In an attempt to keep us organized, let's use this thread to discuss the reissue and bonus material from Time on Earth.
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Who else noticed the slightly different mix of the ever-loverly "Lost Island"? There's some extra choral vocals near the end. In my headphones they sounded pretty high in the mix. It sounded pretty cool. I'll always love that song; who knows if this will become my preferred mix.
I get while "So Dramatic" is a b-side, but it's still one of the most achingly-beautiful songs Neil has ever written. Sign me up for an album of Neil doing haunting piano ballads like this, "People Are Like Suns," and the jewel of his solo catalog, "Drive Home."
Won't be Silent... Is that a Nick Seymour lead vocal???
Will admit that TOE is my least favourite Crowded House album (but still a good collection but one I don't play often). Perhaps the mood of the album has tainted my enjoyment of it. However I do love "Silent House", one of my fave House tracks.
The bonus disc on this release shares that same fatalistic mood i's parent disc has. Enjoyable but I'm not sure how often I will play it. Having said that, the B side 'glam' version of "Stare Me Out" is fantastic but the winner for me is Nick's "Won't Be Silent". A revelation! Maybe that is what TOE needed, some R&B groove to it?
I do think the piano version of "People Are Like Suns" is a better version and a preferred closer to the album proper but that's just a personal choice. Perhaps TOE is too long... I'm not sure but the album serves as a good, not GREAT, collection of songs.
Possibly my favourite disc now. Alternate Stare Me Out, Won't Be Silent, Here's A Note, Purple Light are all great IMO.
@DAZZ ToE was a massive grower on me, and now perhaps my favourite album. Hated it when it first came out. It's definitely a 'different' CH (think pre-breakup and post), but damn fine. Not many clunkers on it.
Guy. posted:Won't be Silent... Is that a Nick Seymour lead vocal???
I wondered that. The liner notes say that he came up with a new arrangement and circulated a tape of it for consideration but it isn't clear whether what we're listening to is it. But it certainly doesn't sound like Neil singing. Further question, as the liner notes bizarrely say nothing on the subject on any of the albums: is it a Neil song or Nick's?
It's Neil's song with some arrangements by Nick. Nick's singing and playing everything on the demo.
You really are the Mark Lewisohn of Crowded House You ought to write a book, you know... The Complete Crowded House Recording Sessions. I'd buy it. Twice.
Never! Too much hard work. And then there'd be complaints about the font.
Just as long as the book was typeset ALL IN CAPITAL LETTERS SO THAT IT SEEMED REALLY IN YOUR FACE ALL THE TIME I'd be more than happy
Or, alternatively, you can act as chaperone/tape operator/note taker, and I'll write the book
Won't Be Silent is an interesting one. When I first heard it, I knew it was Nick. There are slight echoes of H&C in the vocals which is a good thing. It's the old brother thing again!
Paul H posted:Just as long as the book was typeset ALL IN CAPITAL LETTERS SO THAT IT SEEMED REALLY IN YOUR FACE ALL THE TIME I'd be more than happy
Or, alternatively, you can act as chaperone/tape operator/note taker, and I'll write the book
That should, of course, have read "wasn't" typeset...
So bat-eared Lavar78 was right! A new mix of Lost Island! Any thoughts/comments Jeremy?
Paul H posted:So bat-eared Lavar78 was right! A new mix of Lost Island! Any thoughts/comments Jeremy?
Ha ha, my students could've told you my hearing is excellent. Glad I'm not the only one who noticed.
Thing was, you mentioned it before I had a chance to listen to the song so when I did have a listen I was looking out for differences. Hearing the choir sound different, I wasn't sure if it was just confirmation bias but a quick listen on headphones confirms that there's a least one part where, on the original, the choir hums their melody, and on the new mix they sing "ah"s. A different take of their performance must have been used.
The change to an open "ah" versus the hum is what makes it so much louder.
Indeed. I need to have a close listen to the whole choir arrangement to see if there are any other differences. Given that you've clearer got better ears than me, your homework for the weekend is to listen to the whole catalogue and produce a paper by Monday of all the mix/mastering differences you can hear.
Then I can listen to them as well and knowledgeably agree with you
I'll get right on that!
Seriously though, I'm interested to know whether the original mix of Lost Island is used on the vinyl edition of Time on Earth or whether they use the "new" mix.
I have the original vinyl so I don't want to buy it again just to confirm that one point, but I'd appreciate any feedback from anyone who does pick up the vinyl.
I actually wondered whether they would drop the two additional vinyl tracks from the LP to maintain consistency with the album/bonus set-up of the download. I personally always listen to the 'LP' version using the CD single tracks, mainly because I think leaving Lost Island off any album would be a crime. It makes it a long album though. I was lucky to pick up an original vinyl copy of ToE about a year ago when Amazon randomly listed a copy. It's the only way to listen to it.
I loved my original vinyl copy of ToE (signed by the entire band!), but it was warped and is now unplayable. I will report back when my vinyl reissues show up.
Paul H posted:So bat-eared Lavar78 was right! A new mix of Lost Island! Any thoughts/comments Jeremy?
The file I was given was labelled "Lost Island master" and sounded the same to me, but I was aware there was a small chance it might not be the final mix. Wish I'd had time to triple check but couldn't A/B everything by that stage.
It sounds like the tape archive is in a bit of a state if a pre-final mix remains logged as the master and master tapes are missing! No surprise given the nature of the band's recording career but it's a bit of a shame. No criticism of you, Jeremy, it sounds as though you had to put a massive amount of work into this and it isn't any surprise that an oddity or two slipped through the net. It's interesting to know that it wasn't a conscious decision to use a different mix. Presumably the "new" mix will be the one to feature on the vinyl edition?
lavar78 posted:I loved my original vinyl copy of ToE (signed by the entire band!), but it was warped and is now unplayable. I will report back when my vinyl reissues show up.
I'd "like" this comment for your final line, but decided not to in case you mistakenly thought I liked that you had an unplayable vinyl copy...
STILL waiting on my copy of TOE.
FINALLY! Yay! First impressions: Here's a Note-Like the back story, but the song doesn't do much for me initially, hopefully will be a grower. Purple Light-had an acoustic version of Time on Earth, I like this more full arrangement. Another in a long list of "Why did Neil drop this song?". Stare Me Out-alternative- almost a completely new song. I like it. Distance Across-need a few more listens. Bound to Rescue-song had potential, see Purple Light. Won't Be Silent-nice to hear Nick's versatility. I think I've read he has done some soundtrack work, I would like to hear some. The song is pretty good.
The bonus disc is pretty short, why no live tracks? They did tour to promote TOE, right?
So pleased your set turned up, Steve. Most of the "new" songs on the set have really grown on me after several listens, so stick with them.
Paul H posted:So pleased your set turned up, Steve. Most of the "new" songs on the set have really grown on me after several listens, so stick with them.
Oh, I fully intend to. Actually, as a whole, this disc plays really well. Probably due to a pretty consistent sound. Demos sound like finished songs. Even though I asked about live tracks, it sound more like a finished studio album without them. Very pleased with it.
Steve, I completely agree. I think a lot of ToE shows were made available, so maybe they thought live material was well covered elsewhere. I think it's a short disc, but the consistency of sound, as well as the shorter length, helps it feel like it could be an album of its own, whereas others, like TA or the debut, sounds like discs of odds and ends to me (not that that's necessarily a bad thing).
OMG!
Loving the alternative "Stare me out" and "Wont be silent"...
I said at the time of release , Stare Me out would have been better with a more straightforward rock drum beat . Don't know why they changed it to a 4 snares in the bar feel....
Am I right in saying the booklet lists "So Dramatic" as an extra track that was only on the vinyl edition ? If so, it's not true , as I havre the 2007 double vinyl .
Yes, an unfortunate typesetting error that, if I remember, notes So Dramatic as being on the vinyl edition but not Stare Me Out. Of course, it was the other way round.
Quality kontrol ain't wot it use 2B.
stuartjb posted:I said at the time of release , Stare Me out would have been better with a more straightforward rock drum beat . Don't know why they changed it to a 4 snares in the bar feel....
Am I right in saying the booklet lists "So Dramatic" as an extra track that was only on the vinyl edition ? If so, it's not true , as I havre the 2007 double vinyl .
It was available somehow as a bonus download, either from iTunes or some other source, JB, perhaps. I had it and am pretty sure I got it "legally", i.e. not shared by a friend. I don't do vinyl, so I'm sure it had some sort of digital release.
As far as I know, only Stare Me Out and Lost Island were added to the vinyl. I think So Dramatic was on the She Called Up CD/digital single?
Yup.
Oh dear. My mistake! In my defence, I had to write the notes for seven books and proof-read multiple amendments while also maintaining Neil Finn Facebook, Crowded House Facebook, neilfinn.com, Neil Finn newsletters, Crowded House newsletters (at the time), Neil Finn YouTube channel, Pajama Club Facebook, 7 Worlds Collide Facebook, Neil Finn Google +, Neil Finn Apple Connect... all in addition to my fulltime job at RNZ and raising a family. I tried to double check everything but, due to time constraints and deadlines, sometimes had to rely on the knowledge in my head. Turned out to be off track on this occasion!
Hardly a problem buddy! the Job you have done with these deluxe editions has been off the scale superb!
I only mentioned it for a point of interest, and to double check!
Glad you pointed it out, Stuart. Might be able to get it changed if it's reprinted.
That'll just mean me having to buy another edition Jeremy!
Jaffaman posted:Oh dear. My mistake! In my defence, I had to write the notes for seven books and proof-read multiple amendments while also maintaining Neil Finn Facebook, Crowded House Facebook, neilfinn.com, Neil Finn newsletters, Crowded House newsletters (at the time), Neil Finn YouTube channel, Pajama Club Facebook, 7 Worlds Collide Facebook, Neil Finn Google +, Neil Finn Apple Connect... all in addition to my fulltime job at RNZ and raising a family. I tried to double check everything but, due to time constraints and deadlines, sometimes had to rely on the knowledge in my head. Turned out to be off track on this occasion!
Oh Jeremy, Jeremy... If you need any help checking anything, all you need do is ask. (And I actually mean that quite seriously )
As Stuart notes, the problem with any project like this is that people will find the little errors and point them out because they're not the norm. No-one's going to comment on the fact that the other 99% of the material is correct!
So, although we're finding little niggles here and there, I do want to put on record that I think you've done a remarkable with this project and you should be rightly proud of it.
(I just wish you'd had your way with the mastering and some of the (missing) songs.)
I actually can't believe this. my vinyl copy of TOE has just arrived. The only difference between this and my original is that it's no longer a gatefold. furthermore, the liner notes are actually written INSIDE the cover?! so you can't read them?!
This has to be a mistake - surely?!
Jeremy, can you shed any light on this...
Has anyone else just got TOE vinyl? Are they all like this?
Maybe this production error is why most TOE vinyls have been delayed?
I notice it's also released by Neil's own label lester records, which I thought was quite strange.
Yes, that did seem odd. I thought either Universal and Warner would have owned it... so did Neil buy the rights back off them or what?
stuartjb posted:I actually can't believe this. my vinyl copy of TOE has just arrived. The only difference between this and my original is that it's no longer a gatefold. furthermore, the liner notes are actually written INSIDE the cover?! so you can't read them?!
This has to be a mistake - surely?!
Jeremy, can you shed any light on this...
Sounds like you may have a rare collectible there!
If you look carefully on the packaging, you'll see the Time on Earth CD was also released independantly. That would explain the delays with both.
Still a surprise someone has the vinyl. Most online shops Still have it as a pre-order!
Guy. posted:If you look carefully on the packaging, you'll see the Time on Earth CD was also released independantly. That would explain the delays with both.
Still a surprise someone has the vinyl. Most online shops Still have it as a pre-order!
The date on amazon did always say the 17th December to be honest..
The sleeve notes / lyrics being inside the sleeve has to be a mistake surely?!
You must mean Amazon.co.uk? Bol.com has is for January 2017, Amazon.de 23 December.
A mistake? Absolutely. It should have been a gatefold cover. Is it Still a double LP? And are Stare me Out and Lost Island included?
Amazon. Co.uk yes. it's still a double album. apart from it no longer being a gatefold ( well mine!) everything is identical.
With delayed I meant "not released on 4 or 11 November" like everything else.
stuartjb posted:I actually can't believe this. my vinyl copy of TOE has just arrived. The only difference between this and my original is that it's no longer a gatefold. furthermore, the liner notes are actually written INSIDE the cover?! so you can't read them?!
This has to be a mistake - surely?!
Jeremy, can you shed any light on this...
No. I'll try to find out but, being Christmas, replies are slow.
Please confirm that you have taken off all plastic packaging from the LP. Sounds stupid but it's tricked people in the past.
Jaffaman posted:Please confirm that you have taken off all plastic packaging from the LP. Sounds stupid but it's tricked people in the past.
Yep it's still in the plastic but I'm almost 100 % certain it's a single sleeve, and the inside of the sleeve is lyrics / artwork / notes.
I'll check when I get in from work. thanks Jeremy
Anyone have any pictures they can share?
Never thought to take pictures, but Jeremy - it's definitely a single sleeve with the notes artwork on the inside! forgot you could get pictures on here, I'll try later.
Actually, I dont know how to upload pictures!
It's released by Kobalt Label Services rather than Universal but Universal has forwarded my query onto them.
I'm really surprised to find that despite TOE has always been one of my lesser preferred CH albums, the bonus material I am absolutely loving more than I expected. Here's a Note, Purple Light, the alternate Stare Me Out, Lost Island, Won't Be Silent, She Called Up Demo are so good that I can see myself listening to the bonus disc more than the actual album from now on. I may even make my own version of the album.
TryWhistlingThis posted:I'm really surprised to find that despite TOE has always been one of my lesser preferred CH albums, the bonus material I am absolutely loving more than I expected. Here's a Note, Purple Light, the alternate Stare Me Out, Lost Island, Won't Be Silent, She Called Up Demo are so good that I can see myself listening to the bonus disc more than the actual album from now on. I may even make my own version of the album.
Yes, lots of good stuff on here. I would have liked to get a few live tracks, but still, a solid disc.
Stuff the packaging, get to the important stuff: which mix of Lost Island is on the vinyl, Stuart?
Paul H posted:Stuff the packaging, get to the important stuff: which mix of Lost Island is on the vinyl, Stuart?
You're assuming they included it and "Stare Me Out" on the vinyl this time. I hope so, but is it confirmed yet?
It's exactly the same vinyl track listing as the original release. Haven't even had a chance to listen to it yet!
Was wondering whether to send it back due to the clearly faulty packaging...
I'll probably just keep it - can't be bothered!
Am I the only person on this forum to have received this item?!
Tut tut. You need to get your priorities right, man!
Happy Christmas one and all!
I know!
My vinyl copy of TOE is the same - all the pictures, notes etc are sealed away on the inside of what is a single sleeve outer. What are we supposed to do, rip the covers apart to see it?
So, only two of us have time on earth on vinyl?!
Have you played Side 2, by any chance? Someone's just told me it's Paul Weller's Heavy Soul. I haven't been sent a copy yet to check.
Interesting. Is it side 2 of "Heavy Soul?"
JB HiFi is listing 20/1 as the release date so looks like we'll finally get to see it.
Jaffaman posted:Have you played Side 2, by any chance? Someone's just told me it's Paul Weller's Heavy Soul. I haven't been sent a copy yet to check.
My vinyl is intact - just a bizarre single cover !
Crowded House-Paul Weller double headliner tour, 2017 - performing side one of "Time on Earth" and side two of "Heavy Soul" - I'm there!
I got my copy from Amazon.com - it's the UK & Europe version so unfortunately has the same issue of two albums in one sleeve, non-gatefold with the lyrics inside the sleeve.
But it did come with a download code for all the tracks including the bonus tracks. No Paul Weller on my side B.
One other minor gripe (and maybe someone who has the original can chime in) is the copyright in huge text on the label of side B and side D. It just cheapens the look IMO.
Has anyone sighted an Australian released copy of this yet? I have not been able to find it anywhere! JB's website states:
Special Order:
Currently not in stock and will be ordered from our supplier
What does that even mean? Does that mean it's not released yet but give us your money and we'll send it to you when it is (but we don't know when)? I'm hesitant to order this from JB only to be placed in a queue of undefined waiting time.
Personally I'd like some idea if the problem with the sleeve is going to be fixed. Have tried getting in touch with various people to ask and nada. Nothing. Half the fun of buying the vinyl is having the big artwork, and clearly having it on the inside of the sleeve is a barrier to that.
The making of the slip sleeve instead of a gatefold was a mix up at the manufacturers. The record company has been in discussion with them but hasn't been able to get much of a resolution. It doesn't look like there'll be new covers reprinted but I'll let you know if that changes.
Meanwhile I presume the Oz release is on hold indefinitely. I think I'll grab one from Amazon.
Perhaps the vinyl was always this way? But I'm really enjoying the "side B" flow of Pour Le Monde/Even a Child/Heaven/Stare Me Out. Neither Heaven... nor Stare Me Out were favorites previously, but as a side of vinyl it's a really enjoyable listen.
Jaffaman posted:Have you played Side 2, by any chance? Someone's just told me it's Paul Weller's Heavy Soul. I haven't been sent a copy yet to check.
Hey, got this album in June and thought side B sounded funky. Finally compared those songs to the MP3 downloads it came with and it's definitely not Crowded House! Anyone know if the record label ever corrected this somehow?
I believe some copies had this mispressing and some didn't. You've got yourself a curio, anyway! And Heavy Soul isn't a bad album, though I prefer Wild Wood.