"Jazz" is the album besides "Queen 2" that I was most curious about, because both albums never really sounded right to my ears. Especially the drum sound on most "Jazz"-tracks is very strange and thin compared to most other Queen albums. So I was hoping, that the remaster would have a more fuller sound. And the news about the newly discovered forgotten kick drum on the mix of "Jealousy", which was "accidently left out" on the original mix, raised hopes.
But - apart from the "restored" bass drum in this song everything is still the same. Compared to the Hollywood version the new remaster is around 4 dB louder with some slight changes in bass and treble here or there - and that's it. Those listening in mp3 or other reduced formats will not notice any difference at all. And those playing their original cd louder will be hardly able to hear a difference - also depending on the stereo system they use.
"Jealousy" sounds nice with the kick drum most noticible around 2:46 when Freddie sings "If I should live or die", but it doesn't really change that much.
The bonus tracks in this case should not be called "bonus EP", as people have to pay a lot for it. The regular single version is sold for 17 Euro, the double (bonus) version costs 24 Euro ! And all you get is two songs already available and three outtakes of lesser quality. The instrumental of "Bicycle race" is less interesting than the already available Japanese Karaoke track, that surprisingly had some extra guitar work, which is missing in this version. "Don't stop me now" and "Dreamer's Ball" as an alternate mix and early take are interesting but not essential. If they really were a "bonus" I would say "fine", but three outtakes for 7 Euro leave a bad aftertaste.
And it's getting worse on "The Game"......
Pim Derks · Member since
Everyone who pays 24 euros for these releases is a retard. They're 11 pounds at Amazon, which included postage if you purchase them all at once. I've paid 70 euros for the 5 new 2-disc editions + Deep Cuts 2. Still a waste of money, but not as bad as paying 5x24 euros + 15 euros for Deep Cuts (135 euros).
TyphoonTip · Member since
Very curious to hear the 2011 Jazz. (and NOTW for that matter)
Personally I think it will be hard pressed to beat the CDP, ...which sounds as close to perfect as that recording could ever sound IMO.
The Hollywood version is complete balls, so the bare minimum I'd expect is for the 2011 to be sound better than that.
....having said that, as bad as the Hollywood remaster is, the DMS 93-4 version is worse still. Terrible. Actually un-listenable.
dysan · Member since
It might be me being naive - but I just thought the Jazz album sounded like that as a piece of work. New studio, looser band etc. Like tracks from The Miracle have their sound. I love this album so much.
Rick · Member since
Soundfreak wrote: "Jazz" is the album besides "Queen 2" that I was most curious about, because both albums never really sounded right to my ears. Especially the drum sound on most "Jazz"-tracks is very strange and thin compared to most other Queen albums. So I was hoping, that the remaster would have a more fuller sound. And the news about the newly discovered forgotten kick drum on the mix of "Jealousy", which was "accidently left out" on the original mix, raised hopes.
But - apart from the "restored" bass drum in this song everything is still the same. Compared to the Hollywood version the new remaster is around 4 dB louder with some slight changes in bass and treble here or there - and that's it. Those listening in mp3 or other reduced formats will not notice any difference at all. And those playing their original cd louder will be hardly able to hear a difference - also depending on the stereo system they use.
"Jealousy" sounds nice with the kick drum most noticible around 2:46 when Freddie sings "If I should live or die", but it doesn't really change that much.
The bonus tracks in this case should not be called "bonus EP", as people have to pay a lot for it. The regular single version is sold for 17 Euro, the double (bonus) version costs 24 Euro ! And all you get is two songs already available and three outtakes of lesser quality. The instrumental of "Bicycle race" is less interesting than the already available Japanese Karaoke track, that surprisingly had some extra guitar work, which is missing in this version. "Don't stop me now" and "Dreamer's Ball" as an alternate mix and early take are interesting but not essential. If they really were a "bonus" I would say "fine", but three outtakes for 7 Euro leave a bad aftertaste.
And it's getting worse on "The Game"...... =====
I read the review by Kes at the Queenonline forums and he was very enthusiastic about Jazz. Apparently, both NOTW and Jazz are sounding great. They improved the low end, which gives both albums a rounded, warmer sound. The drum sound on Jazz cannot be changed, unless you remix it (but these are merely remasters), but a rounded sound was what we basically wanted, right?
Soundfreak · Member since
"News of the World" always sounded great. And it should not be forgotten, that these "remasters" shall basically replace the EMI versions in the shops.
For me it's only interesting whether these remasters should replace my CDs. And in case of "Jazz" it's clearly a "no" as all you need to do is play the old ones louder. I'm old enough to raise the bass or treble myself to achieve "a rounder sound".
From a remaster I expect an improvement that I can't do that easily at home. In case of "Jealousy" it's fine. But the rest is the same as before.
dysan · Member since
Good point. For me, I'm happy with my versions, it's the bonus material that I'll get them for - as I did the Hollywood versions.
Worth noting too that outlets that still stock them (HMV Oxford Street for example) have the Hollywood versions quite cheap. Worth it for those consider the best: Queen 1 and The Miracle.
Rick · Member since
Fair enough.
Robbieboy · Member since
TyphoonTip wrote: Very curious to hear the 2011 Jazz. (and NOTW for that matter)
Personally I think it will be hard pressed to beat the CDP, ...which sounds as close to perfect as that recording could ever sound IMO.
The Hollywood version is complete balls, so the bare minimum I'd expect is for the 2011 to be sound better than that.
....having said that, as bad as the Hollywood remaster is, the DMS 93-4 version is worse still. Terrible. Actually un-listenable.
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TyphoonTip (or anyone else who knows), could you please tell me what is the 'CDP' version of Jazz to which you refer?
TyphoonTip · Member since
Robbieboy wrote: TyphoonTip wrote: Very curious to hear the 2011 Jazz. (and NOTW for that matter)
Personally I think it will be hard pressed to beat the CDP, ...which sounds as close to perfect as that recording could ever sound IMO.
The Hollywood version is complete balls, so the bare minimum I'd expect is for the 2011 to be sound better than that.
....having said that, as bad as the Hollywood remaster is, the DMS 93-4 version is worse still. Terrible. Actually un-listenable.
-------
TyphoonTip (or anyone else who knows), could you please tell me what is the 'CDP' version of Jazz to which you refer? _______
It's the first EMI cd release in 1986: CDP 7 46210 2
Fantastically balanced. Nice bottom end. Enough top for a nice detailed sound, and the middle ranges are well rounded making Freddie sound perfect. One of the best sounding 1st presses IMO.
There's no muddy sound, it's all crisp and clear. So this notion of the new mastering technology revealing a long lost kick in Jealousy doesn't ring true. I think there may have been a sneaky remix.
The CDP's EQ may well be reproduced to a certain extent with the 2011 remaster, however it will come at the price of a loss of dynamics. While not terrible and brick-walled like other releases, the new remasters are none the less reasonably compressed and hard-limited in spots.
Rick · Member since
The first Japanese issue of Jazz on CD, from 1989, is a great version as well.
brians wig · Member since
Soundfreak wrote: "Don't stop me now" and "Dreamer's Ball" as an alternate mix and early take are interesting but not essential. " =============================================================
Not Essential? Fuck me, THEY are the most interesting tracks on this album! Arse.
Soundfreak · Member since
Not Essential? Fuck me, THEY are the most interesting tracks on this album! Arse. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Some people's garbage is other people's gold. But I would not insult you for loving a poor mix with guitars not on the spot or an unfinished early demo......each to his own.
Rick · Member since
Soundfreak wrote: Not Essential? Fuck me, THEY are the most interesting tracks on this album! Arse. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Some people's garbage is other people's gold. But I would not insult you for loving a poor mix with guitars not on the spot or an unfinished early demo......each to his own. ======
Finally we have got something completely new and still there are 'fans' who moan. Sad.
Soundfreak · Member since
Finally we have got something completely new and still there are 'fans' who moan. Sad. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< In case you mean me I am not moaning. I said these tracks are interesting but not essential - as we have final and better takes of both songs. But I am critisizing that these things are labeled as "Bonus EP" when in fact you have to pay the price of a Deluxe Double CD for these few tracks. In my language bonus always means "some extra for free".
I think it's sad when people take quotes out of context and then even start to insult others from the safe anonymous position of their homecomputers....
