Paul McCartney: Now and Then

Rating:
Summary: Don't judge the book by it's glossy cover
Review: Sorry to say that this glossy looking generously-formatted book is nothing more than a badly written amateur article blown up with shockingly poor photo material (taken from videos, other books). That the author even dares to mention that he visited Paul at home for this should embarass him deeply.

A rip off, nothing else.
R. Kruschak, Germany

Rating:
Summary: Nothing much
Review: There are lots of other, better books on the Beatles and on McCartney. This one is basically a hodge-podge coffee table book, combining a few interviews with Beatles-related folks (George Martin, Klaus Voorman, Pete Best, Peter Asher, Donovan, etc.)with some memories of Beatles press officer Tony Barrow and some fawning drivel by one of Paul's modern toadies telling us what he's been up to lately. This book was apparently rushed to market, as it has no central concept, a few typos, and the book actually ends in the middle of a sentence. Most of the "unseen" photos are boring, blurry shots from 1960s television that we could have done without. If this book has any value, it is from the odd collection of guest interviewees; most of these folks have been heard from in other places before, but still, a decent Beatles anecdote is always worth a glance.

Rating:
Summary: More Now Than Then
Review: There are some worthwhile things about this book, although it might have worked better as less a coffee-table volume as it isn't quite that speed. What you get is more a portrait of Sir Paul today as he is perceived this last half-decade. The interviews with others (middle section) provide some good anecdotes. Good choice of people too. Barrow was there (with the lads) forever and has a perspective that is different, if not new. Not that many were "there" all through the Beatlemania years. Still, mostly we get stories and praises of Paul today. Think of this as an attempt to honor and praise Paul while he's alive, rather than after he's gone - much of it does seem like a eulogy at times. What's missing is more of an appreciation of his non-rock career (classical, experimental, animation soundtracks, painting, etc.) which seems to be a lot of what he is about since 1990.

Rating:
Summary: Some great photos and revealing words
Review: This is a welcome book for Macca fans everywhere. Though there is absolutely nothing new for people who have long followed Paul's career, for newbies this would be a veritable treasure trove. Paul speaks candidly about John, the Beatles break-up, his marriage with Linda, the infighting among various members of Wings (especially Denny Laine), and his musical legacy. There's nothing about Linda's struggle with breast cancer, her death, or the appearence of Heather Mills. So don't expect any information on Macca's life post-1998.

All of this has been discussed ad nauseum by Paul in previous interviews dating back many years. But there are snippets that are marvelous. I especially like his description of he and John slagging off school and assembling in Paul's upstairs bedroom at 20 Forthlin Road to write songs. What wouldn't you give to have been on a fly on the wall in that room?

The photos are nicely done with some rare and intriguing shots. Not many color shots and the photos from the Beatles years are a little weak. Still, if you love Paul, this is a "must have" for your collection.