Back in the World

by

Paul McCartney

Edit

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.

This altered version of the Back in the US 2CD is updated for European release to coincide with the European tour. The CD adds Calico Skies (performed only in Osaka, Japan), Michelle, She's Leaving Home, and Let 'Em In, all performed during the shows on the Back in the US leg of tour, as well as Japan and Mexico City. Hey Jude is now from a performance in Mexico City, one of the three shows there in November, 2002.

Significantly removed is Freedom, which was performed at all US venues, but not outside the US. Is there a reason why Sir Paul believes "freedom" does not apply outside the USA? Nonetheless, the track is missing on this collection.

This should be an enjoyable collection, but even a sample listening reveals that the between song patter, the spice that made up each of the shows, is as gone from this collection as it was edited out from Back in the US. Kahne's ham-fisted production bleeds the remaining life from the recordings. It should be enjoyable, but it's really just a disposable souvenir. This is sad. The tour performances were excellent, and worth every rave review received. There was ample material for an outstanding live CD.

Sir Paul should have listened closely to the master before stamping his approval to it. It lacks the strong emotion of Wings Over America and the pull of Tripping the Live Fantastic. Sir Paul, sadly, has delivered merely adequate here.