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Beatles in Mono. - Page 5

post #121 of 538
9/5/09 at 5:04pm
   Apparently "Dr. Ebbetts" himself has thrown in the towel after getting a preview of them.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zack Gibbs View Post

I've been listening to the Dr. Ebbetts for years now and would love to read a comparison of the two, if anyone comes across something like that.


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post #122 of 538
9/5/09 at 5:53pm
I was discussing the remasters with someone the other day and mentioned that I had pre-ordered only the mono set. This led to an increasingly frustrating conversation as I had to explain that there are significant differences between the mixes that go beyond the spread of the instruments and vocals. He still didn't really seem to get it, but asked if I would burn him copies of the mono discs so he could check it out for himself.

I think it's something you either get or you don't--it's not even worth trying to convince anyone how it is; the people who care already know.
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post #123 of 538
9/5/09 at 8:28pm
Thread Starter 

Our family watched Yellow Submarine tonight.  During the film, we paused it a few times to tell stories behind some of the songs (e.g., It's Only a Northern Song, All You Need Is Love, etc.), and we used a few of the others to teach key relationships and the principle of transposition.

Later, our daughter showed me a hymn in her hymnal, the chorus of which she believed resembled the melody of Yellow Submarine (which to some extent it did).  When I played both tunes on the piano, she observed that the keys were 'close together' (i.e., F major for the hymn, G-flat major for Yellow Submarine).  But the real treat came when we taught her to try to count out the beats to All You Need Is Love.  To her surprise, neither three nor four worked.  When we explained to her that the opening theme to Room 222 is similar with regard to meter if not precisely with regard to rhythm, she began to grasp the concept a bit more clearly.

We closed out the evening sorting through my collection of about 250 LPs of the Beatles.  She helped me organize them by various categories (Japanese imports, British, Dutch, and Russian albums, etc.), and had more questions regarding the covers she was seeing than I could answer.  She was very curious about the cover of the 'Butcher' album, which we've discussed in the past, and which I own as a fake (and which is reproduced as Casualties, which I own).  When I told her what Jolly What! England's Greatest Recording Stars: The Beatles and Frank Ifield On Stage (a.k.a. Jolly What! The Beatles and Frank Ifield On Stage) cost me to purchase years ago, her jaw dropped.  I think she's turning into a Beatlemaniac. :)

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post #124 of 538
9/5/09 at 9:06pm
Scott:  Your kids are darn lucky to have someone explain to them the basics of musical composition in a way they can understand it.  They will have such a head-start on most other children when it comes to musical understanding.  What a cool thing.

But does your daughter really know the theme to Room 222?!? 
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post #125 of 538
9/5/09 at 9:07pm


Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Frezon View Post

Scott:  Your kids are darn lucky to have someone explain to them the basics of composition & music theory in a way they can understand it.  They will have such a head-start on most other children when it comes to musical understanding.  What a cool thing.

But does your daughter really know the theme to Room 222?!? 


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post #126 of 538
9/5/09 at 9:29pm
Is it true the mono mixes are only going to be available in the box set? I was planning on buying the mono remasters of just "Help!" and "Rubber Soul" since I heard they had the original, pre-1987 stereo mix at the end as a bonus. But now I'm reading that only the stereo (1987 mix) versions will be available induvidually. That's very disappointing if true.
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post #127 of 538
9/5/09 at 11:05pm
Only in the collectors' box set.

Canadian collectors!! If you're still looking, TheShoppingChannel.com has them available $289.69 CDN + S&H, or 5 x $57.94.

http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/endeca/search.do?&Ntt=beatles&N=100098&Ns=P_DATE_CREATED

Availability is limited.  The package segment was very cool!  Item number 503-996

Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam Lenhardt View Post

Is it true the mono mixes are only going to be available in the box set? I was planning on buying the mono remasters of just "Help!" and "Rubber Soul" since I heard they had the original, pre-1987 stereo mix at the end as a bonus. But now I'm reading that only the stereo (1987 mix) versions will be available induvidually. That's very disappointing if true.
 


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post #128 of 538
9/6/09 at 5:21am
Thread Starter 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Frezon View Post

Scott:  Your kids are darn lucky to have someone explain to them the basics of musical composition in a way they can understand it.  They will have such a head-start on most other children when it comes to musical understanding.  What a cool thing.

But does your daughter really know the theme to Room 222?!? 
 

Mike,

Thanks.  As far as Room 222 is concerned, she knows it's in an irregular meter (seven).  And I have the format of DVD to thank, since I've not seen that show on television in years....  We've only had the set a few weeks, and we're already on Disc 4.  Bring on the next season! ;)
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post #129 of 538
9/6/09 at 7:44pm
Okay, so for someone who hasn't pre-ordered anything yet, my question is...

Is it best to pick up the mono box set, and the stereo single discs for Revolver through Let It Be?

Right now, I think that's my plan.
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post #130 of 538
9/6/09 at 9:34pm
That's a hard call, Shane.  You are getting the original stereo mixes of Help and Rubber Soul in the mono box, and that may be enough for you.  (The George Martin '87 mixes will be available on the stereo-only releases.)

Personally, I want to hear the stereo versions of everything, along with the mono versions....although I will probably prefer the mono versions of the first two albums, which in theory in stereo have instruments on one channel and vocals on the other.

Now the *real* question is where do you expect to pick up a copy of the mono set?  Unless the ravening hoards on Amazon and the Steve Hoffman forum are just blowing hot air, these sets are going to be very hard to come by until at least October, and even then they will go fast.

- Steve
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post #131 of 538
9/6/09 at 9:38pm
Well, I can wait for the earlier albums. The stuff I want to hear is the stuff that I would be picking up in stereo.

As for where to get 'em... well, I do see Best Buy advertising the mono box set... it wouldn't be difficult to be sitting on their doorstep at 10 AM Tuesday. Or, I can wait and hope for the second printings in October.

My real question, though was about the sound... the mono box would give us the earlier releases the closest as they sounded originally, correct?
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post #132 of 538
9/6/09 at 10:03pm
The earlier releases were mixed both in mono and stereo, but the mono mix was done first.  The mono mixes were also preferred by George Martin and The Beatles, and were available until the final two albums, Abbey Road and Let it Be, which were stereo only.

Note that the release day for the Beatles remasters is Wednesday, not Tuesday.

- Steve
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post #133 of 538
9/7/09 at 2:08am
IIRC, the ad also stated that not all stores were carrying the mono set and it would be available at BestBuy.com.
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post #134 of 538
9/7/09 at 2:15am


Quote:
Originally Posted by EricSchulz View Post

IIRC, the ad also stated that not all stores were carrying the mono set and it would be available at BestBuy.com.

The only mono set available at BB.com is the more expensive Japanese import.  The standard U.S. edition has been sold out for some time now.

- Steve

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post #135 of 538
9/7/09 at 6:11am
Thread Starter 
Well, I took the plunge.  I pre-ordered both the mono. and stereo. boxed sets this morning.  I don't often go the multiple-format route, but I feel it is my duty to educate my children with regard to the Fab Four.  Besides, they are more into CDs than LPs, EPs, or SCs. :)
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post #136 of 538
9/7/09 at 7:21pm
 This set is in demand!

Checked with my two favorite independent record stores today. The first has preorders on what they KNOW they’re getting and a waiting list for more. They suggested I come in Wednesday morning. That’s not a possibility for me. I’ve been off much of the last 3 weeks and sometimes you just gotta go to work.

The other store has ONE copy coming, which one of their managers has purchased. They were willing to take my money for a copy that should be available “at the end of the month”.

I think that arrival date is based on wishful thinking but I try to support these folks so I’ll just be wishful also.

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post #137 of 538
9/7/09 at 8:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Henry Gale View Post

 This set is in demand!
Hopefully that means induvidual mono releases will be coming at some point. I just can't justify $249 on a box set. I could justify $18 x 4 for the first four albums in mono.
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post #138 of 538
9/7/09 at 8:49pm


Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam Lenhardt View Post

I just can't justify $249 on a box set. 

 


 It's not a box set. It's John, Paul, George and RINGO!          
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post #139 of 538
9/8/09 at 5:27am
I'm listening to the White Album 1987 version right now.  I am certainly in no hurry to procure the stereo remasters.  This CD sounds fine to me.  Also, the drums on one side / bass on the other mixing makes the rhythm section sound disjointed.  Can't wait for my mono box.
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post #140 of 538
9/8/09 at 7:15am
Thread Starter 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Philip Hamm View Post

I'm listening to the White Album 1987 version right now.  I am certainly in no hurry to procure the stereo remasters.  This CD sounds fine to me.  Also, the drums on one side / bass on the other mixing makes the rhythm section sound disjointed.  Can't wait for my mono box.

Philip,

Coincidentally, I too listened to The Beatles over the weekend.  And it's the album I have in my car at the moment.  My eldest son wanted specifically to hear the different genres represented in the double-album set.  He was impressed, and he certainly wasn't hearing the recordings at their best when I played them for him.

"Can't wait for my mono box."

Agreed.  This is the one I will be purchasing first once it becomes available.  Then the stereo. set, as it becomes available.

FWIW: The Fabs had at least four number one albums ca. 1991-2000.  I am curious how either of these boxed sets will chart. ;)
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post #141 of 538
9/8/09 at 8:59am

The Best Buy in my area will have 3 copies of the mono set. I know that's only one store and others may vary but I think if anyone is looking to pick up the mono set tomorrow, they better be there right when the doors open.

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post #142 of 538
9/8/09 at 9:07am


Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Tannehill View Post
Now the *real* question is where do you expect to pick up a copy of the mono set?  Unless the ravening hoards on Amazon and the Steve Hoffman forum are just blowing hot air, these sets are going to be very hard to come by until at least October, and even then they will go fast.
I was out of the country for a couple of weeks and was expecting to order the box(es) from Amazon when I got back, but they are sold out, and not even taking back-orders???  Can someone explain to me what's happening?  

The music industry is nuts.  They can't sell CDs for love or money, and when they finally produce something that people want. they go and create an artificial shortage?  

Is there any word on how bad the loudness (limiting)  on the stereo mixes is? 

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post #143 of 538
9/8/09 at 9:22am
Thread Starter 
I thought there might be some information here that is useful/enjoyable for Beatles fans, especially for those who may not visit other threads all that often.  So I've reposted some information (from the 'Oldie of the Day thread') while adding some additional material.

Here is my favorite version of Money, although I also like the Deccagone Sessions track, especially for comparative purposes.  I recently played the version contained on The Beatles Beat (Japanese import) and then the one included on The Beatles 2nd Album.  I can't imagine finding music with a higher energy level than this cut (and with other cuts contained on The Beatles 2nd Album) ca. 1964.  And in my opinion, The Beatles 2nd Album is a very underrated American album.  (And this is coming from one who greatly prefers the British albums for a variety of reasons.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3m-gOelA8g&feature=related

For those who are interested, there is a book on this album by D. Marsh, The Beatles' Second Album (New York: Rodale, c2007).  The ISBN is: 1594864268 (9781594864261).  It includes a discography.  Here is the contents listing:

Give them 22 minutes (they'll give you the world) -- Pledge of allegiance -- Taking it too seriously -- The sound of young Britannia -- Liverpool to Hollywood via Gary, Indiana -- Butchered -- The man who hated the Beatles -- Building complexity out of simplicity -- Millions of "yeah".

I will be very, very curious to hear Money and other cuts from With the Beatles once I have this mono. set in hand.  Can you imagine the sound of All I Got To Do, Don't Bother Me, and Not A Second Time?  My favorite cut from that album has for years been Not A Second Time -- the piano part is to die for, and while not as challenging to play technically as the piano included in Good Day Sunshine (mistakes on that track notwithstanding), the balance between it and the drumming of Ringo is especially breathtaking.  (I'm one of those who does not mind sibilance in small degrees.)  I can't imagine this track and others being improved upon significantly, but I will probably be pleasantly surprised from what I've read on the remastering sessions.
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post #144 of 538
9/8/09 at 9:28am
Amazon (and pretty much every other e-tailer) sold out of their initial allotment of Mono Boxes but EMI is supposedly pressing more discs in Japan even now.  They should start showing up over here by October.  When they do show up I would jump on ordering one and not put it off for a couple of days...you may find yourself on the outside looking in, what with the holiday season already nearly upon us again.

Most of the Stereo Box reviews have been positive from what I've seen.  Pretty much the consensus is they blow away the '87 discs; so even if they aren't the end-all, be-all, definitive releases they still present a noticeable improvement.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted Todorov View Post

I was out of the country for a couple of weeks and was expecting to order the box(es) from Amazon when I got back, but they are sold out, and not even taking back-orders???  Can someone explain to me what's happening?  
 

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post #145 of 538
9/8/09 at 9:29am
Informative pitchfork review:

 http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13425-stereo-box-in-mono/


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post #146 of 538
9/8/09 at 9:47am
Thread Starter 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted Todorov View Post

Informative pitchfork review:

 http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13425-stereo-box-in-mono/


 

Ted,

Many thanks for that review.  It was very informative, and it's among the best I've read on the collections.

I especially liked this:

"The packaging for all stereo CDs includes the original artwork and liner notes, along with new recording notes and a historical essay."

It looks as though great care was taken regarding the packaging.  This is another plus. :)
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post #147 of 538
9/8/09 at 10:46am
 Hey guys, I almost started a new thread, but it's probably better here.

I was going to ask if you guys are up to date on which brick and mortar stores who would likely have in stock the Mono box set Wednesday morning.

I will have time to be there Wednesday morning to grab one. I see the post above says his local Best Buy will have 3 copies. That gives me hope my local Best Buy would too. 

Thanks!

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post #148 of 538
9/8/09 at 11:01am
Thread Starter 
Well, I just ordered The Beatles Remastered (both the mono. and stereo. editions).  I just received notification that the stereo collection will be shipped tomorrow (09/09/09), while the mono. collection (according to the distributor) should arrive in two weeks.

I also canceled my pre-order (Email verification) with Amazon.com.  I don't often do that, as I like Amazon.com and use them often for my online ordering.  But being a musicologist, as well as a Beatles collector and enthusiast for over forty years, I couldn't take the chance that I might not be able to obtain both of these collections.
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post #149 of 538
9/8/09 at 11:06am
 Something showed up early today.


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post #150 of 538
9/8/09 at 11:21am
Ugh, since I didn't pre-order I've just about given up on any prospect of getting the Beatles in Mono. 

I will pick up the stereo set and Rock Band (game only) tomorrow.

By the way, a Starbucks near me has broken street date and is selling the individual stereo CDs. They had, at the counter, Sgt Peppers, Abbey Road, and Help. I looked at my friend in line and said, loud enough so the cashiers could hear, "these aren't supposed to be out until tomorrow" but neither of the cashiers made any notice of my comment.

Had to resist since I'll have the full set in my hands in less than 24 hours, but I'm really tempted to go back and pick up at least one so I can listen to it tonight...

Honestly, I don't understand making the mono sets a limited run. I understand not making millions of them because it doesn't make financial sense, but they should make enough to satisfy demands. That's one way you successfully combat piracy.
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