Review: Paul McCartney Band On The Run UNDERDUBBED 

Link to buy: 1 disc vinyl (original album half speed remaster) amzn.to/49aw4Il 2CD (original album & Underdubbed) amzn.to/3Hz7g1b 2LP vinyl (original album & Underdubbed) available from Paul McCartney website

loved seeing you break out the guitar, Andrew! All us Beatle nuts love you, and you're a superstar to us!

I am with you! For consistency sake they should have included the strip on the 2 LP version.

The Underdubbed version makes you appreciate the final product that was released.

Great insights Andrew, as always. Waiting for the U.S. post delivery today with excitement. Thank you kindly!

No Words is an unbelievable song. Lovely harmonies.

Thanks for the review. Nicely done. I have been having dreadful problems getting a CD version on-line from Amazon or Paul's site so I went out and tracked down a copy at HMV this afternoon. I was not intending to get a vinyl copy. Have listened to the underdubbed version so far. A really interesting early mix. I will be digging into this and comparing it with the final mix over the next few days. A very welcome addition. What would have been the ideal configuration for me would have been to have combined this with the Archive edition material, the additional material from the two other multi-disc editions, the original demos (if they still exist) and a surround mix. It does feel like we have had this in so many configurations now and still feel there are missing elements. I think the Lennon camp have probably nailed the deluxe edition format best. However, I am pleased to have been able to listen to the early mix and it will get more than a single listen which is what some other commentators have stated as an excuse for skipping this release.

i wasnt interested until i listened to it and couldnt believe how much i enjoyed it. have have now ordered it. what i like about stripped down mixes is that it sounds like you are in the studio and the band is playing it live for you, rather than the slick overdubbed final product. it reminds me of my own band practices.

Loved this review. Mine should be in tomorrow. My favorite part of your review was when u randomly pulled out your guitar and played the intro. Brilliant. Also I didn't know that the underdubbed version was from the original time period. I thought it was newly created for this release Thanks

Thanks for the video Andrew, very informative. Great guitarplaying. Cheers Fred.

Another stellar review, Mate 🙏

Hi Andrew, thank you for doing this detailed, thoughtful and intelligent review, really enjoyed it. Greetings from London.

Love the under dubbed version. I think, like you said, it's great to see how things lead up to the final product. I was shocked at some of the differences. You can really tell how important the orchestrations were by how they are missed. Yet, the songs were still excellent without them. I'm gonna listen to this often.

Hi Andrew. The underdubbed version is fascinating as your head fills in the missing parts !! Great to see you get the ol' geetar out to illustrate the bridge bit (as I regard it !) in BOTR. You've inspired me to get my ol' geetar out and to work out the chords etc. The good thing about these underdubbed mixes is you can hear (eg) the guitar part so much clearer and therefore it makes it easier to get the chords right ! Just received my CD underdubbed copy so off to have a listen. Cheers Tim

Andrew you are absolutely spot on with your review Heard now twice.. Still go to my 5:1 dts cd audio of this album which I love ...the mix is sensational. Keep up the good work Kev in Romsey 👍👏

Great review - knowledge and enthusiasm shines through

As always, great and informative video. Could not order the 2 Vinyl version to Sweden. Only ordered the 2 CD and 1 vinyl version so far. Probably can order the 2 vinyl version from eBay later. But the clarity of the sound is really good from what I have heard so far!

I preordered the 2LP set a month ago. Universal took my money and for some reason gave it back to me after a week. So I ordered it again, and yesterday I they sent me 2 different tracking numbers for both orders :D I guess I get a freebie. Excellent video as always Andrew! Looking forward to the live stream :)

I love the its crystal clear sound Paul’s voice sounds amazing ,and so do the instruments great review I’m happy with the process .. allso I’m Interested in the making of the album ps love your lamp.

One week before the big NY Beatlefest the timing of this release is perfect. Can’t wait to hear the rough mix of the album. My 2CD set should arrive today

Good review Andrew. Listened to the Underdubbed on Spotify today to see if it was worth the over $100 Canadian dollars for the vinyl w shipping. Will likely hold off and pick up the cd version-unless I can find it cheaper down there road. I do like the slipcase cover. I too use these types of bonus tracks as a guideline as to how we got to the final (incredible!) product. Nice guitar work by you also 👍

I only grabbed the CD edition not completely sure if I needed the underdubbed version on vinyl. But within the first few seconds I was convinced that I absolutely needed this on vinyl. So tomorrow I will grab one from my local record store. Nice overview by the way, and I think it is essential for those of us who want to hear the process of the making of this iconic album.

Another great review Andrew. The Underdubbs adds to the story of this great album which has never sounded better.

A very fair review based on first listen. I have had the underdubbed disc on all day while working fron home and finding them interesting and enjoyable. I especially like the instrumental version of nineteen hundred and eighty five.

been looking forward too hearing this andrew

Solid video, Andrew and thank you for sharing. I still think that the overdub is a big of a scratching the bottom of the barrel but I listened to it today and I loved Jet.

Great review Andrew! 👍🏻👍🏻

I will listen later today on Spotify! Thanks for info Andrew!

Good review as usual, Andrew. I buy all of the Macca releases but this one, for me personally, I'm just not interested. Now when Back To The Egg, London Town and Press To Play, archive super deluxes come out, I will be the first in line! 😊

My 2cd version arrived today from the McCartney store and just finished playing the under dubbed cd. Love it - really enjoyed the stripped down sound.

I love it. Any new versions of McCartney music I’ve never heard before are a welcome addition to my world and music collection.

Just listened to the entire underdubbed Band On The Wall on my iphone with headphones on; it sounds amazing. To hear the tracks stripped down and uncluttered means I can hear the drum, bass and guitars with a clarity never before heard ! I mean, this version evidences the greatness of Macca as both a drummer and bassist ! I love it and it was a welcome surprise. Cheers Tim

I'm loving this release and have been playing it off and on most of today, and will be giving it a more deeper and immersive listen over the weekend. I see underdubbed more as Band On the Runs very own anthology, this stripped down version of rough mixes really lends some context to one of Macca's best albums for me, and it only confirms what I thought back in the late seventies when I first heard it that Let Me Roll It is basically Paul McCartney/Plastic Ono Band, that riff is so Lennonesque. I'm very happy with what I received this morning and will be playing it quite a bit in the weeks if not months to come.

Just shows what a genius writer, arranger and producer McCartney is. The underdubbed record makes you appreciate the proper album all the more and the choices he made.

I have a "rough mix" cassette of the Venus & Mars album that I've had for a long time.

Thanks for the review. I had a thought that they could have wrapped the obi on the outside of the box, but since the second LP isn't a half-speed I guess that was a no go. Anyhow, Paul should have reached out to his old buddy Clint Harrigan for some liner notes to explain the origins of the underdubbed mix.

Love the vocal on "Let Me Roll It" (underdubbed)!

If you're interested in a great artist you're interested in their process. Buying this tomorrow yip yipee.

The people who question it probably didn’t sit open jawed at that sequence in Get Back where Macca comes up with the title track on a whim. Some people like to get a peek behind the scenes. It’s an historic document of the creative process. Anyone that doesn’t appreciate that doesn’t have to buy it, nor do they have to question why other people want it. I listen to people playing early sketches of Beethoven symphonies, and I have a recording of the first version of Vaughan Williams’s London Symphony - I think it’s fascinating. Not everyone will but again, not forcing them to listen.

I didn't know you play guitar. Neat! I love strumming my acoustic to songs...✌️

Nice playing Andrew!

Hi Andrew. Another interesting video. I pre ordered the double CD from Amazon and it’s been in and out of stock, or currently unavailable. My order is in, but delivery next Tuesday?, odd!

The instrument on Picasso's Last Words isn't a clarinet but a bassoon. Great review Andrew, thanks, I enjoyed it.

My copy arrived today, I love the Underdubbed album!

I listened to this on streaming. The vinyl is coming on a slow boat and will arrive someday. I guess the thing that this shows is just how brilliant Tony Visconti's orchestrations were. I am surprised he was not given the credit he deserved at the time of original release, maybe because the artwork listing credits was finalized. I also appreciate the differences between the final versions and the underdubbed version. Finally to note, lyrics for Helen Wheels were never included on the original 1973 US release (I just checked a copy).

Thank you for the heads up about this Underdubbed album. Not a huge Macca fan , but I really like this better without the orchestral stuff. Andrew, you are so refreshing in a world clogged full of Politics and genocide. Thank you for being there.

I can't believe it, but I will need to buy Band on The Run AGAIN, I lost track of how many versions I have now. This was always my favorite album!

Excellent review! I have the CD version and it is an interesting and fun listen, although I am sure there will be fans complaining as usual... The CD package is very nice, although the poster isn't quite as large, ha ha. P.S. I agree about not caring for the end of the album with the short reprise of "Band On The Run"... wasn't needed after the fantastic song.

Just got my regular version today and I'm quite pleased with it. I sampled the under dubbed version on Apple Music, and although I find it interesting I have no desire to buy it.

What a great video have a good weekend ❤😊

I really loved the "underdubbed" version. Many RU-vid reactors don't. This should have been on the original archive box set. I do wonder if the mastertape reels were missing when they were working on the box set? Before this underdubbed mix was released, a few reels of studio sessions was being auctioned off. Hearing some audio samples from the reel, it does sound similar to this release. I love hearing working versions of the released album. Hearing discarded ideas. I do hope this is a big seller.

Great video. The underdubbed version has (like you said) a historical value . You can compare it to the sketches of Picasso or some other artist. They may or may not have the same quality as the final product, but their historical value is incontestable. A not relating question: Which vinyl player are you using? Mine has sadly broken down, and finding the right new one is like going through a jungle...

Andrew, You are correct that that the Archive collection in 2010 was not the same as it is now. In 2010, it existed. In 2024, it sadly does not. Almost four years now and not a single new Archive edition. Maybe in 2028 for the 50th anniversary of London Town we can hope get a bonus rough mix album add-on like what was released this week with BOTR. Still, I'm excited to hear the rough mixes from BOTR soon.

Will there be an 'overdubbed' addition?

Thank you for your review Andrew always an informative watch . I bought the original BOTR when it first came out ! I bought the 25th Aniversary edition on 2cd which I liked I then bought the Archive edition on cd and vinyl! So when I heard about this my instinct was to pass on it ! I am quite confused by why the under dubbed release is being put out! We know the original demos were. Stolen when Paul was in Nigeria! So they were never going to appear - pity as I would have like to hear those! My main problem with the under dubbed edition is I read some years ago that Paul brought in Tony Visconti to do the orchestral work. I understand at that point Paul did not have the musical phrase to link the main part of Band on the Rum song to the acoustic part! Visconti has taken credit for composing that linking section or riff and I think was aggrieved he did not get credit for that ! So in short don’t believe the version of the song presented existed prior to the orchestral parts being added!

Digging this version,did you catch the Howling wolf or dog in the beginning of Let me Roll it, enjoy your content, Saludos from Sunny Miami Florida 🙌💙

Thanks for the review Andrew, I will be getting the cd version. I understand that Helen Wheels was not part of this mix but surely they could've included an 'uderdubbed' version anyway?

I was hoping you'd finish what you started and call it Bard On The Nun. I've always assumed it's one or more clarinet on that part of Drink To Me. That bit always reminds me of the Coronation Street theme - I've even wondered if someone pointed that out to Paul and it inspired him to do Crossroads on the next album.

i will buy this new UNDERDUBBED version

I have ordered the 2CD version, it is also delayed, with no information on when it will be shipped. Weird...

Underdubbed is an interesting listen, but I will not be going back to this version too often. I was considering buying 2 LP version, but pricing in Paul’s Canadian store doesn’t make sense- $137 plus shipping. I can get single LP from Amazon for $45, so if I wanted to get 2 LP, I would have to pay over $100 more. Prices in Canadian dollars.

Already have the 2010 remastered vinyl version of Band On the Run ,and a link to download the MP3's. So just ordered the 2 CD version. Curious if your Deluxe vinyl version contains a link to download all the songs, including underdubs in MP3's ?

There was a different lead vocal on "Let Me Roll It" too. I used to say that there are Gremlins at the end of "Mrs. Vandebilt"

I got the 2LP and 2CD version from the official store and both arrived in the same package this morning...

Should be getting my cd version today.

I've got the original LP, the American CD, the DTS Sorround CD, the Archive Collection 3 disc version and now this (the double CD version). How many copies does McCartney need us to buy? Is he facing another expensive divorce so is short of a few bob? If he must put out the underrdubbed version, couldn't it have been a single album, as the full album is exactly the same as several of the ones I already own.

well explained Andrew underdubbed is comparable to the work still in progress before the final result.

Okay, Andrew. Listen to this! I live in the US… got my 2CD version in the mail this afternoon. Was thrilled. The underdubs are a fun listen! I noticed there is a spelling error on the back of the package… the ‘(Drink to Me)’ bit is spelled as ‘(Drink To Me)’ with a capital letter T, for the 2nd disc listing. Everywhere else on the package, it is spelled as normal (lowercase t) Could this be a reason for the recall on the CD? I have seen numerous folks having issues with their CD arriving today, as well. Anyone else preorder, and receive theirs today?

😮Do you save your hype stickers? If so how and where to you keep them? That’s a nice looking red sticker on the 2LP Band On The Run set.

Curious I understood Tony Visconti producer wrote the linking riff before the acoustic section of Band on the Run ?

Andrew, the original US vinyl did not list Helen Wheels (and its lyrics) on the inner sleeve, which I remember not understanding "why" when it came out. I was a big fan of the song and bought the album on the strength of that (I was born and raised in California for those keeping score at home.)

My god upon listening to this was the same way I felt after I first heard the yellow submarine song track which in my opinion is the best remixes even though these are like an early take but it’s Stunningly sharp, clear and fantastic. Absolutely love it.

I’m all for a release of a previous mix. Any album that I am really interested in, I will always be curious about the journey of the recording. That’s why the “Classic album” programmes on Sky Arts are popular. I get there are those that are only interested in the final product, but that’s their choice.

A shame no proper outtakes were included, but the Underdubbed mixes have a few variations from the final cut and other various tidbits that make it a worthwhile listen to try and break it all down - many scratch guitar and vocal parts, lots of noticeable reverb and sometimes lack of it, some longer fadeouts and whatnot. Lots to digest, couldn't ask for more.

My Cd set arrived today. I just ordered it a couple of days ago from Amazon. Do you know if the original CD is the same as the remastered CD that was in the Archive collection years ago?

It was interesting to listen to the Underdubbed version, but I doubt that I will return to it often. The final version of the album is, of course, fantastic, though I do agree with you about the reprise of ‘Band on the Run’ at the end. It seems unnecessary. Thanks for the review, as always.

I LOVE THESE UNDER DUBBED SESSIONS AND THE HALF SPEED REMASTER. BY THE WAY WHEN YOU GOT OUT THE GUITAR AND PLAYED THE LINK YOU DID A GREAT PART. WHAT BAND ARE YOU IN I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOME OF YOUR SONGS. THANX ANDREW 🍏

Instead of another remaster of the standard album, really surprised Paul didn't go with a remix of the album for the 50th...along with the underdubs 🤔

I didn't know if I would like the underdubbed version, because the Lennon albums have way too many element mixes, etc. But I do like the underdubbed Band.. Run because it sounds so clear.

Hi Andrew interesting video. I’m afraid the Half speed master leaves me slightly disappointed. Unlike others in the series I can’t detect too much variance from previous version. As for the underdubbed disc, I’m underwhelmed. Won’t be revisiting these discs too often

I have just received the 2 LP set and must admit the under dubbed disc not as bad as I thought it would be, 1985 was very enjoyable. Although my opinion has shifted and I feel the second disc can be played and enjoyed as a standalone record ,I still think the album is ridiculously expensive. There are about 4/5 of McCartney albums i would be interested in ,once given the reissue treatment but I’m not too concerned with his weaker efforts. I wonder what your view is on instead of just putting out the underdubbed album he put out a rearranged/ different instruments version like a 2024 refresh project ( a bit like Harrison did on my sweet lord)

I spent a good 1/2 an hour trying to find where to get the real Dolby Atmos download of this but no luck. A bunch of sites said there was one but from what or where? Do you happen to know? BTW, Greetings from Yooperland eh!

Andrew, if you ordered through the McCartney website, how did you get it today? I won't receive it until Monday

My CD arrived today from McCartney store. Not listened to it yet.

Can we get the guitar tutorial for Band on the run underdubbed version, Mr. Andrew? 😅

I love the reprise of band on the run. I love the medly on red rose speedway. I adore morse moose. I love the pound is sinking. I've egypt Station. 15:36

MPL could release the Wild Life rough mixes on vinyl for Record Store Day or something.. that would be nice.

Helen Wheels was not originally to be included. At a later date, an American A&R man (I think) talked Paul into including it.

I like that boomy, farty synth (moog?) that just drones the same note over and over throughout Jet!

Ordered mine yesterday From Abbey Road's website ... DPD said it'd be next day delivery but I have little faith....

Got to say, in all fairness this should have been an extra, much like the outtakes we get in more recent Beatles releases. Not great charging extra for this, though I'd have been fine with a slightly more expensive deluxe box set!

My postman has been a bit lazy and not delivered mine.

Funny how this album doesn’t have a strip on the side but my 40th anniversary copy of The Specials does and it’s the came style of box. Also sad the poster isn’t the same because I really liked the picture of the toilet lol

in my opinion, unless you are a big time collector, save your money, i am a big pm fan, but i dont see listening to this after initial listen over the original version. Band on the run song is not as good as original, 1985 is an instrumental, jet is fun for a listen, but i think this would collect dust in my rack, thx for a good review!

I can't get enough

It would say in the deadwax if Miles did this at 1/2 speed.

I think the underdubbed versions are interesting and don’t quite get why people are complaining If you are on the fence don’t buy If you are a fan of Paul or the album or a musician or recording artist buy Jet is the best underdubbed track- the aggression it’s much more in your face than the finished version- it’s like Paul saying I’m Paul F’in McCartney let’s go!

I really like this, much more than I thought I would. You can hear the 'live band' feel to the whole thing. Who spotted the Coronation Street reference? 😂

Have you received the CD version? Wondering if there is any difference b/w CD and vinyl?

Underdubbed…..interesting but not sure how often I will return to it.