songs that ring of the alarms of filler warning ("English Tea" especially) are pleasant and catchy enough not to make one feel the itch to reach for the skip button. The gentle lilt of "A Certain Softness" is an obvious highlight, as are the drawn out sprawls of "How Kind of You" and "Riding to Vanity Fair," and the zippy leadoff, "Fine Line." The album's often spare beauty is its greatest asset; don't expect it to grip you immediately, but it has better replay value than anything McCartney's done since his Beatles days.

Best cuts: "A Certain Softness," "This Never Happened Before," "Fine Line," "Riding to Vanity Fair," "At the Mercy," "How Kind of You," "Jenny Wren," "Anyway," "Too Much Rain," "Promise to You Girl"

Paul still has it!!!.......2007-07-03

I first listened to this album when it came out in 2005. It took me til 2007 to really understand and appreciate this album. I had to listen to it a number of times before I started to like the songs. I had to understand that this Macca is not of Beatle fame already. One can't really detach him from the Beatles because they were such a famous group in the 60's.

Paul still writes with the poppy feel that he often used when he was still with the Beatles. The melodicism and the melancholy in past Beatle albums are still there.

Here are a few points that I have noticed:

Jenny Wren--- very Blackbird style
A Certain Softness---- still remember 'And I love her'?
English Tea--- flashes of Eleonor Rigby
This Never Happened Before--- basslines akin to basslines from Rubber Soul album and upward albums
Riding to Vanity Fair--- can pass for a track in Abbey Road

For me, to really appreciate Paul now is to not really look back with his past Beatlse work. We should understand that his inspirations change through time but his talent for writing songs is still there. I still like him now and I am thankful that he still writes today because there's way too much groups that churn out songs that can be passed for noise these days.

Best Songwriting in Years.......2007-07-02

Someone once said that Paul McCartney conveys his feelings, not through lyrics but through his use of melody. No where is that more apparent than on this album. I bought this cd during the divorce scandal, so maybe my impression is colored by hindsight, but the melodies and chord sequences on some of the songs are so sad, that it's almost hard to listen. Mind you I've been a fan for 37 years, and maybe this also colored my impression,but I can't listen to songs like 'Jenny Wren', 'Vanity Fair', and 'Friends to Go' without feeling a heavy, sadness. It doesn't matter what or who he's singing about,in fact the lyrics don't even matter. The melodies convey such sadness, that even on upbeat songs like, 'A Certain Softness', and 'English Tea', I still felt that heaviness. I get the same feeling when I listen to Paul's part of the long medly on Abbey Road,ie; 'You Never Give Me Your Money', 'Golden Slumbers',etc. This guy writes the sweetest melodies when he's going through s***. So I love this cd. Before I bought it, I hadn't owned a McCartney album since 'Band on the Run'. I had always been a Beatles fan, but after 'Band on the Run', (which I loved) I got away from Paul for many years because I just didn't like what he was doing anymore. 'Silly Love Songs?'.. yuk.. collaborations with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder?...oh come on, what is he doing?, I thought. I concentrated on punk and new wave, alternative, and 60's music (especially British), and of course I never stopped loving the Beatles. Fast forward to 2006, and it's all over the news that my favorite bass player is going through a nasty divorce. I found out that his latest album contains many songs about what he was going through, and I was intrigued, so I bought it. On first listen, I didn't like it, and incidentally a lot of the reviewers who gave it less than 4 stars probably wrote their reviews after only one listen. But the second time I put it on, I was blind sided. Some cynical people who still live in the land of 'Silly Love Songs' and think that McCartney lost it after he lost the Beatles (I was one of those people),will not agree with what I'm about to say but I'll say it anyway...This cd contains some of the most beautiful music he's done in years and some of it is as good as anything he did in the Beatles. 'Jenny Wren' could have easily fit on the White Album, Abbey Road or even Revolver. It's just as good as Eleanor Rigby (ouch, can't believe I'm saying that). 'A Certain Softness' is as romantic and sexy as 'Here There and Everywhere', and that too would have fit nicely on Revolver. You really feel how much he loves the two women he's singing about, but he also seems to be singing about loss, which lends a sadness to this wonderful song. Critics have written off 'English Tea', saying it's trite, and one of the weaker songs. I guess they don't get the ironic humor of it, and they missed the gorgeous melody too...oh well their loss...don't listen to them. If 'English Tea' had been on the White Album, it would have stood up well to 'Martha My Dear'. Some people say 'Friends to Go' is about George Harrison. Did Paul actually say this? Whether he did or not, it does seem to be about a relationship that has been strained, and the author wants to make things right...(before it's too late?) 'Riding to Vanity Fair' is the most foreboding, bitter song I've ever heard from McCartney. Of course the "Vanity Fair" analogy seems to suggest it's about Ms. Mills-McCartney, and actually that's a pretty obvious metaphor. Who else could he possibly be singing about? Another reviewer said that it's about his daughter Heather, but I don't think that's right. I did an advance Google search of Heather Louise McCartney and a possible Vanity Fair article and nothing came up. But everyone remembers Heather Mills' Vanity Fair interview from 2002.

After buying this album, I came back to McCartney. I bought 'Driving Rain','Flowers in the Dirt','Ram' 'McCartney', a cd replacement of 'Band on the Run', and some of his live albums. I even bought his classical cd, 'Ecc Cor Meum'. I love all of them, and I can't believe what I was missing all these years. With 'Chaos and Creation' the great pop melodist is back. You will love this album. Even the cover photo is brilliant. A class act.

What can I say?.......2007-06-27

I love McCartney. Fav song on this CD, This Never Happened Before. Check it out on Lake House.

Nigel Godrich eats worms!.......2007-06-23

Get a copy of "Tug of War" before you start advising Paul McCartney on how to record an album, Nigel! This one has virtually ruined everything.

Average customer rating: all the best, paul mccarthy Awesome, one of the best Great Collection fast shipment and a great price! This cd made me a McCartney solo fan

All the Best Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon The Best of George Harrison Wingspan (Hits & History) Chaos and Creation in the Backyard Band on the Run ASIN: B000002UDG Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Band On The Run
2. Jet
3. Ebony And Ivory
4. Listen To What The Man Said
5. No More Lonely Nights
6. Silly Love Songs
7. Let 'Em In
8. Say Say Say
9. Live And Let Die
10. Another Day
11. C Moon
12. Junior's Farm
13. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey
14. Coming Up
15. Goodnight Tonight
16. With A Little Luck
17. My Love

Amazon.com

Truth-in-packaging regulations are strained to the breaking point--some previous work with a former band was pretty darn "best" too--but if we're talking about Macca the Singles Artist, this compilation does highlight the many sides of a celebrated melodist, bandleader, and hitmaker--from the banalities of "My Love" to the electrifying buzz of "Jet." It won't win any stylistic cohesion awards, and followers will miss album tracks like "Picasso's Last Words" and "That Would Be Something." But All the Best collects the more popular Wings hits and throws in some necessary rarities ("C-Moon," one of many great B-sides that McCartney has thrown away), star duets (former friend, now-Fabs copyright-holder Michael Jackson on "Say Say Say"; Stevie Wonder on the inevitable "Ebony and Ivory"), live cuts (an un-Chipmunked "Coming Up"), and soundtrack odds and ends, like the freaky Bond theme "Live and Let Die." --Don Harrison

Customer Reviews:

all the best, paul mccarthy.......2007-04-11

just about all of his greates hits AFTER the beatles broke up.

Awesome, one of the best.......2007-03-21

Awesome CD. I think some of Paul's best music was with Wings. Excellent music. I remember when a lot of these songs came out in the mid to late seventies. They are as good now as they were then. These classics will always be listened to. "Coming Up" and "a little luck" are two of my favorites on this CD. The music is really original, nothing out there sounds like it.

Great Collection.......2007-01-23

This is a great collection of Paul McCartneys best songs he made after his Beatle days.This man had a great career with Wings as well as various solo albums.This is a reflection of those days when he kept releasing hit after hit.Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey is one of my favorites here.A kind of fun song and addictive.I also like the song My Love,a slow song and its a great tune.
There is a whole stack of other great hits from this mastermind of music.

fast shipment and a great price!.......2007-01-20

this cd came fast and was exactly what I ordered, thank you!!!!

This cd made me a McCartney solo fan.......2007-01-07

My Mo brought this cd home one day for me to listen to. Since she knew I was becoming such a huge Beatles fan. Ever since it has been one of my fave cd's. The songs are catchy and fun! I listen to it all the time.

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