No difference that I can discern, didn't do a comparison though. The other tracks on the other hand work quite well as instrumentals, the synth lines followed Ure's vocals on many of them, so you have the feeling you can hear Midge singing along. Only one that doesn't quite work, for me, is Vienna itself. Overall ... I'm glad I bought it.
I messed up my compilation of ultravox analog recording. I erased and replaced Mr X with Herr X for I like the german version. Messed up the whole selection... The original Vienna album actually sounds better.
Is the 2003 remaster of Metamatic decent? I really want all the non album tracks, it's amazing how you can be indifferent to a record one day and have it be a contender for best album of 1980 - and like, there's many I could pick
I have the 1980, the 98 and the later one. The original 1980 non re-mastered is the best sound of all. That guy is basically one of those artist that knows how to command an excellent recording album.
I personally don't think any remaster of Metamatic is bad. I'd say the original Virgin Issue (Virgin – CDV 2146). is the best. The first remaster on Edsel (EDCD 702), is also good, there was some issue with tape damage on, He's a Liquid, but they fixed that on a later issue. The next remaster also on Edsel (EDSD 2013), is also good and includes a second disc with all the b sides etc. The 3rd remaster on Metamatic Records(META63BX), is the most comprehensive and not too expensive either. It is a bit louder than previous Issues, but still not brickwalled, it also features a third disc of previously unreleased music, including the wonderful Miss Machinery. John Foxx - Metamatic
The 2014 remaster, the same one that's used on the 3 Disc set. The Virgin Years Box set is a great collection.
quick glance at the upcoming vienna instrumental for record store day: at the 3min:38sec mark. later -1
I’ve got that and am very happy with it. You probably won’t play the unreleased stuff much but the album itself sounds fine and the singles and b sides etc disk has some fantastic stuff on it.
Seconded. Also for the price, you can't go wrong. Only issue I have, is the silver booklet with the white text, almost impossible to read. Mind you, I got the pdf with the Bandcamp issue. Metamatic (Deluxe), by John Foxx
As a sister album to John Foxx’s The Garden (40th anniversary edition), Church which will be released by Metamatic Records on Friday 10 September. Many elements of the original Church booklet are integrated into the gatefold artwork. Church features singles, B-sides and out-takes from the same period, along with the Miles Away single when Foxx re-introduced more traditional instrumentation to his electronic template. We’re pressing up 1200 copies, half on red vinyl and the other half on neon violet. Side One 1 This Jungle 2 Miles Away 3 A Long Time 4 Fog Side Two 1 Swimmer I 2 Swimmer II 3 Swimmer III 4 Swimmer IV Church Ltd Edition Transparent Red Vinyl + Neon Violet Vinyl on John Foxx Official Online Store
I ordered the CD version from Ultravox / Steven Wilson - Vienna [Steven Wilson Mixes] [RSD21] | Banquet Records I can't say I'm 100% confident I'm actually going to get the CDs but the update emails have been promising so far ... fingers crossed.
This looks like the standard non RSD release. Townsend Music Online Record Store - Vinyl, CDs, Cassettes and Merch - Ultravox - Vienna [Steven Wilson Stereo Mix] Seems the same in every respect. There’s a bundle with a t-shirt as well.
I think you are right, I hadn't seen the Townsend advert until yesterday so that makes things a tad clearer but as @Jmetamatic said it's a bit galling for those that paid twice that amount 3 or 4 weeks ago for the same thing.
Update: I've just received my CD copy and it is RSD stock, with the shrink wrap mounted sticker. Frankly I'm amazed and greater service from Banquet too, to have it in my hand after just two working days.
The 2CD reissue of Ultravox Live 2012 arrived a couple of weeks ago and I thought it was a good listen. I mostly got it for the live versions of tracks from Brilliant (6 tracks) and they are indeed (mostly) better than on the album. As a bonus, they do Love's Great Adventure without the canned laughter sample, making it an even better song! I was a little disappointed that there wasn't a booklet with some photos from the show, but overall a worthwhile purchase.
