Joseph McCabe
Very Clean
A rebel to his last breath ...
Posts: 912
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Post by Joseph McCabe on Sept 10, 2009 2:37:01 GMT -5
I thought Abbey Rd was fantastic and Let It Be has been restored to it's rightful place as the definitive Let It Be. I prefer the remastered Let It Be in every way to Let It Be... Naked, sound quality, mixes, Spector's production and track order. Today was my White Album day, and I wasn't going to give Road and LIB a chance for a while. But you've made me interested with your comments - especially LIB versus LIBN. I've always thought LIBN was a silly and pointless release, and LIB itself a mediocre album. Maybe that's about to change!
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Post by pbirdchat on Sept 10, 2009 7:51:56 GMT -5
I have a recording studio in my home so my equipment is quite good. As I listened to Let It Be Remastered, I thought I was hearing a slight amount of distortion on Two Of Us. It bothered me so much that I put on LIBN and could hear it there too but not as much. Could it be that the cleaned up versions have allowed the imperfections of the original tape recordings to the front?
I thought the drums sounded great on Abbey Road but thought I heard a tad bit of low end distortion on the lower drum frequencies every now and then. I'm listening on Event 20/20 speakers. Any thoughts?
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wooltonian
Very Clean
"Football isn't a matter of life and death - it's much more important than that." Bill Shankly.
Posts: 796
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Post by wooltonian on Sept 10, 2009 9:32:05 GMT -5
One thing I just spotted while playing PAST MASTERS was that the version of Thank You Girl is actually the one that has the added harmonica at the end of the song, as well as accompanying the line "way that you do"..and then echoing "too good to be true".... in other words, the version included on the great BEATLES' SECOND ALBUM! This was great news to me, as I never liked this song as much when the harmonica was missing in these sections. The version of Thank you girl which you describe is exactly the same as that on my (British) 1987 CD copy of 'Past Masters, vol 1'. In fact I didn't know that a different version (i.e. without the harmonica and echoing phrases) existed. Can anybody throw any light on this?
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Post by Beatle Bob on Sept 10, 2009 10:09:25 GMT -5
You know, after listening to PPL, WTB, AHDN CDs (I only have the mono version right now of these), I came to the conclusion that what sets the Beatles apart in those early days of Beatlemania, from all others (and to this day) is the POWER of their rock and rolll. These first 3 albums (and the Capitol albums, MTB, 2nd ALBUM, AHDN/SOMETHING NEW) are "powerhouse" albums, that take your breath away and exhaust you. These remasters enforce this, letting you feel the back-beat of the Beatles up close. Even softer songs such as All My Loving, Anna, etc, do not get diminished because there's no heavy drums or searing guitar solos. There is a magic here that only these 4 (collectively) could bring to the table. Mick Jagger once called them, "The four headed monster", and it's this monster that rears it's wonderful head. Regards, Beatle Bob
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Post by gripweed on Sept 10, 2009 11:17:35 GMT -5
I listened to stereo Past Masters Vol 1 and I really though it was great, but man, am I disappointed at the stereo remaster of Pepper. The vocals are louder but it doesn't sound any better than the 1987 release to my ears. I can't wait to hear the mono version.
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Post by Beatle Bob on Sept 12, 2009 20:45:50 GMT -5
I'm thinking of using the remaster's tracks to burn an updated version of the harsh sounding "1" CD. Might even make an updated version of the Red and Blue CDs too. Regards, Beatle Bob
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Post by Cosmos on Sept 13, 2009 7:35:43 GMT -5
I also have a "pet" project in mind. Now that the "definitive" versions have been released, I am going to go through the Lewisohn "Recording Sessions" book and lay down the tracks in the chronoligical order in which they were "first" concieved and put down on tape by the Beatles. I believe that this will give a unique perspective of the musical progression of the group as it happened, as opposed to what later became designated by them as Single, EP and LP tracks. A purely historical catalogue to explore for my own satisfaction.
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Post by sayne on Sept 13, 2009 9:25:33 GMT -5
I also have a "pet" project in mind. Now that the "definitive" versions have been released, I am going to go through the Lewisohn "Recording Sessions" book and lay down the tracks in the chronoligical order in which they were "first" concieved and put down on tape by the Beatles. I believe that this will give a unique perspective of the musical progression of the group as it happened, as opposed to what later became designated by them as Single, EP and LP tracks. A purely historical catalogue to explore for my own satisfaction. That sounds like a fun and interesting project. It'll be like looking a your baby's photos.
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Post by Cosmos on Sept 13, 2009 10:02:35 GMT -5
sayne; Could it be, perhaps, that your " baby photos"reply is Freudiently due to your own focusing on the following words & phrases from my own post? pet released lay "first" conceived my own satisfaction... ;D
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Post by Cosmos on Sept 13, 2009 10:13:14 GMT -5
Also, on to more serious matters.
Here's my hypothesis; whichever new remaster sounds the "least" fresh or improved is probably the LP that was the truest original mastering and subsequent transfer to vinyl back in the day. Query; could anyone here "reproduce" the portion of the Mono booklet which covers the "1965 George Martin Stereo Mixes"? If not, perhaps someone here has the knowledge and patience to explain to me what the differences are to the "2009 Stereo Remasters" version? I have been listening to Rubber Soul in both styles back to back, and though I have a slight preference to the 2009 one, I really don't perceive any major (i.e. instruments on another channel/edits etc.) variations between the two. Thanks for any clarifications available. Cosmos
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Post by Beatle Bob on Sept 13, 2009 10:38:57 GMT -5
Query; could anyone here "reproduce" the portion of the Mono booklet which covers the "1965 George Martin Stereo Mixes"? If not, perhaps someone here has the knowledge and patience to explain to me what the differences are to the "2009 Stereo Remasters" version? I have been listening to Rubber Soul in both styles back to back, and though I have a slight preference to the 2009 one, I really don't perceive any major (i.e. instruments on another channel/edits etc.) variations between the two. Thanks for any clarifications available. Cosmos Basically they ('65 mixes) were wider. Much like the PPL and WTB albums. Martin narrowed the stereo image so it would be more palatable. These '65 original stereo mixes are bonus material on the mono box only. The Martin '87 mixes are what's on the remastered stereo albums now. Kinda silly that they kept the '87 mixes as standard issue since we have the wide stereo mixes of PPL and WTB now finally available on CD! Regards, Beatle Bob
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Post by Cosmos on Sept 13, 2009 11:15:41 GMT -5
Thanks (as always) beatlebob for your authoritative expertise on such matters; you truly are one of the gems that I have had the pleasure to interact with here at abbeyrd! I made it through Rubber Soul in essence, with both versions, and the only thing that really jumped out as different to me was the opening guitar on "Run Through Your Life" which, as you indicated in your post, does not pan as dramatically from speaker to speaker. Also, the rhythm section seems a bit "boomy" on the 1965 stuff as opposed to the 2009 remaster. Other than that, and generally speaking, I believe that thus far "Rubber Soul" is a strong candidate for my hypothesis for least changed/most unremarkable remaster. Until you get to what would traditionally be considered as side two, I don't perceive much in the way of real revelations in the sound quality. Michelle if anything sounds slightly improved, to my ears. Side two has it's merits, but isn't anything when compared to what I hear in some of the other Stereo CD's.(Please bear in mind that I am listening to sources other than the boxed sets to form this opinion...f'ing big-box-b'stard Wally-World)...
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Post by Cosmos on Sept 13, 2009 12:42:19 GMT -5
I feel the need to point out an undeniable trend here on the abbeyrd board. It is clear to me at this point (Sunday, on the weekend after their release) that most of us here at abbeyrd are far too busy listening to the new re-masters than to post about them. This , to me, speaks volumes as to the breath-taking experience of listening to these brand new productions for all of us who are here.
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Post by John S. Damm on Sept 13, 2009 13:34:58 GMT -5
Paul often liked crisp, clean recordings and man do his songs recorded as such really jump out on these remasters. As an example, "Good Day Sunshine" on the 2009 stereo Revolver explodes out of the speakers in the remastered version.
John liked distorted, filtered, altered recordings and from the same album "She Said She Said" isn't nearly so dramatic in improvement(still, the bass and drums are better there but the vocals seem about the same) yet the remastered 2009 stereo "Tomorrow Never Knows" is very exciting so go figure?
I was a little disappointed with "Fool On The Hill" from the remastered stereo MMT. I thought that would literally have the lads step out of my speakers into my room but it didn't quite feel that way. I do absolutely love the 2009 stereo remastered MMT though. The rest is very, very good!
Hearing SFF and PL there reminded me exactly why I fell in love with this band 34 years ago and never left this odyssey.
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Post by Cosmos on Sept 13, 2009 13:53:58 GMT -5
Hearing SFF and PL there reminded me exactly why I fell in love with this band 34 years ago and never left this odyssey. The quintessential single that never achieved No.1. (I believe Tom Jones deprived them from this coveted spot... I seem to recall that it was his single "It's Not Unusual" that was responsible for this travesty)...it's kinda like some dude named Michael Jackson who seems to currently have a greatest hits release that is a tad better than the Beatles' "Tenth Greatest Album" which will seemingly deprive the Fabs of reigning supreme on all ten spots on the upcoming Top Ten on the album charts. Ahh well, yet another "near" perfect record for our over forty year old garage band!
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Post by sayne on Sept 13, 2009 14:17:34 GMT -5
sayne; Could it be, perhaps, that your " baby photos"reply is Freudiently due to your own focusing on the following words & phrases from my own post? pet released lay "first" conceived my own satisfaction... ;D Bravo!
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Post by sayne on Sept 13, 2009 14:22:09 GMT -5
I feel the need to point out an undeniable trend here on the abbeyrd board. It is clear to me at this point (Sunday, on the weekend after their release) that most of us here at abbeyrd are far too busy listening to the new re-masters than to post about them. This , to me, speaks volumes as to the breath-taking experience of listening to these brand new productions for all of us who are here. No, some of us live a real and more productive life. We've parked ourselves in front of the TV for the start of college and NFL football. ;D
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Post by Joe Karlosi on Sept 13, 2009 15:11:17 GMT -5
No, some of us live a real and more productive life. We've parked ourselves in front of the TV for the start of college and NFL football. ;D I'd rather have needles inserted into my eyeballs before I'd watch football of any kind. Talk about dullsville.
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Post by vectisfabber on Sept 13, 2009 17:40:45 GMT -5
The quintessential single that never achieved No.1. (I believe Tom Jones deprived them from this coveted spot... I seem to recall that it was his single "It's Not Unusual" that was responsible for this travesty) Release Me by Englebert Humperdink - in the UK, at least.
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Post by John S. Damm on Sept 13, 2009 21:54:50 GMT -5
I feel the need to point out an undeniable trend here on the abbeyrd board. It is clear to me at this point (Sunday, on the weekend after their release) that most of us here at abbeyrd are far too busy listening to the new re-masters than to post about them. This , to me, speaks volumes as to the breath-taking experience of listening to these brand new productions for all of us who are here. No, some of us live a real and more productive life. We've parked ourselves in front of the TV for the start of college and NFL football. ;D I am looking at my stereo box and my mono box and shaking my head because I don't have time to play everything. NFL Football is here and my COLTS just won Game 1!
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Post by sayne on Sept 14, 2009 0:36:42 GMT -5
. . . NFL Football is here and my COLTS just won Game 1! Monday Night Football, baby. Chargers vs Raiders. Woo hoo!
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Post by sayne on Sept 14, 2009 1:05:21 GMT -5
No, some of us live a real and more productive life. We've parked ourselves in front of the TV for the start of college and NFL football. ;D I'd rather have needles inserted into my eyeballs before I'd watch football of any kind. Talk about dullsville. Yeah, you're right. Pretty dull. And, you're lucky. Not everyone can live a life filled with getting one's chops busted on a regular basis by a woman who is thinking of "us" while her partner is constantly thinking of "me."
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Post by Steve Marinucci on Sept 14, 2009 8:48:40 GMT -5
No, some of us live a real and more productive life. We've parked ourselves in front of the TV for the start of college and NFL football. ;D I'd rather have needles inserted into my eyeballs before I'd watch football of any kind. Talk about dullsville. A man after my own heart!! As it is, I can't stand talking about football during baseball season. But football talk is so dull.
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Post by Steve Marinucci on Sept 14, 2009 8:49:32 GMT -5
I listened to the first disc of the White Album today and was blown away. Absolutely amazing.
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Post by Beatle Bob on Sept 14, 2009 9:41:30 GMT -5
I listened to the first disc of the White Album today and was blown away. Absolutely amazing. Steve, Listen to While My Guitar Gently Weeps when you can. You can hear a density of music under the vocal that has always been muddied and never defined -- until now. Try out the LET IT BE CD. I Me Mine has this newfound piercing guitar jab that never was so jarring. That's not a complaint! On PAST MASTERS, crank up Thank You Girland feel the opening drum beats knock you off your feet. Ringo's just pounding away. ABBEY ROAD - the anvil on Maxwell's Silver Hammer will make your ears bleed ;D So many little things, nuances and revelations that it's making me redescover the entire catalog from top to bottom. It's like hearing it for the first time! Regards, Beatle Bob
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nine
Very Clean
Posts: 840
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Post by nine on Sept 14, 2009 10:03:58 GMT -5
I'd rather have needles inserted into my eyeballs before I'd watch football of any kind. Talk about dullsville. A man after my own heart!! As it is, I can't stand talking about football during baseball season. But football talk is so dull. I'm so blessed. Cricket in the summer and Aussie Rules in winter....
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Post by Joe Karlosi on Sept 14, 2009 11:10:27 GMT -5
And, you're lucky. Not everyone can live a life filled with getting one's chops busted on a regular basis by a woman who is thinking of "us" while her partner is constantly thinking of "me." And what does that mean, you clueless twit? "Regular basis"? "Only thinking of 'Me' instead of 'Us' "? You don't know anything about me, my wife, or our relationship as a whole. So I offered up one personal story about something negative which happened one day. Now go take a celery stalk and shove it up your ass.
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Post by John S. Damm on Sept 14, 2009 12:32:40 GMT -5
Gentlemen, please! Take the fights outside and let's refrain from disparaging each other on the Boards and/or suggesting to others unnatural acts with vegetables or small rodents.
This should be a fun and informative time for all, what with the remasters here. Chill out and enjoy our recent bounty of Beatles' music.
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Post by revolver66 on Sept 14, 2009 13:54:47 GMT -5
Paul often liked crisp, clean recordings and man do his songs recorded as such really jump out on these remasters. As an example, "Good Day Sunshine" on the 2009 stereo Revolver explodes out of the speakers in the remastered version. John liked distorted, filtered, altered recordings and from the same album "She Said She Said" isn't nearly so dramatic in improvement(still, the bass and drums are better there but the vocals seem about the same) yet the remastered 2009 stereo "Tomorrow Never Knows" is very exciting so go figure? I was a little disappointed with "Fool On The Hill" from the remastered stereo MMT. I thought that would literally have the lads step out of my speakers into my room but it didn't quite feel that way. I do absolutely love the 2009 stereo remastered MMT though. The rest is very, very good! Hearing SFF and PL there reminded me exactly why I fell in love with this band 34 years ago and never left this odyssey. Your post is amazing because I honestly though the same thing while Listening to the Mono Revolver. Paul's songs sound so crisp and alive(especially Good Day Sunshine..maybe the Mono Mix is just better). However some of the other Tracks were impressive such as I'm Only Sleeping and TNKs in Mono. I also thought the same about MMT..I thought Fool would be better than it was but it was still great. Your SFF/PL experience was the same for me only regarding I Am The Walrus. It's Tracks like this one that always keep me amazed with the Beatles. I was also lucky that My Football Team..The Steelers played Thursday Night..and pulled out a win(it was close)..Baseball more enjoyable than Football..Not for me whatsoever..Go Stillers Go!! P.S. JoeK why insult those that do like Football? Different strokes for different folks I guess.
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Post by revolver66 on Sept 14, 2009 13:57:47 GMT -5
I also have to comment on the Stereo Beatles For Sale..WOW!! This is a must even if it isn't your top priority regarding Beatles Albums. It was like hearing it for the First Time..Amazing. While it may sound great as an Original UK Pressed LP how many people have a Clean Copy of that? Regarding the Old CD Version there is no contest whatsoever. Buy This One Now!!
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