Satisfaction in Stereo

Steve,

I don't want some engineer screwing around with rock classics. I'm a purist just like you are. But, if there are two faithful versions available, one in mono, and the other in stereo, I'll take the latter every time.

Didn't you question George Martin's decison on the first four Beatle's cd's?

Dr. Roberts

 

Dr. Roberts,

IMO, an engineer doing a stereo mix after the mono mix has been established as the hit, or "definitive" mix could be considered "screwing around" with rock classics in my book! Why? Because most of the time they just don't capture the sound on the original mono hit single, the one that everyone loved the first time around, the one mix that gave it it's hit qualities.

Stereo/mono is also secondary to me, maybe not even third or fourth!

 

Glad you brought this up, Doc. I haven't done a head-to-head comparison yet, but as I recollect, the Arcade boot might be tons more dynamic too. It might be a little rougher in spots, but I think, overall, that Strictly Stereo might top Hot Rocks on every single common track. That's just a first impression though...

 

My point exactly SGB. The Arcade boot is a must have now that the reissue is a done deal.

Dr. Roberts

 

Just heard the new mix, and I agree: balance & rockability.

 

Yes, it sounds simply astonishing, doesn't it? That rocking stereo 'bottom' reminds me of the sound on Elvis's Little Sister - naturally exciting!

 

I haven't heard the new mix yet, but (if I might be permitted to mention the opposition, as some used to see it) weren't there some Beatles tracks like "Dr. Robert", "I'm Only Sleeping", and "And Your Bird Can Sing" mixed more or less that way in 1966 (OK, missed by a year)? Most of the music on those tracks is (sloppily) centered, with the vocals delayed left/right, as I recall.

 

I've been busy the past few days. A few notes:

- IMO the best way to hear Satisfaction in stereo is to take the Hot Rocks mix, bring the left channel to center a bit, lower the right channel, and add a touch of EQ. I know Bob Lovely has hear this and agrees it comes damn close to the mono mix, yet with decent separation.

- Every bootleg version (Strictly Stereo, etc) I've heard sounds like the Hot Rocks version with noise reduction added. Stay away from the boots, and find a copy of the original Hot Rocks version.

- While those Beach Boys stereo mixes had music centered and vocals split, those were *two* vocal tracks, not just a single vocal track with delay added.

 

Okay, cool, everybody, I need to get more of those London CD's. (I have 3--a German 12 x 5, a German BTB and a Japanese PL33 series of the first UK LP). Once again, thanks for all the input. But now, 2 more questions:

1. Can anyone tell me the URL's for the sites that had the Jap. and German London Stones CD discographies? I printed these out already but lost them. (I already started a thread on this too.) I already have Luke's stuff.

2. Is HR1 the only place to hear a legit true stereo mix of "Get Off Of My Cloud?" Any legit vinyl out there?

 

Luke and Friends,

Luke gave me the opportunity to listen to the Stereo version as he describes above, and yes, it sounds surprisingly "right" with the correct power, impact and delay, etc. It is, of course, a narrow Stereo mix but it clearly shows what is possible when great care is taken.

Bob

 

Steve,

"Cloud" is in true stereo on the MoFi "Hot Rocks" vinyl. I have the MoFi box set. However "Satisfaction" is mono. Go figure!!!

Joe!

 

Alright, I have not heard Luke's tweak of "Satisfaction". I would like to hear it. Make a believer out of me!