Overview

On 27 April 2011, details were announced for the reissue of Paul McCartney's solo albums McCartney (1970) and McCartney II (1980) as part of the ongoing Archive Collection series. The releases followed the 2010 reissue of Band on the Run and continued a curated programme of remastered archival editions spanning McCartney's post-Beatles career.

Both albums were remastered at Abbey Road Studios by the same team responsible for The Beatles catalogue restoration, and expanded with previously unreleased material, rare outtakes, and archival footage.

Release Format

• Release date: 13 June 2011 (UK) / 14 June 2011 (US)
• Standard editions (remastered albums)
• Special editions (bonus discs)
• Deluxe editions (DVD + hardback book + rare footage)
• 180g vinyl audiophile editions
• Digital download formats

McCartney (1970) – Reissue Content

McCartney's debut solo album — recorded entirely at home on a four-track machine — was remastered and expanded with rare outtakes, live recordings, and previously unreleased material.

Highlights include:

• Maybe I’m Amazed (live and archival versions)
• Unreleased outtake Suicide
• One Hand Clapping session material
• Archival footage and photographs in the deluxe book

McCartney II (1980) – Reissue Content

McCartney's experimental second solo album — recorded alone at home using synthesisers and drum machines — was expanded with alternate versions, B-sides, and early recordings.

Highlights include:

• Coming Up (live Glasgow version)
• Wonderful Christmastime
• Unreleased track Blue Sway
• Extended and instrumental versions of key tracks

Production Context

Both albums were positioned as creative bookends in McCartney's solo evolution — McCartney marking his departure from The Beatles in 1970, and McCartney II reflecting his experimental return to solo work after Wings disbanded. The Archive Collection series has since continued with further reissues including Tug of War and Pipes of Peace.

FAQs

When were the reissues released?

13 June 2011 in the UK and 14 June 2011 in the United States.

What was included in the deluxe editions?

Both albums featured bonus audio discs, DVDs with archival footage, and hardback books with photographs and historical notes.

Why are these albums significant?

McCartney (1970) was McCartney's first post-Beatles statement — a deliberately lo-fi, home-recorded album that signalled his break from the band. McCartney II (1980) was equally personal, recorded alone using synthesisers and drum machines during a period of creative reinvention after Wings.

Is the Archive Collection still ongoing?

Yes. The series has continued with further reissues including Tug of War, Pipes of Peace, and Flaming Pie.

Editorial Note

This reissue programme reinforced Paul McCartney's solo catalogue as a curated archival legacy, positioning his early solo work as historically significant within post-Beatles music evolution.