Just in case nobody's mentioned this yet, there is also a UK version of the War Child album to benefit children in Iraq. The UK album is called "Hope" and I guess is slightly different from the Canadian version, tho I didnt realize that until today. The UK album was out last week and I picked up my copy before I left London. It's a single disc and "Calico Skies" is on there. It's a new version recorded by Paul and the current band during their rehearsals at the Docklands in March. Each time Paul played "Calico Skies" at Earl's Court, he mentioned that the song would be appearing on the album and that the charity would benefit the children in Iraq.
Update II (4/29/03) From carnydc:
Hi, besides the UK and Canadian versions of Warchild/Peace Songs with Paul's version of Calico Skies, there's also a Dutch version of the album with a different tracklisting (dropping the Bowie track for example). That tracklisting is at the Dutch War Child website at: http://www.warchild.nl/site/articleswelcome.php?categoryid=1151 as well as links to websites for the other two albums at: http://www.hope-cd.com/ and http://www.sonymusic.ca/PeaceSongs/.
Update (4/29/03) From Matt Hurwitz:
Hi, Steve-- I just got an e-mail from the engineer who produced the new "Calico Skies" recording on the "Peace Songs" CD from Warchild Canada. It was indeed recorded during the rehearsals for the recent tour at London's Docklands Arena, towards the end of the rehearsal period. The engineer is Paul Boothroyd (or "PAB" as he is known to Paul, for his initials), the Front of House sound engineer for the McCartney tours. By the way, the album is out in two incarnations - the UK disc is titled "Hope," and is a single-disc album. The Canadian release is a 2-disc set called "Peace Songs." They do share some tracks, but are different releases.
Update (4/28/03) Paul McCartney has called for a ban on cluster bombs in response to the war in Iraq, reports NME.com, the New York Daily News and the UK Mirror. "It would be great to outlaw these cowardly weapons. What happens after the war finishes is that it's the civilians, mainly women and children, who get blown up." He also said that "time will tell" if the U.S.-Britain invasion of Iraq was the right thing. “I felt that the UN all agreed that Saddam should be made to disarm. They didn't agree on how to do it...a lot of people agree that there are other ways to do it. I don't want anyone to fight anyone." (Thanks to Barbara Pazmino, Rob Leonard, Carolyn Hurwitz and Adam Powell.)
Update (4/19/03)
Update (4/18/03)
WarChild Canada told me yesterday that the version of "Calico Skies" included on the album was taped during the recent rehearsals from the current tour, not from "Back in the World." My previous source was one on the inside of Paul's recording world, noting that the only ones mixed had been those which appear on "Back." We'll have to wait and compare to make sure.
Update II (4/17/03) The UK Mirror is previewing the songs from the CD on a phoneline 0901 560 9644. (Outside of the UK you'll need international access codes to reach it.) You can hear Paul's contribution by keying in code 03.
Update (4/3/03) Matt Hurwitz tells us he's heard from an inside source that the version of "Calico Skies" on the disc is the same one as on "Back to the World."
Update (4/2//03)
According to www.davidbowie.com, the upcoming Warchild CD which you reported on today will contain a live version of Calico Skies by Paul McCartney, listed as "Paul McCartney - Calico Skies (Live version exclusive)".
Update II (3/28/03) Paul McCartney is among many artists contribute to an upcoming benefit Peace Songs album. Here's a press release on the CD. (Thanks to Emily, who also tells us Our Lady Peace's contribution is rumored to be a cover of "Imagine", and to Claudio Dirani, who sent us a piece from Arts Canada (no link) that says Paul's contribution will be a new song.):
Our Lady Peace And Other Renowned Artists Collaborate On Peace Songs Album With Proceeds To Benefit War Child Canada Release Date: April 15, 2003 TORONTO: March 27, 2003 Some of the world's best-known music artists are spending time in the studio for a common cause: war-affected children. These artists are providing exclusive material and relevant tracks for the upcoming Peace Songs album. Proceeds from the sale of Peace Songs will help children affected by war through War Child Canada's international humanitarian projects, including humanitarian relief in Iraq. The album is scheduled to be released on April 15, 2003. Artists have generously donated songs with timely messages of peace and hope. Some have re-recorded their own versions of classic songs about peace, while others have developed new compositions fitting with the theme and others have offered existing tracks. The artists featured in Peace Songs include: Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, David Bowie, Bruce Cockburn, Leonard Cohen, Celine Dion, Gord Downie, In Essence, Garou, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), K-OS, Chantal Kreviazuk, Kyprios, Avril Lavigne, Paul McCartney, Moby, Our Lady Peace, and David Usher - to name a few. The final track listing will be released at the end of this week. A remarkable range of international talent have volunteered their voices to Peace Songs, including Paul McCartney, who took time out from rehearsing his upcoming European tour to record an exclusive track. "Whatever the politics, whatever the rights and wrongs of war, children are always the innocent victims," commented McCartney. "I am delighted to be able to make this small contribution to a magnificent project." Peace Songs is a joint initiative between BMG Canada Inc., Sony Music Canada, and War Child Canada. "We are very concerned for the well-being of Iraqi children and all innocent people caught in the crossfire of war," says Dr. Samantha Nutt, Executive Director of War Child Canada. "We are extremely grateful for the support of such talented artists in our efforts to help these vulnerable children and families who are at great risk". "We are very committed to this package. The genesis of Peace Songs was long before the war in Iraq started, but whatever opinion you hold - on this war or any other conflict internationally - the humanitarian impact is massive and tragic. I'm once again grateful for the power of music and the integrity of artists to help generate money for child victims of war," commented Denise Donlon, President of Sony Music Canada. "At a time when many of us feel powerless to make a difference, this initiative is a positive step towards giving a voice to those who need it most - children," adds BMG Canada Inc. President, Lisa Zbitnew. War Child Canada is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to providing humanitarian support to war-affected children around the world. Assistance includes relief supplies, health care, education, rehabilitation and psychological support for the young victims of war. One of War Child Canada's partners in Iraq is the Karbala Children's Hospital. Since 2001, War Child Canada has provided urgently needed supplies to help improve the lives of the young patients. Working closely with the music industry, War Child Canada is also committed to providing Canadian youth with meaningful opportunities to get involved in human rights and social issues. To learn more about War Child Canada, please visit www.warchild.ca or call 1-866-WARCHILD (1-866-927-2445).