In truth, those fans who have the 25th Anniversary Edition from 1999 might not feel compelled to get this. The remastering isn't significantly better than that reissue. And, for those of us that know these things, 'Band On the Run' is not necessarily McCartney's best solo album. Perhaps I might suggest the more recent 'Chaos and Creation in the Backyard.' Mind you, 'Band On The Run' is definitely among his top five, and consistent throughout its nine tracks.

And I say nine tracks, for - and as was the case with the original UK vinyl release in 1973 - "Helen Wheels" is not part of the album. That hurts the record, as "Helen Wheels" was such a fun rockin' little tune that fit perfectly as a late-album boost of energy. The song was added to the US release of the album and has been part of the subsequent US reissues. I think it was a mistake to restore the original line-up, and it makes the single-disc reissue of "Band On The Run" far less desirable.

That said, this release has a 35 minute second CD, with "Helen Wheels," two b-sides, and 5 live-in-the-studio tracks from the "One Hand Clapping" television special recorded in 1974. The third disc is a DVD featuring almost an hour and a half of material; such as rare footage of the McCartneys in Lagos, behind-the-scenes at the famous album cover shoot, original Band on the Run promotional video clips.