The Who Ultimate Collection UK version - any opinions on sound quality?

This features four bonus tracks (*) compared to the domestic release.

1. I Can't Explain
2. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere
3. My Generation
4. KIDS ARE ALRIGHT, The
5. Legal Matter
6. Substitute
7. I'm A Boy
8. Boris The Spider
9. Happy Jack
10. Pictures Of Lily
11. I Can See For Miles
12. Call Me Lightning
13. Magic Bus
14. Pinball Wizard
15. I'm Free
16. See Me Feel Me
17. Seeker
18. Summertime Blues
19. My Wife
20. Baba O'Riley
21. Bargain
22. Behind Blue Eyes
23. Won't Get Fooled Again
24. Let's See Action
25. Pure And Easy
26. Join Together
27. Long Live Rock
28. Real Me
29. 5:15
30. Love Reign O'Er Me
31. Squeeze Box
32. Who Are You
33. Had Enough
34. Sister Disco
35. You Better, You Bet
36. Don't Let Go The Coat*
37. Quiet One*
38. Another Tricky Day*
39. Athena*
40. Eminence Front



I was wondering about the difference in the sound quality compared to the US version.

Also, Who's Better Who's Best was a slightly different animal than the US version (full length versions of The Kids Are Alright and Won't Get Fooled Again). Since the US Ultimate Collection used the US edit of The Kids Are Alright, does the import use the correct full length version?

Need some help. Want to snag this baby if it's worth it. The cover certainly looks better!

Thanks,

Brian

 

The early UK Limited Edition version adds video footage from Charlton, 1974 of "Baba O'Riley" and "Substitute."

 

Well, Looks like I'm going to have to take the plunge and compare the two for myself.... It runs about $34 or so through the internet. If there are any differences I'll post them

Brian

 

Well, I'm certainly not wild about the U.S. version's sound quality - brittle.

 

The UK version should use the same mastering of tracks common to both.

In other words, over use of noise reduction, distorted sound due to the tracks being overly maximised, and horrible fake stereo on Happy Jack and Call Me Lightning.

The limited edition 3rd disc has the US censored version of Subsitute, the acoustic version of Happy Jack, a mono underdub of the Meaty Beaty ... version of I'm A Boy, and the single version of Magic Bus. This would have been the ideal time to put the "long/redone vocals" version of Magic Bus back in print ... but no.

This is the most badly mastered compilation I have ever heard. Stay away.

 

Thanks, Phil....

Have not placed an order yet, so I will pass on this and use my money for a better music purchase.

Thanks,

Brian

 

Yup - loud and harsh. Isn't that what the group was all about?

GM

 

Are you sure you're not getting this mixed up? I haven't listened to the bonus disc in ages, but I remember "I'm a Boy" just being the Meaty version...sounding particularly bad, of course. However, Happy Jack (acoustic) is an underdub of the versoin later released on the AQO reissue.

 

You're right David - I got that backwards.