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Post by dauber on Jun 10, 2022 10:16:18 GMT -5
Okay, I LIKE the new "Marcella" mix, but I don't love it; certainly won't be my go-to version when listening to the song. (I know the single version and album version are the supposed to be the same mix, but the mix that's on Greatest Hits Vol. 3: Best of the Brother Years sounds WAY different from what I heard on my vinyl So Tough and all other CD appearances I've heard of the song; but that GH3 version is my favorite -- lots of oomph in the bass.)
If it were up to me, this would not be on Sounds of Summer but rather just something relegated to the upcoming box set as an alternate mix. It just loses its commercial appeal, really; it doesn't sound as hooky as the regular version. And it sounds like they flew in some drums from "Johnny Carson."
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Post by #JusticeForDonGoldberg on Jun 10, 2022 10:27:51 GMT -5
Uummmm… 'scuse me if this has been covered before, but how come this track seems to be sounding different whether listened to via iTunes, Spotify or YouTube? Aren't they all using the same masterings of the same tracks? And how different will it sound again on CD? Vinyl?
This sort of thing used to be so simple…
youtube and Apple sound identical to me.
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Post by #JusticeForDonGoldberg on Jun 10, 2022 10:30:43 GMT -5
One thing I like about the new mix over the old one, right after the first chorus you can very much hear the Shortnin Bread riff being played by some horns, or a moog, or something. It’s loud and clear
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Post by EST583JRX on Jun 10, 2022 11:31:01 GMT -5
YouTube has a system that detects when videos have audio tracks that are brickwalled to the max. When it detects such audio, the volume is lowered by about 6 or 12 decibels. That difference in volume is the only difference between the YouTube upload of Marcella and others.
The system was put in place to fight against "screamers" and "ear rape" troll videos.
Yes, YouTube's anti-screamer algorithm has concluded that Marcella is malicious and will hurt your eardrums.
Seriously... WTF is going on at BRI? What are these mixes?
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Post by Mikie on Jun 10, 2022 12:35:51 GMT -5
I played the version that Rick put up on Vimeo and it sounds like shit! The audio predominately comes out my right computer speaker and it sounds like a mono mix. Distorted as hell. I appreciate the attempt to remix it - I can hear the difference with various 'new' things going on in the mix, but I can't believe they'd release the track like this. The Marcella mix on the Feel Flows set is the difference between night and day, clear as a bell, and soooooooooooo much better sonically than this monstrosity. Again, if this is truly the final release of the track, I have a real hard time believing Mark & Co. would let this thing go.
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Post by AGD on Jun 10, 2022 12:51:14 GMT -5
OK, so, the YouTube version. Somewhere between the other two: intro drums still slathered in way too much reverb/echo, and there's an odd volume pulse, as if an automatic limiter keeps kicking in. Amazing that three different "carriers" of the same sound file can give such different results. Let's wait and see what the actual CD sounds like... but currently, I prefer the original, 1972 mix.
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Post by #JusticeForDonGoldberg on Jun 10, 2022 13:15:13 GMT -5
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Post by tomtomplayboy on Jun 10, 2022 14:29:19 GMT -5
Upon closer inspection, it seems that this Marcella mix isn't by Mark and Alan, it's by someone called Rick Bartlett. So, presumably, it's not official. And thank God for that! Umm Hello? I have not mixed anything.
And I'm Rick Bartlett. Thanks.
Haha apologies. So it really is official. Oh my God, kill me now...
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Post by tomtomplayboy on Jun 10, 2022 14:30:31 GMT -5
Upon closer inspection, it seems that this Marcella mix isn't by Mark and Alan, it's by someone called Rick Bartlett. So, presumably, it's not official. And thank God for that! It's official. It's on the new compilation. But it's just so inexcusably bad.
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Post by tomtomplayboy on Jun 10, 2022 14:31:48 GMT -5
The sheer arrogance of saying such a thing. The definitive version of Baby Blue is the one which Dennis Wilson created. End of story.
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Post by AGD on Jun 10, 2022 14:35:58 GMT -5
The sheer arrogance of saying such a thing. The definitive version of Baby Blue is the one which Dennis Wilson created. End of story. Not necessarily: pretty much everyone involved with POB will tell you that Dennis rushed the mixes, and that some of the roughs were potentially better.
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barnsy
Kahuna
Posts: 211
Likes: 320
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Post by barnsy on Jun 10, 2022 14:59:00 GMT -5
Listened to Marcella on YouTube. As noted by AGD the drums in the intro are too cavernous and there's the way the vocal suddenly changes. I'm not keen on the various vocal interjections that can now be heard (like with Carnie on the single mix of The Dream Is Still Alive they don't do any favours). But the thing I really don't like is the same volume level applied throughout - previously the chorus was louder and punchier. I will await listening to the CD version in case YouTube is doing something funny to the song but for now I'm not overly impressed.
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Howie
Author/Historian/ Researcher
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Post by Howie on Jun 10, 2022 15:00:52 GMT -5
IS it arrogant? Did Dennis do the absolute final mix on "Baby Blue"? Have you heard the tapes? Do YOU know what elements were left off the released version? I'm not arrogant, nor am I rude. I don't give many compliments but when I do -- they're legit.
Go listen to your L.A. two-fer on 6/17.
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Post by drbeachboy (Dirk) on Jun 10, 2022 15:09:50 GMT -5
After hearing the three songs which have been released, I can’t take anyone’s word about the new SoS. My expectations have dropped dramatically over past month or so.
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Post by Awesoman on Jun 10, 2022 15:36:40 GMT -5
I purchased the lossless version off of Qobuz. I will say you can pick out a lot of things that were orginally buried from the album mix. You can even pick out Dennis in some spots.
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Post by tomtomplayboy on Jun 10, 2022 15:41:15 GMT -5
Go listen to your L.A. two-fer on 6/17. Well, given how infinitely superior the Sunflower/Surf's Up two-fer CD sounds to the versions of the albums on the Feel Flows box-set, sticking with the two-fer CDs is starting to seem like good advice for anything post-1970. However, I very much hope the forthcoming Sounds of Summer and CATP/Holland sets will prove me fantastically wrong and have none of the mastering/compression issues of Feel Flows.
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Post by drbeachboy (Dirk) on Jun 10, 2022 15:46:11 GMT -5
I purchased the lossless version off of Qobuz. I will say you can pick out a lot of things that were orginally buried from the album mix. You can even pick out Dennis in some spots. As an “Alternate Take”, I think it is fantastic (mastering issues aside). There is a lot going on in the background that was buried or removed in Carl and Brian’s mix and understandably so. This new mix makes everyone sound individualistic instead of a full on group vocal.
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Post by Mikie on Jun 10, 2022 16:51:39 GMT -5
A few years ago, Jon Stebbins said that he's heard a different mix of P.O.B. - that he heard instruments and vocals more prominent in the mix and different cool things going on that he hadn't heard previously. The cassette tape that Dennis was carrying around before the album was released also includes different song mixes. So while the album was remastered back in '08, I think that it would be great if P.O.B. receive a remixing.
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Post by Mopp on Jun 10, 2022 16:55:29 GMT -5
A few years ago, Jon Stebbins said that he's heard a different mix of P.O.B. - that he heard instruments more prominent in the mix and different cool things going on that he hadn't heard before previously. The cassette tape that Dennis was carrying around before the album was released also includes different song mixes. So while the album was remastered back in '08, I think that it would be great if P.O.B. receive a remixing. Is POB possible to remix? I've heard that the River Song multitrack is unaccounted for. Is it known how many of the multitrack tapes still exist in the vault?
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Post by aaronsamazing on Jun 10, 2022 16:59:47 GMT -5
Personally, I LOVE this tracklist. It really offers an eclectic mix of songs that reflects the versatility of the Beach Boys' catalogue - and the inclusion of the mighty Where I Belong on a Beach Boys comp has been long overdue.. Problem is, the new additions ignore what Sounds of Summer was supposed to be. A singles collection. All songs on the original 2003 compilation were US Billboard Top 40 hits, and discs 2 and 3 fail to expand on that concept. The resulting compilation mostly features songs from 1967-1973 that would be generally regarded by casuals as “deep cuts”. Some, like “Surf’s Up” and “Sail On, Sailor” are well-known enough to be considered “hits”. However, there are still lots of “hits” missing from SoS, such as “The Little Girl I Once Knew” and “Lady Lynda”.
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Post by Mikie on Jun 10, 2022 17:33:44 GMT -5
A few years ago, Jon Stebbins said that he's heard a different mix of P.O.B. - that he heard instruments more prominent in the mix and different cool things going on that he hadn't heard before previously. The cassette tape that Dennis was carrying around before the album was released also includes different song mixes. So while the album was remastered back in '08, I think that it would be great if P.O.B. receive a remixing. Is POB possible to remix? I've heard that the River Song multitrack is unaccounted for. Is it known how many of the multitrack tapes still exist in the vault? Dunno. Linett & Boyd would probably know, or maybe someone here who's had access to the tape(s) or has second hand info. Didn't know the River Song multi's were missing - that really sucks. Arguably the best song on the album.
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Post by #JusticeForDonGoldberg on Jun 10, 2022 18:12:41 GMT -5
Have you heard the tapes? Do YOU know what elements were left off the released version? of course not, and I would absolutely love to be proved very wrong and have this Baby Blue remix just blow me out of the water and become the best thing they’ve ever released. My problem is not with what elements are included. My problem is WITH THE TREBLE AND COMPRESSION! It’s headache inducing. The beach boys should not sound like chainsaws, these tracks should not be painful to listen to. With Feel Flows I can EQ adjust the treble myself with any Basic media player, but with these last two tracks that have came out, and the Long Promised Road soundtrack, there are things EQ can’t fix. I have no idea if this is something Mark Linett is doing, The label is doing, the streaming services are doing, but whatever it is it’s not promising for future releases. The pet sounds stereo mix, sunshine tomorrow, wake the world, these all sound absolutely gorgeous, I have no idea what happened within the past two years that hearing anything about Beach Boys “remasters/remixes” gives me a sinking feeling. And this is coming from a young fan who can hear most high frequencies. A newish beach boys fan, the type of fan Who loves new mixes and Dolby Atmos and all of the cool modern stuff you guys are working on and with.
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Post by #JusticeForDonGoldberg on Jun 10, 2022 18:43:49 GMT -5
The sheer arrogance of saying such a thing. The definitive version of Baby Blue is the one which Dennis Wilson created. End of story. Not necessarily: pretty much everyone involved with POB will tell you that Dennis rushed the mixes, and that some of the roughs were potentially better. I like Carl’s booted lead on Baby Blue slightly more than the finished mix if I’m honest
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Post by goodvibrations33 on Jun 10, 2022 20:39:00 GMT -5
What an awesome interview with Howie! Thanks so much for sharing it. To anyone who has complained about the sound, mixing, and/or mastering of recent new mixes your answer will be found in this interview. I’ve bit my tongue in responding to any of the endless complaints about the new mixes, and really, it comes down to what the current generation will gravitate towards. The majority of listeners in today’s day and age listen on Apple AirPods or equivalent devices. Just how Chuck/Brian would mix for AM radio when that was the majority platform. If you are in the trenches in today’s music industry you understand why these remixes sound the way they do. If you don’t dig them, we have the original pressings! This does not discount the original versions/mixes at all, just presents them in a way for more people to enjoy them. The team is doing a great job trying to garner new fans. Whatever your opinion is of the new remixes, it’s a great time to be a fan of this band!!
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Post by drbeachboy (Dirk) on Jun 10, 2022 21:03:31 GMT -5
What an awesome interview with Howie! Thanks so much for sharing it. To anyone who has complained about the sound, mixing, and/or mastering of recent new mixes your answer will be found in this interview. I’ve bit my tongue in responding to any of the endless complaints about the new mixes, and really, it comes down to what the current generation will gravitate towards. The majority of listeners in today’s day and age listen on Apple AirPods or equivalent devices. Just how Chuck/Brian would mix for AM radio when that was the majority platform. If you are in the trenches in today’s music industry you understand why these remixes sound the way they do. If you don’t dig them, we have the original pressings! This does not discount the original versions/mixes at all, just presents them in a way for more people to enjoy them. The team is doing a great job trying to garner new fans. Whatever your opinion is of the new remixes, it’s a great time to be a fan of this band!! If that is the case, then why weren’t the 2012 reissues, MiC, Stereo Wild Honey, 20/20 material released the same way? WE, the diehard fans are the ONES buying this stuff, and our 60 years of loyalty is repaid with terrible sounding releases? If the new box set is going to sound the same way, then I will hold on to my money. I haven’t listened to Feel Flows since around October. I will show my dissatisfaction by not buying the product. As the old saying goes, “Money talks…”.
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