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Post by Joe Karlosi on Nov 18, 2009 7:40:53 GMT -5
I ran right to Best Buy yesterday to pick up this special multi-disc set, at only $19.99. I didn't make any of Paul's Citifield shows this year and I regret it, but what's done is done. Anyway - I am dying to say that I thought MRS. VANDEBILT was the best and most exciting moment of this show!!! WOW!! I love it when there's a different song performed for a change, instead of the same ol' same ol' tired stuff -- and with this song you can easily see that Paul and the band are having a blast performing it!! And MRS. VANDEBILT is a perfect crowd pleaser that was just made for live concert performance! You can really tell that Paul himself came even more to life here and was relishing doing this different song. Unfortunately, then it was right back to sleepy routine with ELEANOR RIGBY for the zillionth time (YYYAWWWWWWWWNNNNN!!!!!) I always have agreed with fans who say they'd be thrilled if Paul would revamp his entire set list (and do only rare solo songs and odd Beatles trax), but I still have to be less selfish and objective and realize that, for every tour, there are fans who are only seeing Paul for the first time and who'd be rather disappointed if they didn't hear HEY JUDE, LET IT BE, YESTERDAY, or THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD. I know two people my own age who only saw Macca for their first time at Citifield, and they thought Paul was GREAT. In fact, I had one of these friends (who went to the first Citifield show) phone me the last couple of days all excited over obtaining this concert on DVD, and relishing songs like I SAW HERE STANDING THERE and BAND ON THE RUN. He was so impressed with Paul's show that he's now gone out to buy all Macca's OTHER concert DVDs! Paul's voice sounded overall very good throughout the DVD release, I thought. I didn't think he did too well with MY LOVE, and HERE TODAY turned into a mess, but I'm wondering if that was more because Paul was choked up and on the verge of losing it. Unlike most fans here, I don't mind crowd shots in these concert films -- I especially love seeing younger kids and teens getting into it. But sometimes they're too much. I was really pissed off when, during ONLY MAMA KNOWS (a favorite of mine), they have some girl talking in between it. What, do they think they can get away with that just because it's a "non-classic song"? And I also did not like the back and forth to old Shea Stadium 1965 footage when Paul was singing I'M DOWN. But, at least the untouched performance of I'M DOWN is made available as an extra. Speaking of extras -- I just love, love, love Paul's performance atop the David Letterman marquee. A beautiful sunny afternoon in NYC. I shoulda been there too. In the older days, I probably would have made the 45 minute train ride into Manhattan for it. What a novel moment in his history. All in all, Paul's still got it, at least judging by his performances here. If he can still do it, he might as well. It's amazing all the places my mind takes me to when I watch this stuff -- I think how Paul was there with his music through all facets of my life, from childhood to school, to high school graduation, my working years, the highs and lows, everything.
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Post by Beatle Bob on Nov 18, 2009 9:24:48 GMT -5
Nice review Joe! I watched most of the DVD and I'm impressed with the HD video and the quality of his voice. Obviously vocally it was sweetened in spots where there were rough edges, but the music is clear and defined, vocals upfront and the band is tight. He's been very animated on this tour like he's rejuvenated. Not doing a full-fledged tour saves his energy and his voice. Only two things I can live without. On the bonus disc, the fans documentary. Useless and boring. Taken from the flipcams given out to fans.... and the use of flipcam audience shots during songs. They are few, but quality-wise, don't match the HD video of the performance and those audience shots. What is nice though this time, is the audience reaction shots are limited. At first I thought the juxtaposition of The Beatles singing "I'm Down" along with teh 2009 live version was jaring. But....halfway through it I came to like the concept of showing history being made in '65 and '2009 using the same song. His voice in comparison, has lost the falsetto scream that used to be poweful on "I'm Down", but I found this segment made me smile. Now if Apple would only release the full Beatles At Shea 1965 film, I'd be one happy camper! I'm happy for the Best Buy bonus disc of the Letterman performance. I was in attendance on 53rd St and for me, to relieve a joyus unexpected event is thrilling. I haven't gotten to the CDs but I understand all between song intros have been eliminated. I guess that makes it different for a change. Regards, Beatle Bob
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Gary
Very Clean
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Post by Gary on Nov 18, 2009 10:10:25 GMT -5
I'm sorry to have to report that Beatle Bob is correct in his understanding that the between-song patter has been eliminated from the CDs. Wonder why they shortchanged the CD listener in that regard. I was also disappointed that except for in between songs, the only time an audience is apparent is during the audience participation bits (the na-na-na-na's in "Hey Jude," for instance). Overall, the CDs have more of a "soundcheck" feel than a "live in concert" feel. I haven't spent much time watching the DVDs; I just checked out a few songs from the concert, and I fast-forwarded through the Letterman disc. At the beginning of the concert it appeared that there were a lot of quick cuts, but later on in the show there seemed to be more longer shots. The "flip" video inserts were, for the most part, pointless. Some of them had potential - views of the stage from all sorts of different angles, like the photos I took on July 18 and July 21 - but overall, they were a waste of time. The Letterman material was interesting. It's the concert only, no interview. I just skimmed through this, and I didn't see Dave's appearance on top of the marquee saying goodbye to the TV audience, so I don't know if I just fast-forwarded past it or if they didn't put it in. Haven't looked at the fan documentary or the "complete" I'm Down so I can't comment - but now that I know some of the Shea footage was mixed in with the concert footage I understand why a special "complete" version of I'm Down was touted. (That was one part of the concert DVD I haven't yet seen.) As one who attended all three shows, this was a "must-have" item... but if I hadn't been there I'm not sure if this is something I'd be interested in.
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Post by Beatle Bob on Nov 18, 2009 10:54:35 GMT -5
Also, did anyone notice....Directed by: Paul McCartney ....and the stills (in the booklet) from the Beatles playing live at Shea photos credit is from The Beatles At Shea 1965 but, they're actually photos from their '66 gig there.Regards, Beatle Bob
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Gary
Very Clean
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Post by Gary on Nov 18, 2009 11:17:54 GMT -5
If my understanding is correct, one way to tell '65 from '66 is by looking at the scoreboard. If "N.Y. METS" is lit on the linescore at the bottom, and if "METS" is lit on the lineup board on the left, the photo is from '66.
(This is not to be confused with the circular Mets logo in the square at the top of the scoreboard, which was a permanent fixture at the time.)
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Post by Beatle Bob on Nov 18, 2009 11:33:30 GMT -5
If my understanding is correct, one way to tell '65 from '66 is by looking at the scoreboard. If "N.Y. METS" is lit on the linescore at the bottom, and if "METS" is lit on the lineup board on the left, the photo is from '66. (This is not to be confused with the circular Mets logo in the square at the top of the scoreboard, which was a permanent fixture at the time.) In these photos (in the booklet) they're wearing matching suit jackets and pants ('66). '65 had dark pants and beige "Nehru" jackets. Regards, Beatle Bob
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Post by OldFred on Nov 18, 2009 21:32:31 GMT -5
I was able to get the Best Buy version of Paul's Citi Field show. I also liked the way they cut between Paul's and the Beatles' version of 'I''m Down'. Was glad that the Best Buy bonus DVD included the complete version of 'I'm Down'. I was in the area along with Beatle Bob for Paul's performance on the Ed Sullilvan Theater marquee. I knew the area I was in, but I knew there was no way I was going to be able to spot myself. It was interesting to learn later that Beatle Bob wasn't that far away from me. My niece and one of my friends were there too, though I didn't know till later. The Letterman performance is a great souvenir of a summer with great memories.
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Post by jimc on Nov 20, 2009 0:15:47 GMT -5
I watched most of the DVD and I'm impressed with the HD video and the quality of his voice. Obviously vocally it was sweetened in spots where there were rough edges... Did someone mention Paul's voice... If by "sweetened" you mean Autotune, no that wasn't used, according to a good source. I don't know how you can say the vocals was "obviously" fixed after the fact. Why would there still be obvious, live rough spots on these released performances?
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Post by Joe Karlosi on Nov 20, 2009 6:56:30 GMT -5
I've been thinking of you, Jim. I was impressed, overall, with the sound of Paul's voice on the Citifield DVD (though there were some limitations and rough parts, obviously). I was wondering if they tinkered with the vocals.
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Post by Beatle Bob on Nov 20, 2009 9:07:48 GMT -5
I watched most of the DVD and I'm impressed with the HD video and the quality of his voice. Obviously vocally it was sweetened in spots where there were rough edges... Did someone mention Paul's voice... If by "sweetened" you mean Autotune, no that wasn't used, according to a good source. I don't know how you can say the vocals was "obviously" fixed after the fact. Why would there still be obvious, live rough spots on these released performances? For example, there are certain songs like Yesterday and Got To Get You Into My Life, that this year and last few tours, he has trouble with the high notes, time and time again. Every bootleg I have of this tour proves it out. This time they were spot on. Kinda suspicious to me Regards, Beatle Bob
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Post by jimc on Nov 20, 2009 11:55:45 GMT -5
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Post by Beatle Bob on Nov 20, 2009 11:58:03 GMT -5
I'm not claiming that process was used. I just think old fashion vocal overdubs to fix some rough spots were incorporated into the live recordings. Something Paulie has done quite regularly going back to WINGS OVER AMERICA. Regards, Beatle Bob
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Post by vectisfabber on Dec 19, 2009 12:02:48 GMT -5
Late to the party but, as someone who has been outspoken about the deterioration in Paul's voice in recent years, I was very impressed with what he delivered here. His age is clearly showing, but his voice stood up well, and I am very impressed at a 67 year old delivering a 33 song show, centre stage, in good voice, for 3 nights in succession.
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Post by John S. Damm on Dec 19, 2009 13:18:51 GMT -5
LOL! My Best Buy version is still wrapped and sitting on top of my receiver waiting to be opened and played. Every time I think the time is right, I fall asleep or other distractions come up. I am not allowed to play this while my wife is awake and watching television in our family room. By the way, how did I miss that our friend jimc posted in November?
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Post by ursamajor on Dec 19, 2009 17:29:37 GMT -5
This concert was great, no Maybe I'm Amazed or C Moon which was good for a change. The band and the crowd were into it.
Billy Joel only comes onstage for one song ? I think Billy should have sung John's part in A Day in a Life. Maybe it's the reverse John/Elton I Saw Her Standing There scenario.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2009 0:53:37 GMT -5
My copy of this dvd is yet to be played,i'm still testing out different beers trying to find the one that is just right for a Paul concert.....it's a tough job but i'm willing to soldier on because i'm expecting to see a great show and i want the conditions just right...... ;D
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Post by John S. Damm on Dec 20, 2009 4:02:56 GMT -5
My copy of this dvd is yet to be played,i'm still testing out different beers trying to find the one that is just right for a Paul concert.....it's a tough job but i'm willing to soldier on because i'm expecting to see a great show and i want the conditions just right...... ;D That really is part of my problem too. Before I can play my Macca dvd, I need the perfect beer; can't be a work night but not too late on the weekend; my television room tidy and clean; perfect alignment of the Earth and Moon, etc. Let It Be may be officially out on dvd before I get around to watching Good Evening New York City.
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