There has been quite a bit of talk on this site about clipping, showing graphs, and giving you some idea of what it sounds like.
Most of my listening over the past couple days has been over a Wav file (not MP3, M4A) on my iPod to get some idea of what exactly is going on with my own ears.
I have come up with an example which I believe supports the "Clipping" argument.
The sample that I have provided is a 5 second clip from Auctioneer about 1:50 minutes into the song. If you listen to Michael sing "Leave" you will hear distinct "Static" or as Drew had described it shear. Now if you compare this to your earlier version of Fables of the Reconstruction, there is no "Static/Shear" occurring.
Auctioneer Sample
This one was the more apparent moments that I found on the album, although I did hear some others during the entire album where similar incidents like this occur.
Now this issue is also very prevalent on the Demos as well, definitely moreso. However, since there is nothing to compare them to, this to me is the bigger disappointment.
Now, I do find some type of humor, mind you when REM sent out an email yesterday listing this site as a place to find information on the latest Deluxe Edition but how can I with a straight face tell you to buy an album that was not mastered properly?
This is really unacceptable.
Initially, I was going to take the easy road and say that maybe this campaign can make a difference on future recordings but maybe there is a time to say that people who bought this album can go to a site and at least download a better copy.
I guess what it comes down to is just a sloppy job altogether.
Comments
thanks
You found a great sample to illustrate the problem. This is very disappointing, especially about the demos, but it's much better to know about it before (not) buying this edition than after buying.
I wouldn't hold my breath for a better download being put out, but I hope the folks at the Athens office will respect what you've posted here and will keep listing you as a good source of info.
re: Thanks
Welcome. :)
I think the point is just trying to raise awareness to the issue. People are just starting to listen to them now and while I am surely not holding my breath, I do think it should be done.
If anything, I hope they rethink this for the next album. 'Lifes Rich Pageant', as this is a much more loud and direct album that could be torn to shreds if they continue on this sloppiness.
i'm listening to the album
i'm listening to the album 'out loud' rather than on headphones, and it sounds a lot less irritating with a bit of room space between the speakers and my ears.
but i agree with you, it is very much Not On, and since i listen to most music on my headphones, i consider this a big mistake overall.
not so fussed about the demos - they were obviously roughly recorded, and although a couple are interesting and fun, quite a lot of them sound rather lifeless and tentative, so i don't think i'll go back to them much.
particularly bummed cos:1) i've been a big fan of the IRS albums deluxe reissue project so far and 2) fables is my favourite from this period.
does anyone have an email address we can write to, either at warners or remhq? i can't find one.
david
contacting remhq
I used to have a couple of e-mail addresses, but I've lost them. They watch stuff posted at murmurs, so that might be the easiest way to let them know how you feel. Or you can always send snail mail to them at
R.E.M.
Post Office Box 8032
Athens, Georgia 30603
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Mike (the first anonymous guy)