The version of Aqualung on "M.U" - The Best Of Jethro Tull

I picked up the LP when it was released in the 70's and the CD in the 80's. I loved the song selection. When I got one of those Time Life Sounds of The Seventies CDs, that had Aqualung, it stunned me. What was wrong? Where was the echoey version I had listened to for years? Of course, I eventually realised that I had been listening to an incorrect version. I pulled the CD this past weekend and Aqualung sounded horrible with all the extra reverb. I'm not sure its even the same take. Whats the deal on that? Anyone one know why that version was used on a "greatest hits" LP (and then CD) when the original was feadily available? Are they different takes? Dennis

 

Same version, your reverbed one is the quad mix as are all Aqualung song's on MU. Hope that help's Todd.

 

How about Locomotive Breath? While not as drastically different, there seems to be little more reverb in the M.U. version. Is it also from the Quad mix or is it just a difference in mastering?

 

It's the Quad version as well. I really like it. The guitars are more distinct.

I like these Quad versions for everything but the drums; for them I prefer the original stereo mix. The drums almost sound mono on the Quad mix, whereas on the stereo mix they're nicely spread out: snare center, tom right, floor tom left.

 

Is it the quad version on Original Masters (1985) as well? It sounds better than the incredibly dry Aqualung LP version (to me), having a slight bit of added delay (rather than reverb). "Locomotive Breath" also sounds delayed on OM.

 

No.

 

... and the Quad works well with Dolby II (no center channel used) surround, Logic7 too.

 

Long post! Elaborate. Did they just add a little delay for the Original Masters version? Perhaps nobody quite knows, but it's definitely a slightly different mix from the original.

 

Sorry Chris,
"No" was precise.
It sounds like the album version turned up louder and I believe that makes the echo more pronounced.

They turned up the echo.

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=76236
http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=116603&highlight=Aqualung

 

Thanks - I now prefer (by a large margin), the original Aqualing mix. Dennis

 

Interesting. Thanks!

 

What is this crap thing called 25th Aniversery remix thing thats going around. SOmeone added a ton of reverb and echo. I could not even make it all the way thru...

 

Original Aqualung is always best.
Quad for fun.

 

And I am in the distinct minority of one who prefers the M.U. mix of "Aqualung".

 

I like the original quad mix on lp properly disemminatted to 4channell quad. The fold down to stereo make's it sound like crud.

 

Is the same (i.e. quad "Aqualung" mixes) true for the German LP pressing of "M.U."?


I have:

JETHRO TULL / “M.U. – THE BEST OF JETHRO TULL” / GERMAN PRESSING / CHRYSALIS RECORDS, Cat # 202 661-270

LABEL: White Morphs Into Blue CHRYSALIS, with “GEMA” and, along rim, “Ariola-Eurodisc GmbH, Munchen”

BACK COVER: Has LP and Cassette icons.

STAMPERS:
A: DM 202661 A-1/84 S III
B: DM 202661 B-2/84 S III


I believe the DM designation in the stamper indicates that it was Direct Metal Mastered.

Anyone know if this was mastered from analog tape?

 

I was listening to Steve's DCC gold master of Aqualung and think it sounds great. What do you guys think?

 

Make it 2. I tried to like the album, but prefer the M.U. version.

 

Actually I've heard "Aqualung" so many times I prefer to hear "Cross-Eyed Mary". too true - I usually skip "Aqualung" these days.

 

I kind of like the Aqualung version on "M.U." ... it sounds bigger. Here're a couple of clips if people want to know what it sounds like:
a short clip of the very beginning: http://rapidshare.com/files/341169236/aqualung-MU-intro.flac

and after the beginning when the quiet part starts:
http://rapidshare.com/files/341171462/aqualung-clip.flac

Definitely a different mix than the original, not just added ambiance.

 

You nailed it, that IS crap. Of all the things I lost in Katrina, I really wish that had been one of them.

 

The last time I saw Tull, Ian did a drastic re-worked version of Aqualung. Sure took you out of the comfort zone!

 

I too prefer that version on M.U.

 

Aqualung there is NOT the same version entirely though. The quiet middle section, up to "Aqualung my friend..." whereupon it switches to the regular version, is a different take altogether of at least the vocals, probably the acoustic guitar too. Many differences indicate this; for instance, Ian sings "Goes down to the bog" instead of "He goes down to the bog". I believe the rest is the same as the stereo version.

 

Same here Tootull, all the heavily rotated Tull gets little play on my system. I just got burnt out on it.