Set List critique
-
SusyLuvsPaul:
Mull of Kintyre can sound a bit draggy and dull, kind of boring and too slow, to me, in certain moods. Other times, can appreciate it more. To be honest would like to hear it done a bit faster in tempo or even more than a bit fast. Lively, vibrant, spry to kindle a feeling of more excitement-- and feeling more patriotic, if you've any Scottish in you or avid appreciation of that country and of the U.K. in general, I guess. Course then the bagpipes might have to be played faster too, are bagpipes ever played fast? That part might not sound right if done that way.
________________________________________________________ Susy, To each his own. I never (and still don't) find it dull and draggy. To me, it was so different than anything being played on the radio at that time, it was a breadth of fresh air. While it was different, it still had that magic Macca melody to it. Once I found out that Mull of Kintyre was a place where Paul and Linda lived, the lyrics also resonated and I found them beautiful. I still remember the first time I heard Mull. It was in one of those diners that were prevalent in the Northeast, specifically in the PA & NJ areas where I lived. At each booth there was a rectangular record player (not sure what to call it) where you could select singles (45's with both the A & B sides) from big artists of the day. Kids would love to play the popular songs of the day at the diner. It was one reason why diners became meeting places for so many teenagers. Remember Billy Joel's "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" song. It had to be 1977 because that is when and where I remember hearing Mull of Kintyre the 1st time. Girlschool was the A side that the local radio stations were playing but with Paul I loved to play the B-side since you wouldn't know it. I still remember seeing this strange title "Mull of Kintyre". I didn't know at the time that the title was named after a place. Anyway, I still remember just loving the song for the melody, the words and the bagpipes. As I mentioned, it was so different but I still loved it almost instantly. Anyway, I must have played the song 5 or 10 times that night. Unfortunately, it became expensive since you had to pay for each play. I always like Paul's rockers but in this case I liked Mull of Kintyre quite a bit better than the A-side Girlschool. Girl school was a good song but nothing out of the ordinary. Mull of Kintyre sounded so distinct and unique that I fell in love with it. Once U-tube came out years later, I noticed that many other artists (known and unknown) have covered "Mull". The 2 most famous artists I remember off the top of my head were Glenn Campbell and Susan Boyle. Like you, I love Macca because he is so diverse. He covers so many genres and "Mull" is an example of his "folk" side. Just because it has a Scottish folk sound, it doesn't mean that the song can't resonate with people and countries all over the world. Unfortunately, because in 1977 it was pre-MTV and pre-U-tube and computers, the only way a song could become a hit and heard was on the radio. It meant that even Beatle/Paul fans in the US never heard it. You had to be an obsessed fan like me to find (and buy) it. To this day, I still believe that Mull would have been a big hit if it was the A-side upon it's release. My point in the earlier post is that Paul never helped make Mull of Kintyre known to US public despite playing in venues all over the 48 states for many years. When you see a U-tube clip of Mull of Kintyre played live in Canada it gives you goose bumps. Unfortunately the million of US fans seeing Paul in person in the US have never had that live experience. To me, that is a shame. Mull of Kintyre is one of Paul greatest solo songs in my opinion.
-
RMartinez:
SusyLuvsPaul:
Mull of Kintyre can sound a bit draggy and dull, kind of boring and too slow, to me, in certain moods. Other times, can appreciate it more. To be honest would like to hear it done a bit faster in tempo or even more than a bit fast. Lively, vibrant, spry to kindle a feeling of more excitement-- and feeling more patriotic, if you've any Scottish in you or avid appreciation of that country and of the U.K. in general, I guess. Course then the bagpipes might have to be played faster too, are bagpipes ever played fast? That part might not sound right if done that way.
But you think the koala bear song will rock an arena??
I didn't say I think "the koala bear song will rock an arena"
-
B J Conlee:
SusyLuvsPaul:
Mull of Kintyre can sound a bit draggy and dull, kind of boring and too slow, to me, in certain moods. Other times, can appreciate it more. To be honest would like to hear it done a bit faster in tempo or even more than a bit fast. Lively, vibrant, spry to kindle a feeling of more excitement-- and feeling more patriotic, if you've any Scottish in you or avid appreciation of that country and of the U.K. in general, I guess. Course then the bagpipes might have to be played faster too, are bagpipes ever played fast? That part might not sound right if done that way.
________________________________________________________ Susy, To each his own. I never (and still don't) find it dull and draggy. To me, it was so different than anything being played on the radio at that time, it was a breadth of fresh air. While it was different, it still had that magic Macca melody to it. Once I found out that Mull of Kintyre was a place where Paul and Linda lived, the lyrics also resonated and I found them beautiful. I still remember the first time I heard Mull. It was in one of those diners that were prevalent in the Northeast, specifically in the PA & NJ areas where I lived. At each booth there was a rectangular record player (not sure what to call it) where you could select singles (45's with both the A & B sides) from big artists of the day. Kids would love to play the popular songs of the day at the diner. It was one reason why diners became meeting places for so many teenagers. Remember Billy Joel's "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" song. It had to be 1977 because that is when and where I remember hearing Mull of Kintyre the 1st time. Girlschool was the A side that the local radio stations were playing but with Paul I loved to play the B-side since you wouldn't know it. I still remember seeing this strange title "Mull of Kintyre". I didn't know at the time that the title was named after a place. Anyway, I still remember just loving the song for the melody, the words and the bagpipes. As I mentioned, it was so different but I still loved it almost instantly. Anyway, I must have played the song 5 or 10 times that night. Unfortunately, it became expensive since you had to pay for each play. I always like Paul's rockers but in this case I liked Mull of Kintyre quite a bit better than the A-side Girlschool. Girl school was a good song but nothing out of the ordinary. Mull of Kintyre sounded so distinct and unique that I fell in love with it. Once U-tube came out years later, I noticed that many other artists (known and unknown) have covered "Mull". The 2 most famous artists I remember off the top of my head were Glenn Campbell and Susan Boyle. Like you, I love Macca because he is so diverse. He covers so many genres and "Mull" is an example of his "folk" side. Just because it has a Scottish folk sound, it doesn't mean that the song can't resonate with people and countries all over the world. Unfortunately, because in 1977 it was pre-MTV and pre-U-tube and computers, the only way a song could become a hit and heard was on the radio. It meant that even Beatle/Paul fans in the US never heard it. You had to be an obsessed fan like me to find (and buy) it. To this day, I still believe that Mull would have been a big hit if it was the A-side upon it's release. My point in the earlier post is that Paul never helped make Mull of Kintyre known to US public despite playing in venues all over the 48 states for many years. When you see a U-tube clip of Mull of Kintyre played live in Canada it gives you goose bumps. Unfortunately the million of US fans seeing Paul in person in the US have never had that live experience. To me, that is a shame. Mull of Kintyre is one of Paul greatest solo songs in my opinion.
B.J., many thanx for your very interesting eloquent response to my post--will read it all Friday when I get more time, am about to have to get off the puter, presently
-
SusyLuvsPaul:
RMartinez:
SusyLuvsPaul:
Mull of Kintyre can sound a bit draggy and dull, kind of boring and too slow, to me, in certain moods. Other times, can appreciate it more. To be honest would like to hear it done a bit faster in tempo or even more than a bit fast. Lively, vibrant, spry to kindle a feeling of more excitement-- and feeling more patriotic, if you've any Scottish in you or avid appreciation of that country and of the U.K. in general, I guess. Course then the bagpipes might have to be played faster too, are bagpipes ever played fast? That part might not sound right if done that way.
But you think the koala bear song will rock an arena??
I didn't say I think "the koala bear song will rock an arena"
Do you think it would be more of a crowd pleaser than Mull? You seem to imply as much.
-
Personally I don't like Mull at all, I think it's for a specific group of people who can relate to the song. It's just a shame that McCartney has so many absolutely fantastic songs that will never ever be performed live, such a shame! After the early 80's for me McCartney became a disappointment live, the Beatle heavy setlist just became predictable. Songs like... I Can Bet Take It Away The Mess Getting Closer Girlschool No More Lonely Nights Stranglehold Big Barn Bed Rockestra Theme So Glad To See You Here What It Is That Was Me Too Much Rain Promise To You Girl This Never Happened Before Smile Away Cafe On The Left Bank Whole Life One Of These Days Somebody Who Cares House Of Wax Arrow Thru Me Best Friend I Wanna Cry OO You Wildlife I've Had Enough and others have been screaming to be performed live and he doesn't even touch them, once again it's just such a shame! For me his live legacy will be that he played it way way way too safe after the 80's!
-
Travis:
makka:
steblap:
moptops:
It's like he's singing with one lung. There is no power in his voice. It's been croaky or wobbly before sometimes but not like this. It's weak, and sometimes feeble. Interestingly the press reviews have made no issue of it. Not yet.
Or maybe he's just a 74 year old man singing the songs he wrote when he was 25. Like it or not, he'll never ever sound as good as the year before (nor will any of us) so shall he be touring next year .. we'll be looking back to how great he sang in 2016 He's just human, isnt' he?
Think like that - if you don't want to give money for his show - don't give them. My biggest dream is to see Paul - I will travel 660 km to make it in June. I know that his voice has its best times behind, but for God sake - he is Sir Paul McCartney. He could play anything from his big career and it still will be amazing. World has maybe 4.600000 years, and we are living at the same time with as wonderful man as Macca, who gives us moments of tears and happiness with music and his entirety. We have to be grateful that we have this honour to see him playing by all those years.
^^ Thank you for this. It's always so weird for me to go to shows, and every fan is raving about him and joyous. Then I read rave reviews from pretty much every music critic after every Paul show -- and they go to concerts and judge them for a living, and they can't stop praising him, yet I come to his message board, and it's so much negativity! I've been seeing him live since 1993, and sure, his voice is stronger some nights than others, but BFD! His voice is just one aspect of this show. It's almost refreshing when he has a moment where he seems like a real human being... you know, imperfect. The majority of his moments are still fantastic, and his performances certainly still capture the feeling of the originals. There are plenty of moments when his voice sounds strong and true. These shows are his life history and also the soundtrack to my life and to many fans in the audience. They're emotional, exciting, packed with visual stimulation, and loud and glorious rock and roll. Every single show, I rock out... and I literally cry. I keep going back and spending money I haven't yet earned because the experience is so wonderful. I'm super thankful he's doing what he's doing. I also enjoy Four Five Seconds, and it has seemed from the people around me singing along during the three times I've heard him perform it, that many others do, too. I just find it so odd that there are 20,000 happy fans every time he performs, and a dozen or so people who criticize his every move dominating his own message board. It's a weird world.
What is wrong with people on this message board wanting Mr. McCartney to play more great music he created since 1982 in concert? If that is the worst thing people can criticize him for than I give up. As for his voice, it is pretty obvious it is getting worse and has been mentioned in reviews. This is a fan message board and that does not mean that everything Mr. McCartney does has to be praised 100% of the time. You can love the man as a fan and still point out things you did not like.
-
Yahllil:
Can anyone explain me why does Paul play 'Mull Of Kintyre' just in the UK and Canada?
He only plays it in places where he can bring on a bagpipe band. The bagpipes are what makes the song special. He could probably do it in Boston or New York.
-
beatlesfanrandy:
Yahllil:
Can anyone explain me why does Paul play 'Mull Of Kintyre' just in the UK and Canada?
He only plays it in places where he can bring on a bagpipe band. The bagpipes are what makes the song special. He could probably do it in Boston or New York.
"He could probably do it in Boston or New York." Exactly, never understood why he did not do it in either of those cities.
-
beatlesfanrandy:
Yahllil:
Can anyone explain me why does Paul play 'Mull Of Kintyre' just in the UK and Canada?
He only plays it in places where he can bring on a bagpipe band. The bagpipes are what makes the song special. He could probably do it in Boston or New York.
I'm pretty sure even Albuquerque has a bagpipe band. He could do it more than he does if he wanted to.
-
rich n:
Are we talking about Ode to a Koala Bear? Or is there something new that I'm missing?
Check my post mentioning Australia with the youtube link.
-
Now that Paul will have 10 days rest, we have a whole set of new questions: 1. Will Paul's vocals improve with the 10 day rest? Quite possible that Paul was battling a head cold that did affect his vocals...Let's hope that is what is was and that we will hear a better Macca in the new leg of the tour. 2. Will Paul make any changes to the setlist? Most of us doubt it based on Paul's history but again there's always hope. Unfortunately, I don't really see any chance of new Solo additions that many of us hardcore fans are pushing. I think we would have already seen any significant new Solo additions (e.g. Take it Away) when the tour started. Those would have been rehearsed before the tour and would have started with Fresno. 3. Will Paul add a couple of new Beatle songs for this new leg? I do think this is possible. Like others have said, I would like to see "I Want to Hold Your Hand" as a new opener or 2nd song. That would create obvious new excitement to the tour. Paul could still do "A Hard Days Night" as an alternate or later in the setlist. (cont. to #3) Another factor is Paul's voice. If he is still struggling, I could see some changes to the Beatles' setlist portion with more easier songs to sing. He could consider dropping "Fool on a Hill" to something easier like Penny Lane. If his voice is still a problem, the more "sing along" style songs might be better and even necessary. Remember it is a long tour. He could also drop "Here there and everywhere" to something like "I've Just Seen a Face" which Paul can do in his sleep and the audience can sing along rather easily. I'm sure there are a few other possibilities of more "sing along" Beatle songs if he is really struggling. 4. Will Paul drop "Maybe I'm Amazed" if his voice is really hurting. It would take a lot for Paul to do this but I personally think it would be a good idea....If necessary, what Paul song would be a good replacement as a tribute to Linda. It would have to be something that the majority of people would know. 5. Probably the biggest question I have for a specific city are the Minneapolis shows (May 4 and 5). Rich R. had a great suggestion in that thread. He suggested a "Purple Rain" ending to "Let Me Roll It". I think it would be great but does Paul have the will and desire to do it. He was a big fan of Prince over the years. Let's hope he does some kind of tribute. It would certainly bring new excitement to the Tour.
-
B J Conlee:
Now that Paul will have 10 days rest, we have a whole set of new questions: 1. Will Paul's vocals improve with the 10 day rest? Quite possible that Paul was battling a head cold that did affect his vocals...Let's hope that is what is was and that we will hear a better Macca in the new leg of the tour. 2. Will Paul make any changes to the setlist? Most of us doubt it based on Paul's history but again there's always hope. Unfortunately, I don't really see any chance of new Solo additions that many of us hardcore fans are pushing. I think we would have already seen any significant new Solo additions (e.g. Take it Away) when the tour started. Those would have been rehearsed before the tour and would have started with Fresno. 3. Will Paul add a couple of new Beatle songs for this new leg? I do think this is possible. Like others have said, I would like to see "I Want to Hold Your Hand" as a new opener or 2nd song. That would create obvious new excitement to the tour. Paul could still do "A Hard Days Night" as an alternate or later in the setlist. (cont. to #3) Another factor is Paul's voice. If he is still struggling, I could see some changes to the Beatles' setlist portion with more easier songs to sing. He could consider dropping "Fool on a Hill" to something easier like Penny Lane. If his voice is still a problem, the more "sing along" style songs might be better and even necessary. Remember it is a long tour. He could also drop "Here there and everywhere" to something like "I've Just Seen a Face" which Paul can do in his sleep and the audience can sing along rather easily. I'm sure there are a few other possibilities of more "sing along" Beatle songs if he is really struggling. 4. Will Paul drop "Maybe I'm Amazed" if his voice is really hurting. It would take a lot for Paul to do this but I personally think it would be a good idea....If necessary, what Paul song would be a good replacement as a tribute to Linda. It would have to be something that the majority of people would know. 5. Probably the biggest question I have for a specific city are the Minneapolis shows (May 4 and 5). Rich R. had a great suggestion in that thread. He suggested a "Purple Rain" ending to "Let Me Roll It". I think it would be great but does Paul have the will and desire to do it. He was a big fan of Prince over the years. Let's hope he does some kind of tribute. It would certainly bring new excitement to the Tour.
1. I hope so. I hope it is just a cold. 2. I think we would have already seen any major changes, especially in Vancouver. 3. See no. 2. 4. H should drop it. For his voice. Same with Four Five Seconds. He probably won't. 5. A Prince tribute would be cool. I hope he does something. Maybe he will do Here Today.
-
B J Conlee:
Now that Paul will have 10 days rest, we have a whole set of new questions: 1. Will Paul's vocals improve with the 10 day rest? Quite possible that Paul was battling a head cold that did affect his vocals...Let's hope that is what is was and that we will hear a better Macca in the new leg of the tour. 2. Will Paul make any changes to the setlist? Most of us doubt it based on Paul's history but again there's always hope. Unfortunately, I don't really see any chance of new Solo additions that many of us hardcore fans are pushing. I think we would have already seen any significant new Solo additions (e.g. Take it Away) when the tour started. Those would have been rehearsed before the tour and would have started with Fresno. 3. Will Paul add a couple of new Beatle songs for this new leg? I do think this is possible. Like others have said, I would like to see "I Want to Hold Your Hand" as a new opener or 2nd song. That would create obvious new excitement to the tour. Paul could still do "A Hard Days Night" as an alternate or later in the setlist. (cont. to #3) Another factor is Paul's voice. If he is still struggling, I could see some changes to the Beatles' setlist portion with more easier songs to sing. He could consider dropping "Fool on a Hill" to something easier like Penny Lane. If his voice is still a problem, the more "sing along" style songs might be better and even necessary. Remember it is a long tour. He could also drop "Here there and everywhere" to something like "I've Just Seen a Face" which Paul can do in his sleep and the audience can sing along rather easily. I'm sure there are a few other possibilities of more "sing along" Beatle songs if he is really struggling. 4. Will Paul drop "Maybe I'm Amazed" if his voice is really hurting. It would take a lot for Paul to do this but I personally think it would be a good idea....If necessary, what Paul song would be a good replacement as a tribute to Linda. It would have to be something that the majority of people would know. 5. Probably the biggest question I have for a specific city are the Minneapolis shows (May 4 and 5). Rich R. had a great suggestion in that thread. He suggested a "Purple Rain" ending to "Let Me Roll It". I think it would be great but does Paul have the will and desire to do it. He was a big fan of Prince over the years. Let's hope he does some kind of tribute. It would certainly bring new excitement to the Tour.
1. Rest can't hurt but he will almost be 74 , does very long shows without a vocal break and was a smoker for many years. In other words, I am not expecting much improvement. 2. If there are any setlist changes, will not be addition of solo songs. 3. I think the opener will stay the same but you may hear a different Beatle song or two on alternate shows. 4. Nope, he will still do it. He has to know he does not sound good but is probably too stubborn. Why not dedicate "And I Love Her" to Linda? - everyone knows that one - lol. 5. I think he could do that with this band, can't imagine they could not handle the riffs - lol.
-
He'll never play Mull Of Kintyre for the yanks. It's his backhander to USA for not playing it / making it a hit.
-
moptops:
He'll never play Mull Of Kintyre for the yanks. It's his backhander to USA for not playing it / making it a hit.
I think we'll survive!!
-
moptops:
He'll never play Mull Of Kintyre for the yanks. It's his backhander to USA for not playing it / making it a hit.
Well... glad I saw Denny Laine last month who had no problem performing it.
-
RMartinez:
moptops:
He'll never play Mull Of Kintyre for the yanks. It's his backhander to USA for not playing it / making it a hit.
I think we'll survive!!
I like "Mull" but there are plenty of other songs I would rather hear him play - lol.
-
Agreed.
-
B J Conlee:
Now that Paul will have 10 days rest, we have a whole set of new questions: 1. Will Paul's vocals improve with the 10 day rest? Quite possible that Paul was battling a head cold that did affect his vocals...Let's hope that is what is was and that we will hear a better Macca in the new leg of the tour. 2. Will Paul make any changes to the setlist? Most of us doubt it based on Paul's history but again there's always hope. Unfortunately, I don't really see any chance of new Solo additions that many of us hardcore fans are pushing. I think we would have already seen any significant new Solo additions (e.g. Take it Away) when the tour started. Those would have been rehearsed before the tour and would have started with Fresno. 3. Will Paul add a couple of new Beatle songs for this new leg? I do think this is possible. Like others have said, I would like to see "I Want to Hold Your Hand" as a new opener or 2nd song. That would create obvious new excitement to the tour. Paul could still do "A Hard Days Night" as an alternate or later in the setlist. (cont. to #3) Another factor is Paul's voice. If he is still struggling, I could see some changes to the Beatles' setlist portion with more easier songs to sing. He could consider dropping "Fool on a Hill" to something easier like Penny Lane. If his voice is still a problem, the more "sing along" style songs might be better and even necessary. Remember it is a long tour. He could also drop "Here there and everywhere" to something like "I've Just Seen a Face" which Paul can do in his sleep and the audience can sing along rather easily. I'm sure there are a few other possibilities of more "sing along" Beatle songs if he is really struggling. 4. Will Paul drop "Maybe I'm Amazed" if his voice is really hurting. It would take a lot for Paul to do this but I personally think it would be a good idea....If necessary, what Paul song would be a good replacement as a tribute to Linda. It would have to be something that the majority of people would know. 5. Probably the biggest question I have for a specific city are the Minneapolis shows (May 4 and 5). Rich R. had a great suggestion in that thread. He suggested a "Purple Rain" ending to "Let Me Roll It". I think it would be great but does Paul have the will and desire to do it. He was a big fan of Prince over the years. Let's hope he does some kind of tribute. It would certainly bring new excitement to the Tour.
1- Hopefully. There's a sweet spot between having a rough voice at the start of a tour and being rough from straining it too much. 2 & 3- In the past changes so close to the beginning of the tour have been to be more conservative. Like dropping HOD or On My Way to Work. So dropping songs that are lesser known or didn't play so well and going for the tried and true (and boring) as opposed to mixing it up more. I don't think we'll see any "major" changes until after the summer US shows, it at all. 4- I know he struggles but it's such a good song - before he used to do My Love for Linda. To me these two songs have always been like sisters. 5- I doubt he'd add that, but he might speak about Prince during the show. The curious thing is that with all these special guests, might he have asked Prince to play with him??
-
Great Day was rehearsed yesterday in Cordoba, in 5:40 https://www.periscope.tv/w/1OwxWbldYXRJQ