Paul McCartney to reissue classic solo albums 'McCartney' and 'McCartney II' with bonus material, deluxe packaging

There is justice in this world for those of us who have long contended that Paul McCartney's weird and wonderful 1980 solo album "McCartney II" is way better and more interesting than most critics contended when it was released. The album, along with its predecessor from a decade earlier, "McCartney," will see reissue as part of the former Beatles bassist's extensive, ongoing catalog update through the Concord Music Group, it was announced Wednesday morning.

McCartney oversaw all aspects of these reissues, and it shows in the many extras that will be featured. Each album will be released in both pared-down two-disc versions and multidisc/DVD packages, the latter of which will include extensive liner notes, bonus tracks, film footage and a hardbound book featuring photos by both McCartney and his late wife Linda McCartney, whose stunning images documented the couple's seemingly idyllic life.

We'll go into more depth on the two reissues as their arrival date of June 14 gets closer, but it's interesting to note how the reputation of "McCartney II" has grown in the 30 years since its release. Initially dismissed as a dalliance by many, the album contained one hit, "Coming Up," which is one of the least interesting songs on it. Rolling Stone gave "McCartney II" three stars, and Robert Christgau gave it a C, writing that "[t]he instrumentals are doodles, the songs demos by a man who scores the occasional hit only to prove he's genius. Which he isn't."

These "doodles," however, proved prescient, created as they were at the moment when the experimental computer pop of Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra was making its mark. Parts of "McCartney II" wouldn't sound out of place on an early Human League or Depeche Mode album. Ariel Pink should be singing over "Front Parlour," a bouncy, melodic instrumental that kicks off the second side of the album. (It's pretty obvious that David Bowie's Brian Eno-produced "Low" was an inspiration.)

And then there's "Temporary Secretary," which of late has become a staple in DJ sets -- in the last year No Age, Frosty from Dublab and DJ Chris Holmes have all been heard dropping the track into their mixes. The song sounds as if Admiral Halsey had traveled into the future looking for his first mate, the "temporary secretary" of the title.

The "McCartney II" deluxe reissue will contain three CDs and a DVD featuring previously unseen footage, and eight bonus audio tracks. The accompanying book will feature previously unpublished photos by Linda McCartney, and, as described in the press release, "original album and single artwork, downloadable hi-res audio versions of the remastered album, an illustrated history of the making of the album, and expanded track by track information for all three audio discs plus detailed historical information on the film content."

-- Randall Roberts

Comments

[BA]

I'm 65 and a one-time Beatle music fan, but two words cover this: "WHO CARES?!"
He hasn't written anything worth listening to since the late 60's early 70's.

[Louise]

Robert Christgau should be embarrassed about the deliberate way he went about sabotaging McCartney's reputation.

I'm really really looking forward to this reissue.

[Dancing Scorpion]

WE'VE HAD ENOUGH.
MCCARTNEY

GET

LOST

[matt]

McCartney is without question the most successful pop composer of the last century. And while, his solo work never eclipsed the Beatles (of course what did?). He continued to produce a some strong material..."Maybe I'm Amazed"(McCartney I), "Live and Let Die", "Band on the Run". If you can't recognize that you should check your ears!

Matt

[M]

I'm not too surprised about these re-issues. "McCartney" is alright, but "McCartney II" is classic. As the article states, while YMO and Kraftwerk were peaking with synthesizers, McCartney took a ballsy move and tried it out.

The hipsters and indie scene indeed have grown to love this album as well, I remember at FYF fest last year hearing a DJ bumping "Frozen Jap", another gem from "McCartney II".

[john jon]

I remember the summer of 1980 being very excited about a new solo releasse by McCartney and being very happy with the results.
I love these two albums and quite frankly cant wait for June 14th

[Louise]

Oh come on. That same old tired complaint that Paul hasn't written anything since the 60's? Clean out your ears. Chaos and Creation, his 2005 album is terrific. And so is his 2008 Electric Arguments. Look, if you're not a fan of his music, fine. But it's ridiculous to post attacks when you haven't even bothered to listen to his recent stuff.

[Miles Baker]

What great news although some of the tracks have been featured on Collector cd's(BOOTLEGS) in the past

[Sarah]

I LOVE YOU PAUL!! :)

[Lori]

To the guy who is 65 and says Paul has not written anything good since the 70's I would like to point out Chaos and Creation is a fantastic album with some really excellent songs.
Perhaps you may have aged to the point where you just do not appreciate it?

Paul does not rest on his laurels and he takes chances.

He puts on a great show and I believe you are mistaken but then again you are 65

[Pearl Heil Dolamtz]

Congradualtions to Paul and Nacy :>D
Nancy,be good to Sir Paul!

When will the DVD's been avaiable for purchse? Please advise.

Thank you in advance,
Pearl