MUSIC REVIEW OF THE DAY: PAUL MCCARTNEY - AMOEBA GIG

McCartney has been very active in reissues and deluxe versions of late, and this live set is part of a group of four reissues of live albums from over his career. The other three (Wings Across America, Choba B CCCP, Paul Is Live) are straight reissues (albeit now on coloured vinyl), but this one is vastly different from the limited-edition original, which was just a four-track EP released in 2007. Now it includes the entire show, some 78 minutes and 21 numbers.

The concert was special, a surprise show at the Hollywood store Amoeba Music. About 1,000 folks were able to crowd in to see Paul and band, and as he does for special events, McCartney came through with a fun and quite personal performance, clearly enjoying the different atmosphere. Since show was a promotional move, the set list was heavy with five cuts from his then-new Memory Almost Full album, sadly not one of his better efforts. It had a bit of a looking-back theme, and his "That Was Me," feels like he's bragging about being world-famous in his 20's. Lead single "Dance Tonight" certainly wouldn't get me off my chair, and "Nod Your Head" is a pointless exercise in audience participation, luckily a brief one.

Of course, he makes it all better with some deep cuts from The Beatles and Wings, including a couple of nice surprises. "I'll Follow The Sun" is a great choice with great Beatle harmonies, "Matchbox" was one of that band's favourite covers and a great rock'n'roll track, and "I Saw Her Standing There" always welcome, here a fun closing number. I personally have had enough of "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be" but they do go over great in small setting. There are plenty of McCartney live albums and DVD's to choose from, but this is a fine addition.