“Do you foresee a time when Lennon/McCartney becomes an active songwriting partnership again?” That question was one of many posed on a press release enclosed with advanced copies of Paul McCartney’s 1970 solo debut, McCartney. With the Cute Beatle’s one word response, the world knew that The Beatles were irreparably broken. McCartney’s simple “no” spoke volumes. His other answers didn't help matters. And so while the world’s most beloved band was fracturing, a solo career that flourishes to this day was beginning. On June 14 (updated), Concord’s Hear Music label continues The Paul McCartney Archive Collection with reissues of 1970’s McCartney and its ten-years-later sequel, 1980’s McCartney II. (Thanks to our good friends at MusicTAP for the heads-up!) Both releases will be made available in 2-CD Deluxe Editions and 2-LP packages. In addition, McCartney will be released as a 2-CD/1-DVD set and McCartney II as a 3-CD/1-DVD set. These will resemble the hardbound book-style box set Band on the Run and feature 128 pages of text, memorabilia and photographs. Maybe you’re amazed by this news? If so, hit the jump for more!
McCartney (1970) was recorded by the artist in the seclusion of his home studio, away from his fab pals. The multi-instrumentalist took on bass (naturally) plus drums, acoustic guitar, lead guitar, piano, Mellotron and organ (as well as “toy xylophone and bow and arrow,” he added!) for the album, with wife Linda adding harmonies and the sleeve photography, of course. The April 1970 release arrived amidst great controversy; the acrimony of The Beatles’ breakup was being played out before the press, with McCartney arguably firing the first salvo with his press release. There was also a contretemps over the album’s release date when it appeared that it would conflict with the planned release of Let it Be; Phil Spector was assembling and remixing the Beatles' swansong to McCartney’s chagrin while McCartney was recording his solo debut.
Upon its release, McCartney reached the top spot in the U.S. Billboard chart, while Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water (also the recipient of a deluxe reissue this year) denied it that plateau in the U.K. Among the Beatles leftovers, instrumentals and unpretentious, intimate charmers, there was one majestic achievement worthy of McCartney’s best: “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Among the other decidedly lo-fi cuts were the standout ballads “Junk” and “Every Night,” as good examples as any of McCartney’s effortless melodic gifts. The wistful, homespun tone of McCartney left many listeners bewildered despite its great commercial success. McCartney would keep them guessing throughout the decade, with only his muse to guide him, and only “The Lovely Linda” consistently by his side.
With The Beatles in limbo, Paul cut McCartney. When the same fate befell Wings in summer 1979 after the release of what would turn out to be the band’s final album, Back to the Egg, the artist turned again to his home studio. That summer, he made a number of recordings including “Wonderful Christmastime.” He was then back on the road for a U.K. tour with Wings, and then the Japanese leg which led to his infamous marijuana bust. After serving nine days in jail, McCartney returned home. Still unsure if he wished Wings to have a future, he made the decision to release his solo recordings of the previous year as McCartney II.
Released in May 1980, II boasted one major hit, just like its predecessor. This time, it was “Coming Up,” an infectious dance song which was reportedly a favorite of John Lennon’s. Also like McCartney, II offered instrumental tracks and more experimental compositions, this time utilizing modern (and New Wave-inspired?) synthesizer sounds. The second single, “Waterfalls,” performed well in the U.K. but the low-key song failed to make any waves in America. Still, the album topped the U.K. chart and hit No. 3 in the U.S., and its success encouraged McCartney to continue his career sans Wings. Like McCartney, its sequel remains a somewhat polarizing classic, but both albums represent the singer and songwriter in adventurous mode.
Paulmccartney.com has confirmed track listings for Hear Music's upcoming deluxe reissues of McCartney and McCartney II. A number of tracks from the long-requested Live in Glasgow concert from 1979 have been included on both sets, although many fans are still hoping for a full, stand-alone release. Among the bonus material on the original McCartney is the much-requested "Suicide" as well as another outtake, "Don't Cry Baby," and a demo of "Women Kind." A version of "Maybe I'm Amazed" recorded for the 1974 documentary One Hand Clapping plus three Glasgow concert tracks round out the short disc. (The One Hand Clapping documentary was included in full on the Band on the Run DVD.) McCartney II offers a number of unreleased songs: "Blue Sway" with an orchestration by Richard Niles, "Bogey Wobble," "Mr H Atom/You Know I'll Get You Baby," and "All You Horse Riders/Blue Sway." In one form or another, these tracks represent all of the unreleased songs recorded during the album's sessions. Three previously-released related singles and "Coming Up" from Glasgow complete the second disc. The third disc for McCartney II includes six full-length versions of album tracks plus "Check My Machine" and "Wonderful Christmastime," a DJ edit of "Waterfalls" and an original, instrumental take of "Summer's Day Song."
Both McCartney and McCartney II offer DVDs with documentaries, music videos and concert footage from various performances. In addition, the deluxe editions will include links for high-resolution audio downloads.
Both titles will hit stores on June 14 from Hear Music. You'll find pre-order links and track listings below!
Paul McCartney, McCartney (Apple PCS 7102 (U.K.)/Apple SMAS 3363 (U.S.), 1970 – reissued Concord/Hear Music HRM 32797, 2011 as 2-CD, 2-LP and 2-CD/1-DVD)
CD 1: The Original Album
- The Lovely Linda
- That Would Be Something
- Valentine Day
- Every Night
- Hot as Sun/Glasses
- Junk
- Man We Was Lonely
- Oo You
- Mamma Miss America
- Teddy Boy
- Singalong Junk
- Maybe I’m Amazed
- Kreen – Akore
CD 2
- Suicide [Outtake]
- Maybe I'm Amazed [From One Hand Clapping]
- Every Night [Live At Glasgow, 1979] [Live]
- Hot As Sun [Live At Glasgow, 1979] [Live]
- Maybe I'm Amazed [Live At Glasgow, 1979] [Live]
- Don't Cry Baby [Outtake]
- Women Kind [Mono] [Demo Version]
Tracks 1, 3-7 previously unreleased
Track 2 from One Hand Clapping documentary, 1974, previously unreleased on CD
DVD: Bonus Film
- The Album Story
- The Beach
- Maybe I'm Amazed [Music Video]
- Suicide [from One Hand Clapping]
- Every Night [Live at Concert for the People of Kampuchea]
- Hot as Sun [Live at Concert for the People of Kampuchea]
- Junk [MTV Unplugged]
- That Would Be Something [MTV Unplugged]
Paul McCartney, McCartney II (Parlophone PCTC 258 (U.K.)/Columbia FC 36511 (U.S.), 1980 – reissued Concord/Hear Music HRM 32798, 2011 as 2-CD, 2-LP and 3-CD/1-DVD)
CD 1: The Original Album
- Coming Up
- Temporary Secretary
- On the Way
- Waterfalls
- Nobody Knows
- Front Parlour
- Summer Day’s Song
- Frozen Jap
- Bogey Music
- Darkroom
- One of These Days
CD 2
- Blue Sway [With Richard Niles Orchestration]
- Coming Up [Live At Glasgow, 1979]
- Check My Machine [Edit]
- Bogey Wobble
- Secret Friend [Full Length Version]
- Mr H Atom / You Know I'll Get You Baby
- Wonderful Christmastime [Edited Version]
- All You Horse Riders / Blue Sway
Tracks 1-2, 4, 6, 8 previously unreleased
Track 3 from Parlophone single R 6037-B, 1980
Track 5 from Parlophone twelve-inch single 12-R-6039-B, 1980
Track 7 from Parlophone single R 6029-A, 1979
CD 3
- Coming Up [Full Length Version]
- Front Parlour [Full Length Version]
- Frozen Jap [Full Length Version]
- Darkroom [Full Length Version]
- Check My Machine [Full Length Version]
- Wonderful Christmastime [Full Length Version]
- Summer's Day Song [Original without vocals]
- Waterfalls [DJ Edit] (Radio promo single, issued on CD on Wingspan, Capitol/MPL CDP-7243-5-32946-2, 2001)
DVD: Bonus Film
- Meet Paul McCartney
- Coming Up [Music Video]
- Waterfalls [Music Video]
- Wonderful Christmastime [Music Video]
- Coming Up [Live at Concert for the People of Kampuchea]
- Coming Up [Rehearsal Session at Lower Gate Farm, 1979]
- Making The "Coming Up" Music Video
- Blue Sway
Mike says
Glad to hear the next "wave" is coming out. Lol. Wish they'd move the archive series along a little more quickly, but glad the next couple are in sight. Never really got into MCII all that much, but I really enjoyed the debut. Looking forward to RAM eventually too.
Rosa says
Ram is the reissue I want the most. But these two are high on the list. C'mon Macca, don't disappoint. I hope he's opened up the vault and is offering some goodies.
Liam says
Looking forward to these releases. Must say I can't wait for Red Rose Speedway to be revisited. And the often overlooked, brilliant Flaming Pie.
Sander van Schagen says
I am wondering if there will be any new stuff, that hasn't surfaced on bootlegs. I'm afraid not, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
James says
How many times are you people going to be duped into buying the same crap over and over? No matter what they do to it, it's still gonna be the same songs you've already heard a million times. As for the "bonus" material, let some other sucker buy this crap then post it to YouTube. It'll save you money and time and you'll have it any time you want it, for FREE.
Rosa says
Lighten up, Francis. No one is forcing YOU to buy it. If I want to buy it again, that's my business. And McCartney hasn't remastered his solo stuff in 10 years, and some of it even longer, so there's room for sonic improvement to those of us who care about that.
... And it's music thieves like you who are ruining the music business -- not for people like McCartney, who certainly doesn't need the money -- but for songwriters and indie groups whose music YOU are stealing.
Bradley James says
Amen, Rosa : )
eduardo says
is this tracklist correct?
McCartney 2:
Disc Number 1 (regular version)
Disc number 2
Coming Up (Wings Live Version)
Robber's Ball
Waterfalls ( Original Demo, made at Waterfalls , May 1979)
Front Parlour (Long Version)
Summer's Day Song (Instrumental)
Blue Sway (Instrumental)
All You Horse Riders
Darkroom (Different take, 11 min long)
Check My Machine
Secret Friend
Wonderful Christmastime
Bonus Disc 3
Coming Up (long version)
Temporary Secretary (Different take)
You Know I'll get you baby
No Values (Waterfalls Demo)
Seems like Old Time (Waterfalls Demo)
Mr H Atom
Check My Machine (Long Version)
Frozen Jap (Long Version)
Darkroom (Longer version, from the commercial take)
Attention (Waterfalls Demo)
Private Property (Waterfalls Demo)
2 Tracks are reserved to be given free for deluxe buyers:
- Bogey wobble
- Bogey Music (long version)
DVD
1. Waterfalls video
2. Coming Up live
3. Coming up video
4. The making of Coming up (12 minutes)
5. Cannes May 1980 Home Made Trip movie (with "Attention" and "This is the Man" (without M Jackson) demos from May), with a great sequence with Ringo at a french restaurant.
6. Wonderful Christmastime
Joe Marchese says
Hi Eduardo! That tracklisting is simply a rumor from an MPL "insider," and as such, I wouldn't put too much stock in it. We'll report back as soon as the official track listing is confirmed! Thanks for reading!
SPO says
Jorie Gracen had that on the Macca Report a few months ago...
Dominik Weich says
Hi,
when comes the Tracklisting Informationen?
Dominik
Dominik Weich says
Hi,
when comes the Tracklisting Informationen?
Dominik
Chris says
To Dominik... we're still waiting for the official word on the McCartney and McCartney II tracklistings... and also for them to be available for pre-order. I know I'm waiting, too.
gary says
Did anyone ever pick up the 'Lost' McCartney II bootleg about 5 years ago?
Granted the quality wasn't brilliant but it had some lovely bits and pieces on it.
First time i saw Ladytron, 8 yrs ago maybe, they came on stage to a weird mix of Temporary Secretary. Turns out it was what was on the 'Lost' version of Mccartney II.
Can't wait to have a clean recording of it.
gary
SPO says
5yrs ago??? Try the early 90's on 2LP...its a dinasaur...Maccas best in my opinion...Goldmine Mag gave a review of the unreleased tracks thus creating the back cover of the 2LP boot...
lastparty says
I think you'll find its a dinosaur.
Anth says
Wish the bonus CDs were a little bit longer--they're not all that heftier than the Queen bonus CDs that I've heavily criticized, although at least Paul's not trying to pass off excerpts from previously released live albums as bonus tracks.
Also, perhaps it's a different version but I do believe "Coming Up" (Live at Glasgow) has been released--that's the recording that was huge in America and appeared on the Wingspan compilation a few years ago.
Love that "Mr. H Atom" will finally get a proper release, but why are those two songs combined (as well as #8)? I don't remember them being connected but it's been years since I listened to the Lost McCartney Album.
Chris says
There's another version of the live "Coming Up" which is exactly the same, but with the "Paul McCartney!" crowd chant at the very end (that was omitted from the US single release).
Chris says
Sorry; my mistake... the chant wasn't omitted on the US single, but on compilations (such as Wingspan) it was.
SPO says
Your thinking of the 1981 2LP live in Kampuchee album that had McCartney, Clash, Pretenders, The Specials, The Who and of course Rockestra...yeeeaaaahhhhh...
Shaun says
"Your thinking of the 1981 2LP live in Kampuchee album"
The Concert For the People of Kampuchea... Great old album (and film) that's been long forgotten. A shame, since a expanded reissue would be awesome. One of the last McCartney & Wings performances, all the other artists you mentioned, plus Elvis Costello, and (perhaps most intriguing) Robert Plant performing with Rockpile.
What a shame stuff like this just sits in a vault... Labels should start opening the archives with rare stuff like this, for digital downloads at the very least. Sort of like the "on demand" DVDs you can order from Warners.
Joe Marchese says
I'm pretty pleased with the bonus material, too, and I agree 100% that these discs should be longer! And I'm confused about the songs being combined in those two instances, too. As soon as we can find out more information, we'll be sure to pass it on.
Rob says
All you Horseriders and Blue Sway were connected (through a rather sloppy crossfade) on the original acetate.
Dirk says
Was is your Sources??
Barbara L says
i love all the beatles all of their music
SPO says
WE MAY FINALLY SEE WATERSPOUT ON LONDON TOWN...HAPPY DAZE!!!!
Sven1987 says
full official tracklist for "McCartney" and "McCartney II" Incl. bonus DVD content tracklist:
MCCARTNEY TRACKLIST:
CD 1 - Remastered Album
1. The Lovely Linda
2. That Would Be Something
3. Valentine Day
4. Every Night
5. Hot As Sun / Glasses
6. Junk
7. Man We Was Lonely
8. Oo You
9. Momma Miss America
10. Teddy Boy
11 Singalong Junk
12. Maybe I'm Amazed
13. Kreen-Akrore
CD 2 - Bonus Audio Tracks
1. Suicide [Out-take]
2. Maybe I'm Amazed [From One Hand Clapping]
3. Every Night [Live At Glasgow, 1979]
4. Hot As Sun [Live At Glasgow, 1979]
5. Maybe '’m Amazed [Live At Glasgow, 1979]
6. Don't Cry Baby [Out-take]
7. Women Kind (Demo) [Mono]
DVD - Bonus Film
1. The Album Story
2. The Beach
3. Maybe I'm Amazed Music Video
4. Suicide [from One Hand Clapping]
5. Every Night [Live at Concert for the People of Kampuchea]
6. Hot As Sun [Live at Concert for the People of Kampuchea]
7. Junk [MTV Unplugged]
8. That Would Be Something [MTV Unplugged]
MCCARTNEY II TRACKLIST:
CD 1 – Remastered Album
1. Coming Up
2. Temporary Secretary
3. On The Way
4. Waterfalls
5. Nobody Knows
6. Front Parlour
7. Summer’s Day Song
8. Frozen Jap
9. Bogey Music
10. Darkroom
11 One Of These Days
CD 2 – Bonus Audio 1
1. Blue Sway [With Richard Niles Orchestration]
2. Coming Up [Live At Glasgow, 1979]
3. Check My Machine [Edit]
4. Bogey Wobble
5. Secret Friend
6. Mr H Atom / You Know I'll Get you Baby
7. Wonderful Christmastime [Edited Version]
8. All You Horse Riders/Blue Sway
CD 3- Bonus Audio 2 (DELUXE 3 CD – 1 DVD EDITION ONLY)
1. Coming Up [Full Length Version]
2. Front Parlour [Full Length Version]
3. Frozen Jap [Full Length Version]
4. Darkroom [Full Length Version]
5. Check My Machine [Full Length Version]
6. Wonderful Christmastime [Full Length Version]
7. Summer's Day Song [Original without vocals]
8. Waterfalls [DJ Edit]
DVD – Bonus Film
1. Meet Paul McCartney
2. Coming Up Music Video
3. Waterfalls Music Video
4. Wonderful Christmastime Music Video
5. Coming Up [Live at Concert for the People of Kampuchea]
6. 'Coming Up' [taken from a rehearsal session at Lower Gate Farm, 1979]
7. Making the Coming Up Music Video
8. Blue Sway
You will be able to preorder the editions or download the packages shortly from PaulMcCartney.com.
source: http://www.paulmccartney.com/news.php#/2149/2011-04
Victor Dang says
So, who's the team that's going to be remastering these this time, do you think?
Joe Marchese says
I believe the same Abbey Road team that handled BAND ON THE RUN is responsible for this batch, as well, and most likely the entire catalogue.
ward says
It is as I feared. For the DVDs (and all the music for McCartney II) we have to spring for the Super Deluxe (read: pricey) editions.
Chauncey says
It's only money Ward. You plan on taking it with you? Spend it now and enjoy life.
Shaun says
"A number of tracks from the long-requested Live in Glasgow concert from 1979 have been included on both sets, although many fans are still hoping for a full, stand-alone release."
Yeah... I don't know that I really want or need the pricey, expanded versions of these albums. I already have McCartney, which I mostly like, and McCartney II just never did it for me.
But the Glasgow '79 show... If Paul were to release that complete show, I'd snatch it up in a second. Like I said in different post here, it's a shame that stuff like this gets locked away and never (fully) sees the light of day.
Dominik Weich says
when Comes the next release coming soon?