I need to confess something, I am older than dirt, and grew up through The Beatles phenom, and basically I did not like them. To put it bluntly I did not see any redeeming features in the band, they went from young ‘boy wonders’ to self important gurus, of the music world. I for one lost no tears when they split up, John Lennon and George Harrison went on to cultivate all sorts of pretentious music, while Ringo banged his drums at anyone that would listen. That leaves Paul McCartney, and there is no doubt in my mind that he is by far the best musician to come out of group and often overshadowed by the pomposity of John and George. Paul McCartney soldiered on, and found a wonderful vehicle in ‘Wings’, and an excellent co-conspirator in his alas now deceased wife Linda.
Rhino has just released a 3 DVD collection, a reflective look at this very gifted musician.
With over 35 years of material to choose from, this 6 hour, tour de force really spotlights this wonderful performer. Disc 1 and 2 are a compilation of his music videos while disc 3 contains footage of 3 live concerts. One of the most appealing aspects to this boxed set is the commentary that Paul McCartney adds to some of the tracks.
Why be conventional? So I will start with disc 3, the live concerts are nothing short of excellent, and my favorite is the 2004 Glastonbury Festival, with the rain teeming down, they give the performance of a lifetime, to a crowd that is huge. As he adds in his commentary “We played an encore, by this time everything was wet, I put on my wellies†(thats rubber boots for you non Brits). “Unplugged†is exactly that, an entirely acoustic set, and “Rockshow†is a rock and roll extravaganza. Filmed in 1976, it shows the young and yet still mature “Wingsâ€.
Disc 1 and 2 are a collage of just about every Paul McCartney song you have ever heard of, and some you have probably have not! The track list is huge, and I would wear out my keyboard and my fingers just typing it in. I do have some favorites though. I am not a fan of Michael Jackson but the collaboration on “Say, Say, Say†is spectacular, and the video outstanding. The perennial “Band On The Run†makes an appearance, featuring a montage of pictures and images of the Beatles, which is a very apt backdrop, the song is about the band after all. My all time favorite “Mull of Kintyre†gets double billing, and I love both versions.
If you are a fan of Sir Paul, yes his is a Knight, you can order your copy from Rhino. You can also check out the trailers, trailer 1 and trailer 2. If you are still not convinced get a sneak peek of “Silly Love Songsâ€.
This is a great addition to anyones music library, it is a highly polished and professional boxed set. The extras alone are worth the cost of admission.
Simon Barrett
6 users commented in " DVD Review: The McCartney Years "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThanks for the review – my hubby is a Beatles Fan (not the die-hard, fainting level, but fan just the same) – I think he would enjoy this. Thanks again!
Smiles,
RJ
How much do I love this review? Let me count the ways. First, you avoid all the received opinions about the Beatles and Linda McCartney, and presume to have your own opinion. While I would not scorn the Beatles and John Lennon as thoroughly as you do, I will defend to the death your right to hear them as you hear them. You like Mull of Kindyre, you recommend Silly Love Songs, and … but wait. Your opinions are such a thorough contrast with the standard McCartney review that I’m no longer sure you didn’t write a parody of the Mull-hating, Linda-scorning, Silly-Love-Songs deriding “critics.”
Perhaps you did, but like Paul, I’m an optimist, and will believe you an honest critic. So let me second your vote for Linda McCartney as an “excellent co-conspirator.” I hear her as a fine backup singer, a professional keyboardist, and, last but not least, the person who gave her husband the heart to take up his next musical career after the Beatles disbanded. She is not an insignificant figure in music history.
And I second your recommendation for The McCartney Years–many fine videos are saved from tape-rot, or whatever happens to neglected videos. I have only begun to explore the three discs, and have no idea when I’ll be finished.
And as a footnote to McCartney history, I am hazarding the guess that he put his Wellies on for the encore at Glastonbury because he remembered perfectly well the consequences of playing on a wet stage among possibly faulty electrical wiring. He was avoided electrocution as a Beatle, and his career is a tribute to his talent, industry, and prudence. A rare combination of qualities in a stellar performer and composer.
Thank you again for your warm praise for the DVD set’s production and contents.
[…] My Telegraph wrote an interesting post today!.Here’s a quick excerpt [IMG]I need to confess something, I am older than dirt, and grew up through The Beatles phenom, and basically I did not like them. To put it bluntly I did not see any redeeming features in the band, they went from young ‘boy wonders’ to self important gurus, of the music world. I for one lost no tears when they split up, John Lennon and George Harrison went on to cultivate all sorts of pretentious music, while Ringo banged his drums at anyone that would listen. That leaves Paul McCartney, and t […]
I’m so glad that a non-Beatle person was won over!!I am a first generation Beatles fan,and Sir Paul has always been my favorite.I “grew into” the other Beatles.”The McCartney Years” DVD’s are superb.Finally in one place,are all the videos I’ve been trying to locate!! The commentary of Sir Paul’s is honest and captivating.This DVD collection won my husband over also.He wants to get his guitar out of the pawn shop!!!!
This set is a must for all Paul and LInda Fans, Videos, interviews, commentaries, All things Paul. Wings etc. A nice trip down memory lane. A true enjoyment. Of Course Linda, always nice to see Linda, Thank You Paul for sharing
Your taste in music is so shallow it is a wonder that you exist at all.
If I ever met you I could not bring myself to shake your hand.
But it is a good thing God loves you, for most people could not. Don’t tell your loved ones about your taste in music.
If they already know and are ok with it, I am sure I would not like them either.
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