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The Obama Watch
Obam-La-Di, Obam-La-Da
Why can’t Paul McCartney let life go on?
In the grand scheme of things there were far more egregious things said last week than Sir Paul McCartney’s assertion that former President George W. Bush didn’t know what a library was after receiving the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
In the wake of the flotilla incident one can take far greater umbrage towards Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s assertion that he “does not see Hamas as a terror organization.” It certainly wasn’t nearly as offensive as White House Press Corps doyen Helen Thomas’ edict that Jews should “get the hell out of Palestine” and to “go home” to Poland and Germany. Or should I say ex-White House Press Corps doyen? Unlike Thomas, McCartney certainly hasn’t sung his last song.
Yet the former Beatle’s quip merits some scrutiny. At best, his comment is borne of ignorance. Given former First Lady Laura Bush’s background as a librarian, the Bushes have been stalwart supporters of public libraries. In fact, federal funding for public libraries increased 30% during the Bush presidency. At worst, his comment is steeped in maliciousness. Of course, Sir Paul is entitled to his opinion of George W. Bush and is free to express that opinion if he so wishes. But just because he can doesn’t mean he should.
Now one can make the case that McCartney is just the latest in the long line of celebrities who have made derisive comments about the 43rd President. Why then should I be surprised at his outburst? Yet I am very surprised he would say such a thing. Frankly, I expected more of him than I would say Sean Penn or Susan Sarandon.
I have had the privilege of seeing McCartney perform in concert on two occasions. Most recently, I saw Macca play at Fenway Park in Boston last August with my roommate Christopher. A splendid time was had by all. McCartney played well over thirty songs including two encores and did so with an energy and enthusiasm of a man at least half his age. When it comes to playing his music he is certainly not half the man he used to be.
Before McCartney played “Blackbird” he said he had written it in response to racial tensions that were going on in the United States in the late 1960s and that “Blackbird” actually represented a black girl. He made an oblique reference to Obama in that things had come a very long way in America since then. If McCartney had any animosity towards George W. Bush or anyone else in the world that night he just let it be.
McCartney is certainly no stranger to political activism. He is well known for his advocacy of vegetarianism and animal rights and has been a supporter of organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). McCartney is also known for his support for the banning of landmines. Whatever one might think of the causes he chooses to associate himself with he has generally done so in a positive manner.
You might recall when McCartney and his then wife Heather Mills debated Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, on Larry King Live in March 2006 over the commercial seal hunt in Canada. While Mills behaved belligerently McCartney tried to maintain a civil discourse with Williams. Soon after that appearance McCartney and Mills would head for divorce court.
It is also worth remembering that McCartney would play in Israel in September 2008 despite being on the receiving end of death threats from Omar Bakri Mohammed, a Muslim cleric once based in London now living in Lebanon. Calling McCartney “the enemy of every Muslim”, Mohammed stated, “If he values his life, Mr. McCartney must not come to Israel. He will not be safe there.”
Undeterred, McCartney played in Tel Aviv where again a splendid time was had by all. The fact that McCartney played in Israel at all is significant in light of the recent decision of his friend and occasional musical collaborator Elvis Costello to cancel tour dates in the Jewish State this summer.
Before the show, McCartney visited the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and stated, “All we need is peace in the region and a two-state solution.” McCartney might be shocked to know that he and Bush are in agreement on a two-state solution. During a speech in the Rose Garden in June 2002, Bush stated, “My vision is two states, living side by side in peace and security.”
So in light of McCartney’s generally sunny disposition and even tempered approach to his political activity his denigration of Bush seemed both out of character and out of place.
But given that McCartney articulated his disdain for Bush in the presence of Obama and his family I wonder how the First Family reacted since the camera did not pan to them after his remark. So unlike Jerry Seinfeld, we don’t know if President Obama and the First Lady laughed, applauded or fist pumped in approval of McCartney’s dig at Bush. But given President Obama’s own repeated barbs at his predecessor, what else are we to think?
As for me, this episode doesn’t mean I’ll never listen to the Beatles, Wings or McCartney’s solo material again. However, I might have second thoughts about spending a couple of hundred dollars to see McCartney in concert. Whatever my disappointment, life will go on — Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da. Or rather, Obam-La-Di, Obam-La-Da.
About the Author
Aaron Goldstein writes from Boston, Massachusetts.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (143) | Leave a comment
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Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 6.8.10 @ 6:50AM
Paul McCartney is simply another rich and talented elitist who is too busy to get the facts, so he supports the urban legend that is passed along.
Not matter how rich liberals get, no matter what they discover, they are liberals first, last and always. It's a character flaw for which are few cures.
Long term chronic marijuana usage has been tied to several mental illnesses so perhaps Sir Paul is simply a victim of his own largess, i.e., too little reading and too much dope smoking.
Alan Brooks| 6.8.10 @ 7:33AM
But when did Macca ever criticize REAGAN publicly?
Maybe Macca knows talent when he sees it.
I dislike the Bushes for the same reason as I dislike the Kennedys: an excessive interest in power-- and the Kennedys (not for lack of trying) only got one of theirs' squeezed into the White House by Papa Joe. Bushes got two.
The Reagans are modest; the Gipper's stepson has a radio program, and he is not an ultra-egotist as so many are on hate-radio today.
Radegunda| 6.8.10 @ 12:04PM
"Hate-radio" = "radio that I disagree with."
carnot| 6.8.10 @ 3:14PM
exactly!!!
Chairman Nobomba| 6.8.10 @ 4:12PM
Dear Mr alan,
By calling Sir Paul as Macca, I can see that you are a fellow traveller spiritually with Sir Paul and Obami. You hate hate-radio show that you are a rather reserved liberal seeking acceptance.
Alan Brooks| 6.8.10 @ 4:57PM
"Hate-radio" = "radio that I disagree with."
Precious little love on the radio. Unless you listen to Focus On the Family; but you would rather listen to Glenn Beck or Michael Savage.
Convet| 6.10.10 @ 3:19PM
Why not turn off the radio and play in traffic...
Jim| 6.10.10 @ 4:19PM
Too funny :) !!
victor| 6.10.10 @ 11:43PM
Alan Brooks:
"Unless you listen to Focus On the Family;"
If you were listening to Isaiah or Jeremiah, if you chose Dobson over Savage, you'd be dead wrong.
Or as The Mayor for Life, Ed Koch would say:
"Wrong-a!".
Margie| 6.8.10 @ 11:08AM
Ah, but the lovely Libertarians want hooch to be legal. It's un-American and anti-Freedom to say otherwise!!
Libertarianism=Leftist in a new dress!
RCV| 6.8.10 @ 12:41PM
To be precise, Libertarianism=Anarchism in a new dress. Just as there is a big difference between traditional conservative and libertarians, there has always been a big difference between political liberals (or leftists, if you wish) and anarchists. Anarachists and Libertarians basically disclaim the right of ANY central authority, even constitutional democratic authority, to restrain them.
coyotegreen| 6.8.10 @ 9:51PM
Again, sure there are libertarians who want to disband government altogether, but show me any movement that doesn't have their more extreme groups. Rest assured, most of us don't want to disband government, just restrict the amount of it in our everyday life., and especially at the federal level. For instance, every libertarian I know has no problem with a national defense, and most of them have no problem with government run police, fire departments, and road construction/maintenance. Let's put it this way American= Seeing people as individuals instead of grouping them into convenient subgroups.
Margie| 6.9.10 @ 8:58AM
Sorry. There are groups. There are those who call themselves conservatives. There are those who call themselves Libertarian. The mindset of the Libertarian is not shared with the mindset of the conservative. Make sure that you really believe what they believe before you call yourself one.
Read David Horowitz. He explains how Libertarianism is truly really Leftist. I don't group them. They indeed group themselves.
http://www.newsrealblog.com/20.....ur-of-the-“ron-paul-revolutionary”-mind/
coyotegreen| 6.8.10 @ 9:39PM
I am more or less libertarian and I have to tell you that I am no fan of the left. Yes I think individuals should have the right to choose what they put in their bodies and who they marry, but to assume that that means I am for welfare, and the usual list of government handouts is wrong. Also, yes, I think it is anti-freedom to restrict choices, but I would also say it is VERY American for you to have your voice.
Rodney Walton| 6.9.10 @ 1:50AM
I do remember when Sir Paul some years ago got busted for 5 lbs of grass hid in an amplier for his tour of Japan. He said it was just for personal use. Damn, that's a lot of grass for a 1 week tour! But let's not forget after 9/11 Sir Paul was back'in the States at the Super Bowl. I grew up with the Beatles & I'm inclined to give Paul a lot of slack. I would never look at him for political advise. Dig his music, forget his political lameness. One can't be good at everything.
Kevin Gutzman | 6.10.10 @ 10:06AM
McCartney's comment was a specimen of hyperbole: overstatement to make a point. Is one to conclude that McCartney really needs to be told that yes, President Bush knew what a library is, because after all his wife was a librarian? How dim can McCartney's critics get?
McCartney was saying that Bush-fils was a dimwit. It's unsurprising that Bush's defenders resort to the transparent tactic of saying that McCartney was wrong to say Bush didn't know what a library was; after all, that's a much easier argument than the argument that Bush was well informed.
Douglas Skinner| 6.8.10 @ 7:04AM
"As for me, this episode doesn't mean I'll never listen to the Beatles, Wings or McCartney's solo material again." As for me, since the Beatles broke up some 40 years ago, I've managed to live that entire time without Sir Paul McCartney's crooning and I'm sure I can do it again! I'd say Let Him (Sir Paul) Be, ought to be everyone's theme song.
Alan Brooks| 6.8.10 @ 9:34AM
"The fact that McCartney played in Israel at all is significant in light of the recent decision of his friend and occasional musical collaborator Elvis Costello to cancel tour dates in the Jewish State this summer."
Because Costello doesn't want to be mowed down by a guy in a mask?
Occam's Tool| 6.8.10 @ 6:43PM
Costello did so to be Pro-Palestinian. It was not fear that motivated him, but antisemitism.
Bridget| 6.8.10 @ 10:09PM
Being Pro-Palestinian doesn't mean one is an anti-semite. It means one believes Israel's actions are morally bankrupt. The disagreement is with Israel and the Israeli government - not with Jews. Calling someone an anti-semite simply because they condemn Israel's actions is ridiculous and, quite frankly, insulting.
Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 6.8.10 @ 7:15AM
If you had to take into consideration, political, social, and religious beliefs, to determine who, or who not to listen to in music, you wouldn't be listening to anybody. Musicians are "mostly" all completely nuts!! I love The Beatles, and a lot of the solo stuff that followed, but I never bought into John's simplistic logo, "give peace a chance". It's just a song, not a foreign policy platform!! If I had to take all these things into consideration, I wouldn't be able to listen to The Beatles, U2, The Police, Jethro Tull, Elton John, John Cougar (I never bought into that Mellencamp change), or The Eagles. So I just don't consider what they have to say outside of music about anything, and just dig the music. So just shut up, 'N play yer' Guitar Paul!! Thanks Frank Z!!
L. Ross| 6.8.10 @ 11:08AM
This is absolutely correct. I'm a musician, and most of the guys you get to work with are simply nuts. It's a job requirement.
Bydand76| 6.8.10 @ 12:53PM
I am a musician as well.
I have found that about half of my fellow musicians are a bunch of left-wing dingbats. With the exception of the country guys. They are almost always Conservative. I think though that is part of the image.
I dont like country music though so I end up having to deal with some dunderheads.
I still get suprised from time to time though.
I mean look at Joey Ramone. He was a big Conservative before he passed away.
I think it just depends on your outlook on life and upbringing sometimes.
Pro Libertate!
All You Need is Weed| 6.10.10 @ 8:21PM
I dunno, my artist playlist continues to diminish. I used to be a big Sheryl Crow fan but now won't listen to any of her new stuff. Most of these entertainers are emotional wrecks whose political understanding is a mile wide and an inch thick.
McCartney's politics were taught to him by Bertrand Russell, the British Leftist, in the 1960's. Paul in turn brought Lennon to talk to Russell and thus Russell's nasty philosophy received a platform through Lennon's rebellious personality.
McCartney is part of the chattering class of in the East 90's in New York. I don't expect much of him except amazing music. Up until last week he had played the Public Relations game flawlessly.
I saw him in Dallas last summer and have every song he ever wrote or sang. But like you, I won't be forking over another few hundred to go to another concert. His comment was a bummer, I feel kinda like Hitler did when he found out his Martin guitar had been broken by United Airlines.
Richard Baker| 6.8.10 @ 7:21AM
Poor Paul. He's an uneducated musician who hit it big with the Beatles and is fabulously wealthy, as a result. However, as with most of these Rock and Roll musicians, he does live in a world of his own creation and reality be damned. Sad to watch him make a fool of himself at his age. I write this as someone who is a great fan of the Beatles. His intellect is a mile wide and an inch deep.
Jane| 6.8.10 @ 7:22AM
He didn't make that comment in the presence of Obama. The president and family had left. This was not part of his acceptance speech as has been reported. McCartney was basically saying goodnight to the people in the room and I'm pretty sure that, in his mind, the official event, including TV coverage, was over.
alert1201| 6.8.10 @ 7:39AM
Jane,
Are you sure Obama was not there? Where did you hear this? Everything I read indicated Obama was present, even the HuffPo.
Not saying you are wrong, but I would like to see some evidence of this.
See the huff piece at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....98650.html
Jane| 6.8.10 @ 10:20AM
Yes, I'm sure. Here's the link to an eyewitness account of the event:
http://www.examiner.com/x-2082.....-and-video
The videos on YouTube also make it clear that this comment was not part of his acceptance speech.
And the Huffington piece you mentioned also states that this came at the very close of the event after the TV cameras had left.
It seems clear he felt he was making private remarks to a small group - most of whom he probably knew and/or had invited.
alert1201| 6.8.10 @ 3:40PM
Thanks Jane.
That's not what we are hearing, even from the conservative press.
Granny Jan| 6.8.10 @ 7:49AM
When Wanda Sykes told her "joke" about Rush Limbaugh dying Obama laughed heartily.
I think that indicates what his response would have been had it been shown.
Dr. O'Caudle| 6.8.10 @ 8:01AM
George W. Bush is a graduate from an Ivy League College.
How much education does McCarney have?
Seek| 6.8.10 @ 12:26PM
I don't know. How many songs has George W. Bush written?
Thom Burke| 6.8.10 @ 4:04PM
I don't know, but more to the point, how many libraries has McCartney funded?
Kelly Staples| 6.8.10 @ 8:03AM
Old age exposes character.
Jim| 6.10.10 @ 4:28PM
Old age exposes everything.
Louis Jenkins| 6.8.10 @ 8:20AM
Didn't listen to the Beatles when they were hot, and don't listen to their stuff today, Paul or otherwise. It's terrible to say it, but people like this do shape American policy to some extent. (I'd prefer the Rolling Stones.) McCartney thinks he's got the license to comment on stuff like this, but he doesn't. Go ahead Paul, sing all you want to, but keep the political discourse out of the conversation.
RCV| 6.8.10 @ 12:51PM
He has the same "license" to comment on politicians that you do.
Dan Hirsch| 6.8.10 @ 8:21AM
Hmmmm....
I wonder what goes through the mind of one while delivering unscripted, public remarks. McCartney, obviously has sung and spoken to more than almost anybody. I wonder if bashing the bashing President Bush on the topic of libraries just came to him? Or, if I may, with an ear to Machiavelli, wonder whether he was prompted or put up to it? Remember the brilliant remarks of Mexico's illustrious Presidente...
Hmmm...
coal carrier| 6.8.10 @ 8:39AM
Another 60’s drug head pops up to praise the socialist president. And why not? The ex-mop-top lived in a socialist state. Then he made all his money and decided to go live elsewhere so he could hide his money from the style of government Obama wants to instill here. I do believe these lefties have Elmers glue between the ears. I wonder when was the last time PM opened a book. Probably the one about his drug-infested buddy John, written by his drug-infested wife.
RCV| 6.8.10 @ 12:53PM
What hypocrisy - don't hear you complaining about Rush Limbaugh and Elton John.
carnot| 6.8.10 @ 3:20PM
what a disingenuous post...as though what PM and RL injested drug wise are an exact parallel. over a similar period of time. not an appropriate analogy at all.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 9:00AM
Thank you for writing one of the most sensible criticisms of Paul's remarks that I've read. I can't believe an off-the-cuff remark merits as much hate as Paul has had thrown at him in the past week. Your essay gave me faith that there are at least some reasonable Republicans. I am not a fan of Bush so I wasn't offended by Paul's off-the-cuff remark; it was a joke that has been made countless times, including by many Republicans. But I can see why people feel it was inappropriate, given the setting, and I don't think Paul should have said it. But then, haven't you ever made a joke you later wished you hadn't? The overreaction to me exposes two hypocrisies of the right: Some of the most vile jokes have been told about Obama by people who had no concern about respecting the office (for ex., that South Carolina lawmaker who called Obama a "raghead" last week), yet they get outraged over a joke by an entertainer. And second, for people who claim to be Christian, the lack of forgiveness and tolerance for opinion that differs from their own is pretty disappointing.
PolishKnight| 6.8.10 @ 10:11AM
I chuckled at the snide shaming ploy: "for people who claim to be Christian, the lack of forgiveness and tolerance for opinion that differs from their own is pretty disappointing."
So far, no Christian Republicans have called for Macaca to be physically attacked or prosecuted under "hate crime" laws. It's the left that attacks the notion of "free speech" (and all rights) created by the constitution as a "living document."
Time for "reasonable" leftists to go back to their tolerant, caring agenda of reverse race and gender bashing, progressively calling for eliminating technology because of "global warming", and aspiring to make the USA look more like Sweden.
Paul fan| 6.8.10 @ 10:47AM
So all the death threats hurled at Paul this past week, and all the comments for him to "shut up and sing" are because they respect his right to speech?
Gr0w1er| 6.8.10 @ 10:51AM
Don't go away mad, Paul. Just go away.
carnot| 6.8.10 @ 3:22PM
ahh. poor little Paul. he invited it.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 5:08PM
And all these death threats have been hurled at poor Paul from where?
I suppose you were similarly vexed when Obama laughed at Wanda Syke's (or whoever she was) death wish for Rush Limbaugh?
Kishego| 6.8.10 @ 4:07PM
The 'raghead" comment was directed at Nikki Haley, the Indian American running for Govenor on the GOP ticket. It was not directed at Obama. Regardless, it was an ugly comment, and doesn't belong in public discourse.
FYI| 6.8.10 @ 7:44PM
The quote was also directed at Obama. Here is the quote: "We already got one raghead in the White House. We don't need another in the governor's mansion."
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 5:05PM
Are the people criticizing McCartney Christian? I'm not.
Second, if you look over my posts I've been quite critical of the guy who made the raghead comment in South Carolina. So have other people. He's a Neanderthal.
What was typical of McCartney is that his joke was so lame and obvious. He's always been about as politically relevant and incisive as a wet noodle.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 5:14PM
Ha. If it was so "lame and obvious," then why are you taking it so seriously. Why make such a big deal about it? Seriously, aren't you just embarrassed to be going on and on about this.
Petronius| 6.8.10 @ 9:09AM
The Accolade is utterly debased but in light of Obama's conduct before the Crown we need not worry that he would receive It and thereby have Knighthood on par with the Nobel Peace Prize. We do have others; the late Sir Ronald Reagan GCB, and Sir Norman Schwartzkopf KCB.
Both parties in the Commons send up their nominees for the Queens Honours, but the Privy Council needs take a meat axe to the lot. The likes of McCartney are well out of it next to a man of accomplishment as Sir Richard Branson.
Edo| 6.8.10 @ 9:16AM
There's Sir Paul receiving the "Gershwin Prize for Popular Song" -- which only he, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon have won -- and he doesn't even have the courtesy to respect his hosts (the American people, half of whom voted for Bush).
Alan Brooks| 6.8.10 @ 5:01PM
"(the American people, half of whom voted for Bush). "
You mean Reagan.
Larryk| 6.8.10 @ 10:12AM
"I am the egg man,
they are the egg man
I am the @sshole. Goo Goo Gajube!"
Doctor Right| 6.8.10 @ 10:17AM
I am shocked - SHOCKED - to find that there are liberals in the entertainment industry!!
loulou| 6.8.10 @ 10:26AM
Paul, "the stupid Beatle", is angry because he looks for all the world like a post-menopausal woman. And the plastic surgery DID NOT HELP. Paul needs a shot of testosterone.
coyotegreen| 6.8.10 @ 9:55PM
Is it just me or does he look like Angela Lansbury?
PCC| 6.8.10 @ 10:34AM
So, you "saw Macca play at Fenway Park in Boston last August with my roommate Christopher. "
What instrument did Christopher play?
Gr0w1er| 6.8.10 @ 10:50AM
Paul McCartney's best work was 50 years ago. He'd never gotten anywhere without John Lennon's lyrics and George Harrison's rhythms. In my book, Brian Wilson and Mick Jagger were much more talented songwriters. At least they could read music. He's like a Cockney Lionel Ritchie.
Alan Brooks| 6.8.10 @ 5:06PM
WRONG.
'Wait'
'Michelle'
'Got To Get You Into My Life'
'Fixing A Hole'
'Fool On The Hill'
'Two Of Us'
'You Never Give You Your Money'
are all as good as anything in music.
Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 6.8.10 @ 6:35PM
Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman
If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.
Don't ask me what I want it for (to Battle Global Warming, that's what it's for!!)
If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me.
Please tell me, that Paul played Taxman for the President last week? Nah, he just wouldn't have the b*lls to be so damn sarcastic!!
Margie| 6.8.10 @ 9:34PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hYpAYWqiwo
Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 6.9.10 @ 8:01AM
That video was probably better, if you were on Acid at the time. But remember what my new motto is, "Just Say No To Drugs". Nancy Reagan came up with that one, and I used to laugh at those commercials back then, but I don't laugh at them anymore!!
I don't know how to play Taxman on bass yet, but I do play a mean Day Tripper, Come Together, Good Day Sunshine, and Hello, Goodbye. But I'm going to go look up the Tabs for this one now too, it's got a good riff!! Paul might need to keep his mouth shut about "our" politics, but he is one hell of a bass player regardless!!
Margie| 6.9.10 @ 9:03AM
Here's a thought, LLL's. You could put a you tube video up of your mean bass playing! And then post it here. :^)
Mike| 6.10.10 @ 4:16PM
Taxman was George's song; so I sort of doubt Paul would have played it regardless. But seeing as how he's such an Obama sycophant (I really didn't know they had 'white man's guilt' in Britain?) could we seriously have expected him to? doubtful at best.
Mike| 6.8.10 @ 11:38AM
The Obama interns probably wrote the line for him.
cindy graham| 6.8.10 @ 11:59AM
Was McCartney unaware that Bush 43 had a better gpa than Kerry @ Yale? Is he aware that we still don't know Obama's gpa? Perhaps he could pry that info from the O team just to be sure he is on target with his assessment of GWB's ignorance and illiteracy. BTW, it is said that Bush read 95 books his last year in office. Wonder how many BO has read? Actually, more interesting would be what he has read.
Margie| 6.8.10 @ 12:13PM
cindy,
Oh my. Haven't you yet learned that it isn't fair to attempt to confuse a Liberal with the facts?
Some people never learn.
Mike| 6.10.10 @ 4:20PM
The anointed one does not need to read; all collected knowledge is his at the click of the teleprompter! haha He writes remember? Or at least we are led to believe he wrote those books with his name on them. Probably about as much as JFK 'wrote' "Profiles in Courage." Liberals--they all WISH they were Teddy R. but none of them could have saddled his horse. Obama 'reads' about as much as he goes to church--which is NEVER!!!
Oldefarte| 6.8.10 @ 12:13PM
Let's see now, if memory serves me, George W. Bush GRADUATED from both Yale University AND Harvard Business School. On the other hand, I believe that Paul [Sir] McCartney NEVER GRADUATED from high school, failed high school exams in England, was a user of marijuana, cocaine, and LSD, and was deported from Japan due to his illegal drug connections. Now, I wonder WHICH ONE OF THEM has spent more hours/time inside of various LIBRARIES in their respective lifetimes? Guess Sir Paul is nothing more than a typical DUMBASS MUSICIAN, right??????????
Seek| 6.8.10 @ 12:31PM
Hey, old fart. Paul McCartney is a supremely talented, self-taught musician. Frank Zappa (1940-93), also self-taught and far more talented than most, attended junior college for a year and then dropped out. Does that invalidate him? As for marijuana and cocaine use, W did those, too, at least in his young years.
It's remarkable how those who denounce "the culture" have contributed so little to it.
Petronius| 6.8.10 @ 3:14PM
I don't know the Oldefart's age. I might be older. And you left out Dave Peel, Country Joe, (now a Republican), and the Fugs. But referring to R&R as "the culture" casts the Gershwin Award in poor light as George and Ira were classically trained. Their supreme accomplishment was popularizing that genre. And I will not say Paul McCartney is undeserving of musical recognition, which was conferred back in 1965 by the Hollyridge Strings who covered their first generation of hits. The issue for me is conflation of values by that self serving collection of "smegheads" in the west wing. That photo-op was about the 60's trash validating themselves as the arbiters of culture. And the UK has been declining longer than this country. Maybe that's the reason Sir Simon Rattle
is Maestro of the Berlin Philharmonic.
Dixie Pixie| 6.8.10 @ 12:51PM
It did not bother me that Sir Paul made a off key joke pandering to the prejudices of a deeply bigoted White House. What bothered me was when the Federal Government was sucking up any loose dollar out of the private sector the Obama's splurged the public money on a personal Beatles concert.
One would have to look at the upper classes behavior just prior to the fall of great empires to find similar behavior. Partying while the people suffer has always been a characteristic behavior of a civilization about to fall.
Dustoff| 6.8.10 @ 1:19PM
AB
hate-radio today
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Is Air America still on?
michigander_sandusky| 6.8.10 @ 2:18PM
Hate Sir Paul's assinine remarks, but still love the music. I suppose if I boycotted every "artists" schtick because of their politics I'd never listen to music or go to a movie. But I do admit I can't stomach a Tom Cruise flick.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 2:53PM
Paul McArtney's always been an airhead. About the only song he ever did without bubblegum lyrics is Eleanor Rigby, and we've never been really clear about how much of that he actually wrote himself (it was orchestrated by George Martin and John Lennon wrote at least some of the lyrics.
Remember, this is the guy who gave us the brilliant observation, "We all know/that people are the same wherever you go," and poignantly queried, "Ebony and ivory, live together in perfect harmony, side by side on piano keyboard, oh Lord, why can't we?" Cause, you know, piano keys are just like people!
carnot| 6.8.10 @ 3:27PM
classic! and spot on.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 3:49PM
You can't even spell McCartney's name correctly, and you clearly know NOTHING about the Beatles or McCartney's solo work. Really, these comments just make you look a fool.
Conservative defensiveness about Bush's intellect is absolutely hysterical. Me thinks you all protest too much.
Thom Burke| 6.8.10 @ 4:32PM
McCartney's solo work was purile and redundant. Without Lennon's avant garde influence, Sir Paul's lyric was confined to the "moon, june, croon" genre. For specific evidence, listen to Lennon's unfinished song (Free as a Bird) unearthed for 1995's "Anthology." It was Paul McCartney who added the trite, banal bridge to Lennon's inspired verses. McCartney's had out lived his youthful charm by 1995, and now a lifetime of good will is squandered too.
Considering the contempt Obama has shown the UK, their PM, and their Queen, the pathetic fawning McCartney exhibited at the White House was remarkable.
Alan Brooks| 6.8.10 @ 5:13PM
"McCartney's solo work was purile and redundant."
Agreed. But it was Paul who saved 'Abbey Road' with the medley, while Lennon wanted to crawl into a white bag to yodel with Yoko. Then afterwards they could plant acorns.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 4:50PM
Dear Paul Butkis, why don't you give us the intelligent lyrics McCartney has written, since you love the formerly baby-faced dimwit so much. Everyone knows Paul can writes tunes, but the lyrics are Sesame Street level. Make a case for your boyfriend, if you can.
How about, "Somebody's knocking at the door/Somebody's Ringing a bell/Do Me a Favor/
Open the door and let 'em in/Oooh yeah."
How about, "With a little luck with a little luck with a little luck a little luck a little luck"?
How about Hey Jude: "La, la, la, la, Hey Jude." And it goes on for like nine minutes.
How about, "Freedom, I'm talking about freedom." That's when he was trying to catch the brief 9/11 patriotism wave. Still couldn't write a meaningful song though.
How about the embarrassment that was "Give Ireland back to the Irish." That's when he was trying to imitate Lennon's activism but didn't have a clue. McCartney's greatest cause has always been free pot.
Lennon was a big leftie, but he was like Einstein compared to McCartney. Lennon would have knocked Bush, I'm sure, but he wouldn't have been kissing up to Obama at a lame White House ceremony during a massive oil spill either.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 5:20PM
This is not proof of anything but your vindictiveness. I could type the lyrics of dozens of great songs Paul has written, with gorgeous lyrics. But you're not a fan. So what? In your desperation to attack McCartney like a rabid dog, you just make yourself look foolish.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 5:43PM
I'm dying to hear what Paul lyrics have made an impact on your life. Say, say, say!
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 4:58PM
Hmmm, let's see. I own every original Beatles album on CD except Please Please Me and Yellow Submarine, George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, McCartney's Ram, Band on the Run, London Town, Flaming Pie and Run Devil Run. Paul's talented with hooks and tunes, but as a lyricist he's a dimwit. Lennon would have been the first to tell you he's not that bright.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 5:23PM
Cause you know Lennon and can speak to him from the grave.
Again, let me say I appreciate the reasoned argument put forth by Aaron Goldstein but much of the comments here are graspoing at straws.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 5:35PM
Good, I'll take it as read you can't defend the banality of the dear boy's lyrics.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 5:42PM
No, I'm just not wasting my time any longer with someone who has no understanding of pop music.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 5:45PM
Say, say, say, what you want. But don't play games with my affection. If you think think think too hard. You might get a brain infection.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 5:47PM
Great song, isn't it? Classic 80s tune.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 5:51PM
Paul McCartney and Michael JAckson: A true meeting of great minds.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 6:36PM
And in the end ... whose opinion about Paul's work carries more weight? The Library of Congress, which just awarded Paul its highest honor for songwriting? Or you? Hmm. That's a tough one.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 7:08PM
McCartney won an award for "Popular Song." Well, his songs have been popular. And the tunes often are pretty. But I still have yet to hear from you a personal defense of the intelligence of his lyrics; I suppose I can assume you can't mount one.
Eleanor Rigby is good and though Paul claims Lennon contributed "half a line" to it, I really wonder.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 7:55PM
Well I'm a font of useless Beatles information. So, fyi, according to Lennon's close friend, Pete Shotten, Lennon contributed next to nothing to the song. And Shotten was there when Paul brought the song to Lennon.
As for Paul's lyrics, they don't need defending. Why restate the obvious. The man has written some absolute stinkers, I grant you. But the same is true of every songwriter.
chester arthur| 6.8.10 @ 9:59PM
You thinks?
Okie| 6.8.10 @ 3:39PM
Paul McCartney doesn't matter. Why should it matter what he says.
Alan Brooks| 6.8.10 @ 5:09PM
Does it matter what Ted Nugent says?
apollo c vermouth| 6.8.10 @ 5:35PM
I like these lyrics -
Your day breaks, your mind aches
You find that all her words of kindness linger on
When she no longer needs you
She wakes up, she makes up
She takes her time and doesn't feel she has to hurry
She no longer needs you
And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind her tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years
You want her, you need her
And yet you don't believe her when she says her love is dead
You think she needs you
And in her eyes you see nothing
No sign of love behind the tears
Cried for no one
A love that should have lasted years
You stay home, she goes out
She says that long ago she knew someone but now he's gone
She doesn't need him
Your day breaks, your mind aches
There will be times when all the things she said will fill your head
You won't forget her
******
IT'S A TUG OF WAR,
WHAT WITH ONE THING AND ANOTHER,
IT'S A TUG OF WAR.
WE EXPECTED MORE
BUT WITH ONE THING AND ANOTHER,
WE WERE TRYIN' TO OUTDO EACH OTHER
IN A TUG OF WAR.
IN ANOTHER WORLD,
IN ANOTHER WORLD WE COULD
STAND ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN WITH OUR FLAG UNFURLED.
IN A TIME TO COME,
IN A TIME TO COME WE WILL BE DANCING TO THE BEAT
PLAYED ON A DIFF'RENT DRUM.
IT'S A TUG OF WAR,
THOUGH I KNOW I MUSTN'T GRUMBLE,
IT S A TUG OF WAR.
BUT I CAN'T LET GO,
IF I DO, YOU'LL TAKE A TUMBLE
AND THE WHOLE THING IS GOING TO CRUMBLE,
IT'S A TUG OF WAR.
(Pushing, pushing,
Pulling, pulling,
Pushing and pulling)
IN YEARS TO COME, THEY MAY DISCOVER
WHAT THE AIR WE BREATHE AND THE LIFE WE LEAD ARE ALL ABOUT.
BUT IT WON'T BE SOON ENOUGH, (soon enough)
SOON ENOUGH FOR ME.
NO, IT WON'T BE SOON ENOUGH, (it won't be soon enough for me)
SOON ENOUGH FOR ME.
IN ANOTHER WORLD
WE COULD STAND ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN WITH OUR FLAG UNFURLED.
IN A TIME TO COME,
WE WILL BE DANCING TO THE BEAT PLAYED ON A DIFF'RENT DRUM,
WE WILL BE DANCING TO THE BEAT PLAYED ON A DIFF'RENT DRUM,
WE WILL BE DANCING TO THE BEAT PLAYED ON A DIFF'RENT DRUM.
*******
I light a candle to our love
in love our problems disappear.
But all in all we soon discover that one and one is all we long to hear.
All round the world little children being born to the world
Got to give them all we can till the war is won:
Then will the work be done.
Help them to learn songs of joy instead of burn
baby
burn
Let us show them how to play the pipes of peace
Play the pipes of peace.
Help me to leani songs of joy instead of burn
baby
burn
Won't you show me how to play the pipes of peace
Play the pipes of peace.
What do you say
will the human race be run in a day
Or will someone save this planet we're playing on?
Is it the only one? What are we going to do?
Help them to see that the people here are like you and me
Let us show them how to play the pipes of peace
******
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of a dark black night
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
********
Got lots more.
But how about some from your favorite artist/lyricist?
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 5:40PM
I light a candle to out love/In love our problems disappear? You find that deep? Really?
Oooh, love, yeah, peace, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Sure Lennon gave us All We are Saying is Give Peace a Chance (it should have been Let's Do Some Grass), but normally he could write little Paulie under the table.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 5:45PM
I repeat. You're not a fan of Paul's music. That doesn't prove anything other than you're not a fan of Paul's music.
I'd say Apollo C. Vermouth more than makes the case for Paul's talent as a lyricist. But rant on, by all means.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 5:49PM
How many Beatles/McCartney CDs do you own (or do you illegally download), Mr. #1 Paul Fan? My McCartney stuff is going up on eBay, so watch out, you might get a good deal. I may hold on to the Beatles stuff. And All Things Must Pass, even though Harrison got tiresome with the mystic junk.
It's funny, though, you used to think all this stuff is timeless and you find out it's really not.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 6:41PM
I feel sorry for you that you can't appreciate his wonderful music because of one misguided remark on his part. And I do think he should not have said it. But I'm not prepared to attack someone harshly for one misstep. I don't need the artists I admire to parrot my every view. I'm not that insecure. And besides, I myself have said the wrong thing at the wrong time. It happens. I hope you're not this harshly judgmental with your family.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 6:59PM
Oh, come now! I know you love me, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 7:32PM
I do. You've kept me entertained through a boring day.
Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 6.8.10 @ 7:40PM
Get a room!!
apollo c vermouth| 6.8.10 @ 7:41PM
Although it's always been obvious Sir Paul would never be in any right wing camp, you know in their 'heart of hearts' these folks would desperately like to claim him.
They should have known better.
So now, of course, they must demonize him.
Paulfan| 6.8.10 @ 7:57PM
Well put. And since I can't say it any better, my posting here is done.
Lisa| 6.8.10 @ 5:35PM
Poop McFartney would be delivering pizzas today were it not for John Lennon. Upshot is that Lennon's lunatic ravings make McFartney's outbursts look like crib notes from a John Birch Society meeting.
james| 6.8.10 @ 5:45PM
I saw the Beatles at Shea Stadium in 1965. I was in high school. Even then we snickered at him and thought he was an ofay Brit and that Lennon must have been tolerating him for business reasons.
I also urge you to look up the story of him feeding scraps to his security team at an LA restaurant some years back. It tells all you need to know about him, and them, because they ate his leftovers.
Ignorant liberal trash.
Occam's Tool| 6.8.10 @ 6:47PM
Look, I disgree with Paul's views on W and Obama. However, the guy played Israel despite death threats. He does have some stones. Give him a break.
By the way, my cousin worked at the Beverly Hills Hotel in years past when Paul was married to the wife who loved him, and actually met and talked with Paul, and said he was a fine bloke. Just because he disagrees with my politics on some things doesn't mean I demonize him. I mean, he's no Stephen Fry or Elvis Costello.
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 7:02PM
I remember reading about Paul's black-and-white minstrel show, as he called it, according to this book on the Beatles. Paul installed a black hooker in one bedroom and a white hooker in another one, as I recall this account, and spent some days going back and forth between the two.
Joe B| 6.8.10 @ 7:27PM
Essentially the Beatles master tune smith, McCartney contributed more than a quarter to the Beatles music legacy, but he was also the most arrogant band member. In the end, the fab four ran off the tracks because McCartney thought Brian Epstein died and left him boss.
He should get over himself. Nobody cares about his political opinions. And what's the point of alienating a big fraction of his loyal fan base? It's actually kind of cruel and stupid in equal parts when you consider the lifelong affection so many people of all political persuasions have felt toward him and his music.
Seek| 6.8.10 @ 7:37PM
Contrary to popular misconception (even among most Beatle fans), Paul actually was more the avant-gardist than John. It was Paul who during early 1966 fell in with the London art/literary crowd and as a result began experimenting on Beatle records with backward tape loops, sampling and the like. And as a melodist, John simply has never been up to Paul's musical level and never was since, much as John's best work was magnificent.
Long ago I availed myself of the notion that one ought to expect musicians, actors or anyone else in the creative community to be common sense politicians any more than vice versa. If Paul wants to say something "liberal," fine. I'm a conservative, but I'm going to keep buying his records. Politics takes a back seat. To hell with the neocon line about the "bloody crossroads."
WAKE UP| 6.8.10 @ 7:37PM
It's not what McCartney said (he's entitled to be politically dumb), it's where and when he said it.
The scenario actually goes like this: You're a famous musician/entertainer, and you have a captive audience who are there for what you DO, which is ENTERTAIN. It is beyond un-cool to use the occasion for unexpected, unannounced politicking. Recent examples: the Dixie Chicks and even Burt Bacharach (who took the trouble to tell an audience in Auckland, New Zealand, of all places, how much he didn't like George W. Bush). Not ONE person in that audience would have been there to hear that - even if they might have agreed with his view. My question to these predators (because that's what they are, using innocent audiences as unwitting platforms for their politics) is: what if I had stood up at that point and defended Bush in a loud voice (after all, the artist has the microphone)? Would that turn the "concert" into a political event? If so, at what point was it turned into a political event? I can tell you: it was the moment the artist lost his manners and sense of grace (and gratitude for the talent that gave him an audience, for that matter).
If they want to play politics, let them take their chances at the ballot box like everyone else and run for office. Bloody cowards.
Jack| 6.8.10 @ 8:35PM
As a foreigner, all I can say is that Conservative Americans are far too touchy about these things! Perhaps you don't realise how poorly George Bush was perceived outside the USA. McCartney was merely making a quip that any outsider would make to get a laugh - remember, he's a Liverpool lad at heart where you had to have a thick skin & a sharp tongue to survive.
Good grief, if you let a silly little quip like this affect your opinion of Paul's music, then all the world can say is shame on you!
On the other hand, perhaps you could just "fawged aboud id"!
Truthyness| 6.8.10 @ 9:35PM
I'm sick of these Obama-worshiping idiots feeling increasingly at home treating me and other conservatives with contempt. If their art was that important to me, I might overlook it, but it's not. Elvis Costello is going on the block on eBay too. Thank goodness I don't have any of Hall and Oates' crud. They want to boycott Israel, I'm boycotting them. And that goes for Heart and their shots at Palin and Sir Paul and his dumb comments too. It won't make a difference to any of them, but I'm just sick of them all. You treat me with contempt, I write you off the list.
Stuart| 6.9.10 @ 4:58AM
Jack's comments are true. George W was and is perceived badly in foreign lands and did appear, frequently, uneducated and ill-informed.
Paul, made this comment, after being congratulated for being the most succesful song-writer in history - with 32 years combined of chart hits - making him a powerful spokesman.
Cannabis, religion, left and right simply do not come into it - Paul took the opportunity, as many foreigners would, to make a comment.
It appears the truth hurts.
George W was a very unpopular president.
Joe B| 6.8.10 @ 9:01PM
Jack,
It's "fuhgeddaboudit ."
Resident,
Queens, NY.
Margie| 6.8.10 @ 10:01PM
I remember a conversation I had with a friend decades ago. I was the Beatles freak, he was a Stones freak. He asked me who I liked better, or who I thought was best. I had to say the Beatles, though I also loved the Stones. There is just absolutely no one better than the Beatles for the harmony and the great songs. I still am cheered by the old Beatles songs to this day. They weren't called The Fab Four for nothing. I give Paul his due respect, too. He was Married to Linda for so many years and seemed to be a good guy. I know he's dumb politically, but I still like him. Put him in a room with me and a couple strong conservatives. We'll set his mind right. Bring him to a TEA party or two while we're at it. It's never too late!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
coyotegreen| 6.8.10 @ 10:10PM
Let me ask you this.... how much money have you made off of your musical talent? I leave you with my favorite George Burns quote, "Critics are eunichs at a gangbang."
Marc Jeric| 6.9.10 @ 2:58AM
"Sir" Paul never saw the inside of a library; he only had a total of 6 years of schooling. His Bush putdown was low class - but the laughter of all those present in the White House showed me the extent of the depravity of this communist administration.
Stuart| 6.9.10 @ 5:00AM
George W was and is perceived badly in foreign lands and did appear, frequently, uneducated and ill-informed.
Paul, made this comment, after being congratulated for being the most succesful song-writer in history - with 32 years combined of chart hits - making him a powerful spokesman.
Cannabis, religion, left and right simply do not come into it - Paul took the opportunity, as many foreigners would, to make a comment.
It appears the truth hurts.
George W was a very unpopular president.
This doesn't appear to be received with maturity.
WAKE UP| 6.9.10 @ 5:17AM
Stuart, I repeat (excerpted from my comment above): The scenario actually goes like this: You're a famous musician/entertainer, and you have a captive audience who are there for what you DO, which is ENTERTAIN. It is beyond un-cool to use the occasion for unexpected, unannounced politicking.
If they want to play politics, let them take their chances at the ballot box like everyone else and run for office. Bloody cowards.
Stuart| 6.9.10 @ 5:34AM
Thanks, yes but that may be wishful thinking.
Pure entertainment does exist but Paul has often followed a close line with politics - so if he suddenly didn't - something would be missing in his on-stage persona.
There's an interview in 1968 where he felt strongly about music a powerful voice and influence. The Beatles, therefore, went beyond entertainment (It begins with Taxman in '66).
Paul, the more diplomatic one, gave the following:
1969 Get Back - originally a response to Enoch Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech.
1972 Give Ireland Back to the Irish
1979 Kampuchea
1993 - All My Trials - in response to Thatcherism
2003 - Warchild
in 2005 I was in a crowd of 200,000 (it would have been in excess of 1million if not for security reasons) in at Live 8 in London who throughout the day roundly booed any images of Bush that appeared. No other G8 leaders were booed at all and with mssrs Geldof, McCartney + Co nodding and smiling, it was simply a statement of what the people felt.
Paul simply took the opportunity to speak on behalf of the people, which he has often done before. It goes beyond entertainment, but that is the essence of the Beatles and their legacy.
Had Mr Lennon had the microphone who knows what we'd be discussing now ....
WAKE UP| 6.9.10 @ 7:42PM
I still say it is a cowardly, bullshit premise to walk in as an entertainer and turn out to be a politician. It is also grossly indecent, way beyond "bad manners" to be invited to the White House and, in front of the incumbent President, disparage his predecessor. Would McCartney have done that if McCain had been the incumbent? And what should be the appropriate reaction, from either Obama or MacCain ? It's disrepectful of the host, the venue and the occasion as wel, like farting in church - very low class. It is also grossly unfair to the segment of the audience who are there becuase they like the performer's songs but disagree with the performer's politics expressed elsewhere. Example: the hypocrite apostate Cat Stevens (who I will bet is still assiduously collecting his royalties from the capitalist Western culture he now disparages). These people are spoilt brats, parlaying one life that they've earned into one that they haven't, without criticism - and disrespecting their audience/s while they do it.If McCartney wants to play that game, let him actually promote himself as a political performer and see who shows up. At least with the likes of Pete Seeger and Billy Bragg, for example, one knows what they believe, and will do and say, and can respect that and show up - or not - accordingly.
------
You say McCartney "speaks for the people". Not me, buddy; nor millions of others. I happen to agree with Enoch Powell, and see the evidence that he was right growing daily - and I'll debate Paul McCartney and you on that, in the right forum, any day. But show up with your arguments well prepared: not with a guitar, a band, and a free ticket to spout off in the wrong way at the wrong time in the wrong place on the wrong topic because you've trapped your audience into it.
WAKE UP| 6.9.10 @ 7:45PM
ps - by the time Lennon went solo, his politics were well-known, and were expected as a part (indeed, towards the end, a major part) of his gigs, and we went along knowing that.
ColinG| 6.9.10 @ 6:05AM
Helen Thomas, being a woman, was a "doyenne", surely?
Genevieve| 6.9.10 @ 8:42AM
I suppose what McCartney said wasn't very funny, it was a lame joke, but it's nice that he bothered.
Genevieve| 6.9.10 @ 9:15AM
Mark Jeric, you allege that Paul McCartney had only six years of schooling, but he began school in 1947 aged 5, and left school aged 18 in 1960. He had 13 years of education, more than twice the length you lied about. It's just foolish to lie when facts can be checked so easily.
maverick muse| 6.9.10 @ 4:29PM
"Why can't Paul McCartney let life go on?"
I'll hand this to "Sir"-- he hasn't gone under the knife for a face lift.
McCartney is stuck in "Yesterday", the only time he was REALLY good, playing bass within the band that wasn't HIS any more than any of the other "fab four" despite his micromanaging obsession. McCartney was great as a collaborator within The Beatles. But since then, his work is one dimensional along the lines of sweet little ditties or else partitioned larger efforts that migrate from one song into another as if cohesively (The Wings).
The most meaningful Beatle songs were not Paul's work, but usually John's or a few jewels by George. As ever, Paul is stuck in vaudeville, having "earned" knighthood from the Queen he insulted for his boom-chick comic relief clown act. "Some day I'm gonna make her mine, oh yeah."
Bah| 6.10.10 @ 12:51PM
What a ridiculously ill-informed opinion, about both the Beatles and Paul's solo work (to which you clearly haven't listened.
As for the absolute genious of Paul's Beatles work, I need only one example and I rest my case: Side 2 of Abbey Road.
But carry on demonizing Paul for a harmless joke about that incredible buffoon, George W.
WAKE UP| 6.10.10 @ 4:59PM
Bah:, neither your obsession with McCartney's music, nor his ability to create it, render him immune from criticism for behaving like an idiot. I invite you to consider your reaction if he had criticised Obama (whose popularity ratings are now worse that Bush's) in that moment, on that occasion.
-------------
ps: as a full-time professional musician since 1964, I assure you I know every last note of McCartney's music, and a bunch of others besides.
Bah| 6.10.10 @ 7:23PM
Where have you been for the last year? People on the right have been savagely attacking Obama without any respect for the office or the White House, indulging even in racist jokes, and I'm supposed to feel guilty that Paul made one tiny joke about Bush. Sorry I don't. The jokes about Obama are part of the game, and so is a silly joke about Bush. It's Republican hysteria about the McCartney joke that seems all out of proportion.
WAKE UP| 6.11.10 @ 11:12PM
I repeat, because you've missed it: NOBODY should do it, and McCartney behaved like a prize prat, in an atmosphere created by a prize prat of a would-be President who is still in campaign mode, but will never BE a President.
NOBODY publicly insulted George W. Bush's predecessor from the stage at ANY White House function, ever. Some people actually know how to behave, and have a sense of occasion, despite differing opinions. You and your God McCartney need to grow up.
maverick muse| 6.9.10 @ 4:39PM
Stuart takes the MSM as gospel truth to fashion his version of reality, as if group think makes something so.
Whatever else, George W. Bush is a highly educated and well read politician with a huge sense of humor. That is not to say I support his neoconservative precedence in office, creating the Marxist DHS and issuing a closing unconstitutional executive order "making" the Sec. of Treasury (Goldman Sachs) autonomous and beholden to no one, not even the to the President, and especially not to Congress or the American citizens.
That Bush's political opponents maintained their mantra that since he was from Texas he was stoopid proves nothing scientifically being based upon pure bigotry. That mantra has no more veracity than the leftists' mantra about The One being so intelligent as if Obama's capacities to achieve brilliance are absolutely UNPRECEDENTED. The only thing unprecedented (as well as scientifically proven) about Obama's academic achievements is his LACK OF RECORD.
Convet| 6.10.10 @ 3:31PM
Paul: You're so "YESTERDAY". "Let it be".
apollo c vermouth| 6.10.10 @ 5:49PM
Sir Paul is STILL astonishing music lovers right now. Maybe soon near you?
If he's coming anywhere close suggest to toss out any 'hate on' and find a way to see him. It would be an experience not forgotten.
His last two shows in Mexico City a few weeks ago had 100,000+ attendance.
In the next 2 months Sir Paul will be in concert at least 15 times.
Saturday 12th June – RDS, Dublin
Sunday 13th June – Isle Of Wight Festival
Sunday 20th June – Hampden Park, Glasgow
Saturday 26th June – Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Sunday 27th June – Hard Rock Calling, London
Saturday 10th July - AT&T Stadium San Francisco
Tuesday 13th July - Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City
Thursday 15th July - Pepsi Center Denver
Saturday July 24th - Sprint Center Kansas
Monday 26th July - Bridgestone Arena Nashville
Wednesday 28th July - Time Warner Cable Arena Charlotte
Sunday 8th August - Air Canada Centre Toronto
Thursday 12th August - Bell Centre Montreal
Saturday 14 August - Wachovia Center Philadelphia
Wednesday 18th August - CONSOL Energy Center Pittsburgh
Long time and brand new (very young) fans are blown away.
The same with jaded concert goers everywhere.
No one living can top Paul McCartney.
Sir Paul, Happy 68th Birthday (June 18) .
WAKE UP| 6.10.10 @ 6:24PM
"No one living can top Paul McCartney."
It's in the ear of the behearer, Apollo; I suggest you listen elsewehere as well. Guy Clark would be a good start, if you want songs about real life. Cheers.
alcstein| 6.10.10 @ 6:41PM
I have lost a lot of respect for "Sir" Paul. If he had made any disparaging remarks about the royal family in England, he probably would have been run out of the country. For some strange reason, it's suppose to be VIP cool to bash a Bush, but you have to lay off "Joe Cool" Obama. Sir Paul is a big supporter of PETA. Under Joe Cool's watch more animals could die than under any president in history. That's something to think about.
fjdsi| 7.1.10 @ 5:00AM
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