BJ Conlee,
Yes, my forum handle is McCartney II related indeed. When I was initially listening to the McCartney II archive edition, I said WTF is this? I was amused by the track and its title, but Bogey Wobble fits well in the distinct and cohesive offering known as McCartney II.
Also, I was channeling my inner BJ Conlee in the "Rehearsals" thread. Check it. A lot of strong and fairly recent solo work that could really shine the spotlight on the underrated tunes and yet appease the crowd as well. Sir Paul could possibly change up some of the arrangements to suit his voice. This would be the time to take chances with his selections?
While Sir Paul is quite a busy dude, I hope he gets back into the studio soon. I'm sure he's working on many projects, in addition to supervising upcoming archive editions.
Previously, in the You Gave Me The Answer Newsletter, Sir Paul mentioned the possibility of releasing a collection of soundcheck perfomances. That would be new and much appreciated.
I do not think BJ Conlee's concept is a dead horse nor long shot at all. Let's not forget, in one of the You Gave Me The Answer posts, was it not Sir Paul that came up with the Cold Cuts and Not So Hot Hits collection that was shelved at the time by the powers at be? That project should be revisited and expanded and yet it would not really compete with future archive releases. Having the material curated, supervised along with insight by Sir Paul would be best.
A frequent poster here wrote that they have not heard roughly fifteen of BJ Conlee's listed tracks. There were several tracks I am not well versed in as well.
I feel strongly that a thematic box set of rare, altnerate takes, and unreleased would be appreciated. And perhaps a real solid one to two discs that highlights the set for the proletariat as well.
In addition to a rarities set, maybe some vintage concerts? How about those vocals circa 1979 for example? Shows from the early 1970s?
I was thinking back when Bob Dylan first released his official Bootleg Series vol.1-3 the critics were simply raving, giving it the max five out of five stars. The material on that collection was legendary and with varied audio fidelity circulating in even lower quality for years. Since that set was released, there are now sixteen B__ootleg Series volumes and counting.
The demand is there. Though Bob Dylan plays a very different game. Bob has plenty of outtakes that at times end up being better than the official release. He's infamous for abandoning songs, editing lyrics, changing from first to third person if not re-writing the lyrics entirely. He'll re-record it with different arrangements, new musicians, and completely different production. He'll do one to two takes maximum - Lightnin' Hopkins like approach, or he'll re-work some material over the course of two albums, like from the great, Oh, Mercy. Notably, Born In Time that was re-recorded with different everything and lost all its magic an album later. To boot, Bob often changes up his concert sets from night to night. ( I know...)
I have a feeling that Sir Paul is a perfectionist. Out of his many gifts, his great sense of melody is one of his strongest points. Over the last fifty+ years, I'm sure there is a wealth of underrated and fresh material in the vaults. Whether it's a different approach, composition, far-out vocals, or his great bass playing that is the draw.
One of BJ Conlee's selections, the most excellent The Lovers That Never Were demo with Elvis Costello is a prime example. The official album version is good, but it never struck me. When the archive edition finally released this early demo in fairly high and very acceptable quality, I was blown away. Sir Paul's vocals showing raw emotion, with such versatility is really incredible and unique. I feel like I have just been through something. This is what I'm talkin' about!
I do not think it would be a money grab at all. Rather, a much anticipated and well deserved option for so many fans.