5-10 Solo Songs Never or Very Rarely Performed Live
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Paul has expressed his frustration several times over the last 20 years about the Lennon/McCartney "credits" issue on Beatle songs that he wrote either totally by himself or almost totally alone. The latest interview appeared in the Esquire Magazine which we discussed a little on this Site. I understand his frustration over this but, in my opinion, Paul just doesn't win here. No matter what we think as highly educated Macca fans, to many people he appears at best to be petty and self centered. At worst, his critics are pointing out that he is taking up this fight when his former partner isn't around to give us his input. I think the other factor is that so much has been published about the Beatle Lennon/McCartney Catalog. The songs have been so thoroughly analyzed that Paul really doesn't have to worry about his status in this partnership. So many of the great Paul Beatle songs have already been credited to him as the main or sole writer. Paul doesn't have to really worry. Anyway, it got me thinking that Paul has toured incessantly over the last 10-15 years and he hasn't done nearly enough in my opinion to "enhance" his own Solo Career at his concerts. I believe he easily has 10-20 Solo songs that have "classic" potential but are hardly known to the vast majority of music fans in general. I'm talking about songs that just has his name in the credits. When Paul does a Solo song live for the first time he always gets a lot of free publicity from U-Tube and other sites. The longer he plays some of these great little- known songs on tour the more publicity he gets. It is not just the concert attendees that get to hear them. I wished he would look at this factor as a motivation to play more of his great or potentially great tracks. Making more really good McCartney Solo songs more known to the public is a far better approach to his legacy rather than complaining about Lennon/McCartney credit issues. Interested in your list. Here is mine with the album it came from: 1. Tug of War (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Hey Jude 2.Wanderlust (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Let It Be 3. Take It Away (Tug of War) -- Yes, it is more known, but Paul should remind them and also let younger people perhaps hear it for the 1st time. 4. Early Days (New) -- the best song on New yet not as known as it should be 5. House of Wax (Memory Almost Full) -- Yes Paul played it once or twice (Paris show) but why stop there. Let people know this song. 6. That was Me (Memory Almost Full) -- Like the song above where Paul played it once or twice. Why not play it on a full tour...great lyrics 7. World Tonight (Flaming Pie) -- great rocker that should be better known as well 8. Little Willow (Flaming Pie) -- great song with very touching lyrics that people hardly know in general 9. Somedays (Flaming Pie) -- very much like Little Willow; should be known so much more than it is. 10. Getting Closer (Back to the Egg) -- something from the 70's that needs to be far better known; just a great rocker like Junior's Farm.
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I would add Beautiful Night, No More Lonely Nights and Calico Skies. However, it's debatable if he could physically still sing any of these now.
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B J Conlee:
Paul has expressed his frustration several times over the last 20 years about the Lennon/McCartney "credits" issue on Beatle songs that he wrote either totally by himself or almost totally alone. The latest interview appeared in the Esquire Magazine which we discussed a little on this Site. I understand his frustration over this but, in my opinion, Paul just doesn't win here. No matter what we think as highly educated Macca fans, to many people he appears at best to be petty and self centered. At worst, his critics are pointing out that he is taking up this fight when his former partner isn't around to give us his input. I think the other factor is that so much has been published about the Beatle Lennon/McCartney Catalog. The songs have been so thoroughly analyzed that Paul really doesn't have to worry about his status in this partnership. So many of the great Paul Beatle songs have already been credited to him as the main or sole writer. Paul doesn't have to really worry. Anyway, it got me thinking that Paul has toured incessantly over the last 10-15 years and he hasn't done nearly enough in my opinion to "enhance" his own Solo Career at his concerts. I believe he easily has 10-20 Solo songs that have "classic" potential but are hardly known to the vast majority of music fans in general. I'm talking about songs that just has his name in the credits. When Paul does a Solo song live for the first time he always gets a lot of free publicity from U-Tube and other sites. The longer he plays some of these great little- known songs on tour the more publicity he gets. It is not just the concert attendees that get to hear them. I wished he would look at this factor as a motivation to play more of his great or potentially great tracks. Making more really good McCartney Solo songs more known to the public is a far better approach to his legacy rather than complaining about Lennon/McCartney credit issues. Interested in your list. Here is mine with the album it came from: 1. Tug of War (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Hey Jude 2.Wanderlust (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Let It Be 3. Take It Away (Tug of War) -- Yes, it is more known, but Paul should remind them and also let younger people perhaps hear it for the 1st time. 4. Early Days (New) -- the best song on New yet not as known as it should be 5. House of Wax (Memory Almost Full) -- Yes Paul played it once or twice (Paris show) but why stop there. Let people know this song. 6. That was Me (Memory Almost Full) -- Like the song above where Paul played it once or twice. Why not play it on a full tour...great lyrics 7. World Tonight (Flaming Pie) -- great rocker that should be better known as well 8. Little Willow (Flaming Pie) -- great song with very touching lyrics that people hardly know in general 9. Somedays (Flaming Pie) -- very much like Little Willow; should be known so much more than it is. 10. Getting Closer (Back to the Egg) -- something from the 70's that needs to be far better known; just a great rocker like Junior's Farm.
Great songs and I totally agree, will add a couple below. Let me add, that "Little Willow" would be great addition to acoustic set and he could dedicate it to Ringo's children with Maureen Starkey. "That Was Me" actually opened show in Paris, got very good reception. 1) Promise To You Girl (CHAOS) - one of the few upbeat songs and has a nice little guitar solo. 2) About You (Driving Rain) - very good rocker that unfortunately was not played during that tour 3) Too Much Rain (CHAOS) - One off the best songs on CHAOS 4) What It Is (Run Devil Run) - One of the three McCartney originals from this record and great 50's style rocker. 5) Dance Til We're High (Electric Arguments) - should have been a single IMO
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Nancy R:
I would add Beautiful Night, No More Lonely Nights and Calico Skies. However, it's debatable if he could physically still sing any of these now.
_________________________________________________________ Nancy, You are very right about Paul's vocal abilities at this point. We might chalk many of these lost classics as a lost opportunity. I think Paul could have done a good job with the more challenging songs 5 to 15 years ago but I don't know about now. Perhaps I'm dreaming that if he took a couple of years off from touring that just maybe he would have enough left in the tank for a few shows in major markets for a "Special Solo / Post Beatles' Show". I'm talking about London, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. I was also thinking about Beautiful Night. Maybe in these special shows I'm dreaming about above he could have a full orchestra where he could do songs like Beautiful Night, Tug of War, Wanderlust, No More Lonely Nights etc. You can always dream.
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yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
Paul has expressed his frustration several times over the last 20 years about the Lennon/McCartney "credits" issue on Beatle songs that he wrote either totally by himself or almost totally alone. The latest interview appeared in the Esquire Magazine which we discussed a little on this Site. I understand his frustration over this but, in my opinion, Paul just doesn't win here. No matter what we think as highly educated Macca fans, to many people he appears at best to be petty and self centered. At worst, his critics are pointing out that he is taking up this fight when his former partner isn't around to give us his input. I think the other factor is that so much has been published about the Beatle Lennon/McCartney Catalog. The songs have been so thoroughly analyzed that Paul really doesn't have to worry about his status in this partnership. So many of the great Paul Beatle songs have already been credited to him as the main or sole writer. Paul doesn't have to really worry. Anyway, it got me thinking that Paul has toured incessantly over the last 10-15 years and he hasn't done nearly enough in my opinion to "enhance" his own Solo Career at his concerts. I believe he easily has 10-20 Solo songs that have "classic" potential but are hardly known to the vast majority of music fans in general. I'm talking about songs that just has his name in the credits. When Paul does a Solo song live for the first time he always gets a lot of free publicity from U-Tube and other sites. The longer he plays some of these great little- known songs on tour the more publicity he gets. It is not just the concert attendees that get to hear them. I wished he would look at this factor as a motivation to play more of his great or potentially great tracks. Making more really good McCartney Solo songs more known to the public is a far better approach to his legacy rather than complaining about Lennon/McCartney credit issues. Interested in your list. Here is mine with the album it came from: 1. Tug of War (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Hey Jude 2.Wanderlust (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Let It Be 3. Take It Away (Tug of War) -- Yes, it is more known, but Paul should remind them and also let younger people perhaps hear it for the 1st time. 4. Early Days (New) -- the best song on New yet not as known as it should be 5. House of Wax (Memory Almost Full) -- Yes Paul played it once or twice (Paris show) but why stop there. Let people know this song. 6. That was Me (Memory Almost Full) -- Like the song above where Paul played it once or twice. Why not play it on a full tour...great lyrics 7. World Tonight (Flaming Pie) -- great rocker that should be better known as well 8. Little Willow (Flaming Pie) -- great song with very touching lyrics that people hardly know in general 9. Somedays (Flaming Pie) -- very much like Little Willow; should be known so much more than it is. 10. Getting Closer (Back to the Egg) -- something from the 70's that needs to be far better known; just a great rocker like Junior's Farm.
Great songs and I totally agree, will add a couple below. Let me add, that "Little Willow" would be great addition to acoustic set and he could dedicate it to Ringo's children with Maureen Starkey. "That Was Me" actually opened show in Paris, got very good reception. 1) Promise To You Girl (CHAOS) - one of the few upbeat songs and has a nice little guitar solo. 2) About You (Driving Rain) - very good rocker that unfortunately was not played during that tour 3) Too Much Rain (CHAOS) - One off the best songs on CHAOS 4) What It Is (Run Devil Run) - One of the three McCartney originals from this record and great 50's style rocker. 5) Dance Til We're High (Electric Arguments) - should have been a single IMO
_____________________________________________________ Yankeefan, Love your choices. Great mix of songs too. Thought of some more: *Friends to Go (Chaos) -- could be a tribute to George *Ever Present Past (Memory Almost Full) - great hooks *Young Girl (Flaming Pie) -- never done live *Hope of Deliverance -- I know he did this song a few times but seldom in the US *Mull of Kintyre -- I know he has done this a few times but this is another one that should be heard as part of Paul's greatest Solo Songs * With a Little Luck (Londontown) -- well known in the day but never done live *Ballroom Dancing (Tug of War) -- a fun song never done live *The Pound is Sinking -- great rock song We almost have enough songs for a full concert. I know I'm dreaming but damn it would be great if Paul would do a special concert at a few choice venues (Post Beatles Only) Hell, if he started a new tour and added 6 of all these choices, I guess I should be thrilled. But man, I only wish Paul had done a special concert covering the bulk of these songs (and maybe a few more) 5 or 10 years ago.
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B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
Paul has expressed his frustration several times over the last 20 years about the Lennon/McCartney "credits" issue on Beatle songs that he wrote either totally by himself or almost totally alone. The latest interview appeared in the Esquire Magazine which we discussed a little on this Site. I understand his frustration over this but, in my opinion, Paul just doesn't win here. No matter what we think as highly educated Macca fans, to many people he appears at best to be petty and self centered. At worst, his critics are pointing out that he is taking up this fight when his former partner isn't around to give us his input. I think the other factor is that so much has been published about the Beatle Lennon/McCartney Catalog. The songs have been so thoroughly analyzed that Paul really doesn't have to worry about his status in this partnership. So many of the great Paul Beatle songs have already been credited to him as the main or sole writer. Paul doesn't have to really worry. Anyway, it got me thinking that Paul has toured incessantly over the last 10-15 years and he hasn't done nearly enough in my opinion to "enhance" his own Solo Career at his concerts. I believe he easily has 10-20 Solo songs that have "classic" potential but are hardly known to the vast majority of music fans in general. I'm talking about songs that just has his name in the credits. When Paul does a Solo song live for the first time he always gets a lot of free publicity from U-Tube and other sites. The longer he plays some of these great little- known songs on tour the more publicity he gets. It is not just the concert attendees that get to hear them. I wished he would look at this factor as a motivation to play more of his great or potentially great tracks. Making more really good McCartney Solo songs more known to the public is a far better approach to his legacy rather than complaining about Lennon/McCartney credit issues. Interested in your list. Here is mine with the album it came from: 1. Tug of War (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Hey Jude 2.Wanderlust (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Let It Be 3. Take It Away (Tug of War) -- Yes, it is more known, but Paul should remind them and also let younger people perhaps hear it for the 1st time. 4. Early Days (New) -- the best song on New yet not as known as it should be 5. House of Wax (Memory Almost Full) -- Yes Paul played it once or twice (Paris show) but why stop there. Let people know this song. 6. That was Me (Memory Almost Full) -- Like the song above where Paul played it once or twice. Why not play it on a full tour...great lyrics 7. World Tonight (Flaming Pie) -- great rocker that should be better known as well 8. Little Willow (Flaming Pie) -- great song with very touching lyrics that people hardly know in general 9. Somedays (Flaming Pie) -- very much like Little Willow; should be known so much more than it is. 10. Getting Closer (Back to the Egg) -- something from the 70's that needs to be far better known; just a great rocker like Junior's Farm.
Great songs and I totally agree, will add a couple below. Let me add, that "Little Willow" would be great addition to acoustic set and he could dedicate it to Ringo's children with Maureen Starkey. "That Was Me" actually opened show in Paris, got very good reception. 1) Promise To You Girl (CHAOS) - one of the few upbeat songs and has a nice little guitar solo. 2) About You (Driving Rain) - very good rocker that unfortunately was not played during that tour 3) Too Much Rain (CHAOS) - One off the best songs on CHAOS 4) What It Is (Run Devil Run) - One of the three McCartney originals from this record and great 50's style rocker. 5) Dance Til We're High (Electric Arguments) - should have been a single IMO
_____________________________________________________ Yankeefan, Love your choices. Great mix of songs too. Thought of some more: *Friends to Go (Chaos) -- could be a tribute to George *Ever Present Past (Memory Almost Full) - great hooks *Young Girl (Flaming Pie) -- never done live *Hope of Deliverance -- I know he did this song a few times but seldom in the US *Mull of Kintyre -- I know he has done this a few times but this is another one that should be heard as part of Paul's greatest Solo Songs * With a Little Luck (Londontown) -- well known in the day but never done live *Ballroom Dancing (Tug of War) -- a fun song never done live *The Pound is Sinking -- great rock song We almost have enough songs for a full concert. I know I'm dreaming but damn it would be great if Paul would do a special concert at a few choice venues (Post Beatles Only) Hell, if he started a new tour and added 6 of all these choices, I guess I should be thrilled. But man, I only wish Paul had done a special concert covering the bulk of these songs (and maybe a few more) 5 or 10 years ago.
I agree. Several months ago, I floated the idea that he should have done a show like you mention in a few small venues around the world. (London, NYC, etc). Record all the performances and make a "live" CD from it and only make it available to Paul McCartney board members. Kind of like a special "bootleg" for his fans. Mr. McCartney could have made this a limited edition CD, think he did that CHOBA. I bet the band would have had a blast doing a entire show of new songs for the most part.
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yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
Paul has expressed his frustration several times over the last 20 years about the Lennon/McCartney "credits" issue on Beatle songs that he wrote either totally by himself or almost totally alone. The latest interview appeared in the Esquire Magazine which we discussed a little on this Site. I understand his frustration over this but, in my opinion, Paul just doesn't win here. No matter what we think as highly educated Macca fans, to many people he appears at best to be petty and self centered. At worst, his critics are pointing out that he is taking up this fight when his former partner isn't around to give us his input. I think the other factor is that so much has been published about the Beatle Lennon/McCartney Catalog. The songs have been so thoroughly analyzed that Paul really doesn't have to worry about his status in this partnership. So many of the great Paul Beatle songs have already been credited to him as the main or sole writer. Paul doesn't have to really worry. Anyway, it got me thinking that Paul has toured incessantly over the last 10-15 years and he hasn't done nearly enough in my opinion to "enhance" his own Solo Career at his concerts. I believe he easily has 10-20 Solo songs that have "classic" potential but are hardly known to the vast majority of music fans in general. I'm talking about songs that just has his name in the credits. When Paul does a Solo song live for the first time he always gets a lot of free publicity from U-Tube and other sites. The longer he plays some of these great little- known songs on tour the more publicity he gets. It is not just the concert attendees that get to hear them. I wished he would look at this factor as a motivation to play more of his great or potentially great tracks. Making more really good McCartney Solo songs more known to the public is a far better approach to his legacy rather than complaining about Lennon/McCartney credit issues. Interested in your list. Here is mine with the album it came from: 1. Tug of War (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Hey Jude 2.Wanderlust (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Let It Be 3. Take It Away (Tug of War) -- Yes, it is more known, but Paul should remind them and also let younger people perhaps hear it for the 1st time. 4. Early Days (New) -- the best song on New yet not as known as it should be 5. House of Wax (Memory Almost Full) -- Yes Paul played it once or twice (Paris show) but why stop there. Let people know this song. 6. That was Me (Memory Almost Full) -- Like the song above where Paul played it once or twice. Why not play it on a full tour...great lyrics 7. World Tonight (Flaming Pie) -- great rocker that should be better known as well 8. Little Willow (Flaming Pie) -- great song with very touching lyrics that people hardly know in general 9. Somedays (Flaming Pie) -- very much like Little Willow; should be known so much more than it is. 10. Getting Closer (Back to the Egg) -- something from the 70's that needs to be far better known; just a great rocker like Junior's Farm.
Great songs and I totally agree, will add a couple below. Let me add, that "Little Willow" would be great addition to acoustic set and he could dedicate it to Ringo's children with Maureen Starkey. "That Was Me" actually opened show in Paris, got very good reception. 1) Promise To You Girl (CHAOS) - one of the few upbeat songs and has a nice little guitar solo. 2) About You (Driving Rain) - very good rocker that unfortunately was not played during that tour 3) Too Much Rain (CHAOS) - One off the best songs on CHAOS 4) What It Is (Run Devil Run) - One of the three McCartney originals from this record and great 50's style rocker. 5) Dance Til We're High (Electric Arguments) - should have been a single IMO
_____________________________________________________ Yankeefan, Love your choices. Great mix of songs too. Thought of some more: *Friends to Go (Chaos) -- could be a tribute to George *Ever Present Past (Memory Almost Full) - great hooks *Young Girl (Flaming Pie) -- never done live *Hope of Deliverance -- I know he did this song a few times but seldom in the US *Mull of Kintyre -- I know he has done this a few times but this is another one that should be heard as part of Paul's greatest Solo Songs * With a Little Luck (Londontown) -- well known in the day but never done live *Ballroom Dancing (Tug of War) -- a fun song never done live *The Pound is Sinking -- great rock song We almost have enough songs for a full concert. I know I'm dreaming but damn it would be great if Paul would do a special concert at a few choice venues (Post Beatles Only) Hell, if he started a new tour and added 6 of all these choices, I guess I should be thrilled. But man, I only wish Paul had done a special concert covering the bulk of these songs (and maybe a few more) 5 or 10 years ago.
I agree. Several months ago, I floated the idea that he should have done a show like you mention in a few small venues around the world. (London, NYC, etc). Record all the performances and make a "live" CD from it and only make it available to Paul McCartney board members. Kind of like a special "bootleg" for his fans. Mr. McCartney could have made this a limited edition CD, think he did that CHOBA. I bet the band would have had a blast doing a entire show of new songs for the most part.
"*Friends to Go (Chaos) -- could be a tribute to George *Ever Present Past (Memory Almost Full) - great hooks *Young Girl (Flaming Pie) -- never done live *Hope of Deliverance -- I know he did this song a few times but seldom in the US *Mull of Kintyre -- I know he has done this a few times but this is another one that should be heard as part of Paul's greatest Solo Songs * With a Little Luck (Londontown) -- well known in the day but never done live *Ballroom Dancing (Tug of War) -- a fun song never done live *The Pound is Sinking -- great rock song " Yep, song like "Friends To Go" could replace "Something" as a tribute to George. I thought "Early Days" would be good replacement for "Here Today" as his tribute to John. "Ever Present Past" would be great live and never understood why he did not play this single live. I saw him do "Hope Of Deliverance" on the 1993 tour but agree it should have been done more often. "With A Little Luck" might sound a little dated and one song where I may disagree with you. "Ballroom Dancing" would be great and even though people would not know it I think they would get into the song pretty quickly. Don't think our wish will ever come true and it is a shame, so much great music that will never be fully appreciated and Mr. McCartney has nobody to blame but himself. Sad thing is I really don't think it bothers him that much.
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Uncle Albert The Song We Were Singing Pipes Of Peace I Can't Imagine Move Over Busker Rinse the Raindrops Mamas Little Girl Helen Wheels I know I dont like posting songs other people have posted because they choose good ones, but ill agree on a few Friends to Go Ballroom Dancing Tug of War Young Boy Take It Away
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BJ's list is great, though one could always add or subtract a tune or two. But I think it's pointless to say, "Everyone should know this like they know Hey Jude." Sure they should, just like they should agree with me on 100 other things. But they won't. People don't know because he plays it live, but because it was a massive worldwide smash that made an indelible impression on people and thus is still a staple of oldies and classic rock radio and turns up regularly in documentaries about the era, etc. It's iconic. However much we may like them, Tug of War, Take It Away, Young Boy, etc. won't ever be iconic. It may seem unfair, but both life and pop culture have never been particularly fair.
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yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
yankeefan7:
B J Conlee:
Paul has expressed his frustration several times over the last 20 years about the Lennon/McCartney "credits" issue on Beatle songs that he wrote either totally by himself or almost totally alone. The latest interview appeared in the Esquire Magazine which we discussed a little on this Site. I understand his frustration over this but, in my opinion, Paul just doesn't win here. No matter what we think as highly educated Macca fans, to many people he appears at best to be petty and self centered. At worst, his critics are pointing out that he is taking up this fight when his former partner isn't around to give us his input. I think the other factor is that so much has been published about the Beatle Lennon/McCartney Catalog. The songs have been so thoroughly analyzed that Paul really doesn't have to worry about his status in this partnership. So many of the great Paul Beatle songs have already been credited to him as the main or sole writer. Paul doesn't have to really worry. Anyway, it got me thinking that Paul has toured incessantly over the last 10-15 years and he hasn't done nearly enough in my opinion to "enhance" his own Solo Career at his concerts. I believe he easily has 10-20 Solo songs that have "classic" potential but are hardly known to the vast majority of music fans in general. I'm talking about songs that just has his name in the credits. When Paul does a Solo song live for the first time he always gets a lot of free publicity from U-Tube and other sites. The longer he plays some of these great little- known songs on tour the more publicity he gets. It is not just the concert attendees that get to hear them. I wished he would look at this factor as a motivation to play more of his great or potentially great tracks. Making more really good McCartney Solo songs more known to the public is a far better approach to his legacy rather than complaining about Lennon/McCartney credit issues. Interested in your list. Here is mine with the album it came from: 1. Tug of War (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Hey Jude 2.Wanderlust (Tug of War) -- Everybody should know this song like a Let It Be 3. Take It Away (Tug of War) -- Yes, it is more known, but Paul should remind them and also let younger people perhaps hear it for the 1st time. 4. Early Days (New) -- the best song on New yet not as known as it should be 5. House of Wax (Memory Almost Full) -- Yes Paul played it once or twice (Paris show) but why stop there. Let people know this song. 6. That was Me (Memory Almost Full) -- Like the song above where Paul played it once or twice. Why not play it on a full tour...great lyrics 7. World Tonight (Flaming Pie) -- great rocker that should be better known as well 8. Little Willow (Flaming Pie) -- great song with very touching lyrics that people hardly know in general 9. Somedays (Flaming Pie) -- very much like Little Willow; should be known so much more than it is. 10. Getting Closer (Back to the Egg) -- something from the 70's that needs to be far better known; just a great rocker like Junior's Farm.
Great songs and I totally agree, will add a couple below. Let me add, that "Little Willow" would be great addition to acoustic set and he could dedicate it to Ringo's children with Maureen Starkey. "That Was Me" actually opened show in Paris, got very good reception. 1) Promise To You Girl (CHAOS) - one of the few upbeat songs and has a nice little guitar solo. 2) About You (Driving Rain) - very good rocker that unfortunately was not played during that tour 3) Too Much Rain (CHAOS) - One off the best songs on CHAOS 4) What It Is (Run Devil Run) - One of the three McCartney originals from this record and great 50's style rocker. 5) Dance Til We're High (Electric Arguments) - should have been a single IMO
_____________________________________________________ Yankeefan, Love your choices. Great mix of songs too. Thought of some more: *Friends to Go (Chaos) -- could be a tribute to George *Ever Present Past (Memory Almost Full) - great hooks *Young Girl (Flaming Pie) -- never done live *Hope of Deliverance -- I know he did this song a few times but seldom in the US *Mull of Kintyre -- I know he has done this a few times but this is another one that should be heard as part of Paul's greatest Solo Songs * With a Little Luck (Londontown) -- well known in the day but never done live *Ballroom Dancing (Tug of War) -- a fun song never done live *The Pound is Sinking -- great rock song We almost have enough songs for a full concert. I know I'm dreaming but damn it would be great if Paul would do a special concert at a few choice venues (Post Beatles Only) Hell, if he started a new tour and added 6 of all these choices, I guess I should be thrilled. But man, I only wish Paul had done a special concert covering the bulk of these songs (and maybe a few more) 5 or 10 years ago.
I agree. Several months ago, I floated the idea that he should have done a show like you mention in a few small venues around the world. (London, NYC, etc). Record all the performances and make a "live" CD from it and only make it available to Paul McCartney board members. Kind of like a special "bootleg" for his fans. Mr. McCartney could have made this a limited edition CD, think he did that CHOBA. I bet the band would have had a blast doing a entire show of new songs for the most part.
But you are assuming Paul actually cares about devoted fans. Does he? What has he done in the last two decades to indicate he does? Show like the MTV Unpluged show and the theater shows of 1992 were the last time he seemed to care.
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Bruce M.:
BJ's list is great, though one could always add or subtract a tune or two. But I think it's pointless to say, "Everyone should know this like they know Hey Jude." Sure they should, just like they should agree with me on 100 other things. But they won't. People don't know because he plays it live, but because it was a massive worldwide smash that made an indelible impression on people and thus is still a staple of oldies and classic rock radio and turns up regularly in documentaries about the era, etc. It's iconic. However much we may like them, Tug of War, Take It Away, Young Boy, etc. won't ever be iconic. It may seem unfair, but both life and pop culture have never been particularly fair.
______________________________________________________________ Bruce, You're definitely the voice of reason here. You're right and in retrospect, I did get carried away. There is no way that Tug of War (the song) or Wanderlust (no matter how good they are) will ever be as world known as Hey Jude, Let It Be , or The Long and Winding Road. Pop culture in many ways is as much about timing as other things like talent, publicity etc. In 1968-69, the Beatles' were the #1 Act in the World and at the same time Paul wrote some incredible songs. They had, arguably, sustained that # 1 ranking since they came on the US scene in 1964. For sure, they had iconic status. Because they were #1, everybody heard these songs on the radio, in malls, on TV etc. Once the Fabs broke up, there is no way that any one of the 4 were going to reach that pinnacle on any kind of Beatle or iconic level. I guess that my point (like Yankeefan and others) is that Paul has been his worse enemy in getting a few more of his top, Beatle quality Solo songs far more known than they presently are. I will contend that Maybe I'm Amazed and Here Today (neither one were singles off their original albums) are considerably better known by the general public off all ages than Wanderlust and Tug of War. The fact that Maybe I'm Amazed and Here Today have been constantly played by Paul on all his tours have made them more known. He has done both songs on national TV and they have received countless hits on U-Tube from his live performances. While music is subjective, most objective people would agree that Wanderlust and Tug of War are very good to great songs in every way. Unfortunately, most of the general public of all ages (who like music) don't really know either song. Obviously i am not counting Paul and hard core Beatle fans. As a big time Macca fan, I think it is a shame that Paul hasn't recognized some of the greatness in his own Solo Catalog.
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B J Conlee:
Bruce M.:
BJ's list is great, though one could always add or subtract a tune or two. But I think it's pointless to say, "Everyone should know this like they know Hey Jude." Sure they should, just like they should agree with me on 100 other things. But they won't. People don't know because he plays it live, but because it was a massive worldwide smash that made an indelible impression on people and thus is still a staple of oldies and classic rock radio and turns up regularly in documentaries about the era, etc. It's iconic. However much we may like them, Tug of War, Take It Away, Young Boy, etc. won't ever be iconic. It may seem unfair, but both life and pop culture have never been particularly fair.
______________________________________________________________ Bruce, You're definitely the voice of reason here. You're right and in retrospect, I did get carried away. There is no way that Tug of War (the song) or Wanderlust (no matter how good they are) will ever be as world known as Hey Jude, Let It Be , or The Long and Winding Road. Pop culture in many ways is as much about timing as other things like talent, publicity etc. In 1968-69, the Beatles' were the #1 Act in the World and at the same time Paul wrote some incredible songs. They had, arguably, sustained that # 1 ranking since they came on the US scene in 1964. For sure, they had iconic status. Because they were #1, everybody heard these songs on the radio, in malls, on TV etc. Once the Fabs broke up, there is no way that any one of the 4 were going to reach that pinnacle on any kind of Beatle or iconic level. I guess that my point (like Yankeefan and others) is that Paul has been his worse enemy in getting a few more of his top, Beatle quality Solo songs far more known than they presently are. I will contend that Maybe I'm Amazed and Here Today (neither one were singles off their original albums) are considerably better known by the general public off all ages than Wanderlust and Tug of War. The fact that Maybe I'm Amazed and Here Today have been constantly played by Paul on all his tours have made them more known. He has done both songs on national TV and they have received countless hits on U-Tube from his live performances. While music is subjective, most objective people would agree that Wanderlust and Tug of War are very good to great songs in every way. Unfortunately, most of the general public of all ages (who like music) don't really know either song. Obviously i am not counting Paul and hard core Beatle fans. As a big time Macca fan, I think it is a shame that Paul hasn't recognized some of the greatness in his own Solo Catalog.
"As a big time Macca fan, I think it is a shame that Paul hasn't recognized some of the greatness in his own Solo Catalog" Yes, it is a shame. I just shake my head and can't figure out why somebody would not want acknowledge more often 35 yrs of their career. You would think he would want to me known for more than being a "Beatle" and leader of Wings. What is his purpose of recording all these solo records if he is not going to play them live once they are not his latest record? I thought the idea of creating new music was to get people to listen to it and that should not just be the people who buy the record. Like you said, look at all the hits Mr. McCartney gets on youtube when he does something different from his solo career. Finally, I just think that Mr. McCartney really does not think very highly of his solo work. Have you ever heard him say much about a solo song he plays live beside "Here Today"? He usually will say something like, "this is a new one" but never with any enthusiasm or story about the song.
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B J Conlee:
Bruce M.:
BJ's list is great, though one could always add or subtract a tune or two. But I think it's pointless to say, "Everyone should know this like they know Hey Jude." Sure they should, just like they should agree with me on 100 other things. But they won't. People don't know because he plays it live, but because it was a massive worldwide smash that made an indelible impression on people and thus is still a staple of oldies and classic rock radio and turns up regularly in documentaries about the era, etc. It's iconic. However much we may like them, Tug of War, Take It Away, Young Boy, etc. won't ever be iconic. It may seem unfair, but both life and pop culture have never been particularly fair.
______________________________________________________________ Bruce, You're definitely the voice of reason here. You're right and in retrospect, I did get carried away. There is no way that Tug of War (the song) or Wanderlust (no matter how good they are) will ever be as world known as Hey Jude, Let It Be , or The Long and Winding Road. Pop culture in many ways is as much about timing as other things like talent, publicity etc. In 1968-69, the Beatles' were the #1 Act in the World and at the same time Paul wrote some incredible songs. They had, arguably, sustained that # 1 ranking since they came on the US scene in 1964. For sure, they had iconic status. Because they were #1, everybody heard these songs on the radio, in malls, on TV etc. Once the Fabs broke up, there is no way that any one of the 4 were going to reach that pinnacle on any kind of Beatle or iconic level. I guess that my point (like Yankeefan and others) is that Paul has been his worse enemy in getting a few more of his top, Beatle quality Solo songs far more known than they presently are. I will contend that Maybe I'm Amazed and Here Today (neither one were singles off their original albums) are considerably better known by the general public off all ages than Wanderlust and Tug of War. The fact that Maybe I'm Amazed and Here Today have been constantly played by Paul on all his tours have made them more known. He has done both songs on national TV and they have received countless hits on U-Tube from his live performances. While music is subjective, most objective people would agree that Wanderlust and Tug of War are very good to great songs in every way. Unfortunately, most of the general public of all ages (who like music) don't really know either song. Obviously i am not counting Paul and hard core Beatle fans. As a big time Macca fan, I think it is a shame that Paul hasn't recognized some of the greatness in his own Solo Catalog.
"You're definitely the voice of reason here. You're right and in retrospect, I did get carried away. There is no way that Tug of War (the song) or Wanderlust (no matter how good they are) will ever be as world known as Hey Jude, Let It Be , or The Long and Winding Road. " Very true but even his top singles as a solo artist have been ignored for the most part. "Ebony and Ivory" (#1 single)was played on 1989 tour and then forgotten. "Take It Away" has never been performed live and I know it was a top 10 single in US. If Mr. McCartney did "Ebony and Ivory" without Stevie Wonder, why not do "Say Say Say (last #1 single) with Abe doing MJ vocal part. "Coming Up (#1 single) was played on a few tours but that has been gone for a bunch of years as regular part of setlist.
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I will certainly take those four songs.... throw in No More Lonely Nights.... none of those songs should be ignored. And I know some have issues with Say, Say, Say and Ebony and Ivory but I always liked them... a lot
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Many people don't know much of his solo catalog because he doesn't play those songs often enough.
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I can't prove this, but I think Paul is one of those people who really, really wants everyone to like him and hates for the audience to be unhappy even for a moment. When he plays newer stuff onstage, he can sense the lessened enthusiasm from most of the crowd. So he limits those "down" moments to a few tunes from the album he's promoting at the moment and a handful of other less-known songs, but he mostly gives people the tunes he knows will produce wild applause and have everyone singing along. Arguably one could chalk this up to insecurity, but I'm not going to psychoanalyze. He is in this sense the exact opposite of Dylan, who's often seemed to enjoy messing with his audience and upending the crowd's expectations. Arguably, there's a happy medium in between those 2 extremes -- say, half a dozen more solo tunes and a few more variations on the arrangements of familiar Beatles/Wings hits. But Paul ain't gonna go there. And as some have said, it does become sort of a vicious cycle, as songs that have been filed and forgotten for 20 years tend to stay forgotten, and get even less response if he does play one of them. Sigh... That said, I'm not sure it's that Paul doesn't respect his solo work. I think he believes most fans don't know or respect it. And he's not entirely wrong, but I wish he's pull against the current a bit more than he does.
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Bruce M.:
I can't prove this, but I think Paul is one of those people who really, really wants everyone to like him and hates for the audience to be unhappy even for a moment. When he plays newer stuff onstage, he can sense the lessened enthusiasm from most of the crowd. So he limits those "down" moments to a few tunes from the album he's promoting at the moment and a handful of other less-known songs, but he mostly gives people the tunes he knows will produce wild applause and have everyone singing along. Arguably one could chalk this up to insecurity, but I'm not going to psychoanalyze. He is in this sense the exact opposite of Dylan, who's often seemed to enjoy messing with his audience and upending the crowd's expectations. Arguably, there's a happy medium in between those 2 extremes -- say, half a dozen more solo tunes and a few more variations on the arrangements of familiar Beatles/Wings hits. But Paul ain't gonna go there. And as some have said, it does become sort of a vicious cycle, as songs that have been filed and forgotten for 20 years tend to stay forgotten, and get even less response if he does play one of them. Sigh... That said, I'm not sure it's that Paul doesn't respect his solo work. I think he believes most fans don't know or respect it. And he's not entirely wrong, but I wish he's pull against the current a bit more than he does.
I like Bob Dylan, but I went to one concert and would never go back. I've never enjoyed a concert less. I agree that Paul is sensitive to the crowd not being as enthusiastic to most solo stuff as to the Beatles. There is always a mass exodus to the bathrooms when the new stuff is played no matter what this board would like to hear.
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prudence1964:
Bruce M.:
I can't prove this, but I think Paul is one of those people who really, really wants everyone to like him and hates for the audience to be unhappy even for a moment. When he plays newer stuff onstage, he can sense the lessened enthusiasm from most of the crowd. So he limits those "down" moments to a few tunes from the album he's promoting at the moment and a handful of other less-known songs, but he mostly gives people the tunes he knows will produce wild applause and have everyone singing along. Arguably one could chalk this up to insecurity, but I'm not going to psychoanalyze. He is in this sense the exact opposite of Dylan, who's often seemed to enjoy messing with his audience and upending the crowd's expectations. Arguably, there's a happy medium in between those 2 extremes -- say, half a dozen more solo tunes and a few more variations on the arrangements of familiar Beatles/Wings hits. But Paul ain't gonna go there. And as some have said, it does become sort of a vicious cycle, as songs that have been filed and forgotten for 20 years tend to stay forgotten, and get even less response if he does play one of them. Sigh... That said, I'm not sure it's that Paul doesn't respect his solo work. I think he believes most fans don't know or respect it. And he's not entirely wrong, but I wish he's pull against the current a bit more than he does.
I like Bob Dylan, but I went to one concert and would never go back. I've never enjoyed a concert less. I agree that Paul is sensitive to the crowd not being as enthusiastic to most solo stuff as to the Beatles. There is always a mass exodus to the bathrooms when the new stuff is played no matter what this board would like to hear.
Well there is a mass exodus to the bogs in American shows, yes.
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Bruce M.:
I can't prove this, but I think Paul is one of those people who really, really wants everyone to like him and hates for the audience to be unhappy even for a moment. When he plays newer stuff onstage, he can sense the lessened enthusiasm from most of the crowd. So he limits those "down" moments to a few tunes from the album he's promoting at the moment and a handful of other less-known songs, but he mostly gives people the tunes he knows will produce wild applause and have everyone singing along. Arguably one could chalk this up to insecurity, but I'm not going to psychoanalyze. He is in this sense the exact opposite of Dylan, who's often seemed to enjoy messing with his audience and upending the crowd's expectations. Arguably, there's a happy medium in between those 2 extremes -- say, half a dozen more solo tunes and a few more variations on the arrangements of familiar Beatles/Wings hits. But Paul ain't gonna go there. And as some have said, it does become sort of a vicious cycle, as songs that have been filed and forgotten for 20 years tend to stay forgotten, and get even less response if he does play one of them. Sigh... That said, I'm not sure it's that Paul doesn't respect his solo work. I think he believes most fans don't know or respect it. And he's not entirely wrong, but I wish he's pull against the current a bit more than he does.
Honestly, have you ever been to a concert where the audience went crazy for every song? Mr. McCartney should be more realistic and honestly not care so much. Lets say he did 20 Beatle songs instead of his normal 25, that would be more songs than quite a few artists do the entire show. Throw in 4-5 Wings songs that are pretty well known and you got close to 2 hrs of hits. IMO that is giving everybody including first timers a pretty darn good show so if you do 10 songs in almost three hours that they are not familiar and did nor like then they are pretty spoiled. If Mr. McCartney picked some of the songs we mentioned it would be some pretty darn good music which if the crowd did not go crazy at least they could appreciate some of it.
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moptops:
prudence1964:
Bruce M.:
I can't prove this, but I think Paul is one of those people who really, really wants everyone to like him and hates for the audience to be unhappy even for a moment. When he plays newer stuff onstage, he can sense the lessened enthusiasm from most of the crowd. So he limits those "down" moments to a few tunes from the album he's promoting at the moment and a handful of other less-known songs, but he mostly gives people the tunes he knows will produce wild applause and have everyone singing along. Arguably one could chalk this up to insecurity, but I'm not going to psychoanalyze. He is in this sense the exact opposite of Dylan, who's often seemed to enjoy messing with his audience and upending the crowd's expectations. Arguably, there's a happy medium in between those 2 extremes -- say, half a dozen more solo tunes and a few more variations on the arrangements of familiar Beatles/Wings hits. But Paul ain't gonna go there. And as some have said, it does become sort of a vicious cycle, as songs that have been filed and forgotten for 20 years tend to stay forgotten, and get even less response if he does play one of them. Sigh... That said, I'm not sure it's that Paul doesn't respect his solo work. I think he believes most fans don't know or respect it. And he's not entirely wrong, but I wish he's pull against the current a bit more than he does.
I like Bob Dylan, but I went to one concert and would never go back. I've never enjoyed a concert less. I agree that Paul is sensitive to the crowd not being as enthusiastic to most solo stuff as to the Beatles. There is always a mass exodus to the bathrooms when the new stuff is played no matter what this board would like to hear.
Well there is a mass exodus to the bogs in American shows, yes.
" If it was me instead of Mr. McCartney I would not care. He is cranking out the hits for close to 2 hrs and if people want to be running to get a beer or bathroom during less familiar songs then what does that say about these people.
