Yankeefan2 wrote:
B J Conlee wrote:
SandraH wrote:
KurtisCaldwell wrote:
Man, people on this board are crusty. Why can't we just be happy that the man is still alive, well, and putting on shows for us at all? Pretty sad. I was there last night, and thought that, overall, it was a lot of fun.
Agree as well!!!!
After a day of calming down, I'm not as frustrated today as I was yesterday.
I'm sure that for the majority of the crowd (first timers and far more "Beatles Only" fans in the audience) it was a great show. And thanks to Yankeefan for showing the big reviews from the likes of Rollingstone and Spin Magazine, I (a true hard core Paul fan) should be plenty satisfied that the "Man" is still with us and still putting on a new tour that are so enjoyable for so many. I am happy that Paul is still touring...don't get me wrong.
Still when you're so passionate about an artist, it's "human nature" to complain. I remember back in 2002 after seeing the "Show of all Paul shows" after hearing all those Beatle and Wings tunes live for the first time, I was still "wishing he had played a few of the great Solo songs from Tug of War (e.g. Wanderlust, the title track etc) or a few great songs from Flaming Pie (Little Willow, Beautiful Night)". I was probably the only fan walking out of the arena thinking those kinds of thoughts. As I said, it 's "human nature" to think how a show could be better. And this is when Paul could really sing.
Unfortunately for me as a hard core fan, Paul has always "downplayed" his Solo and 2nd Career. Paul always seems to be stuck mentally in his "glory days" with the rest of his original mates. He still hasn't played some of his great Solo gems (the ones I listed above) and other truly great Solo songs) to this day.
But I have to remember that the majority of attendees are just thinking about his great Beatle songs. That's all they want to see and hear. For the overwhelming majority in Spokane last night, that's what they truly wanted to experience and for that matter it was definitely a great first show of this new tour. They could care less that he and the Band didn't play "Seize the Day", "Slidin" or for that matter "I Don't Know" from Egypt Station. For the hard core fans like me, it's natural to be critical.
I also have to remember the "emotional" side of things for the 1st timers. I saw that from the reviews that Yankeefan posted. They are swept up with the Beatlemania days that many of them can remember and with the old songs they heard last night. That is why they came and paid the big dollars.
I'm still hoping he brings out some of his great recent songs in Seattle and Oakland but my expectations are now not as high. The audience no matter what location of the show is still there primarily for remembering the old days.
Excellent post BJ, well said. Like you, I am not as disappointed today as yesterday. I think the problem I had was the high expectations of different opener and the addition of the "McCartney III" songs. I think we both came to grips his concerts were for the "first timers" quite awhile ago and that is fine. I remember the first time I saw him in 1976 and what a incredible experience it was for me.
I will say it again, I don't think it is "crusty" wanting Paul to play different songs from his solo career. The music he has written in the last 20 years has been incredible IMO and I wish he showcased it more by mixing up his set list. Any concert I have attended I have always thought back on I would have liked to have heard a different song that was not played that night. I think that is just human nature for most music fans. My daughters who are in their 30's did the same thing when they saw John Mayer awhile ago, they loved what he played but they said it would have been cool if he played one or two other songs they loved.
I will check out Paul's setlist for a couple more nights and see if it changes. I think at most he might swap out "Women And Wives" for a different "McCartney III" song. Finally, I think the reviews will be just fine. IMO critics have come to grips that at almost 80 Paul's voice is not what he once was even 5 years ago. Actually after hearing him at "Rock And Roll, induction, he sounded a bunch better than that the first night of the tour.
"Fuh You." Really, Paul?? The two weakest and/or embarrassing...IMO....songs on "Egypt Station" are that one and ...If you come on to me,then I'll come on to you....repeated over and over. "Who Cares" would be a much better selection...and maybe "Dominoes" or "Happy With You." He can't hit the notes in "Confidante," or that would be a choice one too. Anything else on the album but the two selected would be better. A different McCartney III song would be prederable, to me, than "Women and Wives." Yes, we all get to gripe or wish for different song choices by Paul. The man's a musical genius, so our comments are not going to hurt him in any way. It all just demonstrates how much we love and care about him.