I have been fascinated by the debate that has continued since the release of this '40th anniversary' version of BSS. And, just to clarify, I purchased the 'box set - full monty' edition - albeit that I nearly decided to cancel and purchase the '3-disc' cut down version instead. Fortunately, given a pure memory loss (it's my age....), I received the 'box set'! So, a good or bad thing?
Actually, a good thing! Whilst I have the 'Mr Kellogg' 5.1 version to hand for comparison, I am now able to experience the diverse principles of creating a surround mix. Nothing 'technical' here - jus a bloke with 'cloth ears'.
There are not many surround sound versions available of which two different versions exist. As such, comparisons are few and far between. Admittedly, we have the 'Kellogg' version v the 'Steve Wilson' mix of 'Lucky Man' and... then I run out proposals....! Soon, the '5.1 God' willing, we shall have a 5.1 version of the Yes album 'Fragile' for which the whole debate will recommence. Will we be disappointed (again) or embrace the new version with open arms?
From my own point of view in respect of the new BSS version, I am in two minds - there are sounds and effects available that I do not hear on the 'Kellogg' version as well as there are audible experiences that I do hear on the Jakko version - yes, the missing tubular bells near the start of 'Jerusalem' are a complete mystery (and I am not going to revisit the 'KE9 -Pt3- bass overload misgivings - that's been covered elsewhere) - but, nonetheless, it has its merits. For me 'Toccata' has never sounded so clear.....! Along with 'Benny...' and other observations already made.
So, where does this leave us all? In the hands of others of what we expect to be the promised land in terms of 5.1 presentations?
What are looking for/expecting in a 5.1 surround mix? A different slant on the original?/a new sonic experience that did not exist before/an upgrade from the 'compressed' stereo version (that we became so familiar with before 5.1?) or something 'off planet' that actually doesn't exist?
Inevitably, there are some excellent experiences out there in 'surround land' that can/should be regarded as definitive versions of their own production but, unless the same people are involved in each and all, shouldn't we just go with the flow?
Perhaps we can only receive 'nirvana' when we are told that the 'new/re-mixed' versions are to be undertaken by an ELP (or other band) fan is in charge and has lived with the music for so long that his/her blood flows with the subtle nuances.
Dunno really - what else I can add.....? I await your barbed comments!!!
Heavens to Murgatroyd, my dear fellow.
A more eloquent post I've not heard from within these ever echoing walls of this fine establishment.
You are certainly a well spoken gentleman. We must have met, I am sure, perhaps at a gala of my good friend Oscar Wild?
Nonetheless, some of our finest have already chimed in, and have informed you that this is indeed a place of good tidings, libations and sheer lunacy courtesy of yours truly. For further questions please go here my good man:
[video=youtube;KbtVaTWs6II]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbtVaTWs6II[/video]
Regarding the recent box set of ELP which I bought, FWIW. I must subtract significant points from your post when you dodged the issue of KE9 3rd
entirely. You must let it all hang out here. We
all do(to the abject horror of a small few), but honesty is indeed the best policy. Mostly so we can all be on the record so we may be ridiculed at any given moment
, back to KE9: The three parts make up the suite and a failing in 1,2 or 3 is what my neighbor refers to as a "biggie bo bo". (You need to hear him say it for full effect...)
@:
You'll find that most of us here invest major $$$ in our music and just don't pirate the stuff like a bunch of college kids from the Gore or Bush families.
So I'd think an occasional strong opinion or expression of disappointment is warranted, one
bonus point about the ELP box set:
Most of us find ourselves "collecting" again so after getting the 1st two ELP recordings in perfect 5.1 AND in a wonderful 3CD case, BSS, without the 5.1 ruined the set and really screws up our ELP collections. Clearly the new 5.1 mix is controversial to say the least.
I'm very glad you are enjoying the new ELP box set. I am such a die hard I will keep it for Benny the Bouncer, alone. Yes, all of here move on after any let down and we eagerly await the next release.
Welcome to the group and please feel free to post exactly what you think(though be warned the XTC crowd here have a bit of a
glass jaw so go easy on them.
