christopher
Group: Members
Posts: 270
Joined: Nov. 1999 |
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Posted: Aug. 08 2012, 14:07 |
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Finally I got back into town and was able to have a go at both Deluxe albums.
First off, Platinum.
This new remaster has a crisper and clearer sound than both the original CD release and the 2000 remaster by Simon. It moves along very easy and has a total late 70's New York feel that I have come to adore. This used to be one of my least favorite albums of the 70's. Not anymore... well atleast Side A. Side B is hit or miss, Imho. I think Woodhenge was actually beautiful for the first time in all the years I've listened to it. It seemed more open and airy than before. And you can't go wrong with Mike's interpretation of I Got Rhythm. The North Star Remix was much better than the version posted to YouTube. Clearly this person on YouTube did some cut and past with a side of remix... the mix on there was terrible and overdone with the electronic choir. The mix on my CD is perfect, especially at the breakdown section (Guitar turned up? Check. Brilliant!, which reminds me of Elton Johns work with Thom Bell in 1977.
Next, Wembley: The LIVE Show.
This is a steller performance. The mix sounds as if it were recorded yesterday! The playing is flawless with some unique interpretations not previously heard. The highlight of this disc is Incantations (BEST VERSION EVER!! and William Tell. Brilliant solo performance by Mike! (On a side note, I'm a bit pissed off at Rolling Stones latest issue of 100 greatest guitarist of all time, especially after his playing on William Tell, which unsurprisingly snubbed him out of any spot. Some of the guitarists they chose are mediocre at best). This show is truly a keeper and is burned into my brain!
Second, Qe2
Right away I noticed a considerable difference between this remaster and the original release and remaster by Simon. It was more alive than ever. The instruments seemed to float inside my head, unlike previously. The performance was mixed properly and not tinny like before. There were passages and instruments I had never truly noticed nor appreciated until today. This album always seemed to be mixed funny, to me. It's hard to explain properly. The beauty of Qe2 is truly brought out in this remaster!! Some have complained about Shiva and others have sung its praises. I am in the middle. Shiva is a brilliant reworking of the original track. My real problem with this track is that Mike repeats the exact same phrase over and over again, until the chorus. Then I can't tell what the hell he's saying other than Shiva. And, that's mostly do to the choir. The chorus is by far the highlight of the song. Not to mention, Mike's voice is outstanding near the end of the track!! All around this is a unique and quirky track, Imho.
Next, Essen: The LIVE Show
This, I already have on bootleg from a very large file circulating on the internet. This mix is by far better than the copy I have. For one, someone turned down the bass, which is nice! Though I adore this particular bass line in this concert, it was turned up too much on the bootleg. Mike's playing is once again superb. Imho, it isn't near as good as the Wembley Concert from Platinum, but it is still far above average! The mix on this show isn't quite as good... too much reverb and the drums were turned down too much in some sections. And, unless I've too little sleep, some sections of Tubular Bells seemed to be slowed down in the mix. This mix just didn't seem to have the same care as on Platinum's second disc. This may have been merely just a limitation of the original venue and recording equipment and nothing at all to do with the remixer.
All in all I am very happy with these Deluxe Reissues!! The extra's were a bit dodgy on the first discs, but the second made up for it, on both!! The liner notes were well written this time around! I like how Qe2's liner notes set you up for Five Miles Out. Well done there.
Now, onward to FMO and Crises, my two favorite albums of the 80's!! Now to rip all four discs in Apple Lossless and shove them on my iPod.
Thank you Mike and all those involved in these two reissues
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