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RockitRon
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 12:32 am Post subject: The Beatles Remastered |
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Has anyone invested in any or all of the complete set of Beatles CDs, newly remastered?
The stereo box set of 14 albums costs £170 online, the mono collection of 11 costs £200, or you can pick selected individual CDs from stores for a tenner each (White album and Past Masters £15)
There was nothing drastically wrong with the old CDs, other than the low volume of the stereo ones (Help! through to the White), which can be a nuisance when listening to them on your mp3 player, and the exaggerated soundstage separation, so you got instrumental karaoke out of the right channel and vocal acapella out the left. The new CDs don't do much about that, but the levels of sound and bass are much improved, without compromising on detail, which is a common fault of many remasters of classic albums. With the exception of Help! and Rubber Soul they have been remastered from the original stereo analogue tapes. George Martin's 1986 CD remixes have been used to remaster the two exceptions.
They come in glossy cardboard sleeves, rather than jewel boxes - not even digipaks - so you have to make sure your hands are super clean and dry before handling both the extended liner notes and the CDs themselves, because you have to take a grip and tug them out of their housing.
I have bought the main stereo CDs (Help! onwards, not Yellow Submarine or Let It Be) and am pleased with them - they sound great; might get the early ones later. Has anyone else done so? _________________ Ron |
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Helen May
Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:46 am Post subject: |
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I'm happy with the vinyl I have and a couple of CDs. They don't get played that often so can't see the point of buying them all over again.
I like the songs as they are in, mostly in mono, as that's how I first heard and loved them!
H _________________ 88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!
I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005 |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:45 am Post subject: |
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As much as I love the Beatles, I don't think I'll be spending that sort of cash to basically repeat what I already have - several times over in some cases!
The odd extra note or harmony line isn't enough to justify the £170 price tag.
I might be tempted with "Sgt Pepper" and "Magical Mystery Tour" if I found myself in the shop.
I'm more thrilled about the nice little collection of Beatle programmes currently on BBC 4 which I'm recording and will probably keep..
I just have to figure out if I can transfer the recordings from my Virgin hard drive over to a DVD?? _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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Helen May
Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:56 am Post subject: |
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Is your Virgin hard drive the same as a SKY+ box? I expect it is. You'll need a DVD recorder to do this SanteFe but it's easy to do. The only problem is that it has to be done in 'real time' as opposed to a fast dub.
The other way would be to get a laptop (easier to hook up to the Virgin HD) and some DVD recording software and do it that way. I've not done that before though.
H _________________ 88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!
I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005 |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 10:01 am Post subject: |
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Yes, I reckon it's the same thing... it has 80 hours recording capacity and will record two programmes at the same time whilst watching a previous recording too!
I have a DVD/VHS unit located next to it so I will give it a try sometime.. we haven't had the Virgin service for long so I'm not familiar with it.
I'll have a look on the back of the unit to see what outputs there are! _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 11:16 am Post subject: |
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not obvious to me...
"To TV" co ax outlet
"Audio out" L&R jacks
"HDTV" 3 jacks marked Pr (red) Pb (blue) and Y (green)
"TV Scart" (connected)
"VCR Scart"
"HDMI" (connected)
"Optical Audio Out"
"USB"
"Ethernet"
"Sata"
I've found an "on screen" section whereby you can set up programmes to be transferred to a DVD but no advice on connections.
I'm guessing maybe connect the HDMI out to the HDMI in on the DVD recorder! but I'll give virgin a ring - they're pretty helpful. _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 1216
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 12:52 pm Post subject: |
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SantaFefan wrote: | As much as I love the Beatles, I don't think I'll be spending that sort of cash to basically repeat what I already have - several times over in some cases!
The odd extra note or harmony line isn't enough to justify the £170 price tag. |
It's more than the odd note or harmony, much more. Last night I was talking to an audio engineer who's been working at Abbey Road studios and he tells me that the re-engineering work is stunning. The differences are immediately noticeable.
I might shell out for the set (OK - I WILL shell out for the set) but I have to make a case to somebody who needs a new washing machine first!
SantaFefan wrote: | I just have to figure out if I can transfer the recordings from my Virgin hard drive over to a DVD?? |
The only way to do it is via analogue connections. As has been mentioned, you'll need to go out to a standalone HDD/DVD recorder or separate DVD recorder. The alternative is to use one of these lower cost digitiser boxes that take the output of a video player or camcorder and convert them to digital, from where they're fed via USB 2.0 to a PC or Mac.
I don't use Sky+ or anything similar because I don't like the way that prevent copying out, but I use a Sony HDD/DVD Recorder. I record onto the HDD and then do trim editing prior to transfering internally (and digitally) over to the DVD. I also copy them into iTunes from where I can then push the recordings out to Video iPod, laptop, etc.
I do a lot of video and audio conversion in my business (for education and training purposes) so I a lot of gear to do this kind of thing, but it can be really frustrating if you don't have it and the newer "all in one" recording are intentionally useless in that respect (especially Sky+ HD!). _________________ (signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
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Shaky Fan
Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 628
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:18 pm Post subject: |
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Picked up Abbey Road for £9.50 in Tesco but only because I didn't already have it (actually the only 2 originals I own are Please Please Me & Sgt Pepper, though I also bought the anthology collections, Live At The BBC and 1s) |
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Helen May
Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:42 pm Post subject: |
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SantaFefan wrote: | not obvious to me...
"To TV" co ax outlet
"Audio out" L&R jacks
"HDTV" 3 jacks marked Pr (red) Pb (blue) and Y (green)
"TV Scart" (connected)
"VCR Scart"
"HDMI" (connected)
"Optical Audio Out"
"USB"
"Ethernet"
"Sata"
I've found an "on screen" section whereby you can set up programmes to be transferred to a DVD but no advice on connections.
I'm guessing maybe connect the HDMI out to the HDMI in on the DVD recorder! but I'll give virgin a ring - they're pretty helpful. |
We also have a Sony HDD/DVD recorder it's an analogue one so not of as much use to us after Nov when our region goes digital.
I use a scart lead from the Sky into the DVD. I usually use the HDD as well then edit out anything I don't need.
H _________________ 88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!
I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005 |
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Shaky Fan
Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 628
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 3:01 pm Post subject: |
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As for the TV shows on DVD - might be worth keeping an eye on Ebay! |
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RockitRon
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 4:07 pm Post subject: |
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I was slightly disappointed by the shows on BBC4. "...Sings The Beatles" was fascinating in its awfulness (of the performances), but I wouldn't mind if I never saw them again, especially Dud & Cilla - the joke doesn't bear repeating. "The Beatles On Record" was far too superficial - aimed at people who know nothing about them perhaps (fair enough). _________________ Ron |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 4:23 pm Post subject: |
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Ha! I'm watching that show right now... and yes the Cilla & Dud bit was terrible - particularly on Cilla's part, many of her notes were waaay off!
Enjoyed "With a little help from my friends" by Joe Cocker though.. _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 1216
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 4:35 pm Post subject: |
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SantaFefan wrote: | Enjoyed "With a little help from my friends" by Joe Cocker though.. |
That's just about the only Beatles cover that I actually like. It's timeless and fab and has so much energy. _________________ (signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
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Briant
Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Posts: 964 Location: Liverpool England UK
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:02 pm Post subject: Beatles Covers.... |
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I like lots of Beatles 'covers' such as' Michelle' by Matt Monro, 'It's only love' by Gary US Bonds, 'From me to you' by Del Shannon, 'For no one' by Emmylou Harris, 'Something' by Frank Sinatra, 'Got to get you into my life' by Cliff Bennett, 'Lady Madonna' by Fats Domino (I don't think Fats gets the lyric though!) and 'In my life' by Judy Collins, |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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I actually preferred CB and the RR's version to be honest.
I'm trying to think if there was a popular cover of Michelle too but it's slipped my mind for now.. was it The Overlanders?
How about "Money" by The Flying Lizards? I liked that too! _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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Well how about that... Mrs.SFF came home after battling her way through Tescos and presented me with "Revolver", "Rubber Soul", "Abbey Road" and "Sgt. Pepper" so, guess what I'll be scrutinising tomorrow?
She must love me.. _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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Briant
Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Posts: 964 Location: Liverpool England UK
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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'She loves you-Yeah, yeah, yeah!'
The Overlanders is correct.
'Money' wasn't a Beatles original, but was a merseybeat favourite first recorded by Barrett Strong.' 'Oh, I apologise' was the 'B' side.
'Some other guy' by Richie Barrat was another song most of the groups covered and 'Tricky Dickie' was the 'B' side. The Searchers recorded it on their first album if memory serves. |
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Helen May
Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19382 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 10:15 pm Post subject: |
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One of my favourite Beatles covers is Alison Krauss' version of 'I Will'. It used to be played so often on Wogan, seldom heard now though.
H _________________ 88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!
I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005 |
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Shaky Fan
Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 628
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 3:27 pm Post subject: |
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..and here's how they ended up on the charts.
5 (-) Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 17,830
6 (-) Abbey Road 16,507
9 (-) Revolver 14,568
10 (-) Rubber Soul 13,203
21 (-) The Beatles 8,532
24 (-) The Beatles In Stereo 7,671
29 (-) Help 6,150
31 (-) Past Masters 5,748
33 (-) Magical Mystery Tour 5,568
37 (-) A Hard Day's Night 5,528
38 (-) Please Please Me 5,106
49 (-) Let It Be 3,993
51 (-) With The Beatles 3,909
54 (99) 1 3,418
56 (-) Beatles For Sale 3,390
57 (-) The Beatles In Mono 3,305
89 (-) Yellow Submarine 2,043
And Vera Lynn at no 1!
Last edited by Shaky Fan on Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:39 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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and they're going to remake "Yellow Submarine" the movie?... why?
I'm surprised "A Hard Day's Night" is so far behind "Rubber Soul" _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 1216
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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SantaFefan wrote: | and they're going to remake "Yellow Submarine" the movie?... why? |
It does seem odd, doesn't it. If I have a criticism of Apple Corps it's that they seem intent on milking the Beatles' product catalogue as much as they can. That said, I do look forward to getting hold of the re-master set! _________________ (signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 9:34 pm Post subject: |
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Didn't get much listening in today after all but I have to say "Sgt Pepper" is much more clear than the normal CD version I have..
I think you'd have to have two identical CD players rigged up to actually compare them note for note rather than switching each version and waiting for the machine to read the tracks but no doubt there are extra notes and vocals there somewhere..
Not so impressed with Revolver so far.. it sounds great but maybe not so different to my previous version..
Dunno.. if somebody had neither the Remastered set or the Anthology set - I'd go for the Anthology set.. I consider that set to be a real entertaining package for the Beatles fan... _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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RockitRon
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:10 pm Post subject: |
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Shaky Fan wrote: | ..and here's how they ended up on the charts.
5 (-) Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 17,830
6 (-) Abbey Road 16,507
9 (-) Revolver 14,568
10 (-) Rubber Soul 13,203
21 (-) The Beatles 8,532
24 (-) The Beatles In Stereo 7,671
29 (-) Help 6,150
31 (-) Past Masters 5,748
33 (-) Magical Mystery Tour 5,568
37 (-) A Hard Day's Night 5,528
38 (-) Please Please Me 5,106
49 (-) Let It Be 3,993
51 (-) With The Beatles 3,909
54 (99) 1 3,418
56 (-) Beatles For Sale 3,390
57 (-) The Beatles In Mono 3,305
89 (-) Yellow Submarine 2,043
And Vera Lynn at no 1! |
Of the major supermarkets only Sainsbury stocked all the individual remastered CDs in their normal sized stores and bigger. Asda carried the top four titles plus Past Masters; Tesco Extra stores stocked the top ten (minus the box set)
Although it is clear that a lot of work has gone into the project you cannot but help feeling that EMI is milking it, and overcharging for it, given that you can at the moment also buy a box set of the eight studio albums of Abba, plus a ninth of non-album singles and B-sides, all recently remastered, for just £14.99.
I thought the same as you, SF - Revolver doesn't sound as good as the rest. I liked the comment in yesterdays Telegraph review section -
"To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure I can hear the difference, but I have hugely enjoyed going through all the classics, album by album, noticing things I've never heard before (like virtually the Arctic Monkeys' entire career being contained in one throwaway intro) and reliving with my children exactly the experience I went through 30 years ago. "How did one band ever manage to come up with quite so much amazing stuff?" It's easy to be blasé about the Beatles, a bit like living in London and never going to St Paul's Cathedral because it's on your doorstep. But they were, quite simply, the greatest."
(Add/substitute "grand" and "40+" as appropriate) _________________ Ron |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:16 pm Post subject: |
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Well looks like I'm going for it I went to Asda yesterday hoping to get "Magical Mystery Tour" but they only had the four I mentioned from Tescos plus "Past Masters Vols 1 & 2" which I came home with.
It's really good! I'm enjoying hearing all the tracks again too.. they are better to listen to.
One thing I've particularly noticed is just how complicated some of Paul's bass lines are - just excellent. _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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aviddiva
Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 1135 Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
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Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 2:18 pm Post subject: The Beatles Remastered |
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A shop in Birstall was playing the Past Masters CD, and 'We Can Work It Out' came on. The vocal was separated so far from the backing it reminded me of Kenny Everett's 'Sing Along With the Beatles' spot, where he'd turn down the vocals so the listeners could join in!
Nana Mouskouri's version of 'Hey Jude' would be the 'Room 101' moment of '..Sings The Beatles', much as Lulu and the Young Generation's 'Mr. Tambourine Man' was of '...Sings Dylan'! _________________ We are loonies and we are proud!
- Campbell Bain in 'Takin' Over The Asylum' |
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SantaFefan
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 11258 Location: top of the cliffs in Norfolk
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Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: The Beatles Remastered |
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aviddiva wrote: | A shop in Birstall was playing the Past Masters CD, and 'We Can Work It Out' came on. The vocal was separated so far from the backing it reminded me of Kenny Everett's 'Sing Along With the Beatles' spot.. |
I haven't noticed it.. I'll give it a special listen later.
At last, after several more stores including Sainsbury, I've managed to get hold of Magical mystery Tour from Tesco's today!
it seems to be the most scarce in my area at least... looking forward to hearing this one! _________________ Johnnie Walker read out my message on Pirate Radio! 13/8/07
I have heard how radio should be. |
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