Post by galeans on May 11, 2016 16:25:07 GMT
Here's a review of this fantastic item that I've just posted on the Steve Hoffman forums:
forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/jethro-tull-aqualung-45-anniversary-deluxe-soon.490442/page-29#post-14305110
OK, I've finally bought this and it's a beautiful package, much like the others in this serie. I've compared it with the 2011 edition and the mastering difference is dramatic. Take "My God" for example: the 2011 CD has the two sections at the same volume, so the song doesn't get any punch when the electric guitar kicks in. Here everything is much more natural. The Wilson mixes are splendid: both the album tracks and the previously released outtakes.
I'm not sure I had commented on the new tracks back in 2011, so here we go. The 1970 studio version of "My God" was one of my holy grails and it did not disappoint. I still prefer the one that got released on the album album, but this earlier take is not different than what I expected and the middle section with all the flute overdubs was pure delight. "Wond'ring Aloud, Again" is another excellent addition, though I think I'd still rather listen to the "Wond'ring Again" edit on "Living in the Past". Still, one of my favorite Tull tunes and the additional verse is a treat. It's also interesting to hear the original version of "Up The 'Pool" but I'm glad it got reworked into a full blown track. The alternate takes of "Wond'ring Aloud" and "Slipstream" are quite pleasant, though not much revelatory. The two new remixes that are exclusive to this 2016 edition are very good, especially "Life is a Long Song". The drum sound on that one has always been awful and Wilson really improved it on the remix even though it was probably badly recorded: it sounds like Barrie had put cardboard on the cymbals. Finally, the flat transfer of the "Life is a Long Song" EP is the best sounding version I've heard of these mixes. Sure, I would have liked to hear "Pancake Doomsday" (a version of "Saturation" from the "Aqualung" sessions?! Wow!) and the oddly titled "Dedicated to Ian & Terry" but I decided I trust the compiler's judgement: if these tracks have not been included it means that they were too incomplete to be enjoyed.
Again, I can't judge some of the contents of the DVDs because I do not own a surround system but the "Life is a Long Song" promo clip is really in great quality. Previously I had only seen it in grainy or nth generation tape quality. Here it looks so great that I felt it was a surreal experience watching it. Also, yesterday I couldn't resist and I played a stereo reduction of the Quadraphonic mix just to pick up the differences. It turns out that this is the most different of the four (maybe more?) Quad mixes they had prepared. Apologies if it has already been discussed, but aside from being a radically different mix, these are the major differences I picked up:
The booklet is very good. Since they kept the 2011 notes, they are not as detailed as the ones they are doing in the current sets but they are still a pleasant read, especially the parts written by the various members of the band. I do miss Glenn Cornick, I've only talked to him twice but both times he was very gracious and funny. The interviews with Terry Ellis and John Burns (studio engineer for the original sessions) were also extremely interesting. Loads of great photos as well! The one thing that was extended from the previous edition is the Aqualung chronlogy which was very exciting as it gives an interesting insight on what went on and really takes you deeper into the making of the album.
Verdict: if you do not have the 2011 edition, get this immediately. If you do have the 2011 one, this is still better but it all depends on how good the previous mastering sounded to your ears and wether you can live without the new "Life is a Long Song" and "Up The 'Pool" remixes. Me, I enjoyed this set immensely and very much look forward to the continuation of this serie. As I always say: this boxes are my Jethro Tull dream becoming reality!
I'm not sure I had commented on the new tracks back in 2011, so here we go. The 1970 studio version of "My God" was one of my holy grails and it did not disappoint. I still prefer the one that got released on the album album, but this earlier take is not different than what I expected and the middle section with all the flute overdubs was pure delight. "Wond'ring Aloud, Again" is another excellent addition, though I think I'd still rather listen to the "Wond'ring Again" edit on "Living in the Past". Still, one of my favorite Tull tunes and the additional verse is a treat. It's also interesting to hear the original version of "Up The 'Pool" but I'm glad it got reworked into a full blown track. The alternate takes of "Wond'ring Aloud" and "Slipstream" are quite pleasant, though not much revelatory. The two new remixes that are exclusive to this 2016 edition are very good, especially "Life is a Long Song". The drum sound on that one has always been awful and Wilson really improved it on the remix even though it was probably badly recorded: it sounds like Barrie had put cardboard on the cymbals. Finally, the flat transfer of the "Life is a Long Song" EP is the best sounding version I've heard of these mixes. Sure, I would have liked to hear "Pancake Doomsday" (a version of "Saturation" from the "Aqualung" sessions?! Wow!) and the oddly titled "Dedicated to Ian & Terry" but I decided I trust the compiler's judgement: if these tracks have not been included it means that they were too incomplete to be enjoyed.
Again, I can't judge some of the contents of the DVDs because I do not own a surround system but the "Life is a Long Song" promo clip is really in great quality. Previously I had only seen it in grainy or nth generation tape quality. Here it looks so great that I felt it was a surreal experience watching it. Also, yesterday I couldn't resist and I played a stereo reduction of the Quadraphonic mix just to pick up the differences. It turns out that this is the most different of the four (maybe more?) Quad mixes they had prepared. Apologies if it has already been discussed, but aside from being a radically different mix, these are the major differences I picked up:
AQUALUNG - They used another vocal take for most of the song. The version on "M.U." is almost certainly a Quad reduction;
CROSS-EYED MARY - Much more reverb on the flute. The vocals are more natural, could it be a partly different take? Anyway, a bit of piano is missing in the finale;
CHEAP DAY RETURN - The second guitar is more upfront, the oboe is mixed higher and I think it comes in earlier;
UP TO ME - The laugh at the very beginning is missing, the vocals are less treated and the wah-wah guitar and the percussions are much more upfront;
MY GOD - There is no echo on the guitar solo and there's one extra bit of flute before the central section with the solo that is missing from every other mix. Also, at the end of that part, the choir is mixed higher;
SLIPSTREAM - The voice has much more reverb and Ian's doubletracking is more noticeable;
LOCOMOTIVE BREATH - I think I heard extra guitar phrases and the fade out is quicker and sounds like a cold ending. If I'm not mistaken this is on "M.U." as well;
WIND-UP - As we all know the Quad uses an alternate sparser take of the song. However, the vocals have much more reverb compared to the stereo mix on the 1996 CD and the Steven Wilson remix.
CROSS-EYED MARY - Much more reverb on the flute. The vocals are more natural, could it be a partly different take? Anyway, a bit of piano is missing in the finale;
CHEAP DAY RETURN - The second guitar is more upfront, the oboe is mixed higher and I think it comes in earlier;
UP TO ME - The laugh at the very beginning is missing, the vocals are less treated and the wah-wah guitar and the percussions are much more upfront;
MY GOD - There is no echo on the guitar solo and there's one extra bit of flute before the central section with the solo that is missing from every other mix. Also, at the end of that part, the choir is mixed higher;
SLIPSTREAM - The voice has much more reverb and Ian's doubletracking is more noticeable;
LOCOMOTIVE BREATH - I think I heard extra guitar phrases and the fade out is quicker and sounds like a cold ending. If I'm not mistaken this is on "M.U." as well;
WIND-UP - As we all know the Quad uses an alternate sparser take of the song. However, the vocals have much more reverb compared to the stereo mix on the 1996 CD and the Steven Wilson remix.
The booklet is very good. Since they kept the 2011 notes, they are not as detailed as the ones they are doing in the current sets but they are still a pleasant read, especially the parts written by the various members of the band. I do miss Glenn Cornick, I've only talked to him twice but both times he was very gracious and funny. The interviews with Terry Ellis and John Burns (studio engineer for the original sessions) were also extremely interesting. Loads of great photos as well! The one thing that was extended from the previous edition is the Aqualung chronlogy which was very exciting as it gives an interesting insight on what went on and really takes you deeper into the making of the album.
Verdict: if you do not have the 2011 edition, get this immediately. If you do have the 2011 one, this is still better but it all depends on how good the previous mastering sounded to your ears and wether you can live without the new "Life is a Long Song" and "Up The 'Pool" remixes. Me, I enjoyed this set immensely and very much look forward to the continuation of this serie. As I always say: this boxes are my Jethro Tull dream becoming reality!
forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/jethro-tull-aqualung-45-anniversary-deluxe-soon.490442/page-29#post-14305110