Zombywoof
Ethnic Piano Accordian-ist
Weird Music Fanatic
Posts: 192
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Post by Zombywoof on Apr 9, 2014 17:46:10 GMT -5
So, anyone know why Wilson didn't mix H.E.? I've thought the same thing. Maybe Ian has learned a thing or two from him. I've never been too fond of Ian's production and engineering skills to be honest. Still, I'll withhold judgement until I hear it all over my own system. Wilson was suffering from overwork at the end of the year, so new King Crimson singer Jakko M Jakszyk did the work instead. |
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Post by Bassackwards on Apr 10, 2014 17:43:58 GMT -5
Thanks Ian, That makes sense since Ian A. seems to like his work very much.
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Post by Michael Crowe on Apr 11, 2014 23:38:19 GMT -5
I've thought the same thing. Maybe Ian has learned a thing or two from him. I've never been too fond of Ian's production and engineering skills to be honest. Still, I'll withhold judgement until I hear it all over my own system. Wilson was suffering from overwork at the end of the year, so new King Crimson singer Jakko M Jakszyk did the work instead. So I heard. Too bad then that Casey Jones wasn't available. |
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Post by giveguybrushgrog on Apr 18, 2014 8:35:56 GMT -5
wait wait, im a little concerned. where is look at the animals? seems to me it could only be the renamed the big top and that seems iffy.
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Post by Geoff CB on Apr 29, 2014 22:14:15 GMT -5
Pre-ordered from Amazon UK! Yes!
"Passion Play:An Exteneded Performance", and "A Passion Play (Vinyl)".
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Post by TM on Jun 30, 2014 13:04:57 GMT -5
Went to import the new discs into iTunes and iTunes doesn't recognize the disc! WTF.
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Post by TM on Jun 30, 2014 17:16:18 GMT -5
Strange, the Chateau disc worked fine....
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Post by Morthoron on Jul 1, 2014 8:39:44 GMT -5
Figures. The only time Amazon is slow shipping is when I really want to hear something. I have the day off, and do you think my APP copy is here?
Fuck no!
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Post by TM on Jul 1, 2014 9:29:10 GMT -5
Figures. The only time Amazon is slow shipping is when I really want to hear something. I have the day off, and do you think my APP copy is here? Fuck no! You're going to love this Greg. Good shit. And PS - the APP disc is fine. Must have been my iTunes software. |
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Post by Dan on Jul 1, 2014 10:48:02 GMT -5
My copy hasn't arrived yet but Amazon sent me credit to download the digital version because it says it was available for 'autorip' but they downloaded the 2003 version.
I haven't listened to it all yet but I love the extra two verses in "The Foot of the Stairs" and the instrumental The Big Top.
It's so great to hear Ian playing Jethro Tull again!
Dan
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Beltane
One of the Youngest of the Family
Posts: 52 
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Post by Beltane on Jul 1, 2014 12:33:26 GMT -5
My copy hasn't arrived yet but Amazon sent me credit to download the digital version because it says it was available for 'autorip' but they downloaded the 2003 version. I haven't listened to it all yet but I love the extra two verses in "The Foot of the Stairs" and the instrumental The Big Top. It's so great to hear Ian playing Jethro Tull again! Dan Just ordered from Amazon U.S., one-click...but haven't gotten the same notice. My estimated delivery is 7 July; says it's 'in stock'. Just to confirm...this is the correct release, right? www.amazon.com/Passion-Play-2xCD-2xDVD/dp/B00J4A27B2I noticed that it has a bunch of old APP reviews... |
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Post by Dan on Jul 1, 2014 12:56:19 GMT -5
My copy hasn't arrived yet but Amazon sent me credit to download the digital version because it says it was available for 'autorip' but they downloaded the 2003 version. I haven't listened to it all yet but I love the extra two verses in "The Foot of the Stairs" and the instrumental The Big Top. It's so great to hear Ian playing Jethro Tull again! Dan Just ordered from Amazon U.S., one-click...but haven't gotten the same notice. My estimated delivery is 7 July; says it's 'in stock'. Just to confirm...this is the correct release, right? www.amazon.com/Passion-Play-2xCD-2xDVD/dp/B00J4A27B2I noticed that it has a bunch of old APP reviews... Did your order say it was available for 'autorip'? Usually ,when you purchase a cd-you can digitally download it. I contacted customer service to piss and moan about it because they automatically downloaded it to me but it was the 2003 remastered version. They sent me a $13.00 credit so I could download the new discs and this other link that I don't see on the Amazon sites with the assurance that they would let customer service know. You could try complaining also if yours was available for autorip. Hope this helps. It is a little screwed up because you can't see the new digital version two disc set unless you only look under the ' digital music 'category. Dan The link: www.amazon.com/Passion-Play-Chateau-DHerouville-Sessions/dp/B00L1SLYKA/ref=sr_1_5?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1404237607&sr=1-5&keywords=a+passion+play |
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Post by TM on Jul 1, 2014 15:44:04 GMT -5
My copy hasn't arrived yet but Amazon sent me credit to download the digital version because it says it was available for 'autorip' but they downloaded the 2003 version. I haven't listened to it all yet but I love the extra two verses in "The Foot of the Stairs" and the instrumental The Big Top. It's so great to hear Ian playing Jethro Tull again! Dan Just ordered from Amazon U.S., one-click...but haven't gotten the same notice. My estimated delivery is 7 July; says it's 'in stock'. Just to confirm...this is the correct release, right? www.amazon.com/Passion-Play-2xCD-2xDVD/dp/B00J4A27B2I noticed that it has a bunch of old APP reviews... I think they attach old reviews to the re-issues. |
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Post by Dan on Jul 2, 2014 13:13:30 GMT -5
I miss the flute overdubs from the Chateau Tapes.
It wouldn't be a complete Tull cd if there wasn't flute in it. I don't know why they just couldn't have done the new mix with the flute parts on 1 of the 4 discs.
Dan
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Post by TM on Jul 2, 2014 13:44:38 GMT -5
I miss the flute overdubs from the Chateau Tapes. It wouldn't be a complete Tull cd if there wasn't flute in it. I don't know why they just couldn't have done the new mix with the flute parts on 1 of the 4 discs. Dan I know what you mean, but we do have Nightcap and the 20 Years anniversary with that. I was reading the (increasing small print) in the booklet last night and I believe the idea was to capture the accomplishments at that particular time. Hey btw, did you read the part where Ian says he wished he had not released APP? He feels he could a much better job with that sort of project today and hints at 2016... |
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Post by Nonfatman on Jul 2, 2014 16:27:59 GMT -5
I miss the flute overdubs from the Chateau Tapes. It wouldn't be a complete Tull cd if there wasn't flute in it. I don't know why they just couldn't have done the new mix with the flute parts on 1 of the 4 discs. Dan I know what you mean, but we do have Nightcap and the 20 Years anniversary with that. I was reading the (increasing small print) in the booklet last night and I believe the idea was to capture the accomplishments at that particular time. Hey btw, did you read the part where Ian says he wished he had not released APP? He feels he could a much better job with that sort of project today and hints at 2016... Is it worth it, for the few extra lines and snippets of remixed music, the enhanced sound, and the booklet, to spend $40 on this release? I don't usually care for remixes, and I already own Nightcap and the 2003 remastered edition of APP, which is an enhanced CD including the APP film. In other words, what is really new, and do the new or added items justify the expense? I have become increasingly skeptical of these remastered, remixed releases. When I purchased the deluxe Stand Up box, I realized after buying it that it was the same as the remastered Stand Up that had been released a few years earlier, and there was nothing else on there that was not already on the 20th anniversary box set. I did purchase the recent Aqualung set, but not the whole kit and kiboodle because I did not need six or seven different versions of each song, so I just got the double CD, and even that I bought only as a download. In that case I really wanted the full version of Wondring Aloud/Again, which was worth the download price alone. I should add that I am not one who feels APP is the greatest Tull album ever. Don't get me wrong, I like it, it's in my top ten, but I've always liked Thick as a Brick better, and I rate APP no higher than 7th in my Tull pantheon, after Stand Up, Brick, SFTW, Aqualung, Benefit and Heavy Horses, in that order. Jeff |
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Post by TM on Jul 2, 2014 19:54:25 GMT -5
I know what you mean, but we do have Nightcap and the 20 Years anniversary with that. I was reading the (increasing small print) in the booklet last night and I believe the idea was to capture the accomplishments at that particular time. Hey btw, did you read the part where Ian says he wished he had not released APP? He feels he could a much better job with that sort of project today and hints at 2016... Is it worth it, for the few extra lines and snippets of remixed music, the enhanced sound, and the booklet, to spend $40 on this release? I don't usually care for remixes, and I already own Nightcap and the 2003 remastered edition of APP, which is an enhanced CD including the APP film. In other words, what is really new, and do the new or added items justify the expense? I have become increasingly skeptical of these remastered, remixed releases. When I purchased the deluxe Stand Up box, I realized after buying it that it was the same as the remastered Stand Up that had been released a few years earlier, and there was nothing else on there that was not already on the 20th anniversary box set. I did purchase the recent Aqualung set, but not the whole kit and kiboodle because I did not need six or seven different versions of each song, so I just got the double CD, and even that I bought only as a download. In that case I really wanted the full version of Wondring Aloud/Again, which was worth the download price alone. I should add that I am not one who feels APP is the greatest Tull album ever. Don't get me wrong, I like it, it's in my top ten, but I've always liked Thick as a Brick better, and I rate APP no higher than 7th in my Tull pantheon, after Stand Up, Brick, SFTW, Aqualung, Benefit and Heavy Horses, in that order. Jeff I feel it's worth it, and I rank APP similarly to where you do. While the type size is much too small in the booklet, I found Ian's, Martin's, Barrie's and Jeffrey's memories from that period a very enjoyable read. And while I haven't listened to the music on decent speakers yet, I've enjoyed what I've heard so far. Sounds like John Evans keys are more to the front or brighter. Disappointments are John Evans listed as a guitar player and the fact that he didn't take part in this remake. |
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Post by Mix on Jul 3, 2014 5:21:54 GMT -5
Mine arrived yesterday. I've not listened to it, will save that for another time but I have to say I really like the packaging. This book style packaging is fantastic. I don't know why all the remixes haven't been done this way, it will look fab on the book shelf.
The photos and text are splendid too and really interesting to read about the history of it all.
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Post by Mix on Jul 3, 2014 5:33:43 GMT -5
I know what you mean, but we do have Nightcap and the 20 Years anniversary with that. I was reading the (increasing small print) in the booklet last night and I believe the idea was to capture the accomplishments at that particular time. Hey btw, did you read the part where Ian says he wished he had not released APP? He feels he could a much better job with that sort of project today and hints at 2016... Is it worth it, for the few extra lines and snippets of remixed music, the enhanced sound, and the booklet, to spend $40 on this release? I don't usually care for remixes, and I already own Nightcap and the 2003 remastered edition of APP, which is an enhanced CD including the APP film. In other words, what is really new, and do the new or added items justify the expense? I've not heard it yet Jeff, but apparently there's about ten minutes more of the Chateau stuff which includes the unreleased 'Sailor'. SW also stripped out the Flute overdubs Ian did in the late 80's early 90's. I kinda like those Flute parts but I can see why he wanted to do it. You'll get a sense of it being exactly as it was left when they abandoned it. SW also took out all the 80's/90's digital reverbs. APP has a missing section restored that they discovered was left off the original. I didn't go for the remasters, didn't see the point. But the SW remixes are something else. Suddenly you can hear stuff in a new way. I think anyone passionate about the Tull catalog as we all are isn't going to want to miss the SW remixes. The guy has magic ears. The question is what will be next? We've heard no conformation that SW will do anything else though I heard a rumour he wanted to do SFTW which would be great but I really hope the rest of the catalog, especially the 70's albums are done. Minstrel would benefit, TOTRR has always had problems. HH & SW could sound so much better. And I'd love to have later stuff redone. Ian went a bit crazy with the digital reverb from Chrest onwards. Its divisive but has so many gems mixed in there. You should get this one, Jeff. You might discover some moments of pure delight you overlooked first time round. |
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Post by Geoff CB on Jul 6, 2014 21:35:14 GMT -5
Is it worth it, for the few extra lines and snippets of remixed music, the enhanced sound, and the booklet, to spend $40 on this release? I don't usually care for remixes, and I already own Nightcap and the 2003 remastered edition of APP, which is an enhanced CD including the APP film. In other words, what is really new, and do the new or added items justify the expense? I have become increasingly skeptical of these remastered, remixed releases. When I purchased the deluxe Stand Up box, I realized after buying it that it was the same as the remastered Stand Up that had been released a few years earlier, and there was nothing else on there that was not already on the 20th anniversary box set. I did purchase the recent Aqualung set, but not the whole kit and kiboodle because I did not need six or seven different versions of each song, so I just got the double CD, and even that I bought only as a download. In that case I really wanted the full version of Wondring Aloud/Again, which was worth the download price alone. I should add that I am not one who feels APP is the greatest Tull album ever. Don't get me wrong, I like it, it's in my top ten, but I've always liked Thick as a Brick better, and I rate APP no higher than 7th in my Tull pantheon, after Stand Up, Brick, SFTW, Aqualung, Benefit and Heavy Horses, in that order. Jeff Yes, if you're an audiophile like me. Downloads, ugh! Play the Blu-ray (or even DVD) on a good player like an Oppo and you will never want CD. If you don't care for 5.1, you can play the high quality stereo mix. I agree, that Stand Up needed a new remix, but the live DVD is worth it! I haven't even played some of the CDs in these sets. And we should be glad Steven Wilson is involved. I recently bought the remixed ELP "Brain Salad surgery" and I was quite disappointed. I've been spoiled by these releases, I think. |
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Post by Geoff CB on Jul 7, 2014 8:56:44 GMT -5
Well, the CD/DVD package arrived today via Amazon UK. At least it's the same size as the TAAB package. I don't know why the others could not have been the same.
I eventually got to listen to them this afternoon (I'm stuck home, on holidays, but with a stomach bug!).
Naturally I listened via DVD, using DTS on a 7.1 surround setup.
The first thing - those ballerina twitching fingers were a bit off-putting! And she jumped up!
Anyhow, briefly, I like the way the mix slightly de-constructs the sound image - it somehow makes listening simpler, although conversely it emphasises how complex the music is! Most of it sounded very familiar - no great surprises, with Jeffrey's bass nice and clear, and acoustic guitars placed slightly back of front and right. Barrie's drums featured mostly centre between front and rear (as did Clive's in Benefit). Ian was mostly placed centre front, and Martin and John were most anywhere. There weren't really any "special effects" where sounds move around the room.
Anyhow, it was all going well, and pretty familiar, when suddenly we got to the extra "foot of the stairs" part. For the first time in 40 years, something unfamiliar! Wow! I had to replay that part, and actually read the lyrics!
Sonically, it sounds good (and a fair bit clearer) than the '73 mix, which I think is a little muddy in parts. I haven't listened to the new stereo mix yet though. I wondered about the "Hare" video, and discovered it on the menu. I think it would have been nice to have incorporated it into the DVD Video stream during play, rather than just seeing a "dead" ballerina move her fingers. Still disconcerting.
The other Chateau DVD was interesting. I liked the stripped down version, and also liked hearing a few things for the first time, although I must admit, losing the flute almost altogether was a bit of a shock. Maybe some kind of compromise could have been made? Also, I know the mix follows the recording running order, but I wonder if that would have been the final choice? I also think an attempt could have been made to reinstate the stripped down version of "The Hare", even if it might have been a guess.
Maybe I can sum up: "All the old familiar choruses come crowding in a different key".
An old friend with a makeover?
Geoff
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Prompter
Ethnic Piano Accordian-ist
Posts: 113
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Post by Prompter on Jul 7, 2014 10:24:27 GMT -5
Bought my copy at the local shop on Friday, listened to it about five times (the stereo remixes, as I don't have a surround system), so here are a couple of thoughts:
I'd never liked the way the original album sounded; being bombarded by countless (and, ultimately, superfluous) overdubs had always put me off a bit, the inaudibility of Martin Barre's guitar throughout most of the record being only one of many flaws in the mix. What kept me going back to A Passion Play was the composition itself, which I still consider to be the most interesting music the band has ever produced - it isn't really rock (at least not in the folk/heavy rock context Tull are mostly known for), but it rocks.
Also, I've never been a big fan of anniversary box-sets, remixes, etc., especially of albums I loved in the first place. Therefore, I didn't go out and buy the remixed versions of Aqualung, Thick as a Brick, and Benefit (my personal favourite of Tull's, by the way, and the mix has a lot to do with it). However, when I saw this was coming out, I just flipped, couldn't wait to get my hands (and ears) on both the album and the Château tapes (I'd sacrifice some of the cool-sounding flute overdubs for the removal of that atrocious early 90s digital reverb and compression anytime).
The stereo remix of A Passion Play I found just - mindblowing. Gone are virtually all the things I didn't like about the original recording (except for that plodding jig here labelled as "Flight from Lucifer", the only chunk of music on the album that does little for me), the instruments seem to have more room, making some of the chords and melodic lines fully discernible for the first time. Even the octaver effect on Ian Anderson's saxophone is not nearly as annoying and distracting as it often was on the original LP (being a bass player, the way that low-pitched "TOOOOT-TOOOOT" sound would drown out Jeffrey Hammond's bass in places always drove me insane). The two extra verses on Side 2 are a great addition.
The Château sessions were probably even more exciting to listen to. What I found interesting was that, originally, Passion Play seemed to have been envisioned as a much more heavy-rocking album than what eventually came out. Listening to Martin Barre, Barrie Barlow, John Evan, and Jeffrey Hammond jamming away on the less-finished tracks was marvelous, as well as Ian Anderson's lyrics on the finished songs (I have personally grown to enjoy these earlier lyrics much more than the Ronnie Pilgrim narrative on A Passion Play). Hearing all this without the "hip" 80s/90s effects is really, really great.
The whole set with the booklet is very enjoyable and fun to read, really loved reading interviews with both the band (bar John Evan, pity he couldn't be included) and others. The pictures are amazing as well, most of them I'd never seen before.
I heartily recommend this not just to Tull fans or fans of this album in particular, but to anyone who wants to hear an exciting, cleverly written and superbly executed near-2 hours of music from a time when these factors mattered. This set has made my summer. :-)
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Beltane
One of the Youngest of the Family
Posts: 52
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Post by Beltane on Jul 7, 2014 12:29:11 GMT -5
Got mine a few days early and immediately ripped it to iTunes in Apple Lossless, then put it on my Gen3 iPod through my FiiO E-18 DAC into my AT cans...and boy, it's glorious. I haven't done a comparo to the MFSL, but I'm thinking that it's improved...found the missing sax, not a surprise as I recall IA saying that he utterly loathes the sax...
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Post by Icy Lucifer on Jul 7, 2014 14:54:04 GMT -5
This...
this...
and a bit of this...
IcyL
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Prompter
Ethnic Piano Accordian-ist
Posts: 113
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Post by Prompter on Jul 8, 2014 9:28:15 GMT -5
By the way, there's been a lot of talk about deleted sax phrases, but did anyone notice that a couple of solo guitar licks have been deleted by Steven Wilson for this remix? I found them, but I'm not spoiling the fun for you folks.  |
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