At last, we can say, say, say it's true: the next two volumes of the Paul McCartney Archive Collection are on their way for October 2 release in a variety of formats. Macca's second and third albums of the 1980s, the platinum sellers Tug of War and Pipes of Peace, will arrive from Concord Records and MPL with the expected array of bonus material, highlighted by a complete 2015 remix of Tug of War.
1982's Tug of War marked McCartney's first album following the breakup of Wings. It followed 1980's McCartney II in his discography, which had been recorded while the future of the band was in question. Reuniting the artist with producer George Martin, Tug was also a pronounced departure from the homemade sound of McCartney II. Paul's gamble paid off when the LP went to No. 1 in nine countries including the U.S. and the U.K., received five Grammy nominations, and yielded the U.K. and U.S. No. 1 duet with Stevie Wonder, "Ebony and Ivory." Paul was supported on the album by friends and colleagues including Denny Laine, Ringo Starr, Eric Stewart, Steve Gadd and Stanley Clarke, while Wonder and Carl Perkins were featured guests. Single "Take It Away" also went U.S. Top 10 Pop; the heartfelt "Here Today," written for John Lennon, remains a Macca concert favorite today.
Pipes of Peace, Paul's fourth solo album, arrived on the heels of Tug of War in 1983. Once again helmed by George Martin and featuring much of the same personnel including Starr and Laine, it was anchored by another international hit duet: U.S. No. 1 /U.K. No. 2 "Say Say Say" with King of Pop Michael Jackson. It wasn't the only hit single. In the United States, "So Bad" reached No. 23 on the Hot 100, with title track "Pipes of Peace" on the flipside. The single was reversed in the U.K., with "Pipes" reaching the No. 1 spot. The album itself made No. 4 in the U.K. and No. 15 stateside.
For its Archive Collection release, Tug of War will be issued as a 2-CD Special Edition featuring a new 2015 remix of the entire album, plus a second 11-track disc of bonus audio featuring eight previously unreleased demos of both album tracks and outtakes "Stop, You Don't Know Where She Came From" and "Something That Didn't Happen," as well as demo and solo versions of "Ebony and Ivory" and more. The Tug Of War 3-CD/1-DVD Deluxe Edition adds the original 1982 album mix and a DVD featuring the music videos for the album's singles and the new 18-minute documentary "Fly TIA--Behind The Scenes on Take It Away." The Tug Of War Deluxe Edition includes a lavish 112-page book of essays and 64-page scrapbook, while a limited run of 1,000 Super Deluxe boxes will arrive in a limited edition acrylic slipcase with five hand numbered prints of images from the Linda McCartney archive.
The Pipes of Peace 2-CD Special Edition consists of the original album plus a 9-track bonus disc including Spike Stent's new 2015 remix of "Say Say Say," demos of three album tracks, outtakes "It's Not On" and "Simple As That," the previously unreleased "Christian Bop" and more. The 2-CD/1-DVD Pipes of Peace Deluxe Edition features a bonus DVD with the original promo clips for all three of the album's singles, plus previously unreleased footage from the McCartney archives. The Deluxe configuration also boasts a 112-page essay book and 64-page book going behind the scenes on the "Pipes of Peace" video shoot.
In addition, both albums and their companion bonus audio discs will also be released as 2-LP 180-gram audiophile vinyl editions with gatefold sleeves and download cards. The newly remixed and mastered Tug of War and remastered Pipes of Peace will also be available on standard and high-resolution digital platforms featuring all bonus audio.
Paul McCartney's Tug of War and Pipes of Peace arrive from MPL and Concord on October 2. You can peruse the track listings and place pre-orders below!
Paul McCartney, Tug of War (Parlophone PCTC 259/Columbia 37462, 1982)
3-CD/1-DVD Deluxe Edition: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
2-CD Special Edition: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
2-LP Vinyl Edition: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
CD 1: Remixed Album
- Tug of War (Remixed 2015)
- Take It Away (Remixed 2015)
- Somebody Who Cares (Remixed 2015)
- What's That You're Doing? (Remixed 2015)
- Here Today (Remixed 2015)
- Ballroom Dancing (Remixed 2015)
- The Pound Is Sinking (Remixed 2015)
- Wanderlust (Remixed 2015)
- Get It (Remixed 2015)
- Be What You See (Link) (Remixed 2015)
- Dress Me Up As a Robber (Remixed 2015)
- Ebony and Ivory (Remixed 2015)
CD 2: Original Album
- Tug of War
- Take It Away
- Somebody Who Cares
- What's That You're Doing?
- Here Today
- Ballroom Dancing
- The Pound Is Sinking
- Wanderlust
- Get It
- Be What You See (Link)
- Dress Me Up As a Robber
- Ebony and Ivory
CD 3: Bonus Audio
- Stop, You Don't Know Where She Came From [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Wanderlust [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Ballroom Dancing [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Take It Away [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- The Pound Is Sinking [Demo] (2015 Remaster)
- Something That Didn't Happen [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Ebony and Ivory [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Dress Me Up As a Robber/Robber Riff [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Ebony and Ivory [Solo Version] (B-side of "Ebony and Ivory" 12-inch single)
- Rainclouds (B-side of "Ebony and Ivory" 7-inch single)
- I'll Give You a Ring (B-side of "Take It Away" single)
DVD - Bonus Film
- Tug of War Music Video (Version 1)
- Tug of War Music Video (Version 2)
- Take It Away Music Video
- Ebony and Ivory Music Video
- Fly TIA - Behind The Scenes on Take It Away (new 18 minute documentary using previously unreleased archive footage)
Paul McCartney, Pipes of Peace (Parlophone PCTC 1652301/Columbia 39149, 1983)
2-CD/1-DVD Deluxe Edition: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
2-CD Special Edition: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
2-LP Vinyl Edition: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K.
CD 1: Remastered Album (Stereo)
- Pipes of Peace
- Say Say Say
- The Other Me
- Keep Under Cover
- So Bad
- The Man
- Sweetest Little Show
- Average Person
- Hey Hey
- Tug of Peace
- Through Our Love
CD 2: Bonus Audio
- Average Person [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Keep Under Cover [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Sweetest Little Show [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- It's Not On [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Simple As That [Demo] (previously unreleased)
- Say Say Say [2015 Remix] (previously unreleased)
- Ode to a Koala Bear (B-side of 'Say Say Say' single)
- Twice in a Lifetime (bonus track from 1993
- Christian Bop (previously unreleased)
DVD
- Pipes of Peace Music Video
- So Bad Music Video
- Say Say Say Music Video
- Hey Hey in Montserrat (previously unreleased home movie footage, 3 mins)
- Behind the Scenes at AIR Studios (previously unreleased 6 min edit)
- The Man (previously unreleased home movie footage, 4 mins)
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So, the original mix of Tug of War is only going to be available in the deluxe edition? The 2-CD Special Edition will only have the 2015 remix? That seems odd.
I agree, I already sold my 1993 CD remaster which I believe had the original mix. There is only one time, where I believe a remix was better than the original release's, and that was Rush's Vapor Trails. Otherwise, I don't like when historical records are messed with.
In Utero's Steve Albini remix and Pearl Jam's Ten remix by Brendan O'Brian are way better than the original ones. So there is a precedent.
What I don't understand is why in this case, since it never seemed to be an issue. In fact, it keeps the tradition of Macca's baffling decisions about this series of reissues. They are incomplete as far as that era (from the top of my head, it's missing "Simple As That" - The Anti-Heroin project version, and Take It Away (12" version - without faded intro) and both albums were mostly recorded together and WITH Wings (it was originally to be a double Wings album - it features the Back To The Egg era lineup in many tracks). We finally get Raincloud on CD and that is worth every penny. Most of the bonus tracks are quite well known on the bootleg circuit. Again, a lot of wasted potential...
I agree, I have yet to hear someone complain about the original mix of Tug of War.
I'm still more interested in Archive releases for "Red Rose Speedway" and "Back To The Egg". Sorry Paul.
Good luck with that..
Oh yes, Back To The Egg. Love it. So underrated and under appreciated in my opinion. I hope we see special treatment for that album soon. Red Rose Speedway is a no-brainer. I wonder what is taking so long?
Paul please get a clue. This is not what we want. I'm happy with the 93 remastered cds. I already have most of this stuff on bootleg and it sound's great. Still love ya.
Sorry, one more thing. Before I die I wish for the love of god that paul would release live shows from 72,73, 75 shows. I already have 79 soundboard. Please!
Unlike many of you, I'm actually happy with the bonus audio/video contents on both sets. Sure, there are a few omissions. For Tug Of War on the video side, the video for the solo version of "Ebony and Ivory" is missing, which is odd seeing how we only get that version as one of the bonus audio tracks. For Pipes Of Peace on the audio side, both Jellybean Benitez remixes of "Say Say Say" (the extended and instrumental mixes) are omitted. As for "Christian Bop," however, I don't see how this track has something to do with the Tug/Pipes era; I mean, I thought this was recorded after the "Pipes of Peace" album (1987, I guess). I guess I'll find out how once the sets are out. As for the new mix of the Tug Of War album: while it may never replace the original mix, it'll be interesting to spot the differences.
As a huge Beatles/Macca fan, I can't really complain very much on the bonus material on each set of the Archive Collection reissue program. As a believer of the phrases "it is what it is" and "you get what you pay for," I've been taking each set as they are. I mean, they're not ALL bad in my honest opinion.
I should explain why "Tug of War" has been remixed. While the 1982 multitrack tapes are analog, the original mixes were done at 44.1Khz/16-bit digital(all that was possible in 1982). The only way to create a 24-bit high resolution audio version of the album(for the high resolution download whose coupon will inevitably come with the boxed set) was to create a new 96Khz/24-bit mix.
So there was no analog original mix that could be used? Because, from the preview video, they sound very different from the original mix...
What preview video?
Go to paulmmcartney.com and you'll have both YouTube preview videos. He always does those for the Archive Collection.
Thank you!
Agreed - I noticed the difference in sound immediately !
Disappointed in the omissions of "Take it Away" (Single, non-segued intro) and the "Say Say Say" remixes. Should've been no-brainers.
Agreed, but at least the "Take It Away" single version is available on "Wingspan," and I'm thrilled that "Ode to a Koala Bear" and "Rainclouds" are finally being issued on CD. But, yeah, the original remixes of "Say Say Say" are a huge loss.
True, this does sound a bit underwhelming, especially if compared to other Archive releases (RAM for one)... but I'll buy anything Macca releases, and in deluxe format 🙂
I guess not for every album, or every era, it's easy to collect enough material for a deluxe edition, but this in not going to stop him 😉
I just hope I'm still alive, and not completely deaf, by the time this gets to Back to the Egg, if it ever gets there...
Paul's followed the EMI re-release schedule from the 80s, except for Red Rose Speedway — where, I suspect, the holdup may be the video content (since Paul doesn't own the TV special James Paul McCartney and may want it included).
I expect the 2016 releases will be Red Rose Speedway & Wild Life. 2017 will get us London Town & Back To The Egg. 2018 will get us Broadstreet, and possibly The Family Way. 2019 will get us an anthology and/or the 1972/1979 live albums. And 2020 will be the 20th anniversary of Wingspan, which will have all been covered up to this point so can be replaced with re-mastered tracks… and joined by a new hits package to start the next wave in 2021.
Well brian I hope your right. I just don't understand why it takes so long. I should still be around in 2019.
I don't think Wild Life will come before Give My Regards or Press (Since he broke free of releasing Wings before his solo albums.). It's a safe bet Red Rose is one of the next ones since it was included in the coupon for "next releases" in one of the Archive Collections (Over America?).
My guess is:
1) Red Rose Speedway and Back To The Egg (2016) (it would be more logical Wild Life, but it is his most underrated and criminally vilified album - and my favourite Wings album for that)
2) Give My Regards and Press - probably containing his 1987 unreleased album (2017)
3) London Town and Back To The Egg/Wild Life (2018)
4) Flowers in The Dirt (maybe with the full demos with Costello) and Off The Ground, maybe? Or will he move to Flaming Pie? (2019)
It is indeed a very long time. Maybe after 2016 they will put out 3 in a year eventually...
Great comments!
I think there are many things at play here when it comes to what is released when. There might have been schedules but be sure that Paul can override anything at any time. Let's look at all the points individually....
1. Red Rose and Wild Life Releases
Red Rose has long been rumored to be touchy issue with Paul as it's said that he never liked the work. I love it, millions do. Doesn't mean he does or ever has to. Nor does it mean he owes it or is obligated to share it at all. Perhaps he want's part's of "James Paul" to include as audio or video. I say parts because he NEVER gives us complete live audio or video EVER. Or, perhaps he doesn't want it and the bonus material will be material similar to Wingspan. Remember that nothing in that film is represented in complete form at all. A little snip of "Wild Life" live and that's all. I might add that for all that was filmed of the rehearsals in February 1972 at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts, we have seen very little and never a complete performance. Really burns the hard core fan who would likely sell organs just to see this footage complete, let alone own it!!
Example: Pipes of Peace DVD track 5 "Behind the Scenes at AIR Studios (previously unreleased 6 min edit)" EDIT!!!
So maybe there's simply a lack of material that's exciting enough or acceptable enough to release his 1972 and 1973 records. This could be both Paul's thoughts as well as other close advisers. Could see the light of day as a double record in a single package!!
2. Current and future tour(s)
What Paul might want to add to his current live set. Perhaps he can handle some of the songs on Tug and Press and want's to cut loos with these. No one who is close to operations or at "The Mill" for any reason will ever divulge what they've played and recorded there. We know he's done a version of Big Barn Bed. Would love to hear it played as it was recorded and not reinterpreted, but to hear it all was cool. Not worth selling a kidney, but cool. But it's prudent to bear in mind when thinking about what great songs he might perform, (which is nearly a total waste of time) that a lot of this material won't be recognized by the majority of the audience. I know many people who don't own Red Rose or Wild Life. Those that once did don't own it now because they never liked them. These are fans mind you!!! I might go out on a limp and assert that many, if not MOST at his shows (where he makes most of his "non Beatles" money) would not recognize material from either of these records apart from My Love. A great many might know that more than Nineteen Hundred Eighty Five!!!
Lastly...... and probably one major influence on what and when
3. The Beatles
If there's a MAJOR release coming and he doesn't want something big from his catalog overshadowed and lost, he won't place it anywhere near anything Beatles. The Beatles eclipse everything and cast a LONG LONG shadow, a radioactive black hole in the wake of a release of which solo records have been lost in. Good records too!!
Paul always performs a little leading into the holidays and then returns in the new year. This is a pattern now. So maybe he wants to add some tunes he can do from lesser known releases (these days) to his "Fall and Winter Line" and perhaps records that can take a beating if there's Beatles release towards Christmas or soon thereafter.
All of this analysis and speculation is quite nearly a waste of time as no one who knows has the freedom to share. And why take a risk and leak anything. I know some folks who probably have the answers we seek, but they won't even let on that a part of anything. I know they are, but I'm not the jerk who asks.
That's my 75 cents!!!!
Red Rose Speedway was originally going to be a double album so I don't think there's any shortage of material.
Live material that the label thought was weak. This is how I understand it. I don't think Paul is a big fan of it now either. This is what I've been told. Could be released as the remaster and another disc of the "best of" the performance he mastered to release at the time. I doubt we'll get anything mind bending, he's molding a legacy now with nothing to prove. He can safely choose the best from his past material. Hearing either record remastered will be good enough for me. There's so much material that's out there, "we" probably have so much more anyway!! More and more can be accessed with YouTube!!
Your spot on Richie. Redrose was going to be a double live lp. Label said NO! Look at the booklet that came with the lp. Almost every pic is of the 72 tour. And your right Richie, I don't think paul wants anything to do with those recordings, a complete show. I have a lot of these shows on bootleg. While the bootleg's sound like crap, the band is good. But you know what, I've been waiting for dacade's and I bet paul will NEVER let 72,73 shows escape. And that's my 80 cents.
I agree however "The Mess" and "Best Friend" are two of his greatest early live tracks.
It's not entirely true. There are many different versions of the RRS double album. In fact, one can see one version in one of the RAM booklets among the many scraps there.
We know from bootlegs that 1882 has a studio version, we do know that The Mess also has a studio version. Best Friend I don't think has ever surfaced in studio form but we do have a bunch of outtakes from RRS that could well form a studio double album.
great comments.....wondering why AMAZON's listing for these releases are so inadequate, and since there many masters of Macca's career paying attention, does anyone know what became of the sessions he did with Nick Lowe producing? I remember hearing that the original plan was for them to produce each other....anyone have any knowledge of this? Thanks!!
Take It Away [Single Edit] (2015 Remaster) - not on forthcoming Tug Of War box - is available for download from Macca's site.
To Ernie Clark above, your right.
I hope the next Wings remasters will be "Red Rose Speedway" and "London Town"
Okay, now that they're out... any comment on the "just like it was originally released in 1982" disc? Because that's exactly what I have... my copy of ToW on CD is the original Columbia issue. I never tried to hunt down the 1993 remaster... if I remember right, it didn't have any extra tracks. So I'm thinking I'm okay in keeping my Columbia CD and just getting the "Special" 2-CD version of this... yes?