Band on The Run is the pinnacle of McCartney's post Beatle career, and to me the best of all the post Beatles work. The sound, performances and the songs are great. It's amazing that they didn't use Ginger Baker's studio if it was state of the art. Although he was a tad volatile personality.
Thanks for the video, John. I agree with your assessment of the UNDERDUBBED MIXES. I will also *not* be putting it on the shelf to gather dust - it's a worthwhile listen, independent of the finished BAND ON THE RUN album. This is the type of material that I and many others have been dying to hear for decades. Many of us have "fan club" issues of alternate albums (consisting of early / rough mixes) and I've been looking at the UNDERDUBBED MIXES as if it's an audiophile bootleg. I bought BAND ON THE RUN, as an 18 & 1/2 year old, when it was first released in December 1973 -- and, it's exciting for me to hear the UNDERDUBBED MIXES. So far, it's been my observation that the Beatles & McCartney fans who have never really been "into" bootlegs or alternate takes & mixes and/or who dislike instrumental backing tracks (i.e. without lead and/or backing vocals) seem to be the folks who aren't overly excited about (or, just dismiss / dislike) the UNDERDUBBED MIXES. I for one love them and will give it repeated plays, since hearing these rough mixes can allow me to appreciate BAND ON THE RUN even more. (if that is even possible!) In regard to what you were saying about not really knowing where (Lagos or London) each song was recorded, I'd suggest that Allan Kozinn's & Adrian Sinclair's THE McCARTNEY LEGACY, VOLUME 1 (1969-1973), which was published just before Christmas 2022, documents that information definitively in chapters 25 & 26, since it provides detailed recording session information. IMHO, it's a shame that they didn't give us (maybe as a bonus) the original version of "Jet" [the "Jet" that we know and love was a remake, so, it's a version two] and what I'd absolutely *love* to hear are original full band rehearsals & recordings of BOTR songs made in Scotland [late July thru mid-August 1973], before Henry McCullough and Denny Seiwell left the band. Maybe some day!
John how about a video explaining the story behind the signed LPs behind you Ive always found those very interesting and feel they deserved to be highlighted. Enjoy your insights. Take Care God Bless.
Hi John. I was very pleasantly surprised when I listened to the underdubbed mixes. As you also say, it;s a bit like the stripped own Double Fantasy which is the version I prefer having never really taken to the original 1980 version. I also got a Small Faces 4 CD Box Set called "Here Comes The Nice" which contains many stripped backed versions of their sings and which is amazing - tracks recorded back in the 60s are now uncluttered and now sound like they were recorded yesterday. Have a listen on Spotify but I've listened many times to these tracks. Maybe more Anthology than Underdubbed but worth a play. Cheers Tim
I just ordered this CD today, that will make 4 copies (adding DCC Steve Hoffman mastered, DTS surround, & Archive). I understand Giles created a glorious ATMOS mix. Unfortunately that's not currently available on physical media.
I totally agree that the three part harmonies are what make wings extra special. It couldn’t be that way without great songs though. I’ve always thought McCartney would benefit from a female backing singer to work with him. Really suits his voice. The half speed remaster and the underdubbed mixes sound fantastic. I have the 2 vinyl edition with slipcase. The only grumble is the price. Whats next….. a new solo album later this year?
Band on Run was a favorite album of mine growing up in the 70's, and my favorite McCartney solo album. I already listened to the under-dubbed version and I totally agree with you, I enjoyed it enough for repeated listens in the near future. It's great they included this on this release. Great video John, thanks for sharing.
I've listened to it once and have been impressed. The cost was $20US in America which in my opinion is a very fair value even if you already have other editions of the album.
Haven't got mine yet, but any day now. Also, I thought the cover & packaging for Venus and Mars was at least as good. Really caught my eye in the record shop at the time.
Loved the underdubbed mixes - gave a real feeling of the Lagos sessions, can’t get my head around the American track listing on the final album though….
Its Paul's Greatest Album hands down, but I have too many copies of this album and Im Not to thrilled sbout buying this Underdubbed version, So Im going to pass on this one and hope that Paul's next release will be London Town and Back To The Egg Archive Collection which I will buy.
always wondered if it would have been a better album than it is because paul and linda were mugged in lagos and had the original demo tapes stolen but paul as said that he remenberd how the tapes sounded which im sure we are all glad he did other than that its a better reissue than georges all things must pass stripped down version we got a threw years ago
So far I have two copues of the new half-speed master...one is sealed...I've also downloaded a couple of the underdubbed tracks from I tunes...I have several CDs of the album proper, so no need for more
Although these days it seems that Ram is the album everyone seem to rate the highest, for me I think it’s the best album by an ex Beatle I’ve really enjoyed listening to it again you realise how good it is. I remember following the release of the BOTR I was so looking forward to forward to VAM release sadly a good album but a bit of an anticlimax after BOTR
I never liked Jet much either. I prefer songs with greater melodic structure and less abstract lyrics (yes, I know they had a black labrador called Jet). So, it will be interesting to see if I have the same reaction to John when I hear the underdubbed mix. That will depend on whether I buy it or not as the question in my mind is will, I enjoy it musically or more as a analysis of song construction? I don't really get into remixes and rough cuts and five versions of a song but then who knows. I still like Venus and Mars more but that could be an age -nostalgic influence as my father played it endlessly in the car when I was 5 growing up and I loved it.
I’m kind of boycotting this. Where are the archive editions of London Town, Back to the Egg, and Press to Play? Will they ever come out? Or are we going to get underdubbed mixes of all the other albums instead? 🙄
Whilst probably his least cared for album (9even Paul has been quoted as not liking it) but if you get the chance to listen to Press to Play before all that super heavy eighties production was done, the album sounds almost as if not the same one. For me, PTP 'raw' state is probably one of the best to listen to. Far superior to what was to become of it and released. Then people might find they enjoy an album they didn't previously, including Paul. You'll easily find it on CZcams to listen to.
Ever since 1974 when I was 11 it has always been my favorite Paul McCartney album.
Nice review, John. For those interested, if you buy the CD set, you’re still getting the 2010 remaster of the original album.
Band on The Run is the pinnacle of McCartney's post Beatle career, and to me the best of all the post Beatles work.
The sound, performances and the songs are great.
It's amazing that they didn't use Ginger Baker's studio if it was state of the art. Although he was a tad volatile personality.
Agreed, underdubbed is the way to go. Maybe one day we'll get the holy grail...the band rehearsals in Rude studio
Thanks for the video, John. I agree with your assessment of the UNDERDUBBED MIXES. I will also *not* be putting it on the shelf to gather dust - it's a worthwhile listen, independent of the finished BAND ON THE RUN album. This is the type of material that I and many others have been dying to hear for decades. Many of us have "fan club" issues of alternate albums (consisting of early / rough mixes) and I've been looking at the UNDERDUBBED MIXES as if it's an audiophile bootleg. I bought BAND ON THE RUN, as an 18 & 1/2 year old, when it was first released in December 1973 -- and, it's exciting for me to hear the UNDERDUBBED MIXES.
So far, it's been my observation that the Beatles & McCartney fans who have never really been "into" bootlegs or alternate takes & mixes and/or who dislike instrumental backing tracks (i.e. without lead and/or backing vocals) seem to be the folks who aren't overly excited about (or, just dismiss / dislike) the UNDERDUBBED MIXES. I for one love them and will give it repeated plays, since hearing these rough mixes can allow me to appreciate BAND ON THE RUN even more. (if that is even possible!)
In regard to what you were saying about not really knowing where (Lagos or London) each song was recorded, I'd suggest that Allan Kozinn's & Adrian Sinclair's THE McCARTNEY LEGACY, VOLUME 1 (1969-1973), which was published just before Christmas 2022, documents that information definitively in chapters 25 & 26, since it provides detailed recording session information.
IMHO, it's a shame that they didn't give us (maybe as a bonus) the original version of "Jet" [the "Jet" that we know and love was a remake, so, it's a version two] and what I'd absolutely *love* to hear are original full band rehearsals & recordings of BOTR songs made in Scotland [late July thru mid-August 1973], before Henry McCullough and Denny Seiwell left the band. Maybe some day!
John how about a video explaining the story behind the signed LPs behind you Ive always found those very interesting and feel they deserved to be highlighted. Enjoy your insights. Take Care God Bless.
The LPs were signed. Then John acquired the LPs. That is the story.
The "Shiney" photos is a process called UV spot gloss
I love Helen Wheels!
I love Junior's Farm as well!
Agreed,we'll worthwhile purchase.Hope more McCartney reissues this year.Thanks for good assessment John .
Hi John. I was very pleasantly surprised when I listened to the underdubbed mixes. As you also say, it;s a bit like the stripped own Double Fantasy which is the version I prefer having never really taken to the original 1980 version. I also got a Small Faces 4 CD Box Set called "Here Comes The Nice" which contains many stripped backed versions of their sings and which is amazing - tracks recorded back in the 60s are now uncluttered and now sound like they were recorded yesterday. Have a listen on Spotify but I've listened many times to these tracks. Maybe more Anthology than Underdubbed but worth a play. Cheers Tim
I just ordered this CD today, that will make 4 copies (adding DCC Steve Hoffman mastered, DTS surround, & Archive). I understand Giles created a glorious ATMOS mix. Unfortunately that's not currently available on physical media.
I totally agree that the three part harmonies are what make wings extra special. It couldn’t be that way without great songs though. I’ve always thought McCartney would benefit from a female backing singer to work with him. Really suits his voice.
The half speed remaster and the underdubbed mixes sound fantastic. I have the 2 vinyl edition with slipcase. The only grumble is the price.
Whats next….. a new solo album later this year?
Hey. I have returned to the under-dubbed mixes many times already. I appreciate your take on it and I agree they are very worthwhile to me!!
Band on Run was a favorite album of mine growing up in the 70's, and my favorite McCartney solo album. I already listened to the under-dubbed version and I totally agree with you, I enjoyed it enough for repeated listens in the near future. It's great they included this on this release. Great video John, thanks for sharing.
I've listened to it once and have been impressed. The cost was $20US in America which in my opinion is a very fair value even if you already have other editions of the album.
Haven't got mine yet, but any day now.
Also, I thought the cover & packaging for Venus and Mars was at least as good. Really caught my eye in the record shop at the time.
Loved the underdubbed mixes - gave a real feeling of the Lagos sessions, can’t get my head around the American track listing on the final album though….
Interesting comments as always John, wondered what your verdict would be. Paul, Linda & Denny vocals stunning.
I couldn't agree with you more on all your points, John!
Great video, tx John!
Lovely review for a top album 👏
Its Paul's Greatest Album hands down, but I have too many copies of this album and Im Not to thrilled sbout buying this Underdubbed version, So Im going to pass on this one and hope that Paul's next release will be London Town and Back To The Egg Archive Collection which I will buy.
always wondered if it would have been a better album than it is because paul and linda were mugged in lagos and had the original demo tapes stolen but paul as said that he remenberd how the tapes sounded which im sure we are all glad he did other than that its a better reissue than georges all things must pass stripped down version we got a threw years ago
So far I have two copues of the new half-speed master...one is sealed...I've also downloaded a couple of the underdubbed tracks from I tunes...I have several CDs of the album proper, so no need for more
Although these days it seems that Ram is the album everyone seem to rate the highest, for me I think it’s the best album by an ex Beatle I’ve really enjoyed listening to it again you realise how good it is. I remember following the release of the BOTR I was so looking forward to forward to VAM release sadly a good album but a bit of an anticlimax after BOTR
Hey John, have you ever reviewed Milk and Honey on your channel? Would love to see one if you haven’t
I never liked Jet much either. I prefer songs with greater melodic structure and less abstract lyrics (yes, I know they had a black labrador called Jet). So, it will be interesting to see if I have the same reaction to John when I hear the underdubbed mix. That will depend on whether I buy it or not as the question in my mind is will, I enjoy it musically or more as a analysis of song construction? I don't really get into remixes and rough cuts and five versions of a song but then who knows. I still like Venus and Mars more but that could be an age -nostalgic influence as my father played it endlessly in the car when I was 5 growing up and I loved it.
Good review John. Are you going to be cracking open the vinyl version?
Nice review
Great review!!
This is what we call a bunt and not a home run in the U.S.
It dont give me anything, i have the 2cd edition from the 90s whish is great, great album great video .
I’m kind of boycotting this. Where are the archive editions of London Town, Back to the Egg, and Press to Play? Will they ever come out? Or are we going to get underdubbed mixes of all the other albums instead? 🙄
I completely share your frustration on that…ridiculous delay
Whilst probably his least cared for album (9even Paul has been quoted as not liking it) but if you get the chance to listen to Press to Play before all that super heavy eighties production was done, the album sounds almost as if not the same one. For me, PTP 'raw' state is probably one of the best to listen to. Far superior to what was to become of it and released. Then people might find they enjoy an album they didn't previously, including Paul. You'll easily find it on CZcams to listen to.
How can hear this triplejazz?
sad to think if paul had been killed that day we would never hear band on.... album