McCartney's latest captures live performance

Although other former Beatles members have moved away from live performances to focus solely on crafting masterful studio records, Paul McCartney's newest release, "Amoeba's Secret," proves that the wonders of modern-day technology can translate anything on the stage into the studio. Of course, having half a century of experience and a brilliant mind for songwriting helps a bit as well.
    "Amoeba's Secret" is a rocking, energetic EP cut from a live show at the Amoeba Music store in Los Angeles, Calif. in 2007. The gig was arranged in support of McCartney's last album, "Memory Almost Full" (2007), his first outing on the Starbucks-owned record label Hear Music.
    "Amoeba" proves that Sir Paul McCartney can still captivate an audience with a very solid, ever-evolving performance. In addition, it also speaks to the marketing techniques of the Starbucks label. The EP was originally sold on vinyl only, and was hyped as a limited edition release with no plans for a CD version. The cover of the album, a pixilated photo of McCartney in concert, is another marketing ploy. It makes "Amoeba's Secret" seem like a rare bootleg.
    Some collectors who bought up the vinyl copies may not be pleased now that the EP has been released in digital formats, but rarity is swiftly becoming a thing of the past in this modern age. McCartney is probably as famous as he is because he so easily adapts to new technology and new trends in music.
    The quality of the recording proves that "Amoeba" is no bootleg. Despite having only four tracks, the entire EP is a fantastic mix of sound that carries McCartney's music into the modern era like never before. Screaming guitars, pounding drums and McCartney's signature bass tone drive the short EP from start to finish.
    The music in "Amoeba" transforms some of McCartney's recent studio work as well as a couple of older tunes into harder, more upbeat arrangements that are not only more suited for a live audience but are actually more suited for the songs themselves.
    Two songs from "Memory Almost Full" (2007) made it to the disc including the opener, "Only Mama Knows." Both songs capture every nuance of feeling and layering from the full record while cranking up the energy. The lengthy string introduction from the original "Only Mama Knows" has been shortened to get straight to the heavy guitars that drive the track.
    McCartney has always paid attention to the details of tone, variety, and arrangement, and "Amoeba" does not disappoint in these areas. The clarity of the guitar work is very impressive, especially for a live recording. The entire EP has a consistent, modern edge to it despite its diversity of song styles.
    After the rocking "Mama" comes "C Moon," an upbeat reggae song featuring a fairly amusing Jamaican impression. The track keeps the energy of the opener moving forward despite a shift in style that keeps everything fresh and interesting.
    The third song, "That Was Me" also from "Memory," replaces the studio cut's prominent acoustic guitar rhythm with a jangly rock n' roll electric. The drums here are also more interesting than those in the laid back studio version. Halfway through the song, McCartney sings along to the guitar solo. This serves as an engaging transition into the heavier second half of the song. When the guitar solo ends, McCartney lets loose his screaming vocals after keeping his singing pretty low-key. While he may never be able to replicate the sheer power of the screaming in old Beatles tracks like "Oh! Darling," he certainly doesn't stop trying. His voice has definitely aged and lost some of its presence and clarity, but what's left is still pretty impressive considering all the decades of work he's done.
    The vocals are the only piece of the EP that doesn't immediately stand out. McCartney's voice may have grown a bit weaker, but a producer as experienced as the one McCartney is surely using should have been able to make use of his million-dollar rig to give the vocals the same treatment he gave to the rest of the instruments.
    Aside from this minor complaint, "Amoeba's Secret" is a solid EP. The closing track, a revitalized version of "I Saw Her Standing There," continues the trend of overdriven guitars and an enervating modernization of the entire arrangement while still staying more or less close to the 1963 original.
    While some might consider it too short of a release, what's included on "Ameoba" is very good, and iTunes sells the EP for under $4. For any McCartney fan, especially those that never got a hold of the original vinyl, "Amoeba's Secret" is a must-buy.