I just heard Live and Let Die on the radio – Paul McCartney & Wings, you know the one. Surging horns, wild rampaging vocals, impassioned guitar riffs….gives me this feeling in my bones, my loins, my pulsing heart, it gives me an emptiness in my stomach, it feels like wanting to drive over a cliff. It’s human and large and throbbing.

It underwhelmed me, though… See, I heard this song for the first time performed Live at the Hollywood Bowl by Sir McCartney himself, but a few months ago. Of the three-hour concert delivered by the spry septuagenarian, this song was a memorable high point. I mean, all those metaphoric fireworks I described? There were real pyrotechnics :) Perhaps the most thrilling moment of live performance I’ve ever witnessed, even without the gunpowder. There was a baldness to it, a profound aggression that quite surprised me coming from such an old friend as Paul – it was powerful to the point of being frightening. In the very best and completely intangible way.

It was a few months ago – but I hear the recording, and I wonder how such a magnificent song can be so disappointing – and I remember what it felt like hearing it in person – and there is nothing you get sober, short of teenage lust that compares.

Point? Is there a point? Go see some live music! Actually, go see some GREAT live music!! There is so much talent out there….

Like, this woman, for example: Chrystal Monee Hall – I caught her last night. Very powerful singer. But don’t take my word for it…. I bet, if you do go see her, and you let the universe open up inside you, she’ll make you cry like a baby.

Love