This page contains all the messages put onto the BSN Stereo Chat Board during September, 1998. They are in chronological order from first to last. To search for specific topics, use the "find" utility on your browser. For a search of the complete archives, please go to the Stereo Chat Board Archives Main Page.
|
Name: barry margolis Time: 1998-09-01 22:09:10 Comments: 2 comments: I hope that the "My Generation", when issued in stereo, will not have the lousy stereo imaging that has been used on the Who reissues. Though the sound is first-rate, man of the stereo tracks are nearly mono. 2nd comment: I have been posting occasionally on this site, as well as suppling Mike with tons of detailed information about stereo discoveries, and for the most part, they have been ignored, while most others have started discussions within this site, and Mike has included much of the information in the newsletter. I feel shut out. TWICE, I raved about finding 3 important first-time stereo Vee Jay material on CD (2 by John Lee Hooker and 1 by Joe Simon), and although Mike has done extensive research on Vee Jay, nothing ever became of my postings. I thought at least (though I realize Mike is very busy), he'd comment on these discoveries. Instead, nothing. I'm very frustrated. Should I continue to send Mike information? Will it be noticed? Hope so. Barry |
|
Name: Jim Warrick From: Burke, VA Time: 1998-09-02 08:32:07 Comments: Can anyone provide any information on the stereo vs. mono content and quality of the various collections of Platters hits, especially the recently released Rhino collection and the 1997 Varese Sarabande collection? Which collection has the best quality? Do any of the collections on the market contain stereo? Thanks. |
|
Name: don From: memphis Time: 1998-09-02 16:44:52 Comments: Re The Who, My Generation article: if you notice, the article in question states that Shel Talmy has settled his differences with MCA - but has yet to do so with Polydor. Until he does so, no remastered M.G. Since there've been reports of bad blood between Talmy and Polydor, we should probably not expect anything to happen soon... but who knows! |
|
Name: Tom Daly Website: Skyline From: Metro Boston Time: 1998-09-02 20:15:47 Comments: To Jim Warrick: If you want the Platters' material in stereo, I'd recommend the Bear Family box set. If it ever appeared in stereo on vinyl, it's stereo on that package. I can't speak for Rhino or Varese, but I have the box set. Granted, it's a tad pricy, but I think it's worth it. |
|
Name: Luke Pacholski Website: LukPac.org From: Racine, WI Time: 1998-09-02 21:47:39 Comments: Re: The Who. Unfortunately, that article on the Who is at least a year old. I'm actually not even sure if Talmy has settled with MCA - last I knew he hasn't. As for stereo content, much of the material on the box set and the 'A Quick One' CD that claims to be remixed is not. What sounds like mono probably is. For stereo versions of Talmy tracks, check out "Daddy Rolling Stone" on the box set, or several tracks on (now out of print) Who's/Two's Missing. "I'm A Man" is in stereo, as well as several outtakes. |
|
Name: Randy Price From: New York Time: 1998-09-02 22:52:37 Comments: For Jim: The best-sounding single-disk collection of the Platters' Mercury hits is the recent Rhino Best Of. The first 12 tracks, recorded between 1955 and 1957 are mono; the remaining eight, beginning with "Twilight Time," are stereo, in some cases with a wider image than on earlier Mercury CDs. Of the three compilations devoted to the Musicor material (Varese, Kent, Collectables), the Varese has a slight edge over the other two. The most problematic song is "I Love You 1000 Times," which is very hissy and with minor dropouts on all three. That song on the Rhino CD has been cleaned up considerably, but a little too much noice reduction has been applied and it's a bit lacking in the high end. |
|
Name: Dean Zemaitaitis From: Calgary Canada Time: 1998-09-03 14:13:21 Comments: While on the topic of the best Platters Cd release I am assuming that all of these new releases have "Harbor lights" in wide channel stereo but is the version used the Lp or 45 version? The difference is that on the Lp version the song starts out with ambient harbor sounds such as bells, fog horns and waves as well as a beautiful horn intro while the 45 version starts off with with the vocal, deleting the intro |
|
Name: Randy Price From: New York Time: 1998-09-04 00:49:40 Comments: For Dean: The album version of "Harbor Lights" appears on all of the following CDs: Mercury's single-disk Golden Hits (1986) and double-disk Anthoology (1991), and Rhino's Best Of (1998). On Golden Hits, it's reprocessed; on the Anthology, it's narrow stereo; and on the Rhino disk, it's wide stereo (including the intro). The single version is on two Time Life CDs: Your Hit Parade-Into the '60s and AM Gold Early-'60s Classics, both in wide stereo (actually, the album version with the intro chopped off--you can hear a trace of it when the vocal begins). Sound quality is good on the former, excellent on the latter. |
|
Name: Ted Hayward From: Houlton, Maine, USA Time: 1998-09-04 21:16:50 Comments: Hello Everyone! Since Alan Klein has not yet released his CAMEO/PARKWAY material on CD yet, can you give me some indication when it might happen? I have posted the following message on the want-board, as well, but maybe you can help me. Thanking you in advance! I am looking for the following LP"s: AB4219 CHUBBY CHECKERS GREATEST HITS AB4222 ROCK O RAMA I-Various Artists AB4223 ROCK O RAMA II-Various Artists SC2001 BOBBY RYDELL-18 GOLDEN HITS SLE8000 TERRY KNIGHT & THE PACK SC2002 DEE DEE SHARP-18 GOLDEN HITS SP7032 TYMES-SO MUCH IN LOVE my e-mail: fhjh@hotmail.com my address: Ted Hayward c/o WHOU Radio P.O. Box 40 Houlton, Maine 04730 |
|
Name: Jim Warrick From: Burke, VA Time: 1998-09-05 06:14:16 Comments: Many thanks for all the responses to my questions regarding compilations from the Platters. Now another one. Can anyone provide an evaluation of the recent 2 CD compilation by the Long Ryders? How does it stack up against the two import CDs - State of Our Union and Two Fisted Tales? Thanks. |
|
Name: Vic From: PA Time: 1998-09-05 14:26:20 Comments: A few questions for this impressive collection of experts: With the discovery of the fabulous Red Bird/Blue Cat stereo tapes, is there now any chance there is a stereo master of the Toys' "Lovers Concerto" anywhere? Is there a complete Gordon Lightfoot collection that has all of his Reprise chart hits (original versions)? Is there anything to report on authorized Dave Clark 5 material being reiussed (I already have the boots made from LPs, thank you). Any chance the current Box Tops reunion will yield a Live CD. I saw Alex Chilton in NYC last month and he did no Box Tops material although he did mix in a number of '60s oldies. Who owns Jubilee masters? I am especially interested in tracks done by a 1960s Pittsburgh group called the Racket Squad. What does everyone think of the stereo "California Girls" on "Harmony?" Are these obscure tracks on CD anywhere: "1927 Kansas City" by Mike Reilly and "Everybody Knows Matilda" by Duke Baxter? The latter was a fairly big record on WCFL/Chicago in the summer of '69. |
|
Name: Bob Olivia From: Burbank, California Time: 1998-09-06 06:22:30 Comments: The scene summer time 1957, in the hills of Palos Verdes watching the submarine races with my honey. All the great hits of the day blasting from the radio. 2 great LA hits were "Dearest" by the Tempomentals, and "Arrow of Love" by the Sixteens. Why doesn't somebody release these great songs on CD??? Now for Stereo. The released version of Mean Woman Blues by Elvis is on Stereo 57. The movie version of Treat Me Nice is Greatest Performces. Both in early Stereo. By for now, Bob. |
|
Name: Charlie From: Perrysburg Ohio Time: 1998-09-06 07:19:35 Comments: Bob Oliva recently asked about the group The Sixteens. The Disc Collector web page, new release section , lists an import CD by The Sixteens. Titled "A Casual Look" . It shows 27 tracks , all in mono. The label and catalog number is Famous Groove (France) 1019 priced at 18.98. Perhaps this has the cut Bob is looking for. At this same site , the Disc Collector page, I also noticed that WEA Japan is releasing four CDs Sept 25 from The Association. Each CD seems to be an original LP with bonus tracks. Each LP is listed as being all stereo in content. Last Friday the Rhino web site put up a lot of information about the "Nuggets" box due to be released Sept 15. Track listings , session information , artist and group biographies, liner notes , art work information and the compilation's concept and history is all covered at the Rhino web page. Sorry no stereo content was mentioned. This box set has many new to CD releases . I may be the first in line for this "Nugget". Due to being happy with the Brook Benton Rhino release I will upgrade my single disc Mercury Platters Greatest with the new Rhino Platters release. Perhaps Rhino is returning to the reissue glory of days gone by?....... Charlie |
|
Name: Greg T. From: Rome, N.Y. Time: 1998-09-06 13:07:13 Comments: Question: What is the life expectancy of a CD. A friend said he read that it is in the range of 6-7 years. I was under the impression that as long as the outer coating was not breeched it would last forever. |
|
Name: Chris Nagel From: outer space Time: 1998-09-07 02:00:05 Comments: To Greg T.: One of the first CD's I bought was "Bill Haley: From the Original Master Tapes" back in 1986. It still sounds exactly the same as the day I cracked open the longbox and placed the CD in my brand new player. I think CDs will last longer than 6 years. My question is: what new format do the record companies have up their corporate sleeves to replace the CD in 10 to 20 years? |
|
Name: Tom Daly Website: Skyline From: Metro Boston Time: 1998-09-07 08:51:59 Comments: Since the longevity of CDs has been brought up, I'll mention that the industry has DVD audio discs up their sleeves. These will be capable of being two-sided, with a sampling rate of 96KHz, and will contain Dolby Digital (AC-3) surround encoding. What does that mean to us? Not much, since most of the labels refuse to spend the time and money to digitally remaster the material on which they expect us to spend our money. Considering that at the present time, the sound quality potential of CDs isn't yet realized when it comes to oldies reissues, DVD audio will be a waste. What will DVD audio offer the industry? Copy protection, for one thing, but you can be sure that if something was already recorded at mastered with a sampling rate of 44.1KHz (the current CD standard), all the labels will do is simply do a sample conversion to 96KHz for DVD issue, with no sonic enhancement whatsoever. Will our current libraries of CDs deteriorate? I doubt it. Polygram had a problem with some ink and surface layer coating, where the ink bleeded through the etching and was visible from the underside of the CDs around 1990 or so, but that problem was resolved. Other than that, unless a CD was severly scratched on the TOP of the disc, there has never been a problem with deterioration and our discs should last indefinitely. On another note, I recently came into possession of a couple of stereo album masters that were issued on LPs by an independent label in the 1960s. One of these albums had only been issued ONCE in the U.S., yet this album master was in such sorry shape that I couldn't believe it. Each time I ran the tape past the heads on the ol' reel deck, more oxide shed all over the place! The album had one hit single, and that track had severe oxide scratches all the way through it. The single had never been repressed, either. We often wonder why we can't get CDs that sound good - well, if the analog master tapes for most albums are in the same condition as this one, there's the answer. Normally, I get DAT dubs from the album masters with which to work. This time, though, I got the actual analog tape. I almost cried when I racked it up. In order for a label to reissue this album, two tracks (including the hit) will have to be dubbed from discs. It's a sad day when this sort of thing happens, but I guess it's not uncommon at all. |
|
Name: don Time: 1998-09-07 08:57:35 Comments: Re Alex Chilton/Box Tops: Last Call records, a European label, has released "Tear Off," a live recording of the Box Tops reunion. It will apparently be released Stateside in a few months. Oddly enough, there is a review of this album in the online version of the Rough Guide to Rock, under Alex Chilton, where it is listed as a solo album... |
|
Name: Luke Pacholski Website: LukPac.org From: Racine, WI Time: 1998-09-07 13:09:58 Comments: Re: Tom. I'm no recording engineer, but would baking the tape have helped? Or did you already try that? |
|
Name: Alex Shkoditzh From: Long Island NY Time: 1998-09-07 17:37:57 Comments: Is the psychedelic remake of "You Keep Me Hanging On" by Vanilla Fudge available in stereo? I have a mid-eighties greatest hits vinyl pressing, and it is the only track on the lp to appear in mono. Also (just to add a couple of extra channels to our discussion), has anyone noticed that the "quadraphonic" lp's and tapes had significantly different mixes and edits from the standard releases? I have just discovered that John Lennon released "Imagine" and "Walls and Bridges" in quad, and Wings released "Band on the Run" and "Venus and Mars" in quad. Are their any significant differences from their stereo counterparts? |
|
Name: Doug Jones From: West Friendship, MD Time: 1998-09-07 21:30:56 Comments: What is the stereo content of the Handy Man" LP portion of the Del Shannon "Little Town Flirt/Handy Man" Cd on BGO? Also, (3rd request), can anyone report on the stereo content of the Frankie Avalon "Cleopatra" LP? |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-08 09:58:36 Comments: I received my first CD in Dec. 1983. It still plays perfectly. The only CD I ever had deteriorate was a DION CD on Ace that was part of the notorious CD-rot run. I have many, many, CDs from 1984 and 1985 that play and look just as nice as the day they were bought. The QUAD version of "Venus and Mars" was reissued in DTS. So, if you have a DVD player that passes DTS and a DTS equipped receiver - there you go! |
|
Name: randy vest From: new york city Time: 1998-09-08 10:28:45 Comments: To Paul Bigelow: Could you explain your comment about Ace (UK) Records' "notorious CD-rot run"? A number of my Ace CDs developed this laser rot (The Chiffons, The Laurie Records Story, The Shirelles, The Isley Brothers) and while the company very nicely replaced my defective copies, they have never addressed my repeated queries re these defects. I do remember reading (in BSN?) something about a certain mastering facility in the UK where this occurred. Can you enlighten? Many thanks. |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-08 13:35:11 Comments: The "CD-rot" scare of several years ago actually did have some basis in truth. I believe one of the UK manufacturers used silver (or a silver compound) in plating the disks. The clear protective layer that was then put on the disk then reacted with the plating - in time causing a "tarnishing" of the silvered reflective surface that spread from the outside rim of the disk to the inside. That tarnish was a bronze, brown color, I believe. The company discovered the error and replaced disks. That is only confirmed case of widespread CD-rot that I can remember. There, of course, may be isolated incidents for other reasons. |
|
Name: Steve Massie Time: 1998-09-08 17:40:07 Comments: Since no one else has addressed these CDs, I thought I'd do it. I recently heard the three Collectables CDs that contain material from the Shad archives: "Very Best Of Skip And Flip", "Very Best Of The Bell Notes" and "The Knockouts Meet The Genies". The Skip and Flip contains the usual stereo version of "It Was I" that still sounds like it came from a disc. "Cherry Pie" is stereo...but, and once again Collectables lists no information, whoever mastered this CD decided to try and create a three track effect where obviously only a two-track tape existed. They tried to use a digital delay type of echo on the background track and spread it right and left but the result is nothing short of horrible. It reminds me of Capitol's "duophonic" LPs from the 60s. The same was done with "I've Had It" on the Bell Notes CD. Why people can't just leave these two tracks in their original form is wrong. The results are just so poor I'd rather hear these things in mono. On "I've Had It" that echo effect on the background is very pronounced, then the vocal track has no echo at all and is really drowned out by the backing track. Also, two tracks on the Bell Notes CD are listed as stereo, but are mono. On the more positive side, "Fancy Nancy" by Skip and Flip does sound like it's in true three track stereo, as is "Rich Boy, Poor Boy" by the Knockouts. BTW as an aside to Luc Pachowski, yes, normally a bad tape can be made playable by baking it. If done correctly you can make one pass over the heads of the tape machine and usually get a decent copy. |
|
Name: jackie burchill From: UK Time: 1998-09-08 18:43:55 Comments: I'm looking for anything (CD or Vinyl) from a 60s/70s not very well known UK Group - Roger Webb (and his) Trio. I need it for a very special present and don't know where to start. Any help? |
|
Name: Marty Natchez Time: 1998-09-08 22:44:04 Comments: OK, the Van Gogh-fers win again. The guys with one-track minds triumph. And for stereophiles, I can report that Rhino's much anticipated "Nuggets" box will be like "Titanic" without the water. Only four tracks -- two Amboy Dukes hits and two lesser obscurities -- appear in stereo on the four-CD set that contains more than 115 garage-band classics. So why all the mono? Because the original 45s were recorded that way? Gulp! Because it was the age of AM radio? Gulp again! Because Rhino is putting more time and effort into packaging than in remixing and remastering? You got it! Outside and in, the design of the "Nuggets" box is an A+ project. Its 98-page booklet is well illustrated and informative. The track selection is fairly comprehensive, including the original Tribe recording of Sir Douglas Quintet's "She's About a Mover" and Richard and the Young Lions' "Open Up Your Door." And each CD is respectively screened with Rhino's take-offs of the Tower, Dunwich, Laurie and Uni labels. It's so beautiful that it tends to make art lovers swoon. But that's not why this forum exists. This is not the kind of reissue that makes stereo collectors twist and shout. No, Rhino's intention was to deliver an historically accurate audio treasury of how garage and psychedelic music sounded 30 or so years ago on vinyl -- grungy, hissy, classic analog. If not so many songs were known to have stereo mixes, more tolerant BSN critics would rate this treasury a solid "B" or better. The headphone hard-liners would dump it in the low "C" to "D" range. Which begs the question: Is history better remembered or heard? Hmmm. |
|
Name: Paul Stoddard From: Boston, MA Time: 1998-09-09 08:58:17 Comments: Many, many thanks to Marty Natchez for exposing Rhino's latest rip-off, the Nuggets box, for the mono junk that it is. Marty, you saved many of us $50.00, and I, for one, thank you. Folks who thought that Rhino might be mending their ways with the 3 Polygram packages, i.e. Lesley Gore, Platters, and Brook Benton, should remember that these CDs are nothing more than reissues of items that had previously appeared on Rhino LPs in stereo, back when Rhino had its corporate head screwed on straight and wasn't just a division of a multinational conglomerate. A warning about an upcoming Rhino release that might tempt you: the Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs package is also a Rhino/Polygram deal, and is also a reissue of a previously-available Rhino LP. However, in this case, most of the tracks on the original LP were mono. The CD will probably be the same and, thus, not worth wasting money for. Rhino is still a pariah label and should be avoided by all stereo collectors, the occasional good stereo release notwithstanding. Another story that we should be aware of was reported on another board. According to that account, Rhino will be handling future reissue releases for Warner/Reprise. Given their track record with Atlantic, that could really be bad news for stereo collectors! |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-09 09:27:08 Comments: Any word on the Rascals box from Japan? I think it will be under the Rhino label and have unrealeased tracks. Will it be mostly mono like the Rhino 2-disc set? Get the Warner Special Products while you still can... |
|
Name: don Time: 1998-09-09 09:30:41 Comments: More on Box Tops/Alex Chilton "Take Off" - It's not a live album, but studio recordings, mostly covers; features Memphis Horns on some tracks. AC does not play lead guitar, and sings in his usual voice, not the old Box Tops growl. The Rough Guide online entry about this release, under Chilton's name, has been updated. |
|
Name: Tom Daly Website: Skyline From: Metro Boston Time: 1998-09-09 09:50:54 Comments: Thanks to Luke Pacholski and Steve Massie for their recommendation to "bake" the master tapes I'm in the process of trying to salvage. So far, one album master has dropout on the only hit on the album, and another track on the same album is missing a section that snapped as the tape was being wound. I can drop the missing section in from a record, if I can find one, as well as replace the section of the hit where the dropout appears. Now, it's off to the used record store! |
|
Name: Luke Pacholski Website: LukPac.org From: Racine, WI Time: 1998-09-09 20:12:33 Comments: Tom: You may find this article helpful on tape baking: http://www.prosoundnews.com/EQ/archive/7-98/ColumnStory2.htm |
|
Name: Richard Klakowich From: Winnipeg, Canada Time: 1998-09-10 00:10:18 Comments: After reading Paul Bigelow and Randy Vest's discussion about "laser rot", I have a couple more questions for you. I took a look at my copy of "The Laurie Records Story" and noticed that in the "right light" and at a certain angle, I can see what looks like a coffee stain. Is this the dreaded "laser rot"? Does the sound quality deteriorate or does the CD just stop playing? How long does it take for the "laser rot" to show up. (my copy is about 1 year old.) Thanks. |
|
Name: Bob Olivia From: Burbank, California Time: 1998-09-10 05:24:11 Comments: Since we're back knocking Rhino. Please publish their e-mail address. Them we should all e-mail them the same day, and tell them we all think they suck. My opinion, Bob. |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-10 10:03:53 Comments: The "laser-rot" started out as a discoloration around the outer edge of the disc and spread inward uniformally. The color was slighly reddish brown - like tarnished silver. This problem was from years ago. Unless you bought old stock or the (Ace?) Laurie disc is old (six or seven years, I think) you may have something different. My example is the only one I have seen. I suppose it could start in the middle of the disc. In any event, the playing quality of the disc deteriorated as the end of the playing time approached. I heard scratchy- sounding noises, as if the error correction circuitry failed to replicate the missing data. With time, I assume the disk would be unplayable. However, it may be possible that these new CD drives that can compensate for low reflectivity (CD R/W discs) can play these "rotted" discs with no problem. Unless the "CD-rot" damages the pits, of course. |
|
Name: Randy Price From: New York Time: 1998-09-10 14:59:00 Comments: Rhino's e-mail address is drrhino@rhino.com. How about Tuesday (the release date for the Nuggets box) at 12:00 noon ET for a mass e-mailing? |
|
Name: Randy Vest From: New York City Time: 1998-09-10 15:11:23 Comments: Sure do appreciate Paul Bigelow's explanation of Ace UK's rotting discs of a few years ago. His description coincides with what I experienced: "scratchy-sounding noises" as the discs neared their ends in playing time. And while these defects didn't appear when I bought the discs, they started showing up a year or so later and seeped into other cuts as the weeks and months passed. As for the few discs I still possess that have that strange coloring to them, I've made sure I've kept a cassette copy on hand in case of any future "rotting." Kinda like having termites in your house, no? A silent enemy, gnawing away while you sleep! |
|
Name: Charlie From: Perrysburg Ohio Time: 1998-09-10 16:46:11 Comments: I found it both sad and maddening to read Marty's recent post in regards to the Rhino "Nuggets" box set. While I expected no new stereo from this collection due to the nature of the music , mostly garage band 45s , I did expect to find stereo where it exists. I may buy the box for the several first time to CD cuts in it. After reading Paul's further postings in regards to the recent Rhino Polygram releases my hopes of Rhino returning to old form is fading fast. As a result of these warnings I will keep Rhino on my " Beware Must Watch " list .In the meantime I will spend my money at other labels in order to seek out new "oldies" music. Varese , Sundazed , Taragon and Ace UK still have the good standards I look for on reissues. I will join the mass " I hate mono " e mail to Rhino protest on Tuesday. Charlie |
|
Name: Bob Fink From: Conn. Time: 1998-09-11 14:28:16 Comments: Hi:Gotta agree with Charlie re:the ole"mono when stereo is available issue...Cmon! Even commonly available stuff like "Nobody but me","Time won't let me" got bumped in favor of the 45.These stereo versions certainly don't disturb my memories of "the way they were" when I first heard them. Granted there are some horror stories Re: mixes to stereo but the majority of the available stereo mixes that apply to The Nuggets box are sorely missed. Also, I might add that certain people/producers that could have contributed their expertise to this box were sadly overlooked..ie Tom Moulton, one of the best supporters of getting the stereo stuff right! Thanks for the ear. B.F. |
|
Name: Barry Cashion From: Mooresville, North Carolina Time: 1998-09-12 12:12:39 Comments: I would like to make a correction to a note I posted on the chat board quite some time ago, and in this case, I'm quite happy to have been wrong. Someone had asked about Vanilla Fudge's "You Keep Me Hangin' On" always having been mono or rechanneled. I had recently bought the Rhino CD "Psychedelic Sundae-The Best of Vanilla Fudge", whose booklet stated that "You Keep Me..." was recorded in mono as a demo, which turned out so good that it was then used as the master. I posted an answer on the board with this info., believing it to be correct. However... Yesterday I found a Vanilla Fudge website (www.vanillafudge.com), which contains an interview with Shadow Morton, their producer. The interviewer mentioned the fact that "You Keep Me..." had always been mono, even on the stereo LP, and asked Morton if a stereo mix exists. Morton replied no, but an eight-track session master DOES exist, and the song could be, to use his words, "brought to stereo"!!! I don't know if Morton meant that he himself has this tape, but I hope that whoever has it will allow it to be used for a stereo remix. It would be wonderful to finally hear it that way, after thirty years! So anyway, I stand corrected, and delightfully so this time. |
|
Name: Tom Daly Website: Skyline From: Metro Boston Time: 1998-09-12 14:16:38 Comments: To: Steve Massie regarding a previous post about the Collectables issues from the Shad archives... First of all, we're lucky to even have tapes on this material. Second of all, I spoke to the producer of the CDs (an independent mastering engineer, like myself) who has verified that what you hear on the CDs is what was on the Shad masters. The producer also claims that the mixes were done by one of BSN readers' favorite remix engineers (who shall remain nameless unless he chooses to identify himself), and what you hear is the best we can get in terms of stereo on those tracks. The producer also says that if you are dissatisfied with the stereo product, he'll gladly swap your stereo CDs for mono ones made from the original mono mixdown tapes. I'd also like to point out that NONE, repeat NONE of the tracks on the Skip and Flip CD are disc dubs from vinyl, but were taken from the original source tapes. My assumption is that what you think you hear as surface noise is actually board clicks and other grunge. The stereo Philles material I've heard is just loaded with that grunge and board clicks, and everyone knows Spector never issued "Da Doo Ron Ron" or "Then He Kissed Me" in stereo on vinyl records. |
|
Name: Mike Arcidiacono From: NYC Time: 1998-09-12 15:05:20 Comments: RE: Taragon Records Note to Eliot at Taragon---(a BSN reader and friend to stereo collectors everywhere...) Will the upcoming Cascades Cd contain the A and B sides of the 4 singles released on RCA? they were: A Little Like Lovin/Cinderella,,,,For Your Sweet Love/Jeanie,,,,Little Bitty Falling Star/Those Were The Good Old Days,,,I Dare You To Try/Awake.. In particular, "I Dare You To Try" is very hard to find today. But all 8 songs here are GREAT, in fact, some of the B sides are better than the A sides!! Eliot, can you tell us which of these appear on the new Cd, and whats stereo? Thanks!! And thanks for all your hard work. |
|
Name: Eliot Goshman Website: Click HERE for Taragon Records home page!!! Time: 1998-09-13 08:27:27 Comments: Mikey, thanks for your support. The Very Best Of The Cascades (release date October 27) will contain ALL of the tracks the group recorded for RCA (including unreleased tracks)plus 6 of the best known Valiant/Warner tracks. All tracks are stereo except "Rhythm Of The Rain" and the B-Side "Let Me Be", for which no known stereo tapes exist. |
|
Name: Mike Arcidiacono From: NYC Time: 1998-09-13 10:47:26 Comments: Many thanks to Eliot at Taragon Records for the FANTASTIC upcoming Cascades package. FINALLY we will get Cinderella, For Your Sweet Love and rest of the RCA material from master tape instead of crappy Vinyl. For those who dont know, on the Cascades/Barry & Tamerlanes Cd, The RCA cuts mentioned above are from vinyl, altho cleaned up, and are of course, flat mono. It is going to be a special treat to hear the Taragon Cd with this material in first time stereo. Everybody should preorder this one from Taragon. i'm also looking foward their Arbors (" A Symphony For Susan"-great record) and of course, the Gary Lewis and The Playboys two-fer. Im PSYCHED!!! |
|
Name: Steve Massie Time: 1998-09-13 16:32:17 Comments: In reply to Tom Daley...Tom, I too am an independent remastering engineer and I know what was done on those Shad masters. I also have a pretty good idea who did the remastering because he's used that "digital delay" stereo effect on other projects to create what amounts to an "electronic" three track. What I'm saying is that where you only have a two track tape available it should be remixed the best it can be utilizing those two tracks. The tracks should be narrowed just enough to fill in the "holes" in the middle. I also know what tape artifacts sound like and I've heard the Phil Spector stuff. I may be wrong about "It Was I", but it still sounds like it came off the stereo Time album. I also differ on the opinion that just because we're "lucky" to have stereo tapes on certain tracks that we should accept them in these mixes. If you want examples of what I do, check out the Dick Bartley CDs on Varese when they come out (as well as several other upcoming Varese releases). On "The In Crowd", for example, a stereo vinyl source had to be used. I had to clean it as best as possible without removing all the highs and then narrow and balance the tracks. Believe me, I worked for several days getting this the best it could be, so I know what can and can't be done in the remastering process. Anyway, since there was no name listed on those Shad CDs, I certainly wasn't trying to single out anyone but I still think they could have been done better. |
|
Name: graham From: co Time: 1998-09-13 22:22:36 Comments: Just back from a 2 week vacation. Got my rhino catalog. In it there is the "PHARAOHIZATION! THE BEST OF SAM THE SHAM & THE PHARAOHS" (R2 75329)24 TRACKS. Also "CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL" (R2 91375) 30 tracks, from TIME/LIFE. Does anyone know if there is any new stereo on these CD's or has anyone listened to these or even own them? I'd like to know if the stereo is better on "Lodi" and "Bad Moon Rising" than the previous stuff we've heard. Bye for now. |
|
Name: Mike Arcidiacono From: NYC Time: 1998-09-13 22:30:30 Comments: Can some kind soul tell me if "Happy" by The Blades of Grass on the "Sunshine Days" Vol 4 comp is stereo? I already have the mono on it but I'm looking for the stereo. Thanks!! |
|
Name: Bob Olivia From: Burbank, California Time: 1998-09-14 03:48:48 Comments: Thanks Randy for Rhino's e-mail. I sent my Mono Sucks e-mail today because I'm going to New York for my son's wedding. Don't forget you guys to flood them on Tuesday. Regarding deteriorating CD'S. I have CDS from 1988 to present. I don't see any problems with any of mine yet. See you all in 2 weeks. Bob Olivia. |
|
Name: Tony Waitekus Website: All Hit 98-9 From: Davenport, IA Time: 1998-09-14 08:53:08 Comments: Does anyone know if there is a web page for Time-Life Music, or any page that lists their CD's and tracks? |
|
Name: Mike Cloud From: Houston, TX Time: 1998-09-14 11:47:24 Comments: To Graham: I have a 10 year old Best of CCR disc from Time-Life though it's a single disc not the 30 track retrospective you referred to. It has no new stereo. I've listened to CCR imports from Europe, Australia, gold discs,etc. Apparently no retail stereo versions of "Bad Moon Rising" or "Proud Mary" have been released. As for Sam the Sham, I have no idea. |
|
Name: Barry Cashion From: Mooresville, North Carolina Time: 1998-09-14 12:56:57 Comments: Here are a few questions, all relating to Polygram... I've always liked "Laurie (Strange Things Happen)" by Dickie Lee, so I was happy to see it turn up on the CD "Dick Bartley Presents Collectors' Essentials-The 60s". It's even in stereo on there, but from vinyl. I bought an Eric 45 reissue of the song back in the mid 70s, and it too sounded like it was mastered from another record, so the master had apparently already disappeared even then. Any ideas on what might have happened to this tape? I believe that the original release was on Twentieth Century-Fox, which Polygram now owns, so they should have the master, unless it was lost before they took over the label. And speaking of tapes being lost--Mike, in your review of the Lesley Gore box set from Bear Family, you mentioned that the session multitracks from sometime in early 1968 through early 1969 were apparently lost, since the songs from that period were mostly from mono 45 masters. Did you mean that just the Lesley Gore masters were lost, or the Mercury/Smash masters from that period in general? The reason I'm asking is because the Left Banke CD "There's Gonna Be A Storm-The Complete Recordings 1966-1969" has several tracks from around the same time in mono, such as "Desire" and their original version of "And Suddenly", among others. And the recent Roger Miller CD set from Polygram also has mono for the Smash hits up until 1969 or so. Finally, it's always been a mystery to me why Manfred Mann's "The Mighty Quinn" and a few of their other songs from the same period have never been stereo. I suppose that if multitracks for these songs still exist, they would be in Polygram's vaults in England, since US Mercury probably only received mono mixdowns for them originally. But since Polygram UK should have them, I would've thought that those songs could have been remixed for the recent "Ascent of Mann-The Fontana Years 1966-1969" set from UK Fontana. But no...at least what was stereo on vinyl still is, but what wasn't...still isn't. (Sigh.) Before I go I wanted to mention that I saw an entry in Midnight Records' web catalog for the Animals' "The Singles Plus" CD from EMI UK with a note that it is "remastered, with most cuts in stereo". Early Animals in stereo? I'll believe it when I hear it! |
|
Name: Ron Fisch From: St. Louis Time: 1998-09-14 16:47:09 Comments: I did hear "And Then He Kissed Me" in stereo on last Saturday's Dick Bartley oldies show. Is there some "import" CD where it's available? Also. did anyone catch the season (or is it series) finale of "Arliss" on HBO and hear over the closing credits how the Dusty Springfield song "I Only Wanna Be With You" was in true stereo with a more vocals-up mix to it? Was this a new synch-up job? [ -- There has been a bootleg tape of a stereo mix of "Then He Kissed Me" that a few collectors have had for some time. I do not think that it is on CD. -- MC] |
|
Name: Charlie From: Perrysburg Ohio Time: 1998-09-14 16:47:27 Comments: For Mike A......." Happy" by the Blades Of Grass is stereo on Sunshine Pop Vol 4 . Charlie |
|
Name: Tom Daly Website: Skyline From: Metro Boston Time: 1998-09-14 18:31:44 Comments: To Steve Massie: If the link to your email worked, I'd send you a private message, but since it doesn't I'll just have to make a public post. I revere the work of some of my peers: Bob Irwin & Vic Anesini, Dennis Drake, Steve Hoffman, Tom Moulton, and "Little Walter" DeVenne to name but a few. Those who strive for authenticity when striking a stereo mixdown from whatever sources exist get an "A" from me. I don't like all "first-time" stereo mixes, either, nor do I like many of the "Legends of Rock & Roll" reissues that popped up on EMI. Sure, most of them are clean, but they're also sterile. Either there's no reverb because flat tapes were used, the reverb/echo effect is incorrect, or the speed wasn't corrected to match the vinyl issues. To me, there's no excuse for that. You gotta have reference discs to match what you're doing to what was originally issued. If you can't create an accurate stereo mix that recreates the sound and feel of the original mono mix, then don't do it. The aforementioned independent producers strive for the authenticity to which I am referring. At least one of them, if not two, had something to do with those Shad tapes. I can't find fault with them, as when I compare them to the mono mixes I have on other discs, they sound fine to my ears. I don't like "Duophonic," either, but the Shad mixes don't sound "Duophonic" to my ears. Maybe it's just me, but I can't find any fault with those mixes, knowing it's either those in stereo or the originals in mono. |
|
Name: Greg T. From: Rome, N.Y. Time: 1998-09-14 18:41:10 Comments: Time-Life website is www.timelifecs.com. Just click on the music category. |
|
Name: Paul Stoddard From: Boston, MA Time: 1998-09-15 18:50:03 Comments: I took part in the mass-mailing today to Rhino regarding the Nuggets box-set extreme mono content. They must have set up an auto-reply function for this, since I had a reply in minutes and it sounds as canned and rehearsed as can be. Here's what I received: Our remastering guru, Bill Inglot, goes through extraordinary lengths to find the highest quality master possible (often the first generation master). Regarding the stereo/mono issue, we make decisions regarding what to use on a subjective case by case basis. When we do use a mono mix when a stereo counterpart exists, the stereo version is usually available elsewhere, sometimes even from us. Contrary to popular belief, Inglot has no more a bias towards mono than stereo in and of itself. Stereo is not always preferable to mono, or vice versa (any more than color movies are inherently superior or inferior to those in black and white). It often involves a different mix. As a diehard Motown fan, I know for a fact that the '60s singles, even though they have always been available in stereo, were originally mixed in mono. The stereo mixes were afterthoughts. What sounds "better" of the two is a subjective judgment, and it is impossible to argue with one's ears. We hear what we hear. And of course we are aware that there is an audience that prefers stereo, no matter what. The bottom line is that we attempt to remain true to the artist's/producer's original vision. And if it is the mono mix that was meant for the 45 version, that is usually (though not always) what we will use. The bottom line is that, hard as we try, it is impossible to please everybody. At the same time, we pride ourselves on our sensitivity to concerns expressed by our customers. So your e-mail is greatly appreciated, and we hope that we will be able to satisfy you more often in the future. Regards, Dr. Rhino |
|
Name: Chris Kissel From: Long Island, NY Time: 1998-09-15 19:49:46 Comments: Same canned response for my e-mail to Rhino! Several months ago I spoke with Bill Inglot over the phone and mailed him a cassette with some stereo rarities. I'm sure Bill is a busy guy but he didn't even have the courtesy to send me a note of thanks or his comments and never returned my calls after that. Between Bill's attitude problem and the computer generated e-mail response I wonder if there is any "soul" left in the Rhino organization. |
|
Name: Luke Pacholski Website: LukPac.org From: Racine, WI Time: 1998-09-15 20:20:31 Comments: Looks like the same (exact) response I got from Rhino... As I emailed back to them, the Motown multitracks do exist, so new remixes *could* be made... We can only wait and see... |
|
Name: chaz Time: 1998-09-15 21:34:03 Comments: Has anybody listened to the NUGGETS Box Set? Soul???? It's all for the money!!!!!! Remember, the first one is always free! We are always hoping that RHINO will come back as the excellent STEREO Reissue label of olden days. But as an oldies junkie, I keep getting fooled. But since my "Rhino Withdrawal," I feel whole again, ready to search out the NEW STEREO FIXES all over again and again................. |
|
Name: Joe Fornarotto From: New Jersey Time: 1998-09-15 22:04:46 Comments: Well---Here goes!!!! Just finished listening to the Nuggets box set. Why is everyone so bent out of shape over the mono stuff--how many times do you need these things in stereo? I will be the first one to admit that I get really exicited about some great sounding stereo tracks-but if someone like Rhino does not put this stuff out in mono who else will? Then in ten or twenty years time we'll be scrambling to find those original 45 versions. Listen to "Time Won't Let Me" or "Little Girl" these versions sound great on this set. You can have that harsh sounding remix of The Outsiders track on the Capitol Collectors Series,this version cooks--and it sounds better than any mono version I've heard yet on CD. The problem is that we cant get the great sounding stereo stuff all in one collection--it's all hit and miss--some mono ,some stereo--just can't win. But as I said ,this stuff on the Nuggets collection is out there in stereo ,so now I can listen to some different versions that I did'nt have allready and not have to take out my old 45's. ----Has anyone noticed the add in the last two issues of Goldmine-a dealer is advertising a Creedence collection from Holland with "RARE TRACKS AND MIXES" does anyone have any info on this collection? The dealer is Music Machine from Maryland. Thought I'd pass that on--you never know!!! Also hope we don't have to wait to long to hear that stereo remix of "You Keep Me Hanging On". PS To everyone who emailed Rhino ,don't take it personally it's just one persons feelings about the Nuggets collection. |
|
Name: Larry Naramore Website: From: Sun Valley, Ca. Time: 1998-09-15 22:46:52 Comments: Which of the Jimi Hendrix reissues have the best sound quality? Has "Songs of Leonard Cohen" ever been released with a decent sound i.e. "no hiss" |
|
Name: Doug Peck From: Elk Grove, CA Time: 1998-09-15 23:38:54 Comments: The bottom line of the stereo/mono reissue debate is that the reissue companies hold and wield the power and are simply going to do whatever they want to. What I'd like to see happen is a truth in packaging law passed to require them to conspicuously label on the outside of the packaging, on a cut-by-cut basis, whether each song is in mono or stereo and what source material each is mastered from. Wishful thinking, I guess... |
|
Name: Tom Daly Website: Skyline From: Metro Boston Time: 1998-09-16 17:34:43 Comments: I'd like to share with everyone the text of the "flame" I sent to Rhino: OK, I've heard your line of malarky before about the mono crap, but it just doesn't fly. This is 1998, not 1965. Today, everything is in STEREO. George Feltenstein of MGM/UA home video, with whom you are in cahoots over the Turner soundtracks, remixes movies from the 1950s for laserdisc reissue to stereo when they were never in stereo theatrically. Why? People want STEREO, not mono. Who cares that it was originally issued in mono? If stereo tapes exist, goddam it, use them, otherwise Rhino will never see another cent of my money. I was anxiously awaiting the release of "Nuggets," but since I was forewarned that there's only four stereo tracks in the entire box, I'll keep my vinyl. I figure I have the right to be critical of what you people issue. Like Bill Inglot, I am an indepentdent mastering engineer who does some work for your competitor, Collectables. Take a good listen to Collectables' issue of "Stand By Me" on the Ben E. King disc (COL-6210). Rhino, via DigiPrep, furnished the DAT from which I worked. No other issue of that song is completely free of tape hiss, and it's in STEREO! Check your masters for "Pillow Talk" by Sylvia (COL-6307) and "Shame, Shame, Shame" by Shirley and Company (COL-6306). I mastered those for Collectables, too. You'll find that I threw away the copy of the single "Shame, Shame, Shame" that you furnished and replaced it with a wide stereo one I got from Great Britain. You'll also find that neither of those Collectables discs are wallowing in tape hiss, either, yet the highs, such as they were, are intact. My favorite mastering job was on Collectables' reissue of Roulette's "Tighter, Tighter" by Alive n' Kickin' from the Roulette album master (COL-6301). Again, no tape hiss, highs intact, and in well-separated stereo. Of course, you'd rather stay in bed with Bill Inglot (who must enjoy exclusive contracts, because he's got Varese all sewed up, too) and put out run-of-the-mill mono junk rather than get someone to work for you who knows what the public wants and has an ear for clean sound. Well, enjoy being a part of Time-Warner. What Time-Warner stands for is: piss-poor. Christ, even the laserdisc of Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" (an Image release) has better sound than the CD on Warner Bros, and you'd think that since the original multitrack tapes exist, the album would get a new digital remix, but no. What do we get? The same, crummy old analog LP master. Well, I've said my piece. Rhino/Time-Warner gets none of my dough until they begin to spend some and give me what I want: quality product, in STEREO. Tom Daly mediaace@channel1.com Rhino's reply: Tom, With all due respect, I'm afraid that we're going to have to agree to disagree on this one. Thanks for your input.:) Dr. Rhino |
|
Name: Tom Daly Website: Skyline From: Metro Boston Time: 1998-09-16 17:48:42 Comments: As an adjunct to my post regarding my email to Rhino and Rhino's reply, I'd like to encourage my fellow collectors to abstain from the purchase of Rhino or other WEA releases and buy from Collectables and other licensees where some work is actually done to bring the collector and casual buyer some quality sound, in stereo. If what you want is not available from a legitimate U.S. licensee, buy imports or bootlegs. Avoid supporting Time-Warner's WEA division at all costs when it comes to reissue product. By starving the music division of Time-Warner (including Time-Life, whose recent output has been lousy despite Dennis Drake's involvement), it's the only way to force those Bozos into spending the bucks needed to properly remaster the catalog product and give us the music in stereo, the way we want it. |
|
Name: Joe Fornarotto From: New Jersey Time: 1998-09-16 21:56:15 Comments: Tom, I must give credit were credit is due --- the new series on Collectables is outstanding!!!!! I picked up the Alive & Kickin' and one each of the Drifters and Coasters and they sounded great ---- also top of the line packaging too!!! Picture discs and clear inlays with pictures of original LPs. I know I defended the Nuggets last night but as I said I still enjoy some great sounding stereo ---- great job again and keep us up to date on whats coming up!!!!! PS I was looking for the Ben E King but the store was out of it---going back next week for more..... |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-17 11:46:55 Comments: Whew! It's a shame that a reissue label like Rhino that has the bucks and the clout to reissue just about whatever strikes their fancy spends so much time and effort on packaging and (apparently) so little on stereo. Bear Family may be expensive but they do it right. I have no doubt that Rhino could attempt to release packages that rival Bear Family in quality and completeness. Have they? NO. Will they? Doubt it. They're too busy putting out thematic collections with pretty packaging. If they're so concerned about history and "correctness" they ought to take a look at the Bear Family booklets with sessions, dates, times, locations, personnel, etc. You can't beat it. With the depth of the Atlantic and Warner catalogs can you imagine a "Bear Family - style" treatment on those catalogs? It would be great. Anyway, any word on the Beach Boys "Ultimate Christmas"? Will new mixes utilizing synched up multi-tracks be used or will it be original stereo mixes? |
|
Name: Tom Kennedy From: San Ramon, Ca. Time: 1998-09-17 12:37:10 Comments: Hi Everyone, The real deal is simple: Rhimono has gone CORPORATE. The bottom line for corporate thinking is the bottom line. That means: 1.Increase sales by whatever means. i.e. Make the packaging pretty and eye-catching on the shelf. 2. Keep the expenses as low as possible. i.e. Use the mono mixes that are already there. Remixing to stereo and cleaning up tapes takes time and lots of money - raising the costs. Rhino can yak yak yak about the sound, the artists' intent, the punch, till crap turns to stone, but it's the corporate bottom line that counts. How ironic that Collectibles is issuing better quality cd's and Rhimono is going the other way. Personally, I don't ever buy any Rhimono related products unless they have been reviewed here or in the newsletter. Sincerely, Tom Kennedy [ -- As disgusting as it is to have even the songs that
were originally on the Nuggets LP in stereo now in mono (it is
NOT a reissue of that album!!!), the box set includes the
true stereo version of "Run Run Run" by the Gestures,
heretofore only available in stereo on an obscure reissue
45. I suppose Rhino thinks we'll all shell out $65 for one
stereo song, but that particular song in stereo was just
issued also on a much cheaper set: "The Big Hits of America:
The Soma Records Story 1963-1967" [Plum 14132], which is a
two-CD set mastered by Bob Irwin. |
|
Name: Gregg Milan From: East Chicago, In. Time: 1998-09-17 20:18:24 Comments: Anybody have any knowledge of a true stereo version of Rare Earth's "I Know I'm Losing You"? Is it on the current, just released Motown/Polygram disc? Also, does anyone have any knowledge of the Ohio Express' lead singer, Joey Levine? Is he still living? Thanks for the help! |
|
Name: Boppin' Brian From: socal Time: 1998-09-17 20:44:02 Comments: HEY ! enough of the RhiNONSENSE !! We all know what Rhino does wrong & how often, so how about more useful dialogue - more to the point, pertainent data ..JUST THE FACTS, PLEASE !! More reviews of STEREO content, tips & "leads". O.K., now, offa my soap-box. Regarding "Just BAKE it" tipsters...BE CAREFUL !! If this is'nt done right at the proper low temperature ALL IS LOST ! So Cal L.A. Times Calender readers may recall a discussion of "tape baking" in an article discussing the theatrical re-release/remastering of "Grease". Photo showed big ol' reel o tape in regular home wall range kitchen oven. Hopefully, other tapes can be saved if word gets around of this highly ordinary & simple process . ********* ACE "rot" -- -- I have 1/2 a dozen of the Ace (U.K.) CDs mentioned as being in the trouble - zone (Lauries, etc.) , but I have 2 that aren't in this suspect category that are "bad news". My Isleys ("Twist & Shout", etc.) sounds O.K. on my one player, but has "holes" visible thru coating/aluminum seemingly etched by ink "Ace" logo, right thru so you can see (clear) thru in 2 spots. The Isleys CD says mfd. by "PDO". A second more recent (GREAT !) '96 CD "Rockin from coast to Coast" ("Mastered by MAYKING") has the discolored/dark areas, like BSNers seem to describe, in an oblong, fingertip-sized area radiating from the hub/center, visible on the "Playing" side affecting first 10 or so tunes -- sounds like heat damage does on a record but much louder & faster repitition of the "FUZZ". Has anyone had any luck with getting replacements ?? Any U.S. Distributors that can be contacted ??? I agree that the WHO reissues from MCA are good for the most part, but they really screwed up "A Quick One / Happy Jack" album with lots of mono and even some "FAKE stereo" ("Whiskey Man" is the one that I recall had me really smacking myself in the forehead on 1st listen...) !! There are 5 mono tracks that have been stereo elsewhere. They also could've added some more bonus cuts still "MIA" like "Dr Jekll & Mr Hyde" , "Circles" ('Ready Steady Who' EP version), and the 45 version of "Substitute". ...............Can anyone tell me what's going on with the STEREO Stones, Ronettes, Crystals, Cameo/Parkway -- no I don't mean to start a new round of Allen Klein - bashing !! -- offered by "Skyline"/Mr. Daly (check anywhere -- & everywhere ?!?! -- here at "Stereo chat" to link to his website)...???? Can anyone provide TITLES, LABELS, CATALOG #s for the CDs this stuff was issued on ("gray" market / import or not)...?? Or is this just a bunch of "insider" / tape - swapping / fuzzy - sounding stuff ?!?!? The Rolling Stones listing give the label as "Imprinta" & the Ronettes "95th Street". No, I don't want to meet someone in some dark alley to get ahold of this stuff. I suppose the Philles stuff could come from any number of stereo LPs issued over the years, across the globe, but "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing in th Shadows" ??!! Last but not least, when will an updated BSN Oldies guide BOOK be out? BYE !! [ -- As far as the last question, it would help if you read the frequently asked questions. There's even a link at the top of this page. -- MC] |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-18 09:36:43 Comments: Tom's posting concerning obtaining a DAT from Rhino brings up and interesting thought: If Rhino supplies DATs of recorded property that Rhino controls to engineers for their own reissue projects, are other reissue companies at the mercy of whatever Rhino supplies? In other words, is is possible that Rhino may decide to stop distributing stereo masters to other labels. Is Rhino left to do the tape vault research and provide whatever they see fit? Or, am I just paranoid? |
|
Name: Randy Price From: New York Time: 1998-09-18 15:04:26 Comments: Now that we've all gotten our form e-mails from Dr. Rhino, I suggest that anyone who is not on Rhino's mailing list, get on it; then, when their next catalog arrives, mark it "Return to Sender--Stereophile Only at This Address," and send it back. |
|
Name: Joel Goldenberg From: Montreal Time: 1998-09-19 18:40:25 Comments: Just to change the subject... I'm intrigued by the new Super Hits series from Columbia/Legacy with 10 tracks each (not always well chosen) from acts like the Bangles, Blood, Sweat and Tears, the Byrds, etc. The crucial question is, do they live up to Legacy's reputation for great sound, or are they just special products fodder under the Legacy name? Hope it's the former. There's also a British (domestic in Canada too) Very Best of the Byrds with 27 (!!!) tracks on one disc at bargain price. Has anyone heard it and does it match the sound of the recent reissues? A similar Bob Dylan best of sounds great. Lastly, back to the subject at hand (Nuggets). This is yet one of many incentives for me to return to vinyl! Oh yeah, one more thing. We're getting more of those 2 on 1 Beach Boys CDs in Canada at reasonable prices (really reasonable for you Americans). The latest ones are Surfer Girl/Shut Down Vol. 2 (the cover resembles the British CD) and Party/Stack O' Tracks. Do these exist in the U.S., or is it one more example of a special CD link Canada seems to have with Britain? |
|
Name: Paul Stoddard From: Boston. MA Time: 1998-09-19 19:18:41 Comments: For Joel: Regrettably, the Columbia Super Hits discs are from standard production masters. I did an A/B of "Mississippi Queen" from the Legacy reissue of the first Mountain album and the Mountain Super Hits disc: no comparison! The Legacy logo doesn't appear on the super hits CDs that I've bought. The Byrds U.K. package, if it's on Sony, is a good one. They used the new masters, and "Mr. Tambourine Man" is in discreet left-center-right stereo, but "Turn Turn Turn" is mono. Officially, all of the Beach Boys' twofers are out-of-print in the U.S. You can still get a few of them from the BMG Music Club. After Capitol pulled the twofers, they put out the albums one per CD with no bonus tracks. Now, those are being allowed to "sell down" in anticipation of yet another repackaging. The rumor is that the new configuration will be one album per CD plus bonus tracks and that the Brother Records albums will be part of the release. |
|
Name: Mike Cloud From: Houston, TX Time: 1998-09-19 19:40:42 Comments: I bought those Beach Boy two-fers (with bonus tracks)in the early '90's before they were phased out. For several years in the US we have had those same album titles as budget single CD's. |
|
Name: Barry Cashion From: Mooresville, North Carolina Time: 1998-09-21 16:35:14 Comments: Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed a gradual decline over the past few years in quality control in CD manufacturing? Back in the early days of CDs, it seems that greater pains were taken where quality was concerned; by this I mean that it was very rare to find so much as a cracked jewel case, much less a scratched or scuffed disc. (I know that the cardboard outer boxes being used then no doubt helped with outer case protection.) But now it seems that I'm ending up with flawed discs more and more often, not to mention torn or otherwise damaged booklets. I haven't really noticed any particular label that is worse than any other for this type of thing; they all seem to be getting a little slack. Granted, with digital error correction, oversampling, and such, small marks on the disc shouldn't affect play. But for me it's the principle of the thing; considering the amounts of money that we're expected to shell out for these things, I think we have the right to expect a fairly pristine product. Has anyone else experienced this problem? |
|
Name: Steve Elders From: Orange, CA Time: 1998-09-21 23:43:41 Comments: To Eliot Goshman at Taragon: Will your Cascades disc have "Maybe the Rain Will Fall," a Uni single from 1969? And if yes, will it be in stereo? The song charted on 93 KHJ in L.A. that summer and remains a fond memory. |
|
Name: Eliot Goshman Website: Click HERE for Taragon Records release list! Time: 1998-09-22 08:43:30 Comments: No, Steve, unfortunately it won't. The cost of cross licensing tracks from other labels makes the costs sky rocket. There are 6 Valiant tracks (licensed from Warner Bros.), and the rest (about 14) are RCA (licensed from BMG). Thanks for your interest. |
|
Name: Barry Cashion From: Mooresville, North Carolina Time: 1998-09-22 11:39:14 Comments: To Paul Stoddard: I hope you won't mind this, but since you mentioned the Byrds recently, I was going to direct this question to you. But your e-mail link didn't work, so I'll just put it here. I wonder what the deal is with "Turn Turn Turn" being mono so often? The Byrds Box Set was actually its first-ever true stereo appearance (along with "He Was a Friend of Mine"), and it was also stereo on the "20 Essential Tracks From the Box Set" CD. Other than that, to my knowledge, all of its original LP appearances were either mono or rechanneled, and most CD appearances so far other than the two aforementioned have been mono, or occasionally rechanneled. It's hard to fathom why such a classic track that played such a big part in mid-60s music history wasn't given a stereo mix during its original release. So now its turned up in mono again on the British disc you mentioned, and was in mono even on the Columbia/Legacy expanded CD reissue of the "Turn Turn Turn" LP. That one really puzzled me, since Legacy is usually so good about using stereo wherever possible. Is the mono mix considered sonically superior in some way, or do you think this is just one of those tunes that, for whatever reason, rarely gets a stereo "airing"? With best regards--Barry Cashion. |
|
Name: Dave Daugherty From: Dublin, OH. Time: 1998-09-22 12:07:35 Comments: To Barry Cashion: Regarding the mono vs. stereo releases of "Turn Turn Turn".....it's my understanding that the mono mixdown of the track has an additional guitar overdub. The multi-tracks do not contain this overdub and therefore, it's impossible to do a true stereo mix of the track since it will then be missing the overdub. The stereo release of this track on the box set and the newer greatest hits disc is actually a 2 track remix (mono vocals on one channel, mono track on the other) with the channels narrowed somewhat to lessen the "hole in the middle" problem. Given the missing overdub situation, it's the best that can be done. It is odd, however, that this remix is not always chosen for all releases now, since it does have better fidelity than the usual mono mix. |
|
Name: Mike Arcidiacono Time: 1998-09-22 16:12:13 Comments: For Steve Elders: Fear not, because "Maybe The Rain Will Fall" by The Cascades IS on the Valiant Bootleg Cd discussed here previously. I do believe it is stereo as well. You can order it at www.Rockclassics.com and the title is "The Cascades Meet Barry and The Tamerlanes". Nice Cd, but Eliots Taragon Cd is gonna be a killer....the RCA tracks are just fantastic, and have NEVER been issued from the master tapes, and never in stereo. Cant wait for this one!! Hope this helps, Steve! Mikey |
|
Name: Luke Pacholski Website: LukPac.org From: Racine, WI Time: 1998-09-22 23:40:33 Comments: Re: Turn Turn Turn. It is my understanding (I may be wrong - see the box set notes) that the multitracks for TTT (and probably He Was a Friend of Mine) are missing all together, and all that could be found were the 2 track mixdowns (vocals/backing), made for whatever reason at some point... The 2 tracks were used on the box set, but alas, HWAFOM was missing the last verse. As far as the remix CDs go, I do believe the version of TTT *is* the 'new' version, but simply mixed to mono - apparently Bob Irwin felt the mix on the box set didn't fit in. You can tell it is the new mix due to the longer running time. As far as HWAFOM, the reissue version has the last verse intact, so I'm not sure if this was remixed or not. The CD indicates it is stereo, but is obviously wrong. I'd like to contact Bob Irwin about this myself, but I don't think he has email... |
|
Name: Dave Daugherty From: Dublin, OH. Time: 1998-09-23 11:31:34 Comments: Once again regarding "Turn Turn Turn"......it's an educated guess on my part, but it possible that the track was only mixed to mono (with overdubs added to the mono mix) due to the hasty efforts to get the single out. As you'll recall, "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" had been selected as the next single and was already getting some airplay in LA. I assume that the Byrds recalled that record once they decided that "Turn Turn Turn" was a better choice and rushed it out. Consequently, there may not have been time for a true stereo mix, or even the possibility of it due to the overdubs being locked in to the mono mix. |
|
Name: Luke Pacholski Website: LukPac.org From: Racine, WI Time: 1998-09-23 15:20:19 Comments: Re: Turn Turn Turn (again). As I said before, I am quite sure the version on the remaster/remix CD, while in mono, is *not* the original mono mix, but rather a new mix created from the 2 track mixdown - note the extra 25 or so seconds on the fadeout. And according to the box set liner notes, the multitracks could not be found at all... |
|
Name: Dave Daugherty From: Dublin, OH. Time: 1998-09-23 22:14:54 Comments: Hey Luke, I think we are comparing apples and oranges here. I agree with you completely. The multi-track tapes continue to be AWOL (at least as of the release of the box set), and the mono mix on the Turn Turn Turn CD does appear to be a new one which does incorporate the longer fade. I was only conjecturing on why there was never a true stereo mix done, either when the recording was done 30+ years ago, or anytime since then. My points were that even if the multi-tracks turn up now, a true stereo mix still may not be possible due to not having access to any overdubs on the mono master, and that the mono mix was probably done hastily to allow the record to get released ASAP. Consequently, a stereo mix was never attempted, and then possibly couldn't be. I don't think we have any disagreement here. I guess if Columbia could finally locate the multi-tracks for Simon & Garfunkel, then there's still a chance that these two Byrds songs could turn up as well. Anyone else have any information about any of this? |
|
Name: Ralph Curcio From: N.J. Time: 1998-09-24 14:39:40 Comments: Issue #48 of the BSN newsletter mentions that there have been just 14 Cameo-Parkway chart hits in true stereo. A 15th song is "Try It" by the Ohio Express, which rode the Billboard charts for all of 336 hours (yes, two weeks) in February 1968, peaking at No. 83. It's in stereo on the group's sole Cameo LP, along with "Beg, Borrow and Steal." |
|
Name: curt lundgren Website: NetRadio Network From: Minneapolis, MN. USA Time: 1998-09-24 17:40:51 Comments: To Eliot Goshman (& Ron Furmanek): Overdue thanks for the wonderful job on "Very Best Of Red Bird/Blue Cat". Surely the reissue of 1998....EVERY track will be programmed on the upcoming NetRadio channel "PreFab: The Early 60s". I'll have to fall back on the underachieving "History" from Charly for the balance of the Shang's singles. Any chance for a volume two? |
|
Name: Eliot Goshman Website: click HERE for Taragon Records list of goodies!! Time: 1998-09-24 20:41:15 Comments: Curt, another volume of Red Bird is doubtful at this time. Knowledgeable collectors (like you!) and others on this site, know what "Red Bird" is....but "label" compilations don't sell very well to the average buyer, who may not take the time to figure them out. We'd like to eventually do a complete Shangri-Las...but licensing problems may ultimately prevent that from happening. Thanks for your nice comments. |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-25 01:08:18 Comments: We certainly are lucky that labels like Taragon, Sundazed, and even Collectables are carrying the torch for high quality reissues. Before CDs these companies would have been almost unthinkable. It's really nice that Elliot Goshman, Tom Daly and others participate in this forum. I tried to invite Bob Irwin. Does anyone from the so-called "major" labels, PGD, EMI, UNI, SONY, BMG, WEA look at this forum? Does Rhino (WEA) look at this page? I know we're a small minority of record buyers but I would like to think that we are the "core" audience that the record companies would like most to please. Maybe we could send notes to the labels inviting them to read our viewpoints here. |
|
Name: Marty Blaise Website: The Blaise Page From: Houston, Texas Time: 1998-09-25 13:40:53 Comments: I heard the song Get On Up (I think it is by the Esquires) in true stereo on the car radio and it sounded great. I had never heard it in stereo before. Anyone know if it might be on a cd or if the radio station probably played it off a record? |
|
Name: Tom Daly Website: Skyline From: Metro Boston Time: 1998-09-25 23:24:31 Comments: To Marty Blaise: "Get on Up" by the Esquires is in stereo on "The Scepter Records Story" on Capricorn Records 42003. It DOES sound terrific! |
|
Name: Dan Murphy Time: 1998-09-26 01:00:53 Comments: Also to Marty Blaise: "Get On Up" is also available in stereo on the 3-disc "Rhythm Revue" set on the TVT label, complied by Felix Hernandez. A fine collection of soul/R&B tracks. |
|
Name: Barry Margolis Time: 1998-09-26 09:56:50 Comments: I just found an amazing single by The Angels on RCA (didn't know they were on RCA, really....) It's called "You're The Cause Of It". I since found a second single - a medley that's not very good. This, along with a great RCA single by The Bobbettes ("I've Gotta Face The World") makes me wonder what other 'discarded' soul/girl groups RCA signed by in 1966. Wouldn't it be swell if someone did some vault research and released a CD comp of good, obscure singles on RCA by artists who had once had hits elsewhere? |
|
Name: Charles G. Hill Website: Chez Chaz From: Dustbury, Oklahoma Time: 1998-09-26 18:11:34 Comments: To Barry Margolis: You didn't like "The Modley"? I have one more Angels single for RCA Victor, "Merry-Go-Round", written by Neil Diamond, on 47-9681. Also on the RCA roster for a while was Linda Scott; I have "They Don't Know You" on 47-9424, about as restrained as Lorraine Ellison's "Stay With Me". BMG obviously isn't going to put out this stuff on their own, but I'd certainly be interested in a compilation. |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-26 22:12:00 Comments: Hello, I just pick up a wonderful collection on Plum 14132: "The BIG HITS of MID-AMERICA" - the SOMA records story 1963-1967. All tracks mono except 2: "Liar, Liar" by the Castaways and "Run, Run, Run" by the Gestures. Nice sound on both of those tracks. All 48 tracks mastered by Bob Irwin. It is housed in a nice slipcase and includes a fat book with lots of period photographs. I do not know if any other tracks could have been stereo but the sound is, for the most part, good, clean mono, with lots of good bass. Additionally, I picked up the Beach Boys "Ultimate Christmas" on Captiol 95734. Despite what the book says, the only two tracks in mono are "Toy Drive Public Service Announcement" and "Brian Wilson Interview". The book claims "Auld Lang Syne (alternate mix)" is mono - tain't so! Despite conjecture, the album is not, for the most part, constructed of sync-ups. Indeed, the first twelve tracks appear to be a straight reissue of the Capitol STEREO "Christmas Album". The alternate Capitol tracks are sync-ups and new mixes. The 1977 tracks from the aborted second Christmas album are a combination of new and original mixes. The "The Man With All The Toys" track does still appear to have the "rumble" at the beginning but it does sound very clean. Could it be possible that the "rumbling" heard at the beginning of the track be board noise or crinkling in the master tape? The high frequencies just seem to be too clear to be mastered off a record. Let the debate rage on! |
|
Name: curt lundgren Website: From: minneapolis Time: 1998-09-27 08:14:46 Comments: Paul, I've been waiting for this one! This is a reissue of two highly desirable albums of Minnesota R&R from '64-'65. "Soma" is Amos spelled backwards. As in Amos Heilicher, long time patriarch of music sales & distribution here in Minneapolis. I went to High School with Jay Luttio (organist-High Spirits) and Greg Maland ("Gregory D" of the Avantis)....and also know Dale Menten (Gestures), Ron Geslin (Hot Half Dozen), and "Little Clifford" Stone (Siegel) of the High Spirits. By the way, Bob Irwin did a Gestures disc for Sundazed in '96 (all mono) that's worth the money, too. I couldn't play or sing, so I got into radio instead! One more for the RCA "dream compilation": 47-9055 "My Mind's Eye" by the Small Faces from early 1967. |
|
Name: Barry Margolis From: Minneapolis Time: 1998-09-27 11:42:03 Comments: RE: Nuggets Box...here something funny. Those (dare I say) idiots made a funny mistake; The Lemon Drops, a wonderful, obscure Chicago group, recorded their classic "I Live In The Springtime" at RCA Studios using (I think) an 8-track machine. The song was mixed down and in the mastering process, the single (Rembrandt 5009) was issued with the drums and bass totally missing! The single was recalled and a quite, medicore remix was issued with the drums and bass, but with very weak sounding guitars. The single (needless to say) bombed. Rhino used the version without the drums or bass! (The stereo version is on Collectables COL-0516, and a version with an alternate lead guitar is on COL-0517). JUST ANOTHER REASON WHY RHINO IS THE PITTS...... |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-27 13:06:40 Comments: Thanks for info on the Sundazed "Gestures", Curt. I knew that Sundazed had done the CD but did not know the stereo (or lack of it) content. So this begs the question: Could the Gestures material be in all stereo or was just the "Run, Run, Run" stereo track newly discovered. As the other Gestures tracks are in mono, I guess the situation is the latter and we should feel lucky. I have never gotten clear information concerning the the Kay Bank facilities. Single track, two - track, three track? A picture of a tape box in the "Soma" set clearly shows "monophonic" as checked. The Canadian Chad Allen/Guess Who set describe Kay Bank as three track. On the Beach Boys front again, I did some listening comparing the "Ultimate Christmas" with the "Alternate Christmas". The "The Man With All The Toys" rumble does not appear to be present on the "Alternate Christmas" tracks (only 3 to compare with, however) but the Capitol set also does something different with the bass - almost as if it was boosted or double tracked. On another matter, is there a way to separate paragraphs using this interface? I try to create them to make my updates seem less rambling but the interface just squashes them into one paragraph. |
|
Name: Steve Massie Time: 1998-09-27 20:09:12 Comments: A couple comments about the Soma Records Story that just came out. I can tell you that Steve Wilson at Simitar used whatever he could find; there were some mono mixdown tapes left in Amos Heilicher's possession, which Steve got, and the rest came from discs and cleaned up very nicely. As for the Gestures, "Run, Run, Run" was actually a three track tape with the instrumental track in mono and the vocals using the other two tracks. Kay Bank studios had a three track machine probably around late 1963 so I assume anything recorded there used that machine. In fact, if you look at the back of The Trashmen's "Surfin' Bird" album it lists the equipment used to record the album. Unfortunately, the session tapes have been long gone. In fact, Amos Heilicher didn't even own these Soma masters. Simitar purchased them from Cy Leslie of Pickwick who gained possession of them when he purchased Musicland from the Heilicher's in the 70s. Having grown up in Northeastern Minnesota in the 60s with these songs and these groups I can heartily recommend this CD set for anyone interested in some great regional music from that era. As Curt Lundgren mentioned, Simitar did a great job with this package. The booklet alone annotates each of the tracks individually and will really fill you in on the history of these songs and groups. |
|
Name: Steve Baird From: Baton Rouge Time: 1998-09-27 21:45:53 Comments: I think I remember seeing a posting here about subsequent Beach Boys releases. Did I read that 1972's Holland album will soon be reissued? On another item, I just sprung for Volume 3 of Ace's Fats Domino tribute. No, there is no stereo on it, but collectors should note that as could be expected, Ace has done the job right. One quibble about "Blueberry Hill." Does anyone else remember that the December, 1956 Imperial 45 of "Blueberry Hill" had some notable WOW and Flutter on it? In truth, I thought the drag on the saxophones as Fats sang "the wind in the willow plays love's sweet melodies" sounded kinda neat; and perhaps added some emotion to the song. I was sorry to discover nearly 30 years later when I got my first CD with the song on it that this was not a flaw in the master tape, but obviously only a pressing fault. Oh well, please don't think I'm weird for saying so, but there ARE some things that are better left unimproved. [ -- I absolutely agree. The song was "fixed" quite a few years before CDs, though. The Imperial reissues all had the tape slip fixed even as far back as the '70s. I will NEVER hear that song without mentally inserting the wow on the saxes (don't recall flutter, though), after hearing it about 10,000 times that way on the radio and my red-label 45. It would be nice if some of the "authenticity freaks" at some of the reissue companies actually did us a favor some time. -- MC] |
|
Name: Barry Margolis From: Minneapolis Time: 1998-09-28 20:08:32 Comments: I own the 78 of "Blueberry Hill" and there is no wow and flutter at all. This mistake must've been done when the track was master for 48 release. On another subject, being from Minneapolis, I have always longed for more true stereo. So far, very, very few 1960's tracks have been issued in true stereo. Trashmen, zero. The only ones that come to mind are "Liar, Liar" by The Castaways, "run Run Run" by The Gestures, a couple of Electras tracks, and, of course, The Litter. Kay Bank, the primary recording studios and mastering firm here didn't issue any records on their own (other than a couple of much-earlier obscure singles). God knows what's happened to their tapes and ledger books. I sure love to see 'em, though. Being |
|
Name: Barry Margolis From: Minneapolis Time: 1998-09-28 20:12:24 Comments: I just posted a message, and the end of my message was cut off! This has happened before. Mike, what am I doing wrong? This last message was note much longer, and I'm very frustrated. Is there something wrong with this? Please post an answer. Barry. |
|
Name: Tom Daly Website: Skyline From: Metro Boston Time: 1998-09-29 09:07:09 Comments: Perhaps BSN readers would like to send me some feedback on this issue: There are labels out there who issue gold discs that to my ears really don't sound different than the commercial ones made from the same master tapes. How receptive would collectors be to the idea of an "Audiophile" reissue label that de-hissed and de-clicked the master tapes so that what you bought sounded as pristine as possible, and how much would you be willing to pay for such issues over and above the standard commercial issues? There's so much junk out there that's always been full of hiss that no matter how many copies of a song you buy, you end up with nothing but a collection of mega-hiss versions. For example, if I were to launch a commercial label called Skyline Audiophile, licensed "Nilsson Schmilsson" from BMG, cleaned up the tapes and issued the album on my label, how much would you expect to pay at a retail level? $29.95? $24.95? $19.95? Would you buy it at all? Right now, this is a very important question, and I would appreciate any feedback I can get on it. My future will depend on your answers. Thanks! |
|
Name: mike arcidiacono Time: 1998-09-29 11:57:56 Comments: Re: Tom Dalys Message You know, those "Audiophile" releases have always been a sore point with me. I have found as well, that the "Gold" Cds dont sound much better than the commercial ones, and in some cases, you can find a commercial one that sounds as good or better!! Plus, its just a plain, simple, consumer rip off to charge 24.99 for essentially the same product you can get at best buy for 8.99. I will never buy a Gold Disc again, they are just another way the record companies have discovered to seperate you and your money. Also, why shouldnt the commercial disc be made from the best available tape source? Those hits have paid for themselves many, many times over...is it too much to ask that the commercial reissues use the best master in the vault, and is mastered with some care? I dont think so. And, no, I would not pay 20.00 for someone to dehiss a master. If the master was a first generation source, I would just deal with it for the commercial price point. Hope this helps. |
|
Name: Mike Cloud From: Houston, Texas Time: 1998-09-29 12:28:47 Comments: Tom, you're right about the sound of gold discs. I'd be willing to pay $20-25 for a great sounding disc IF I didn't already have it. I would hesitate before shelling out another $25 to replace something I've already paid $15 for. If the labels were doing their jobs we would have pristine sounding CD's to begin with. |
|
Name: Barry Cashion From: Mooresville, NC Time: 1998-09-29 14:49:17 Comments: For Eliot Goshman: I'm very much looking forward to your upcoming Springfields package, and I was just wondering whether or not you have a tentative track line-up yet? I've read that there should be much first-time-stereo on this one... Thanks! :) |
|
Name: curt lundgren Website: ReelRadio Time: 1998-09-29 18:21:14 Comments: More on the "Big Hits Of Mid-America". The Gestures' "Run Run Run" is a MONO track, with the vocals appearing to be stereo. I just spoke with Dale Menten, and he says the vocals were "computer imaged". It is well done, however. In any event, this is the reissue of the decade for fans of Minnesota rock. [ -- (Begin rant) Pardon me, but that's a load of bull tweety. I can't believe that people who absolutely don't know what they're talking about can opine on things and be believed. "Run Run Run" was at least a three-track recording, and appeared in the same three-track mix in the early 1980s on a Soma reissue 45. This, as we all know, was (ahem) a wee bit early for "computer imaging" of mono tracks, not that you can't tell differently from just listening to the stereo mix. How absolutely "new age", that "there are no more facts out there," and "truth" is whatever any know-nothing wants it to be. Sorry, but two track recordings are NOT MONO. Three track mixes like "Run Run Run" are NOT MONO. I don't care what the monomaniacs say, you can't distort facts to satisfy your own little idea of what the world should have been like. While I'm at it, I'm really getting tired of people who are so young that they started listening to music in the 1970s telling us what we heard, and what people meant when they did things that happened before they knew what a record was. I'm sorry. We were there. There WERE facts, and there WAS and IS truth and people CAN be in serious error. New Agers can't reinvent the world just by thinking about it REALLY REALLY hard. Sorry, but "Run Run Run" a mono master computer imaged? What a crock. (end rant) -- MC] |
|
Name: Eliot Goshman Website: click HERE for Taragon Records list of releases!!! Time: 1998-09-29 18:49:18 Comments: Not as much stereo as I would have liked, Barry. We're using a mono version of "Allentown Jail" that's a better version than the stereo, mix-wise, although sonically, I liked the stereo better. Sometimes, it's a tough decision. If my memory is correct, about half the tracks are stereo, about 3 or 4 for the first time. All the new Taragon releases due on October 27 will be posted on our website with track details on October 1. Thanks for your interest. |
|
Name: Steve Baird From: Baton Rouge, LA Time: 1998-09-29 21:57:31 Comments: To Tom Daly -- the present level in digital audio is a step backwards from the best analog. I know that I run the risk of being lambasted by the many who liken CDs to the second coming, so I will hastily add that on your garden variety home audio system which is incapable of resolving detail and projecting a sense of authority, it is more than likely that the listener cannot discern the superiority of analog. For chrissakes, even an audio magazine editor or two claims not to hear any superiority in analog. Besides, CDs are more convenient, and they don't wear out. Let's face it, Tom, as far as most folks are concerned, if you can't buy it discount-priced at Wal-Mart, it's not worth buying. Where does that leave an oldies CD that has been "de-hissed" selling for $20 to $30? As a collector of oldies, my answer would be that I would give you ONE chance to prove your product was worth the extra cost. As an audiophile, I would probably die laughing at the notion, as such a prospect would result in something even further from the audio truth than one that had NOT been mucked with. |
|
Name: Don Duffey From: Buffalo Time: 1998-09-29 21:56:10 Comments: re:"Run Run Run"if this was "computer imaged"why does it appear in stereo on a soma dj 45 from the 60's? to Tom : I would pay extra for de-clicked & de-hissed tunes if they were hard to find cuts ,eg:"forever"/little dippers or "I wanna Testify"/Parliments etc.but newer stuff?naw. to MC: many moons ago in the BSN newsletter you talked with "Lil"Walter Devenne,he said he had found the multi's to "Rebel Rouser"&"Cannonball" by D.Eddy any chance we'll ever hear these somewhere??on the Nuggets box:in the liner notes by Bill Inglot,sounds like he wanted all mono but was overuled by someone at Rhino,so maybe he's the bad guy not Dr.Rhino?? just picked up the Chubby Checker cd on Bow Records WOW 30 tracks & 21 of them are stereo! gotta go Don D. [ -- Re: Gestures: see rant below. -- MC] |
|
Name: Paul Bigelow From: Austin, TX Time: 1998-09-29 22:13:22 Comments: To Eliot Goshman: What will the Gary Lewis and Playboys be like? EMI issued a two-fer several years ago and went back to the multi-tracks and remixed. It sounded very good. Does Taragon have plans to go back to session masters for GL&P and will there be future volumes? Since EMI seems to be unwilling to distribute its history in a respectful manner, I know Taragon will give Gary Lewis will get better treatment. I am particularly disappointed in what One Way has done with Jan and Dean and The Ventures. I can't believe that the Gestures' "Run" track was computer imaged. The vocals do not quite sync up. If the vocals were "doubled" then it would sound more like Capitols' "Duophonic". If it is computer imaged, then this is truly amazing. I'm going to get the story from Bob Irwin. Tom, I would not mind paying extra for CDs as long as that money went to exhaustive tape valut work, including (but not limited to): locating session multi-track masters, finding original master mixes, and proper mixing to match original releases. If the enclosed booklet includes session information and copies of tape box labels to prove the work, so much the better! I will gladly pay a premium price for a "definitive" version (whatever definitive means) that means that I will not have to buy it again. |
|
Name: Eliot Goshman Website: CLICK HERE for Taragon Records home page!!! Time: 1998-09-29 23:12:21 Comments: Paul, the good news is that we have 3 track tape for all the songs on the compilation. The bad news is that, on most of the tracks, the vocals are split up on 2 tracks, not the music...most of the other Gary Lewis LPs have already been issued, either on EMI or Collectables...Our compilation will also feature BOTH instrumental B-sides of "This Diamond Ring" in stereo...trivia fans know what they were... |
|
Name: Barry Cashion From: Mooresville, NC Time: 1998-09-30 12:50:27 Comments: I couldn't resist taking a shot at the trivia question about the two instrumental flipsides of "This Diamond Ring"... I know one of them was "Tijuana Wedding", and I know there was another instrumental track called "Gary's Groove", although I'm not sure if it was the other flipside or just an album track. |
|
Name: mike arcidiacono Time: 1998-09-30 17:31:25 Comments: Re:Gary Lewis I believe the "other" flip side of "This Diamond Ring" was a song called "Hard To Find". It will be very nice to have both of these on Cd !! Question for Eliot: Were ANY of the stage tapes for the Gary Lewis lp tracks found? It would be nice if some of the lesser known material could be seperated in stereo. I know Ron Furmanek had found some of them when he did the Legendary Masters series Cd. Ps....A HUGE thanks to Eliot for putting this out! Theres a place for you in Reissue heaven!! |
|
Name: Eliot Goshman Website: click HERE for Taragon Records home page!!! Time: 1998-09-30 20:58:02 Comments: Yep, "Hard To Find" was the first B-side, later replaced with"Tijuana Wedding" for reasons I'm not aware of. Here's a really tough question for you trivia buffs...what was the original title of "Hard To Find" before they released it? I'll give the first person who guesses it right a free Taragon CD of your choice! As for earlier tape stages, Ron Furmanek had used some to make a stereo-music version of "This Diamond Ring" on the Legendary Masters/EMI series, so I'll probably use that...I don't think there were any others saved. |
|
Name: mike arcidiacono Time: 1998-09-30 22:32:47 Comments: Re: Eliot and Gary Lewis....... Eliot, I believe the original title of "Hard To Find" was "Leroys Tune", named after Leroy Vinegar, who was in a jazz band called the Victor Feldman trio. Am I right? Do I win a free Cascades Cd?? Mikey |
Return to Stereo Chat Board Archives Main Page
Return to Both Sides Now Home Page