Mr Bad Guy - Special edition

[QUOTE] [b]brians wig wrote:[/b]

Since THIS edition of MBG has been remixed, not remastered, and the bass lines have been completely re-recorded, that's why they'll be classing it as a "special Edition" and including that awful 'special edition' Barcelona album: This boxset release is a "Special Edition" release.

If nothing else, it leaves the original versions of the albums (both of which were remastered in 2015 and passed over in favour at the last minute for the "Messenger" releases instead), waiting in the wings for another "cash-in" opportunity sometime in the future....[/QUOTE]


That's sensible thinking. I must admit I didn't realise that the original Barcelona album had been remastered and then shelved - I hope we get that one day. My guess for Mr Bad Guy though is that they expect this new version to become 'the' go to version and the original mix will disappear.

I know this is slightly off topic, but the thing that really ticks me off about the re-recorded Barcelona is that, in principle, it was a really great idea - that was horribly, unforgivably and unaccountably fucked up. A pretty much exact replication of the synth parts with real orchestral instruments should not pose any technical difficulties when multitrack tapes of the original and modern digital multitrack recording options for the new version are available. In fact, it ought to have been comparatively simple! But somehow, somebody's ego needed stroking, so unaccountable 'creative licence' decisions were made to alter the sh*t out of the tracks, resulting in a lame, ill-fitting and unbecoming end product. I'm sure it could possibly been cocked up even worse, but that would have taken some serious effort of darkly perverted creativity that goes beyond the limits of musical horror!

I have listened to it only once before it was stored. Was it really that different to the original?

Yes - so clearly so that even when casually listening to the special edition after 30 years of the original, my ears automatically prick up to the changes.

I totally agree with Thomas Quinn’s review - every change unnecessary and for the worse, and easily avoidable. I almost view it as an unwarranted adaptation or interpretation rather than a re-record...I cannot fathom what made them not copy the original arrangement, soundscape and balance.

It needed it. I have the Mr bad Guy Cd and maybe have played it once 15 years ago..maybe longer... it doesnt sound good. the voice is there, but theres no oomph in the bottom. Ill wait to the release and listern and hopefully its great. the 1990s fm album suffers from a also dated 90s euro pop sound (i mean who loves the continual ding ding ding whoo haaa)

The Steve Brown mix of 'Foolin' Around' will always be superior to the original IMHO.

[QUOTE] [b]IanR wrote:[/b]

The Steve Brown mix of 'Foolin' Around' will always be superior to the original IMHO.[/QUOTE]

Agree, it still sounds really good today. If you heard the intro on the radio you'd think it would be a new song.

"Living On My Own (special edition)" is on spotify!

wow! But still not on YT and iTunes...

I can't listen to it at the moment. Any noticeable differences, mixing or otherwise?

I’ve just had a listen and must say it is really well done. Nothing that isn’t original to the track but everything sounds modern - nice depth to the bass synth, piano is clear and bright, as are the vocals - but all still balanced in the same way and without sounding like a ‘remix’, but more just as though the original had been unearthed from under a cloth! The end sections of this song really bring out the piano now and make it almost sound like a jazz/blues jam rather than a disco/club track....I’m really impressed with the treatments on the two tracks released so far.

GREAT! Looking forward to listen to it.

I listened to the first minute before and it sounded fresh and modern. I think we can safely say that the full album will sound brilliant.

I can't seem to find it on Spotify?

Living On My Own has been removed from Spotify!