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Movie of the Moment

Jan-04-11 21:37

by chris (Posted Jan-04-11 21:37)
where the wild things are. a children's book recreated. sounds simple. if i recall the book i read by the same name had no more than ten sentences. director spike jonze does an amazing job of making a young boy's fantasy (okay, or nightmare) seem perfectly real. boy gets in trouble with mom. mom sends him up to his room without dinner. instead of going to sleep, he runs away and finds a boat. with this boat he sails a stormy sea. then he finds an island where unpeakably horrible monsters reside. they should eat him. they don't. in fact, max (the child) convinces them to make him their king. why? because it is max's fantasy.

i loved this movie. the different characters on the island each had a human emotion you could perfctly relate to. and they looked real. at least i felt they did. it was not as if i were watching some CGI character. at least i don't think it was. they were not lovable. they were dangerous. they were unpredictable. they were...like life.

he ends up where he has always been. at home. with mom. with all the reassurances mom can provide. he is home. safe. you will like this movie even if you do not recall reading the book as a child. but as an adult, if you did read the book, you just may remember, if only for a brief moment, what being a child was really like. see this movie.

why do we give to charity, exactly?

Jan-04-11 20:55

by chris (Posted Jan-04-11 20:55)
while walking to a downtown concert last week i was approached by a homeless man. in chicago, a group of homeless try selling a newspaper, more of a brochure, really...for whatever charitable donation they can get for it. the paper is written by, printed by and completely constructed by the local homeless people (donations...such as printing presses and the paper it is printed on are not only welcome, but encouraged.) it wasn't the first time this has happened. and truth be told, i'm a lot more likely to keep walking past the guy without any remorse because either i have someplace to be, i have no disposable income to pass out, or maybe even just indifferent to their current situation at that particular time.

i flipped the guy a five...wished him luck and told him he could keep the newspaper for his next "sale". and know what? i felt sort of good about myself. but that got me to thinking...why do we give to charity? i know there can be charitable donations for tax reasons. and there is the feeling that you may have done something, however inconsequencial, to make a part of some elses life just a bit better. but i thought for the first time, i did that for me. i feel better having done that.

is that selfish? that is, can an act of kindness be as much (or more) about yourself than about whom you are trying to help? and if so...is it still a charitable act?

Book of the Moment

Jan-04-11 17:26

by bonovox66 (Posted Jan-04-11 17:26)
That is the second time in just a few weeks someone has mentioned that book. It must be a sign I need to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation James.

2011 New album from Paul??

Jan-04-11 15:51

by Harrythebannister (Posted Jan-04-11 15:51)
I believe Paul had laid down a number of tracks back in the fall of '09, but only "I Want To Come Home" has seen the light of day so far, unless you include the studio version of "Meat Free Mondays" from the same period. Hopefully there will be something this year.

Listen To What The Man Said

Jan-04-11 15:38

by bonovox66 (Posted Jan-04-11 15:38)
Thought I was one of the few people in the world to appreciate this song. Great song, great music, fun lyrics to sing along to. Yes! Perfect for the next tour!

Start discussing

Jan-04-11 13:12

by eggman1979 (Posted Jan-04-11 13:12)
Well, I don't visit Macca's official web site too often, I preffer Macca-central instead. I just found on the official site this review from the winner of the competition to get a travel to Mexico and tickets to the second concert concert last May 28th. I loved the story and want to share it with you all:

A Review From Mexico By The Website Competition Winner

Review By Joel Nelson - Website Competition Winner

I’ve read in the past tons of interviews and all the stuff posted by Stuart each saying what a great guy Paul McCartney is. Honestly: I’ve never quite believed that a man who is lauded as the greatest pop composer/performer ever, who has sold millions of records, who can sell out a 60,000 seat stadium in less than half an hour, could be anything other than a bit arrogant and impressed with himself. I was completely wrong.

That he would run such an incredibly generous and hugely enjoyable competition says something about the thoughtfulness and kindness of the man. It was such a thrill to travel to Mexico City. We were put up in a great hotel and treated to a fascinating afternoon culminating, after a meeting with Paul himself, in seeing a wonderful concert from front row seats.

First were taken around backstage by Shelley Lazar who was really kind and introduced us to whoever we met. Everyone took the trouble to stop and talk to us and enthuse with us about our amazing good luck! We saw the massive amount of equipment that is used to stage Paul’s concerts and which travels with him whenever and wherever he performs. We’d imagined that most of the lighting and stuff was fixed permanently to the stage. Actually, it was explained that all the stuff is transported in a fleet of trucks and everything on the stage is taken down in only 10 hours.

We met the band in the vegetarian food only canteen. Again, none of them were arrogant or anything other than incredibly nice; they even signed my programme!

We went up on the stage and saw all Paul’s guitars, there’s a lot of them and they’re all so cool. We saw George Harrison’s ukulele and the guitar Paul played on the Ed Sullivan show.

We then watched the sound check which I always, wrongly, assumed was just the band playing around for 10 minutes to check the acoustics. Instead it was Paul and the band playing his songs, most of them ones he didn’t play during the concert. It was great hearing ‘C Moon’, ‘Coming up’, ‘Only Mama Knows’, ‘Lady Madonna’, ‘Yesterday’, ‘Midnight special’, ‘Dance Tonight’, ‘Honey Don’t’, ‘Matchbox’ and ‘(I Want To) Come Home’. He waved at us because he knew we were the competition winners. Promptly all the, I’ll say excitable rather than crazed, fans started taking pictures of us because he knew who we were. Word of advice: always go to the sound check. In future, I will.

After that we got taken backstage again, where we were given a vegetarian supper which was incredibly nice. Considering the meal was produced in the back of a tent we didn’t know what to expect but they do some wonderful Glamorgan sausages and mash and the lentil curry was fab!

Later we were taken to meet Paul which was without a doubt the best part of the entire trip. He was one of the nicest guys we’ve ever met. Incredibly kind (we met him only about half an hour before he was due to do his show and he didn’t rush us) he signed some stuff for me and told us to watch out for all the Mexicans keeping time to the music with their cigarette lighters. (He sang a song about them in the concert which was rapturously received!) A great guy. Going back to the eating area after our meeting with Paul, we talked to one of the catering staff, Lucy, about what it was like working for him. Like everyone we met during our stay with the crew, she couldn’t compliment him highly enough. It was clear that everyone who works for him adores him and you can certainly see why.

We watched the concert, from front row seats, which was really great. Some people who had been at the sound check, hearing that we’d met him, were unsettlingly keen to touch our hands because we’d shaken his.

Paul played for well over 2 hours with a great set list full of the best of the Beatles, Wings and his solo career. Opening with ‘Venus and Mars’, fused with ‘Rockshow’ was great as was hearing ‘I’ve Just Seen A Face’ live. It was an amazing show which none of us wanted to end dispute the driving rain. We came home the next day buzzing with enthusiasm and delight and overwhelming gratitude to Sir Paul and all his friends for giving us the experience of a lifetime!

If he ever runs another one of these competitions, go in for it.

Joel Nelson

MACCA Radio changing stream hosting this week

Jan-04-11 12:18

by eastwing97 (Posted Jan-04-11 12:18)
OMG!
Thank you so much for the updated info about the radio stream, I have been going crazy trying to troubleshoot why FStream stopped playing MACCA Radio properly on my iPhone 4 (SHOUTCast continued to work, but it's not my app of choice for listening). Just found your posts here, changed the stream info in FStream and VIOLA!! - it's now working like a charm! I only recently realized that I can stream MACCA Radio in my car through my phone, and I am thrilled to have it back!!

On another note, thank you for all you do to keep this site maintained. I have been a FabFan since the beginning, and a fan of your site for years. I look to MACCA-Central exclusively to keep me up-to-date on all things Macca. I met Paul many times in the mid-seventies, and have often thought of putting those stories on paper - if I ever do, I will look to post them to your site, as I know this is a place where those special memories will be enjoyed and appreciated.....

You are amazing, keep up the great work!!

Best always,
Cindy

Is Paul McCartney Too Old to Perform?

Jan-04-11 11:21

by stuart7 (Posted Jan-04-11 11:21)
I just hope Paul doesn't turn into Dick Clark, who obviously doesn't know that he shouldn't be doing TV anymore (if you saw New Year's eve, you know what I mean)

Gwen Stefani,No Doubt, Steven Tyler Annual Kennedy Center H

Jan-03-11 17:44

by Mike (Posted Jan-03-11 17:44)

derekjdavis wrote:Anybody find it odd that Ringo did not make an appearance? I mean if Paul can show up at Ringo's birthday Ringo should be able to show up when Paul is getting this honor. He is probably jealous I'm sure. I doubt he's had a sold-out concert in six seconds like Paul has and he'll never get an award as prestigious as this!

Don't find it odd at all. In fact, I would have found it odd if he had attended. I would of course enjoyed it but it wasn't a Beatle award. He never attends Paul's personal award ceremonies.

::Wings at the Speed of Sound

Jan-03-11 15:54

by bravefan (Posted Jan-03-11 15:54)
I really like Beware My Love.. there are a few really good songs on this album. I really wish Cook of the House had been left off though.

Happy New Year

Jan-03-11 15:48

by bravefan (Posted Jan-03-11 15:48)
Let's hope it's a great year for Macca and all his fans.

REVIEW: "LLP 16mm Film Print" Shea - Beatles (MC 1 DVD)

Jan-01-11 18:33

by Beatle Bob (Posted Jan-01-11 18:33)
REVIEW: "LLP 16mm Film Print" (Shea) Beatles –Beatles (MC 1 DVD)

By Beatle Bob

The Beatles At Shea Stadium has always been a favorite or mine, as well as most fans - for the documentation (in color) of the Beatles historic concert in 1965 from the NY Mets’ Shea Stadium. We’ve tolerated lousy 16mm prints and savored the pristine first generation source clips used in Anthology and still scratch our heads as to why Apple hasn’t released a remastered version to the public. Now, we finally have the closest thing.

A while back when Misterclaudel touted they have an improved 16mm print of The Beatles At Shea Stadium in the offering, I still wasn’t convinced their online trailer (issued for comparison) was enough. I was skeptical; was it just color corrected? It did whet my whistle enough to acquire a copy. This new print though, is not the full TV broadcast version including the intro by Arthur Fiedler, etc. It’s just the concert. In my opinion, it’s the most preferable way to present it here.

Contents as follows:

ABOUT “LPP” l6mm PRINT
01. An introduction

“LPP” l6mm PRINT Digital Tele-Cine
02. Introduction
03. Twist And Shout
04. I Feel Fine
05. Dizzy Miss Lizzy
06. Ticket To Ride
07. Can't Buy Me Love
08. Baby's In Black
09. Act Naturally
10. A Hard Day's Night
11. Help!
12. I'm Down

“RE-BUILT”
13. introduction
14. Twist And Shout
15. She's A Woman
16. I Feel Fine
17. Dizzy Miss Lizzy
18. Ticket To Ride
- Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby (snippet)
19. Can't Buy Me Love
20. Baby's In Black
21. Act Naturally
22. A Hard Day's Night
23. Help!
24. I'm Down

“IN STEREO”
25. Dizzy Miss Lizzy
26. Baby's In Black
27. I'm Down

28. Misterclaudel trailer for upcoming product

ED SULLIVAN SHOW - AUGUST l4, l965
29. Introduction by Ed
30. I Feel Fine
31. I’m Down
32. Act Naturally
33. Ticket To Ride
34. Yesterday
35. Help!

I don’t think their information is accurate in terms of this “LLP” print being a 2nd generation negative of a 16mm film used for 35mm projection. It was more likely the other way around. No matter. This print is a much needed find. Color saturation is the closest yet to Anthology. Print is extremely clean. Remarkably it doesn’t show much dust, speckles, and scratches as one would expect from a 45 year old print. It’s a high generation dub. For once a Misterclaudel DVD doesn’t have many issues with artifacts, ghosting or drop-out as in the past. They also did the right thing in syncing the mono soundboard to this new print. It possesses a rougher sound giving an edge to their performance. Until Apple gets around to releasing a remastered Shea --this one now is the place holder.

Continuing on with the disc, I wasn’t keen on the “Rebuilt” version. It uses multiple audio (stereo and mono) and visual sources. It plays way too loud with some slight volume fluxuations. I couldn’t watch it more than once. Noble try.

The “Stereo” versions are taken from Anthology (“Baby’s In Black,” “I’m Down”) with “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” taken from the music video issued to promote Anthology. These are nice to have in one place.

The Ed Sullivan performance from 1965 is issued here in stereo. I could have been excited except it was already done in stereo by Mirror Spock. I guess this was included to round out their NY appearances that August. Though it sounds good and looks good too.

If you’re looking for the definitive version of The Beatles At Shea-- you have found it with this DVD from Misterclaudel. This one is highly recommended and comes with the Beatle Bob “stamp of approval.”

Regards,
Beatle Bob

(Next up: MC's Beatles - Come to Town and Hobnail's The Empire Strikes Back)

REVIEW: "Thank Your Lucky Stars" - Beatles (MC 1 DVD)

Jan-01-11 16:25

by Beatle Bob (Posted Jan-01-11 16:25)
REVIEW: “THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS” – Beatles – Misterclaudel 1 DVD (MCDVD20)

BY BEATLE BOB

There was still is a plethora of Beatles discs being issued during the later part of 2010; whether on CD or DVD – that comes from either a traditional bootleg label (issuing factory pressed discs)- or coming from collectors who remaster previously released audio and video; offering it for free via downloads(ie; folks like helter skelter80 and Hobnail) - that is done with care and respect for the material. With all the discs I’ve had backlogged for review, the smartest thing is for me to start with the oldest disc and work my way forward.

The Beatles appeared on Thank Your Lucky Stars TV program multiple times between 1963 and 1966. What this disc offers are two performances from ’63, one from 64 and one from ’66. All performances are lip-synced (mimed performances)before a live audience (except for The Lucky Stars Special ’64 and ’66) and nicely done at that. In the early years they took (miming) more seriously: Less chances of John mocking their attempts at synchronization; though by the ’64 performance, they seem to be going through the motions (see how in comparison, the ’63 lip sync performances are full of energy and excitement). These shows look to be in the best available quality that has been floating around for years (that doesn’t mean they are pristine) with one notable exception: The 11/64 show opens with “I Feel Fine” nicely segueing between two different video sources for nearly half the performance: The usual blurry version and a new (to me)much clearer source, that has improved contrast and clarity. It would be nice to see the full improved video if it’s available. My favorite is the complete 12/15/63 program Thank Your Lucky Stars On Merseyside which includes many other Mersey artists. Compared to what I have in my collection, this is an improvement in video quality. Quite possibly a 2nd generation source. It’s not perfect either, but it’s much easier on the eyes than the rest of the shows contained on this disc. The ’66 show is the typical lousy quality that strains the eyes. They’ve superimposed the title of the show over the time code (on top of the Beatles’ promo videos of “Rain” and “Paperback writer.”) Personally I’d rather read that than watch time-code numbers fly by.

The disc offers two audio choices: Original and remastered. Stick with the original as the audience is miked live masking its lip synced qualities somewhat. Switching to the remastered audio , its feel becomes one of a music video.

Overall it’s a nice compilation putting all available shows in one place. If these were truly live (and not mimed performances) I’d call it essential

Regards,
Beatle Bob

(Next up: Misterclaudel’s Beatles’ - “LLP” 16mm Film Print (Shea), Beatles -Come To Town and Hobnail’s The Empire Strikes Back)

Paul on Jimmy Fallon

Dec-30-10 21:36

by derekjdavis (Posted Dec-30-10 21:36)

Mike wrote:The occasion was the 30th anniversary of John's death, he did play it somewhat different than his usual live performance adding the riff before the last verse. Jimmy actually talked about Pipes of Peace as well as more on Band on the Run, all in all one of the best guest spot in years.

I agree. It was so cool and it was a beautiful version of it. It was apparent how big of a fan Jimmy is. He also expressed that when Ringo was on a while ago. I'm starting to like him more and more!

Most dissapointed with Paul

Dec-30-10 18:13

by derekjdavis (Posted Dec-30-10 18:13)

Mike wrote:I do wish he'd get very selfish for a special tour. His favourite songs, not ones he thinks fans "have to hear". Like in the studio he'll put together what feels right at the time. He could go through each album and play songs that may not be popular but are his favs and we know there are tons of those, otherwise he would never have recorded them in first place.

Nice to think this would happen but I still think he would sell out shows.

A tour like that won't happen. I wish it would but the time for that is pretty much over.

elvis costello at the chicago theatre

Dec-29-10 11:41

by bonovox66 (Posted Dec-29-10 11:41)

james1985 wrote:
chris wrote:
and DO NOT spend all of your fine concert going time with a cell phone in your hand trying to record a song or group of songs. be there. enjoy your time. watch and enjoy the concert. don't play with your phone. memories are what we have to look back on and remember fondly. not messing with blurry electronic devises.

I couldn't agree more. Went to see Interpol the other week and I spent so much time getting annoyed at people playing with their phones and not watching the gig that I got distracted from the gig! I'll take one pic for posterity, then just enjoy the show.

And then they'll check out their video of the previous song as the next song's being played!

The worst for me is all the texting durin concerts "OMG they just played ______" 5 minutes later "OMG now playing _____" Come on, enjoy the show. Once you get home there will be tons of pics, setlists, recaps and even audio of the show, Use the time at t he concert to enjoy the music, People have forgotten how to enjoy music. I forget where I heard this but somone said "music has become an accessory" and that is so true. What happebned to music being a cultural and social experience?

Glad you got to go to the show Chris.

Macca earns 400K-600K per year off Xmas Song

Dec-28-10 17:21

by cd1500rpm (Posted Dec-28-10 17:21)
It is a Paul solo recording. The Back To The Egg 1993 Remaster liner notes say:

Wonderful Christmastime: The first output from the McCartney solo sessions of mid-1979. Rudolph was recorded in '75, also without Wings.

"GOOD EVENING NEW YORK CITY"- New Live MACCA CD/DVD

Dec-28-10 17:02

by EddieV (Posted Dec-28-10 17:02)
Gave this another view today and was totally blown away with it. It is great!!

Paul doing You Won't See Me in 2004

Dec-28-10 13:31

by Ram On 1965 (Posted Dec-28-10 13:31)
That's funny you mention that song because I recently was watching a DVD of that same show and a few days later, got a sweet 2 CD set of the same show. I wish he would have played that in 2005 in San Jose or even at The Neil Young 2004 Bridge School Benefit concert that Paul played at. Regardless, there are only a few old favorite from the Beatle years that I would love to see him still play live. Play on Paulie, play on!

Abbey Road Crosswalk Given Landmark Status

Dec-26-10 12:32

by I am the Paulrus (Posted Dec-26-10 12:32)
Abbey Road Crosswalk Given Landmark Status

December 22, 2010

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12059385

The Abbey Road zebra crossing in north London - made famous after appearing on a Beatles album cover - has been given Grade II listed status.

The crossing - the first of its kind to be listed - is being recognised for its "cultural and historical importance" following advice from English Heritage.

The Beatles were photographed on Abbey Road in Ian Macmillan's iconic cover shot for the 1969 album Abbey Road.

Sir Paul McCartney said it was the "icing on the cake" in a great year.

'Huge cultural pull'

The original zebra crossing, where the photograph was taken, was moved several metres for traffic management reasons more than 30 years ago, and no original features remain.

A spokesman for Westminster City Council said: "The detail of exactly when and why the crossing was moved from its original location have been lost in the annals of time.

"But by comparing photographs with the Ordnance Survey maps, we believe that the crossing might have been further north nearer 3 Abbey Road, which was the front house of the EMI Studios, because the steps of Neville Court appear to the right of the crossing in original photographs of the crossing, whereas the present crossing is near the junction of Abbey Road and Grove End Road."

But John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage, said: "This London zebra crossing is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a 10-minute photo-shoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage."

Roger Bowdler, head of designation at English Heritage, said: "This is obviously an unusual case and, although a modest structure, the crossing has international renown and continues to possess huge cultural pull - the temptation to recreate that iconic 1969 album cover remains as strong as ever.

"Together with the nearby Abbey Road studios, also listed at Grade II on our advice, they remain a Mecca for Beatles fans the world over."

Sir Paul said: "It's been a great year for me and a great year for the Beatles and hearing that the Abbey Road crossing is to be preserved is the icing on the cake."

The crossing is outside the Abbey Road studios, where the Beatles recorded much of their output.

That building was granted Grade II listed status in February.

A Grade II listing, the most common protected status, means that a building or monument is recognised as nationally important and of special interest.

Wonderful Christmastime - live 2010

Dec-24-10 13:10

by jgkojak (Posted Dec-24-10 13:10)

Paul and his private life

Dec-23-10 17:06

by lorraine (Posted Dec-23-10 17:06)
I think the Heather Mills debacle has made Paul want to keep his personal life private even more so than he ever did before. Since he's been dating Nancy Shevell, the public knows very little about Nancy. He hasn't really flaunted the fact that he's in a relationship with Nancy the way he did with Heather. It's nice that Paul is in the headlines for his music and not his personal life which is the way it should be.

"Real Love"

Dec-23-10 08:34

by mclarke825 (Posted Dec-23-10 08:34)
No, it was Abraham Martin, and of course, John.

Magical Mystery Tour

Dec-22-10 18:43

by james1985 (Posted Dec-22-10 18:43)
Yeah, I agree MMT doesn't really work.

It's still brilliant that he did some shows opening with V&M/RS/Jet this year. I really never ever thought he would.

Merry Christmas everyone

Dec-22-10 18:40

by james1985 (Posted Dec-22-10 18:40)
Merry Christmas, happy new year to all at macca-central: past and present.

And Mike, thanks for another fun year.

::LOVE

Dec-22-10 04:47

by EddieV (Posted Dec-22-10 04:47)
Damn great. Wish I could go and see Cirque De Soleil.

Just listened to the Remastered Mono

Dec-22-10 02:24

by EddieV (Posted Dec-22-10 02:24)
The mon version of The White Album is great.

Paul should tour like Dylan

Dec-22-10 02:23

by EddieV (Posted Dec-22-10 02:23)
Paul tries to play his songs just as they were recorded. Maybe he shouldn´t care so much about that!

Oblogdi-Oblogda Appears To Have Been Spammed

Dec-21-10 14:33

by Mike (Posted Dec-21-10 14:33)
Yep, as soon as I go away for the weekend. Took care of it today.

...stickin' your hand in the Medicine Jar!

Dec-21-10 08:48

by pologallagher (Posted Dec-21-10 08:48)
thank you!
that was such a nice song and an awesome performance as well, what a powerful band that line up of Wings was!.
Hopefully we will finally have a better version of WOA in the newt remaster.
peace to you all,

polo