Post by Beatle Bob on Oct 11, 2008 15:06:56 GMT -5
REVIEW: “THE BEATLES COMPLETE ROOFTOP CONCERT 1969” –Misterclaudel ( MCCD 85/86/87)
Misterclaudel’s release of the rooftop concert comes as a disappointment to me. My main impression (as it was for a few other collectors) was that it was going to compile all nagra sources for each song performed live, into a quasi stereo (disc #1)…which it is not. This set though, compiles every known source, from nagra tapes to the concert film soundtrack, offering an all in one set that gathers all various versions of the concert recorded on January 30, 1969. For anyone who despises listening to unedited nagras you’ll find this set (especially the last two discs) tedious and redundant. Yes, the concept of this set (part of the “Live Chronicle Series”)is to give the fan everything related to that one particular concert in one handy package. But for casual listening it’s hard to get through the last two discs without yawning. Hearing every different angle from every different camera roll just isn’t pleasurable. Historically, it’s nice to possess if you don’t have all the various Get Back session material such as thous A and B Roll sets. Something I don’t have a desire to own, as Vigtone’s Thirty Days box set suffices for me (and aside from various odds and ends discs I own).
The first disc is the one of major interest to me. First version compiles the complete rooftop from all nagra sources and the film’s soundtrack. While there may be other collections out there that also historically restore the concert to include such items as “I Want You”, “God Save The Queen”, and “A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody” as well as the “Get Back” rehearsal heard from the street—this first version on disc #1 drags by using these--especially with some having noticeable drop in sound quality and the jam-like noodling feel. Having all the noodlings, and inbetween song chat, makes you realize it was done for the cameras first and was never attempted to be paced like an actual concert. This gives it the typical “Get Back” sessions feel and ambience. It makes me want to fast forward to the next song. Historically it’s accurate, but listenability and enjoyment suffers. When I want to hear this concert for enjoyment purposes, I’ll spin Dr. Ebbetts “Last Licks Live” as it edits the noodlings and most off miked chat and songs that were only captured from a nagra in the street--into a set that is paced to feel like an actual concert. The 2nd item offered on disc #1 is the soundtrack from the film “Let It Be” and is no better and no worse than I’ve heard before.
If you want it all in one place, then I’d say this set if for you as well if you are collector of Misterclaudel’s “Live Chronicle Series” -- you’ll most certainly want this. But....be aware you might only play this once like I did. I’ll stick to Dr. Ebbetts “Last Licks Live” to get my Beatles rooftop kicks
Regards,
Beatle Bob
Misterclaudel’s release of the rooftop concert comes as a disappointment to me. My main impression (as it was for a few other collectors) was that it was going to compile all nagra sources for each song performed live, into a quasi stereo (disc #1)…which it is not. This set though, compiles every known source, from nagra tapes to the concert film soundtrack, offering an all in one set that gathers all various versions of the concert recorded on January 30, 1969. For anyone who despises listening to unedited nagras you’ll find this set (especially the last two discs) tedious and redundant. Yes, the concept of this set (part of the “Live Chronicle Series”)is to give the fan everything related to that one particular concert in one handy package. But for casual listening it’s hard to get through the last two discs without yawning. Hearing every different angle from every different camera roll just isn’t pleasurable. Historically, it’s nice to possess if you don’t have all the various Get Back session material such as thous A and B Roll sets. Something I don’t have a desire to own, as Vigtone’s Thirty Days box set suffices for me (and aside from various odds and ends discs I own).
The first disc is the one of major interest to me. First version compiles the complete rooftop from all nagra sources and the film’s soundtrack. While there may be other collections out there that also historically restore the concert to include such items as “I Want You”, “God Save The Queen”, and “A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody” as well as the “Get Back” rehearsal heard from the street—this first version on disc #1 drags by using these--especially with some having noticeable drop in sound quality and the jam-like noodling feel. Having all the noodlings, and inbetween song chat, makes you realize it was done for the cameras first and was never attempted to be paced like an actual concert. This gives it the typical “Get Back” sessions feel and ambience. It makes me want to fast forward to the next song. Historically it’s accurate, but listenability and enjoyment suffers. When I want to hear this concert for enjoyment purposes, I’ll spin Dr. Ebbetts “Last Licks Live” as it edits the noodlings and most off miked chat and songs that were only captured from a nagra in the street--into a set that is paced to feel like an actual concert. The 2nd item offered on disc #1 is the soundtrack from the film “Let It Be” and is no better and no worse than I’ve heard before.
If you want it all in one place, then I’d say this set if for you as well if you are collector of Misterclaudel’s “Live Chronicle Series” -- you’ll most certainly want this. But....be aware you might only play this once like I did. I’ll stick to Dr. Ebbetts “Last Licks Live” to get my Beatles rooftop kicks
Regards,
Beatle Bob
