Half-Speed Master – Undubbed Mix Box Set. Paul McCartney & Wings

Arriving a little late to its own fiftieth Birthday party this vinyl box-set includes both the half-speed master which continues the series of previous McCartney / Wings albums but this time also including a second disc of the Geoff Emerick prepared “Undubbed” mix. Housed in a sturdy slip case but contentiously omitting the paper “Obi” strip that has accompanied previous releases and appears to stick in the craw of fans who appreciate uniformity on the collection shelves.

The Undubbed mix LP represents the songs in recorded order following Paul, Linda and Denny’s return from the Lagos, Nigeria recording sessions and prior to any orchestral embellishment, some instrumental solos and both lead and backing vocal supplements. While not exactly naked, the tracks are revealing and accentuate the core elements of the tracks. It also highlights spaces and deficiencies that would eventually be enhanced by Tony Visconti and the overdubbing work of Paul, Linda and Denny.

Side 1

1. Band on the Run
2. Mamunia
3. No words
4. Jet
5. Bluebird

Side 2

1. Mrs. Vandebilt
2. Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five
3. Picasso’s Last Words [Drink To Me]
4. Let Me Roll It

The “Undubbed” mix is not a half-speed master, though the album does include the addition of a poster complementing Linda’s polaroid shot poster included in the original release.

The half-speed mastering of the regular LP, which mirrors the US version by including the track ‘Helen Wheels’ on side two, offers superb sound quality and a dynamic sound range that is very impressive. The opening of ‘Jet’ punches through the speakers, ‘Bluebird’ oozes warmth and depth and ‘Nineteen Hundred and Eight Five’ sounds simply epic. While there may be a debate as to whether this was Paul’s best LP it was the LP which was most important in terms of achieving success. The treatment it has received here from the vinyl cut by Miles Showell has resulted in it sounding as good as it ever has.

Review by Gwyn Jenkins.