I know we have been discussing this in the a RHCP thread but I thought it might be appropriate to start a new thread for those not following that one and to bring attention to this particular album title. Elusive discs list the following: 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl Double LP! Vinyl Cut by Bernie Grundman! I'm not sure if it's remastered, etc. At that price and if they are going to have it done at BGM, I'd assume it is a remaster but that is only an assumption. Honestly, it's not enough detail to draw too much conclusion. Also, if I saw it correctly, this has the same cat # as the last/current Californication vinyl.
Here's Elusive Disc's blurb: Sadly, there is no mention of improved dynamic range (if there is any). I'm hoping for the best, but the blurb is so generic that I can't help feeling that it's not going to really improve upon what we've already got.
This would be my question as well. Why even contract him out if you aren't trying to improve on the old mastering? That would be a waste of money for WB I assume. Also, I've seen Elusive Disc list Bernie Grundman as the mastering engineer as recently as the One Hot Minute reissue and then it was pulled down. Oddly enough, yesterday Bernie wasn't mentioned and today he is. I'm hoping for the best but I would assume there would be a better press release for this lp considering it's their best selling album. It's really not hard to write an accurate press release.
Hoping for the best on this release. I feel that with the price point listed ($36.99) and the mention of Grundman, they may do the right thing and remaster with the improved dynamic range. Maybe as time goes on they will add more to the info. Would be a tremendous release if done properly! Here's to hoping.
Google and ye shall receive: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec99/articles/jim.htm 48 tracks of analog tape dumped into ProTools then mixed (practically in mono) to 30ips 2 track analog tape. The original engineer talks about the dynamics that don't survive to CD (or the original vinyl). Let's hope Bernie used that tape and let the dynamics breath!
The pressing plant that manufactured the cd is twenty minutes from my home. When I purchased this new in 99, I had Canton separates in my vehicle at the time. It was the first disc that sounded horribly harsh and figured it may be defective. My call to Specialty led to a meeting with a rep that gave me a mini tour of the plant. Upon discussing my problem, he proceeds to pull out a tape box with notes pertaining to the recording. In highlighted words: MASTERED HOT!
Now this is a release that unambiguously is in need of capable remastering. Here's hoping that a new appreciation for this music, which sounds crappy in all existing forms, will be possible.
"Parallel Universe" - Top: A rough mixdown from multitracks ripped from Rock Band. Not what a final mix would look like but an idea as to the dynamics possible from the track. - Middle: The rough mix bootleg. The best sounding version of the album. - Bottom: Retail version. Yikes.
after this thread i went and got the rough mix bootleg in lossless...sounds great. i removed "get on top" and "emmit remmus"....and i added under the bridge,aeroplane,and my friends... clocks in at 76min
What's the thought process behind adding 3 songs from 2 other albums? They don't sound anything like Californication. Do you not like those other albums?
you'd be surprised how well they fit in....under the bridge is my fav track from blood sugar magic and aeroplane and my friends are my favorite from one hot minute... i did something cool for under the bridge.. i put it right after the throw away track "right on time".... you know how a lot of albums do that...they put a throwaway track right before a masterpiece? like bungalo bill before while my guitar gently wheeps...or pigs on the wing before dogs...
I beg to differ that "Right on time" is throwaway. it's one of the best songs on the album and was an absolute show stopper live
well... its the shortest track on the album at 1:50 so i just figured it was a filler track... it's an ok track but maybe your over hyping it? i like fat dance better.