[atlantaprog] Re: different standards

From: "john" <7strbass@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> well, there's two elements at work here, imo.  one is pretty
> objective -  digital distorition sounds like crap.  there's no denying
> it.  if it's not obvious with a cursory listen - which it probably should
> be on all but the most low-end stereos- a cursory examination of the
> waveforms on the cd reveals that this cd is _loaded_ with digital
> overs.  these aren't being used as an element of artistic expression,
> they are just plain mistakes in the recording process, or the mixing
> process, or the mastering process, or any combination of the three -
> probably every step of the way, imo.
>
> then there's the subjective element - the song quality, the performances,
> etc.  i agree that vapor trails is an awesome effort on this point, but
the
> objective examination of the recording quality and the evidence of my
> own ears leaves me not able to really enjoy the recording on anything but
> a car system, and even there i cringe sometimes when i'm listening to it.

The mix is partially objective but also partially subjective-- do you like
how loud the bass is compared to the bass drum, do you like the panning, eq,
reverb choices, etc.  I'd agree with Veronica in preferring the grittier,
warmer sound of albums like Counterparts or even Vapor Trails, rather than
Hold Your Fire or Presto.  But that darn over-compressed saturated element
overcomes what could otherwise be a pleasant mix for me.  If they'd
engineered this album just like Counterparts I'd love it.

>
> it's a shame, ultimately, that a band that utilized dynamics to such great
> effect throughout its career would settle, or allow, for such a terrible
> representation of their art to become available.  i can't help but blame
> the band itself for it - they are at a stage in their career when they
should
> not be trying to "outgun" the young guns, but rather render their art with
> the same integrity and sincerity that has been their hallmark since the
> beginning of their career.   there's no reason to make this cd this loud
> except for some misplaced attempt to compete with what's currently
> popular and trendy.  i'm disappointed in them as a band for probably
> the first time since i started liking them, when permanent waves came
> out.

I'd add that their 80's haircuts (Geddy's schnoz-accentuating mullet and
Neil's ludicrous rat-tail) were pretty disappointing as well!  And those
satin bathrobes they're sporting on 2112-- well, let's not go there...

Brian

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