Search - Paul McCartney :: Back in the World (European Version)

A WONDERFUL KEEPSAKE

Guitar Man | New York, NY United States | 04/11/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Slightly different than the "Back in the US" CD released a few months earlier, "Back in the World" nonetheless works better as a whole. In my opinion, leaving the silly "Freedom" off the "World" CD automatically makes it better than the "U.S." CD. Now, I realize that for many people, "Freedom" was a highlight of the U.S. shows and indeed, it received some of the loudest cheers of the evening at the two shows I attended. It seems that "Freedom" is one of those 'love it or hate it' kind of tunes. So, if you love it and can't do without a live version, then the "U.S." CD is for you. If you can live without a live version of "Freedom", than you will be more than rewarded by plunking down the extra bucks for the import "World" CD. Besides deleting "Freedom", 'Back in the World' is enhanced by the inclusion of several songs played later in the tour or in one case, only in Europe and Japan. "Michelle", featuring Wix's accordian is sublime. "Let 'Em In" is looser and more playful than ever before, proving that Abe Laboriel Jr. does not overplay, as some have suggested, but instead brings a new, tougher dimension to Paul's music. "She's Leaving Home" is achingly beautiful and it amazes the listener to hear it played live and have it sound so wonderful, to boot!! Finally, the biggest revelation of the four tunes included on the "World" CD only, is "Calico Skies", originally performed as a solo acoustic number on the 'Flaming Pie' album. Here, it is performed with the full band, Paul & Rusty Anderson on acoustic guitars, Brian Ray on bass, Wix on accordian and Abe using brushes on the drums. The chorus features amazing four part harmonies and the crowd, judging by their cheers, whoops and hollers throughout, is obviously loving it. The band is outstanding throughout as is Paul's voice, which sounds better than it has live since Wings Over America back in 1976 !!!I agree with many others who bemoan the lack of stage patter and I would have given the CD 5 stars had they included some of Paul's between song comments. However, this is still a minor quibble. The sheer force of the music and the joy in the performances will leave you wanting more.If you can spring for the extra bucks, this is by far the best live CD Paul has ever released."

The Best concert of Paul McCartney

Alberto Ramos | Madero, Tamaulipas Mexico | 05/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was in the concert of november the 3rd in "Palacio de los Deportes" in Mexico City.. It was amazing...Paul was in great voice and he was full of energy. I think it was the day where Hey Jude was recorded for this cd. Paul was amazed about the thounsands of lighters that appeared right after he started to sing "Hey Jude" and all lighters were on and off following the rithm of the song.It's a great CD, specially because it includes some songs that were recorded during the first concert in Mexico City, which has been considered the best concert of the whole tour."

Asombroso Concierto

Enrique Salazar Ruiz | Lima, Lima Peru | 08/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Siguiendo la linea del Wings Over America, Tripping The Live Fantastic y Paul is Live aqui tenemos al segundo beatle con las mejores de sus canciones en solitario y con los fab four en vivo!!!. Versiones nunca escuchadas en vivo como Getting Better, momentos memorables como la versión de Something (tocado a capella con un ukelele, instrumento preferido de George) y Here Today dedicada a John. En este disco se siente la nostalgia por la ausencia de Linda al lado de Paul. A mi personalmente me da tristeza ya que eran la pareja perfecta. A todos los que somos fanaticos de los beatles y Paul es un CD que no puede faltar en casa."