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listening to my backspacer vinyl

PJ Fan est. 1990PJ Fan est. 1990 Posts: 1,788
edited October 2009 in The Porch
Just Breathe is AMAZING on the black circle...i've always loved the sound of vinyl, but Just Breathe just takes my breath away (no pun intended) when it comes to vinyl...too bad my speakers suck...
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • LizardLizard So Cal Posts: 12,091
    Did the same thing on my lunch break.
    So I'll just lie down and wait for the dream
    Where I'm not ugly and you're lookin' at me
  • 37pheet37pheet Posts: 433
    still waitin for my vinyl
  • DewieCoxDewieCox Posts: 11,430
    This is the worst sounding PJ vinyl in my collection. Dig the songs, but I was expecting so much more with all the subtle instrumentation. The harder denser parts really suffer.

    The End, Just Breathe, and Unthought Known are the highlights, sonically.
  • supersonicyearssupersonicyears Posts: 2,619
    I've got an old GE Deluxe Wildcat. Backspacer still sounds great on it. :D
    "In the age of darkness
    want to be enlightened"
  • demetriosdemetrios Posts: 94,322
    I'm tempted to play it this weekend on my Fisher Price Record Player! :geek:
  • Evacuation RulesEvacuation Rules Posts: 2,162
    DewieCox wrote:
    This is the worst sounding PJ vinyl in my collection. Dig the songs, but I was expecting so much more with all the subtle instrumentation. The harder denser parts really suffer.

    The End, Just Breathe, and Unthought Known are the highlights, sonically.

    I think they probably just made the vinyl from the CD master. A sad and pointless exercise.
  • EasyEEasyE Posts: 66
    DewieCox wrote:
    This is the worst sounding PJ vinyl in my collection. Dig the songs, but I was expecting so much more with all the subtle instrumentation. The harder denser parts really suffer.

    The End, Just Breathe, and Unthought Known are the highlights, sonically.

    If DewieCox returns to this thread, I'd like to read about what turntable, amp and speakers Dewie uses. Also wouldn't mind some opinions on exactly which Backspacer songs disappointed on vinyl.

    And for the 1990 fan, I wonder what type of speakers he uses, and what would constitute a reasonable upgrade.

    My 10C vinyl Backspacer arrived in Buffalo earlier today, according to UPS. It will be in Albany Wednesday. I'll play it using a Philips GA312 table, good but low-end cartridge, Marantz PM7001 amp and Polk R50 floorstanders. A relatively cheap setup but a good start.

    If anyone cares, I have a mid-level Marantz CD/DVD player and the amp has special CD direct function. I just happen to have high tin ceilings too. CDs sound great but, even with new records, the vinyl sounds more like a band playing in my living room. Meaning, the sound is more like an instruments being played in a room.

    Then, of course, the spinning black circle like an oil painting being revealed. My friend said, "Paint a hundred, maybe then you'll know if you're any good." Then later, that bit about McCready's patterns. And the T. Tomorrow stuff about band member's dreams in the album art.

    That fuckin' breath right before the final note is the last brush stroke of the Backspacer painting. (I downloaded it like three weeks ago. C'mon. TC shipping delays are unacceptable.) But, the real canvas will not be shown to me until Wednesday.

    Dude, I should roll one from end to end, shouldn't I? Just burn it right down and spin it.

    Do you wanna hear something sick?
    We are but victims of desire
    I'm gonna shake this thing
    I wanna shake this pain before I retire

    (Oh wait, I need a beer too. A pale ale I think. Pause. Pause. Presses pause. "Dude, the remote is broken. Who is Buona Sera?")
  • EasyEEasyE Posts: 66
    Evacuation Rules wrote:
    DewieCox wrote:
    This is the worst sounding PJ vinyl in my collection. Dig the songs, but I was expecting so much more with all the subtle instrumentation. The harder denser parts really suffer.

    The End, Just Breathe, and Unthought Known are the highlights, sonically.

    I think they probably just made the vinyl from the CD master. A sad and pointless exercise.

    Quick follow up:

    In the BBC interview, the band discusses "cutting tape" for the record. If they cut tape to produce an analogue recording, can the LP be less sonically compelling than the CD master? (I actually don't know. But I think the answer is no.)
  • pearljam7pearljam7 Posts: 447
    What is this BBC interview, link?
    5/4/2006, 5/12/2006, 5/13/2006, 6/1/2006, 6/3/2006, 6/24/2008, 6/25/2008, 6/27/2008, 6/30/2008, 8/4/08, 8/5/08, 8/7/08
  • Evacuation RulesEvacuation Rules Posts: 2,162
    EasyE wrote:
    Evacuation Rules wrote:
    DewieCox wrote:
    This is the worst sounding PJ vinyl in my collection. Dig the songs, but I was expecting so much more with all the subtle instrumentation. The harder denser parts really suffer.

    The End, Just Breathe, and Unthought Known are the highlights, sonically.

    I think they probably just made the vinyl from the CD master. A sad and pointless exercise.

    Quick follow up:

    In the BBC interview, the band discusses "cutting tape" for the record. If they cut tape to produce an analogue recording, can the LP be less sonically compelling than the CD master? (I actually don't know. But I think the answer is no.)

    I think what they did was...they created a CD master with heavy compression and limiting...and the vinyl was also cut from this master. What is normally done for optimum quality is to cut the vinyl from the analogue tapes. I don't think that was done here. They wanted the compression and loudness to be in place as though it's "part of the mix"...which is a shame.
  • pearljam7pearljam7 Posts: 447
    edited September 2009
    [/quote] I think what they did was...they created a CD master with heavy compression and limiting...and the vinyl was also cut from this master. What is normally done for optimum quality is to cut the vinyl from the analogue tapes. I don't think that was done here. They wanted the compression and loudness to be in place as though it's "part of the mix"...which is a shame.[/quote]

    I think BoB and the band know better than that. Could it be when you listened to the record originally your vinyl listening setup just ain't that good?
    Post edited by pearljam7 on
    5/4/2006, 5/12/2006, 5/13/2006, 6/1/2006, 6/3/2006, 6/24/2008, 6/25/2008, 6/27/2008, 6/30/2008, 8/4/08, 8/5/08, 8/7/08
  • EasyEEasyE Posts: 66
    pearljam7 wrote:
    I think what they did was...they created a CD master with heavy compression and limiting...and the vinyl was also cut from this master. What is normally done for optimum quality is to cut the vinyl from the analogue tapes. I don't think that was done here. They wanted the compression and loudness to be in place as though it's "part of the mix"...which is a shame.

    I think BoB and the band know better than that. Could it be when you listened to the record originally your vinyl listening setup just ain't that good?[/quote]

    Yah, Evacuation Rules, I agree on the above statement, although I claim no exact knowledge.

    Seriously though, I do not have Binaural on vinyl, which is pretty lame.

    Also, the recent BBC interview appears to have been removed from the BBC Web site.
  • DewieCoxDewieCox Posts: 11,430
    I don't have the greatest setup, but it's good enough. Plenty of my other vinyl sounds great on it. I wouldn't bother pointing it out if I thought it was my system.

    Force of Nature and Amongst the Waves sound very muddy. The more bare rockers(1st 4 tunes, Supersonic) sound pretty good and the the acoustic numbers, as well, but not as good as any of their other records. I think the only song that sounds REALLY good is Unthought Known.

    John Golden mastered the vinyl, Bob Ludwig the cd.

    I'm gonna compare to the cd when I get ahold of it.
  • Yellow BedwetterYellow Bedwetter NYC Posts: 2,832
    37pheet wrote:
    still waitin for my vinyl

    same here...you on the east coast?

    i had to email the 10C for them to gimme a tracking # and it just left Auburn, WA today using DHL...not sure on the quickness of the service tho
    2005: Borgata 2, Philly
    2006: Camden 1&2, East Ruth 1&2
    2008: BONNAROO, MSG1, MSG2, Hartford
    2009: Philly 1, 2, 4
    2010: Hartford, MSG1, MSG2
    2012: Made in America
    2013: BK1, BK2, Hartford
    2015: Global Citizens
    2016: MSG 2 (ISO MSG1)
    EV Solo: NJPAC 2008; Tower Theatre, PA 2009; Hartford 2011
  • PJ Fan est. 1990PJ Fan est. 1990 Posts: 1,788
    EasyE wrote:

    And for the 1990 fan, I wonder what type of speakers he uses, and what would constitute a reasonable upgrade.

    i have one of those 3 in 1 type things (phono, CD, Tape) by crosby and i'm using it's built in speakers...i need to get external speakers for it...i have large ones but they are too big for where my record player is.
  • EasyEEasyE Posts: 66
    DewieCox wrote:
    I don't have the greatest setup, but it's good enough. Plenty of my other vinyl sounds great on it. I wouldn't bother pointing it out if I thought it was my system.

    Force of Nature and Amongst the Waves sound very muddy. The more bare rockers(1st 4 tunes, Supersonic) sound pretty good and the the acoustic numbers, as well, but not as good as any of their other records. I think the only song that sounds REALLY good is Unthought Known.

    John Golden mastered the vinyl, Bob Ludwig the cd.

    I'm gonna compare to the cd when I get ahold of it.

    Thanks. A good response. I think the CD master-to-vinyl issue has been settled. They were mastered separately.
  • EasyEEasyE Posts: 66
    PJ Fan est. 1990 wrote:
    EasyE wrote:

    And for the 1990 fan, I wonder what type of speakers he uses, and what would constitute a reasonable upgrade.

    i have one of those 3 in 1 type things (phono, CD, Tape) by crosby and i'm using it's built in speakers...i need to get external speakers for it...i have large ones but they are too big for where my record player is.

    Bromide, let's get you some home HiFi help.

    First, don't get discouraged. Second, save money. Third, if you are still in an apartment, just wait to buy a proper set up. Fourth, if you own a home and need help, let's start another thread.
  • 3legged dog3legged dog Posts: 896
    WAITING ON MINE STILL....................... :roll: :cry:
    In my lifetime, I have conquered the Multiverse by force of trUth.
  • gabersgabers Posts: 2,787
    I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one still waiting on my vinyl. I had a vision of the mailman from Better off Dead jamming to it on his headphones in his parents basement.
  • Evacuation RulesEvacuation Rules Posts: 2,162
    pearljam7 wrote:
    I think BoB and the band know better than that. Could it be when you listened to the record originally your vinyl listening setup just ain't that good?

    My setup is excellent. See my holiday singles transfers.

    I transferred the BS vinyl to my computer and the waveform looks like a solid brick wall, just like the CD. No dynamic range at all. Basically they took the CD and made vinyl out of it.

    I also compared the sound closely and the vinyl sounds just like the CD only the high end is a bit rolled off.

    BS on vinyl is a scam. Sorry if you don't believe me!
  • Rollingstone123Rollingstone123 Posts: 222
    no vinyl in NYC, and the cd came early.
  • demetriosdemetrios Posts: 94,322
    Evacuation Rules wrote:
    My setup is excellent. See my holiday singles transfers.

    are they up via torrent or something we can set up, trade style? :)
  • Evacuation RulesEvacuation Rules Posts: 2,162
    demetrios wrote:
    Evacuation Rules wrote:
    My setup is excellent. See my holiday singles transfers.

    are they up via torrent or something we can set up, trade style? :)

    Sure, they're right here...

    http://forums.pearljam.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=14938
  • I_GOT_no_IDeaI_GOT_no_IDea Posts: 653
    Evacuation Rules wrote:
    pearljam7 wrote:
    I think BoB and the band know better than that. Could it be when you listened to the record originally your vinyl listening setup just ain't that good?

    My setup is excellent. See my holiday singles transfers.

    I transferred the BS vinyl to my computer and the waveform looks like a solid brick wall, just like the CD. No dynamic range at all. Basically they took the CD and made vinyl out of it.

    I also compared the sound closely and the vinyl sounds just like the CD only the high end is a bit rolled off.

    BS on vinyl is a scam. Sorry if you don't believe me!
    that sucks dude - doesn't a separate guy do the vinyl processing to b o'b? or is it just a problem with the master mixes.
    Sydney 3 1998; Brisbane 1 2003; Sydney 1/2/3 2003; Brisbane 1/2 2006; Sydney 1/2/3 2006; Melbourne 1/2 2006; Adelaide 2009; EV Solo Sydney 1 2011.
  • happy2beherehappy2behere Posts: 148
    EasyE wrote:
    DewieCox wrote:
    I don't have the greatest setup, but it's good enough. Plenty of my other vinyl sounds great on it. I wouldn't bother pointing it out if I thought it was my system.

    Force of Nature and Amongst the Waves sound very muddy. The more bare rockers(1st 4 tunes, Supersonic) sound pretty good and the the acoustic numbers, as well, but not as good as any of their other records. I think the only song that sounds REALLY good is Unthought Known.

    John Golden mastered the vinyl, Bob Ludwig the cd.

    I'm gonna compare to the cd when I get ahold of it.

    Thanks. A good response. I think the CD master-to-vinyl issue has been settled. They were mastered separately.

    not exactly settled. ludwig would be cutting the vinyl if he had a lathe. golden could still be using the CD master as his source.
  • I_GOT_no_IDeaI_GOT_no_IDea Posts: 653
    happy2behere wrote:
    EasyE wrote:
    DewieCox wrote:
    I don't have the greatest setup, but it's good enough. Plenty of my other vinyl sounds great on it. I wouldn't bother pointing it out if I thought it was my system.

    Force of Nature and Amongst the Waves sound very muddy. The more bare rockers(1st 4 tunes, Supersonic) sound pretty good and the the acoustic numbers, as well, but not as good as any of their other records. I think the only song that sounds REALLY good is Unthought Known.

    John Golden mastered the vinyl, Bob Ludwig the cd.

    I'm gonna compare to the cd when I get ahold of it.

    Thanks. A good response. I think the CD master-to-vinyl issue has been settled. They were mastered separately.

    not exactly settled. ludwig would be cutting the vinyl if he had a lathe. golden could still be using the CD master as his source.
    so it sounds like cd master may have been used for vinyl mastering - that's possible yeah?
    Sydney 3 1998; Brisbane 1 2003; Sydney 1/2/3 2003; Brisbane 1/2 2006; Sydney 1/2/3 2006; Melbourne 1/2 2006; Adelaide 2009; EV Solo Sydney 1 2011.
  • EasyEEasyE Posts: 66
    Evacuation Rules wrote:
    pearljam7 wrote:
    I think BoB and the band know better than that. Could it be when you listened to the record originally your vinyl listening setup just ain't that good?

    My setup is excellent. See my holiday singles transfers.

    I transferred the BS vinyl to my computer and the waveform looks like a solid brick wall, just like the CD. No dynamic range at all. Basically they took the CD and made vinyl out of it.

    I also compared the sound closely and the vinyl sounds just like the CD only the high end is a bit rolled off.

    BS on vinyl is a scam. Sorry if you don't believe me!

    Evacuation Rules may be right here. The LP version of Backspacer lacks dynamic range on many tracks.

    The record simply did not come to life on my turntable as have many other albums.

    I'd stop short of calling it a scam. It still sounded pretty good, the album art is unique and the etchings are just cool.

    I'd really enjoy a full magazine story on the entire recording process for the Backpspacer CD and LP. In the long run, when buying newly pressed vinyl, I'd like know up front that efforts were made to make the LP sound great.
  • Johnny AbruzzoJohnny Abruzzo Philly Posts: 12,003
    Just got my record near Philly, via the Pony Express. Packaging is awesome! Can't wait to listen tonight (don't have to be distracted by Phillies, who clinched last night).
    Spectrum 10/27/09; New Orleans JazzFest 5/1/10; Made in America 9/2/12; Phila, PA 10/21/13; Phila, PA 10/22/13; Baltimore Arena 10/27/13;
    Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22;
    Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24

    Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/16
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