Sir Paul McCartney Sings for the Obamas

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   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   He earns a prominent award and does a cozy gig for the first family and invited guests.  It's a feel-good all around.
   Can't imagine anyone finding fault with this ... but if you do, bring it....
   
   Paul McCartney, pals serenade Obamas at White House
   
   "Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in Performance at the White House," was taped early last month and screened tonight (Wed) on PBS. It is the fourth "In Performance" show thus far during Obama's young administration.
   
   McCartney probably needs another award about as much as Jesse James needs another tattoo. However, in clips before the start of the concert in the East Room of the White House, he appears humbled and grateful for the recognition. After those introductory clips, mostly showing the artists meeting one another and rehearsing, the program moves into the actual concert.
   
   One by one, some of today's top musicians applied their personal style to songs by McCartney -- and, in some cases, also by John Lennon. Performers include
   Stevie Wonder
   the Jonas Brothers
   Jack White
   Faith Hill
   Elvis Costello
   Emmylou Harris
   Lang Lang
   Dave Grohl
   and the duo of Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae.
   There even is a short but hugely entertaining bit of stand-up by Jerry Seinfeld, who related McCartney's lyrics to the stages of his personal life.
   
   With each additional number, McCartney's genius as a songwriter grows more evident. In fact, part of that genius is reflected in the fact that his music can be covered in such different styles, each showing new facets of the composition.
   
   There were plenty of highlights: Wonder's enthusiastic rendition of "We Can Work It Out," Hancock and Rae's delicate and haunting performance of "Blackbird," Lang Lang's classical finesse applied to "Celebrations," and Costello's sweetly sentimental version of "Penny Lane."
   (Don't bother looking for McCartney's dig at former White House occupant George W. Bush: "After the last eight years, it's great to have a president who knows what a library is," he said. A PBS spokesperson reportedly said the comment occurred after the planned program had concluded and after President Obama left the room.)
   
   In any case, the biggest highlight was the return of all the artists to the stage, along with the first family, for the long chorus that concluded McCartney's delivery of "Hey Jude." Hearing so many memorable songs performed so brilliantly almost can make you forget all the monumental issues facing White House occupants the rest of the time.

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      Shinkickerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I just think that rock stars and politicians don't mix. So uncool :-)

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   Cagsilposted 13 years ago

   You must be bored Mighty Mom.

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      Kathryn LJposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      But I can see where Mom is coming from.  Personally I feel that perhaps the white house has an insomnia problem and Sir Paul was helping them out with it.

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         Flightkeeperposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         

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3. 78

   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   *Gosh, does it show that much?*
   I've made several attempts to get in on some forum action today. Seemed like no matter what the OP was about, the most recent posts were the "usual suspects" plus one well-known recently returned usual suspect, talking their usual schoolyard shit.
   
   I really did enjoy watching the concert and think Paul McCartney has aged like a fine wine.
   
   Perhaps I'll give this a little time and if no one posts I can change the title to "what is your favorite Beatles song."
   Would that be more appropriate?

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      meow48posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      mighty mom, i loved your post.  and yeah, what is wrong with the president having a rest.  MC Cartney's music spoke to a generation with hope, peace and love in a time when all of that was only a dream and perhaps still is.  thankyou for sharing.  I think as far as an award, it is pretty prestigious.... common, it is the White House and the President...

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   Cagsilposted 13 years ago

   Well, regardless what happens. This at least made me laugh.

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5. 63

   Mishaposted 13 years ago

   I would have been impressed if sir paul sang for Mighty Mom's family...

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   wavegirl22posted 13 years ago

   Thanks for this Mighty Mom .. I didnt know about it and it is definitely something that I know I would absolutely love to see. . . I am not sure if Cags thinks that maybe watching <or listening> to something like this would be boring or maybe the fact that its with the Obamas. . who cares . . WHAT A LINE UP!
   
   And I agree with Mishna . . I would love to see Sir Paul sing for your family especially if Elvis Costello comes . . Ill take a pass on the Jonas bros though!

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      Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hey Wavegirl, it was Paul McCartney...you're kidding right?

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         wavegirl22posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Huh???

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         wavegirl22posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         cags. . .sir paul bores you?????

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   Anne Pettitposted 13 years ago

   I'm sorry I missed it.  Is there any way I can watch it?

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8. 78

   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   You can watch the concert on the PBS.ORG website, apparently.
   Not sure when local affiliates might be re-airing the concert.
   I hope soon, as I only got to see the very end:(
   
   He was fab tho

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   waqasmaaposted 13 years ago

   Check this out, now you can listen any lyrics of your choice. great work.
   
   http://click2go.org/aff_c?offer_id=2074&aff_id=5885

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