Maybe it was the special occasion, or the history he shared with the general location, or his deep love of the city. Whatever the reason, Paul McCartney seemed determined to rock the newly christened Citi Field, and rock he did over three nights in summer 2009. While he played numerous Beatles, Wings, and solo classics with renewed vigor, he tossed in lesser known album tracks for longtime fans. Compiled from the July 18, 19, and 21 shows, the CD/DVD release Good Evening New York City proves that the legend has no intention of slowing down.
The best way to enjoy the spirit of these concerts is to view the DVD (the deluxe edition includes more bonus features and an additional DVD of his recent David Letterman appearance). Featuring crystal-clear resolution and multiple camera perspectives, the video captures the excitement of these shows, both from McCartney's and the audience's points of view. Hand-held camera shots show ecstatic fans singing along, crying, dancing, and just thoroughly enjoying themselves (amusingly, a disproportionate number of shots feature female audience members). Some segments even film McCartney from the audience's perspective, letting the viewer fully experience the feeling from those concerts.
Engineer Geoff Emerick and his team deserve accolades for their sound mixes. Due to the longtime Beatles engineer's expertise, the mix is arguably the best of all of McCartney's live albums. Unlike many live recordings, Good Evening New York City boasts a balanced yet nuanced sound; for example, all of McCartney's piano notes can be heard on the usually bombastic "Live and Let Die."
McCartney plays the usual Beatles standards--"Hey Jude," "Let It Be," and "Yesterday," among them—but he intersperses these familiar songs with lesser-known tracks and more current material. His fiery performance of "Only Mama Knows" (from 2007's Memory Almost Full) fits in seamlessly with Wings classics "Jet" and "Let Me Roll It." Two tracks from Electric Arguments, recorded under his alias The Fireman, make appearances: the rocking "Highway,"which also works quite well with his 70s work, and "Sing the Changes," which he played while an image of President Barack Obama flashed across the background screen. Another Memory Almost Full song, "Dance Tonight," becomes re-energized when performed live.
Two tracks from his underrated 1997 album Flaming Pie also comprise the set list: "Calico Skies," a tender ballad clearly written for his late wife Linda, and the album's title track, a fun rocker with humorous, absurd lyrics. Hardcore Wings fans must have enjoyed hearing the Band on the Run track "Mrs. Vanderbilt," with its catchy "ho, hey ho" chorus.
Article comments
1 - Karen Stoessel
OK Kit...I'm sold. I know there wasn't any bias here at all! :) I can't wait to get my copy and watch it over and over. Hopefully, my birthday fairy or Santa will be dropping this off at my house! As usual, awesome job.
2 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks, Karen! Hey, my mom even watched the DVD and loved it--and she's not a big fan! Definitely put this on your Christmas list.
3 - Keith Clark
Loved your review, but I have to correct you on the age of McCartney's bandmates. McCartney's backing musicians are not half his age--Brian Ray, Rusty Anderson, and Paul "Wix" Wickens are all in their 50's. Drummer Abe Laboriel, Jr. is around 40.
4 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks for commenting, Keith! When Paul first played with this band back in 2001, he was criticized for playing with "too young" a band; actually, this nitpicking began with the "Driving Rain" album. The band has definitely grown on me over the years, and now I'd rank them among the best touring bands he's ever played with.
5 - John Cherry
Paul is the best!! If you don't think so, I suggest reading "Better Than Lennon-The Music and Talent of Paul McCartney." Paul's live shows are the ultimate treat, and I say so from 22 of those experiences. Hope he will continue producing music for a long time.
6 - Richard
I just watched the New York concert on TV (ABC), and noticed that the identification (logo?) on the side of Paul's piano seemed to be digitally blurred in every shot, rendering it unreadable. Any idea why?
7 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks for commenting! Richard, I'm wondering if the pianomaker's name was on the side of the piano, and they blurred it to avoid any advertising (like when some people's t-shirts are blurred because they have logos or names on them--networks don't like free advertising!). I'll have to look at the DVD again and see if there's a blur on there, too, although I don't remember seeing it.
8 - JoelB
I saw the blur on tv, though I could tell it was obviously a Yamaha logo.