Anyone notice a pattern?
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I've said I'm glad he's having fun
I probably should have watched the SNL special, there was bound to be some funny stuff on there, but I'm so critical and disapproving when it's not funny that I rain on my own parade. Thinking the New York intelligentsia crowd ought to know when a skit is funny and when it isn't. And to throw out the latter. I discovered the song Paul, Rhianna and Kanye performed at the Grammys was cool, a good song. I still hated Kanye's actions when he went around dissing Beck. About SNL's big show, I've read Paul and Paul Simon sounded great on "I've Just Seen a Face." Some liked Paul's performance of "Maybe I'm Amazed." It isn't all trollish slams on the Net about Paul, neither is it here, but there's too much of that here for this to be Paul's own official website
Randy was right to call us out. Too much nitpicking and disapproval of Paul's choices. I'd love him to have a private intimate show of singing his favorite lesser known solo career songs and then put out the DVD. (So would most or all the fans who post or read here.) But will not abandon him because he doesn't heed my wishes, and will try to appreciate what he does do.
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I see the premise. I too am glad he hasn't retired. I travel overseas regularly to see his concerts, wherever in the world they might be or I choose to go. So I'm an ardent fan. My beef is he won't visit here so obviously I give him brickbats on the board for that. Regards to other stuff. I have to call it as I see it, chiefly BECAUSE I am a staunch LONG TIME fan. (I'm 53.) And this board is where McCartney fans exchange views, opinions, support, deride, discuss, cajole and debate. That's why I drop in regularly, because whatever our views or opinions we can toss them around here with other fans. Sometimes many agree and other times many don't and it can get heated. But we're all here because of one man. I think many older supporters of Paul seem dismayed generally or even confused at many of his recent decisions: artistically but also what seems to be perceived as dubious judgement on his behalf. I know I am. I don't think it makes for a pattern of negativity. In fact the word, "negative" as implied on the board almost takes on connotations of evil or malice. At the end of the day we are all of us here (well for the most part) genuine fans of Paul. Everybody has the right to be happy and he seems to be. I'm glad he is. But because he is also an artist and a public performer, and I am a long time fan, supporter and consumer, I have to espouse views of his work, performances or decisions that are not all the time complimentary because they are not particulary my cup of tea. As I wrote somewhere else on the board, I will gladly laud him when he is great (and he often is) but when he has a misstep, then I have to call it. I'm just being honest with my thoughts. I want him to do well, be great and share his immense talent and long may he continue.
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moptops:
I see the premise. I too am glad he hasn't retired. I travel overseas regularly to see his concerts, wherever in the world they might be or I choose to go. So I'm an ardent fan. My beef is he won't visit here so obviously I give him brickbats on the board for that. Regards to other stuff. I have to call it as I see it, chiefly BECAUSE I am a staunch LONG TIME fan. (I'm 53.) And this board is where McCartney fans exchange views, opinions, support, deride, discuss, cajole and debate. That's why I drop in regularly, because whatever our views or opinions we can toss them around here with other fans. Sometimes many agree and other times many don't and it can get heated. But we're all here because of one man. I think many older supporters of Paul seem dismayed generally or even confused at many of his recent decisions: artistically but also what seems to be perceived as dubious judgement on his behalf. I know I am. I don't think it makes for a pattern of negativity. In fact the word, "negative" as implied on the board almost takes on connotations of evil or malice. At the end of the day we are all of us here (well for the most part) genuine fans of Paul. Everybody has the right to be happy and he seems to be. I'm glad he is. But because he is also an artist and a public performer, and I am a long time fan, supporter and consumer, I have to espouse views of his work, performances or decisions that are not all the time complimentary because they are not particulary my cup of tea. As I wrote somewhere else on the board, I will gladly laud him when he is great (and he often is) but when he has a misstep, then I have to call it. I'm just being honest with my thoughts. I want him to do well, be great and share his immense talent and long may he continue.
I agree. If his music and art were being given away, then yeah, fans should pipe down and enjoy and be thankful. But when it costs as much as it does to see him live, and on top of that he never plays where I live, then I will call things as I see them.
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moptops:
I see the premise. I too am glad he hasn't retired. I travel overseas regularly to see his concerts, wherever in the world they might be or I choose to go. So I'm an ardent fan. My beef is he won't visit here so obviously I give him brickbats on the board for that. Regards to other stuff. I have to call it as I see it, chiefly BECAUSE I am a staunch LONG TIME fan. (I'm 53.) And this board is where McCartney fans exchange views, opinions, support, deride, discuss, cajole and debate. That's why I drop in regularly, because whatever our views or opinions we can toss them around here with other fans. Sometimes many agree and other times many don't and it can get heated. But we're all here because of one man. I think many older supporters of Paul seem dismayed generally or even confused at many of his recent decisions: artistically but also what seems to be perceived as dubious judgement on his behalf. I know I am. I don't think it makes for a pattern of negativity. In fact the word, "negative" as implied on the board almost takes on connotations of evil or malice. At the end of the day we are all of us here (well for the most part) genuine fans of Paul. Everybody has the right to be happy and he seems to be. I'm glad he is. But because he is also an artist and a public performer, and I am a long time fan, supporter and consumer, I have to espouse views of his work, performances or decisions that are not all the time complimentary because they are not particulary my cup of tea. As I wrote somewhere else on the board, I will gladly laud him when he is great (and he often is) but when he has a misstep, then I have to call it. I'm just being honest with my thoughts. I want him to do well, be great and share his immense talent and long may he continue.
You nailed it moptops.
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beatlesfanrandy:
Anyone noticed a pattern here lately? I have. ANYTHING Paul does that is new or different is up for a slam fest here. Paul plays with Kanye and gets slammed. Paul plays with Rihanna and Kanye and gets slammed. Paul plays on the Grammy's and SNL and gets slammed. Paul plays with Taylor Swift and gets slammed. I think it's sad and disgusting that the people who are supposedly fans of his and members of his own website can be so petty and negative about anything he does lately. It looks like he's having some fun to me, and the people he's playing with look like they're having fun too. Lighten up, people! He may not be doing or playing what YOU want. But he is doing and playing what HE wants. All the bitching in the world here is not going to change that. Sure, you have the right to talk about it, but it does not have to be so negative about everything!
The list of things fans on here have rejected could grow a lot longer if you think about it. There was lots and lots of negativity here toward KOTB. I don't stand up and cheer for everything Paul does, but I'm glad to see he's still writing and making music.
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Bruce M.:
beatlesfanrandy:
Anyone noticed a pattern here lately? I have. ANYTHING Paul does that is new or different is up for a slam fest here. Paul plays with Kanye and gets slammed. Paul plays with Rihanna and Kanye and gets slammed. Paul plays on the Grammy's and SNL and gets slammed. Paul plays with Taylor Swift and gets slammed. I think it's sad and disgusting that the people who are supposedly fans of his and members of his own website can be so petty and negative about anything he does lately. It looks like he's having some fun to me, and the people he's playing with look like they're having fun too. Lighten up, people! He may not be doing or playing what YOU want. But he is doing and playing what HE wants. All the bitching in the world here is not going to change that. Sure, you have the right to talk about it, but it does not have to be so negative about everything!
The list of things fans on here have rejected could grow a lot longer if you think about it. There was lots and lots of negativity here toward KOTB. I don't stand up and cheer for everything Paul does, but I'm glad to see he's still writing and making music.
I am glad too. But something like KOTB just doesn't engage me like, say, Flaming Pie or Off The Ground. It's good, he is versatile. But music with Kanye or Jazz or Orchestral pieces are not why I became a fan to begin with. I want to hear what he does best. With that in mind, I hope McCartney makes music, whatever kind he wants, for as long as he can. And sings his heart out for as long as he can. And wants to.
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I can be a bit of a sycophant, I tend to love everything he does. I really like the song with Rihanna and Kanye. He did sound throaty last night and maybe should've done a different song, but he's allowed to be imperfect, and I am very glad he's still working. I hope to hear a couple more pop albums before The End
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As a newbie, I have to say that Sir Paul's recent collaborations are not only setting an example. They are a lesson in history. Even though Ive been familiar with him since I was a little kid, I truly had no idea how accomplished he is For those that are not happy with his recent collaborations, appearances etc, remember there is a new generation learning what you already know. I loved the songs he did back in the 80s with both Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. I also like both 45 Seconds and Only One. Do they compare to the songs of the 70s and 80s that I know and love of course not. But I love how he is teaching us about true talent.
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I don't consider "What Goes On" a bad song--it sounds (to me) smooth and pleasing and countrified--they did a country song well. An old-timey kind. It's sort of "feel good." I cringe a bit imagining Paul on "Shake it Off"
Granted, the main part of that pop hit is catchy as hell. But then it descends into Hell (LOL). Will he be singing with Justin Beiber and Miley next?
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Newfan:
As a newbie, I have to say that Sir Paul's recent collaborations are not only setting an example. They are a lesson in history. Even though Ive been familiar with him since I was a little kid, I truly had no idea how accomplished he is For those that are not happy with his recent collaborations, appearances etc, remember there is a new generation learning what you already know. I loved the songs he did back in the 80s with both Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. I also like both 45 Seconds and Only One. Do they compare to the songs of the 70s and 80s that I know and love of course not. But I love how he is teaching us about true talent.
Maybe you're right. Perhaps there is a life lesson in this for all of us.
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moptops:
I see the premise. I too am glad he hasn't retired. I travel overseas regularly to see his concerts, wherever in the world they might be or I choose to go. So I'm an ardent fan. My beef is he won't visit here so obviously I give him brickbats on the board for that. Regards to other stuff. I have to call it as I see it, chiefly BECAUSE I am a staunch LONG TIME fan. (I'm 53.) And this board is where McCartney fans exchange views, opinions, support, deride, discuss, cajole and debate. That's why I drop in regularly, because whatever our views or opinions we can toss them around here with other fans. Sometimes many agree and other times many don't and it can get heated. But we're all here because of one man. I think many older supporters of Paul seem dismayed generally or even confused at many of his recent decisions: artistically but also what seems to be perceived as dubious judgement on his behalf. I know I am. I don't think it makes for a pattern of negativity. In fact the word, "negative" as implied on the board almost takes on connotations of evil or malice. At the end of the day we are all of us here (well for the most part) genuine fans of Paul. Everybody has the right to be happy and he seems to be. I'm glad he is. But because he is also an artist and a public performer, and I am a long time fan, supporter and consumer, I have to espouse views of his work, performances or decisions that are not all the time complimentary because they are not particulary my cup of tea. As I wrote somewhere else on the board, I will gladly laud him when he is great (and he often is) but when he has a misstep, then I have to call it. I'm just being honest with my thoughts. I want him to do well, be great and share his immense talent and long may he continue.
Right on.... and you've done the yards as a Beatles and Paul fan and are more than deserving of giving your opinion.... a lot of which I agree with, by the way.
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beatlesfanrandy:
Anyone noticed a pattern here lately? I have. ANYTHING Paul does that is new or different is up for a slam fest here. Paul plays with Kanye and gets slammed. Paul plays with Rihanna and Kanye and gets slammed. Paul plays on the Grammy's and SNL and gets slammed. Paul plays with Taylor Swift and gets slammed. I think it's sad and disgusting that the people who are supposedly fans of his and members of his own website can be so petty and negative about anything he does lately. It looks like he's having some fun to me, and the people he's playing with look like they're having fun too. Lighten up, people! He may not be doing or playing what YOU want. But he is doing and playing what HE wants. All the bitching in the world here is not going to change that. Sure, you have the right to talk about it, but it does not have to be so negative about everything!
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I hope Paul can just keep trying new ideas, have fun, and do whatever makes him happy! It's his life after all ! He does so many really nice things, for instance, the Valentine Day surprise in NYC! Which by the way, he did 3 new songs on the setlist, he did a smaller venue, ( my friend was 4 people back!) and he charged only $40.00 which is unheard of!! Wish I knew about it in time! That's Paul, a really thoughtful person to his fans... Just heard the videos and he sounded great too! It's a shame that people slamming other people is so popular these days. It's sort of like watching an athlete trying to do his best, and yelling at them from your armchair on what to do.... Yet you never even played the game... (well many of us anyway)but I guess we are all entitled to our opinions and I just hope Paul doesn't take them all to heart, even though it must be so difficult to ignore hurtful things....that people may not even realize how hurtful they are. So personally I hope I've never said anything hurtful...
ops: and if I have I am sorry about that. Because listening to Paul's music is the thing that always really gets me through tough times... It's music that soothes the soul for me
Life can be hard and music smoothes and soothes the rough patches, especially Paul's music!
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love2travel:
I hope Paul can just keep trying new ideas, have fun, and do whatever makes him happy! It's his life after all ! He does so many really nice things, for instance, the Valentine Day surprise in NYC! Which by the way, he did 3 new songs on the setlist, he did a smaller venue, ( my friend was 4 people back!) and he charged only $40.00 which is unheard of!! Wish I knew about it in time! That's Paul, a really thoughtful person to his fans... Just heard the videos and he sounded great too! It's a shame that people slamming other people is so popular these days. It's sort of like watching an athlete trying to do his best, and yelling at them from your armchair on what to do.... Yet you never even played the game... (well many of us anyway)but I guess we are all entitled to our opinions and I just hope Paul doesn't take them all to heart, even though it must be so difficult to ignore hurtful things....that people may not even realize how hurtful they are. So personally I hope I've never said anything hurtful...
ops: and if I have I am sorry about that. Because listening to Paul's music is the thing that always really gets me through tough times... It's music that soothes the soul for me
Life can be hard and music smoothes and soothes the rough patches, especially Paul's music!
I think the overriding thing here is that everyone on this board loves Paul. Or at least very close to 100%. We just all have different opinions about things. And that's why it's a "forum". I've said it before, but geez it would be vey boring if we all agreed on everything. There'd be so many "thumbs up" it'd be a love convention, bordering on a cult. I don't like Kanye, I think the "collaboration" is not the real "collaboration" that I would expect, with Paul being more at the forefront.... But maybe that is on its way... I will reiterate that I cannot stand Kanye.... like, really do not like him.... And I do not like Hosanna and Scared.... I really do not like them....By the same token a lot of people don't like Ebony and Ivory and Mary Had A Little Lamb, but I think the former is great and I like the latter. I will even admit my soft spot for Press to Play. I love Stranglehold .... and It's Not True.... and I liked Tug of Peace.... and even do not mind Gratitude.... So, swings and roundabouts. Different stokes for different strokes. No one is right, no one is wrong. Expressing an opinion that doesn't necessarily laud Paul does not equate to disrespect for the man. As I said, everyone here loves him and appreciates how important he has been in their lives. I love Paul and I love the Beatles, and each one of them. But sure as the Sun will come up tomorrow (well I just did watch the movie Sunshine, so who knows?), I will also reserve my right to admit that some outputs are not that great. Yet, they are far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far, far outweighed by the outputs that are BRILLIANT. Anyway, that is my rant for the night. ps. I love that it only cost $40 to go to that gig!
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toris:
moptops:
I see the premise. I too am glad he hasn't retired. I travel overseas regularly to see his concerts, wherever in the world they might be or I choose to go. So I'm an ardent fan. My beef is he won't visit here so obviously I give him brickbats on the board for that. Regards to other stuff. I have to call it as I see it, chiefly BECAUSE I am a staunch LONG TIME fan. (I'm 53.) And this board is where McCartney fans exchange views, opinions, support, deride, discuss, cajole and debate. That's why I drop in regularly, because whatever our views or opinions we can toss them around here with other fans. Sometimes many agree and other times many don't and it can get heated. But we're all here because of one man. I think many older supporters of Paul seem dismayed generally or even confused at many of his recent decisions: artistically but also what seems to be perceived as dubious judgement on his behalf. I know I am. I don't think it makes for a pattern of negativity. In fact the word, "negative" as implied on the board almost takes on connotations of evil or malice. At the end of the day we are all of us here (well for the most part) genuine fans of Paul. Everybody has the right to be happy and he seems to be. I'm glad he is. But because he is also an artist and a public performer, and I am a long time fan, supporter and consumer, I have to espouse views of his work, performances or decisions that are not all the time complimentary because they are not particulary my cup of tea. As I wrote somewhere else on the board, I will gladly laud him when he is great (and he often is) but when he has a misstep, then I have to call it. I'm just being honest with my thoughts. I want him to do well, be great and share his immense talent and long may he continue.
Right on.... and you've done the yards as a Beatles and Paul fan and are more than deserving of giving your opinion.... a lot of which I agree with, by the way.
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moptops:
I think many older supporters of Paul seem dismayed generally or even confused at many of his recent decisions: artistically but also what seems to be perceived as dubious judgement on his behalf.
The only dubious judgment Paul has made recently is his decision to sing Maybe I'm Amazed on live TV, knowing full well that it was a very difficult song to sing when he was in his prime, let alone now. Other than that, he hasn't made any dubious decisions of late. He's made a lot of smart and interesting choices that show his eagerness to create. Collaborating with Kanye was an artistic decision that has produced two good songs and two global hits so far. What's been embarrassing to see is the reaction of some of Paul's older fans to this collaboration. The drama queen over-reactions, the borderline racist (and sometimes overt racist) comments, the complete denial of the legitimacy of other genres of music. You want dubious judgments? THOSE are the dubious judgments. Not Paul doing what artists should do and taking risks.
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Paul needs more people to tell him "no". His best music came when he was pressured and challenged, like with John and such. Of course he's a legend, and he can do what he wants, but it seems the whole "legend" has gotten to him. I know people have an intense dislike for Kanye on here (whether or not it is racially motivated- I personally think he's a prick, but if you don't like him because of his race, you seriously need to get a life, GTFO, and get over it.) However, Kanye recently made a pretty valid statement, saying Paul's best music comes with angst. Think about it- The Beatles. They were still kids. Then came Wings- some great music, but mainly a passion project. But then you see Paul in love- Driving Rain and New, two solid but not memorable albums. On the flip side, Divorce- Chaos and Creation. A masterpiece. MAF is a great album, seems to be from a recovering Paul. It seems like Paul and John were two opposites- and that's how it worked. Paul was the sweet, John the sour. The two came up against each other, boom. They balanced it. But after they went their separate ways, Paul got too sweet and John too sour. SUre, you had BOTR and then you had Imagine and Mind Games, but if they had worked together, it would've been unbelievable. Paul is, at the end of the day, a human being who is aging. His voice is a bit weaker, it has its good days and its off days, more so than in 2010 and 2011, and I think he needs to start to tone it down. Billy Joel does one concert a week. Paul should at least do once in a four to five day period. The consecutive gigs just don't work anymore. Love you Paul and can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for us!
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We're all different kinds of people. It's inevitable with an artist like Paul, who's been around for so long, through so many changes in his own music and in the musical landscape in general, that he would have fans that can be so at odds with each other over things. I do hope we can all learn to respect each other's opinions more than we have. I've probably crossed the line a couple of times, and I regret that, but I'm the type of person who loves to hear an artist explore beyond the usual boundaries of rock, and it frustrates me when others want Paul to stay only within those boundaries. Sorry, I should just let you do what you want, but his versatility is one reason I find him so fascinating: you really never know what he's going to do next. I also think he has good instincts in choosing his collaborations and knows who is worthwhile and who is not (i.e., Kanye is NOT Bieber). He doesn't just sit around in some mansion, he gets out there and experiences life, mixes with people, goes to concerts. He's a well-rounded guy, and I think he needs to be appreciated for that. Sure, there are things I've disliked (Gratitude, The Man, Really Love You, Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight, Love Is Strange, Loup, Kreen-Akrore, the Broad Street movie, his "performance" in Hope For The Future's video, too many Hey Jude sing-alongs, blah blah), but even his failures are fascinating to me. There's no one like him. I think on his official web forum, he deserves a bit of a break. Just a bit. Criticism is fine, but harping here "in his house" that he's completely lost the ability to make good decisions is just a bit much, from my corner. I don't want to offend anyone, and I realize we all have different ideas about things, and I will try harder to keep my cool and let things pass, because who needs more stress? Peace in the neighborhood.
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Michelley:
moptops:
I think many older supporters of Paul seem dismayed generally or even confused at many of his recent decisions: artistically but also what seems to be perceived as dubious judgement on his behalf.
The only dubious judgment Paul has made recently is his decision to sing Maybe I'm Amazed on live TV, knowing full well that it was a very difficult song to sing when he was in his prime, let alone now. Other than that, he hasn't made any dubious decisions of late. He's made a lot of smart and interesting choices that show his eagerness to create. Collaborating with Kanye was an artistic decision that has produced two good songs and two global hits so far. What's been embarrassing to see is the reaction of some of Paul's older fans to this collaboration. The drama queen over-reactions, the borderline racist (and sometimes overt racist) comments, the complete denial of the legitimacy of other genres of music. You want dubious judgments? THOSE are the dubious judgments. Not Paul doing what artists should do and taking risks.
This is one of the few posts that make any sense to me. Being a way older fan than most here I just don't understand how people have reacted the way they did. Opinions are, well I don't like that song. Pure and simple. But when people go into saying he's losing his judgement, this is bad for his legacy, etc, it goes beyond opinion and into an attempt at control for ones own purposes. The reason I've been a fan for 50+ years is that Paul has never openly discounted or insulted anyone to the degree that some people have here on this list. And I'm pretty sure he has plenty of opinions, but when they cross the line, especially when people base opinions on tabloid journalism rather than fact it is unseemly. If I ever saw Paul do that then I would be disappointed, but so far he's been respectful and I feel that his board should be also.
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If Paul were to work with any of the the new artists, John Legend would be my choice. Imagine Paul McCartney on the piano for the song "Glory". That would be beyond awesome.