QueenZone discussion #1200918

mooghead wrote: John, didnt you used to do a similar album by album 'ultimate collection' or something, on that other Queen site a few years ago?

John S Stuart wrote: Perhaps a poll or a panel would be better? I am loath to say that the Hollwood remaster of Queen is the best so far until we start pulling in a few more votes and opinions, but so far, all (who have replied) think Hollywood have got this one correct. Any opinions about the Japanese remasters?

" Oh well, since this is here anyway I'll try to answer your slightly more specific question. I have at least 2 versions of each so I'll list which one I'd grab: "Queen" - Hollywood version 1991. A warmer, not-so-harsh and tinny sound compared to the 2001 which actually hurts my ears at times. "Queen II" - Hollywood 1991 again. While the 2001 version never hurts my ears, it does venture into the same type of sound. And I actually listened to the 2001 version last night and swore I heard some very minor but noticeable drop-outs. "Sheer Heart Attack" - 2001 remaster for sure. Much fuller sound."A Night At The Opera" - 30th Anniversary, and preferably the DVD's PCM track which is noticeably better than the standard CD due to the higher sampling rate. "A Day At The Races" - 2001 remaster. Flawless I think and a significant improvement over 1991. "News Of The World" - 2001 remaster, absolutely. This is one of the two best of the 2001s. Big, rich sound that blows other versions away. "Jazz" - Tough call. I'm gonna say the 1991 version because again, there's a warmth there which is missing on the over-loud, bit-too-tinny 2001 version. UK version from 1994 has a glitch during the intro of Fat Bottomed Girls which was carried over to 'Rocks'. "Live Killers" - 2001 version all the way. This version sounds more rich and full than the weak 1991 version. "The Game" - 2001 version. This is tied with NOTW as my favorites of the 2001 series. I've tried the PCM from the DVD-A and it was lacking something, and the 1991 version is totally lacking a fullness/bass. "Flash Gordon" - 2001 version. Much like 'Live Killers', this isn't a very well-produced album and the 2001 remaster at least improves it slightly. "Greatest Hits" - 2001 version, which is also contained in the U.S. Platinum Collection (not the European version) and "Greatest Hits - WWRY Edition". Major improvement from the early 90s UK version. "Hot Space" - 2001 version. Excellent sound and much richer than the 1991 version. "The Works" - This one kinda parallels 'Jazz'. Again, I think the 1991 version is slightly more pleasing sounding.. the 2001 is a bit too loud and kinda flat sounding. "A Kind of Magic" - Very tough call. I actually like the sound of the 2001 version, though once it was pointed out that there was midrange missing, I heard it too.. I guess technically I'd have to say the 1991 version is more like it should be. I love this one as a 2004 card sleeve though.. being a gatefold and with such rich artwork. "Live Magic" - 2001 version without a doubt. The 1996 Hollywood version is very weak compared to this. Major improvment. "The Miracle" - Here again, like AKOM, if you like a sort of V-shaped EQ pattern like myself, the missing midrange won't bother you and this will sound nice. And since the 1991 Hollywood version has an alternate mix of 'I Want it All', this 2001 version is my best choice for an original representation of the album. I have the 1989 Capitol version as well and it's quite weak sounding compared to either of those. "Innuendo" - original 1991 version. 2001 remaster is horrible at times. 'I Can't Live With You' sounds really harsh, other tracks sound weak.. they botched this one when remastering. "Greatest Hits II" - 2001 version is much cleaner sounding, doesn't have that 'compressed' sound that the original 1991 version had. Plus they've restored the endin

John S Stuart wrote: Pittrick: Excellent list there. I guess it would be easier to do it that way - but I was looking for a Queenzone concensus rather than any one personal opinion. The debut album seems to be easy - but remember it will get harder eg: I believe the 'Teo Torriate' HQ remix may not be bettered, but that is only on one album. So what is the best way forward? Poll, sticky, committee, average opinion? Remebber this is not my thread - I will go with the flow if I am overwhelmed with disagreement.

John S Stewart wrote: Pittrick: Excellent list there. I guess it would be easier to do it that way - but I was looking for a Queenzone concensus rather than any one personal opinion. The debut album seems to be easy - but remember it will get harder eg: I believe the 'Teo Torriate' HQ remix may not be bettered, but that is only on one album. So what is the best way forward? Poll, sticky, committee, average opinion? Remebber this is not my thread - I will go with the flow if I am overwhelmed with disagreement.

Adam Baboolal wrote: I like the idea of getting the best of the best and creating a set from that lot. Good one! But I'm curious, my professional opinion differs from Pittrek's list there. Does that mean it's my personal one??? Tell me what you think and I'll get back to you. I own the UK remasters and have access to the 2001/04 remasters. I could maybe seek out all others. In fact, compilation albums are well worth checking at some stage as remember Under pressure on Classic Queen? That sounds sooo much better than the Hot Space album version. Adam.

Ducksoup wrote: Great progress in this topic already. I suggest we use this topic for the debut album only. When all is discussed and we have a final track list (including a nice set of bonus material on disc 2) we can open a new topic for the next album. In the end all topics can be made sticky or indexed so that's it's clear for everyone where to find them. As far as the debut album is concerned: I think the Hollywood issue is the best sounding one.  Bonus disc suggestions: De lane Lea demos Mad the swine Keep yourself alive (long lost retake / acetate version) Great King rat (bbc) Great King Rat (convention recording) Keep Yourselrf Alive (bbc) Liar (bbc) My Fairy King (bbc) Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll (bbc) Polar Bear (Queen version) Silver Salmon Son and daughter (bbc) and maybe the instrumentals from the Eye or the greatest kareoke hits could be included too...

For instance, you might naturally pick Bohemian Rhapsody, but Dragon Attack is a much more likely choice for an audiophile to pick. If you ears don't hear this, then it's tough to explain.

mooghead wrote: Stop being a snob with the vinyl crap. The only way vinyl can sound any better (if at all) than cd is if you spend thousands on a hi fi.

brians wig wrote: What on earth does MFSL stand for????? Since John started this thread, would he be willing to delve into his own archives and offer some unreleased material of his own that we could plunder!? ;)

Adam Baboolal wrote: I have a mix of EMI's and Hollywood's. Haven't heard anything that says the EMI's are bad. If there's something comparable that says otherwise, I'd like to see/hear it. Btw, the mastering process isn't the most important. But I can understand that view! Just look at the f*** up that JSSmith did on his remasters of Queen's catalogue. What a mess. While the guy from 2005's ANATO (forget his name), is miles better. But they both have something in common...the mixes left from the sessions with Queen and/or the engineer(s) involved. That is where the honey is to be found. Just look at what happened with Teo Torriate in 2005. A remix with the latest kit and suddenly it's got a fresh sound again. But hey, the albums which were released by Queen are the way they were supposed to be heard. I think that needs to be remembered first. Whichever holds up that ideal, for me, is the one that matters most. That's why I really take issue with the JSSmith remasters. They can alter the perception of the songs and make things "feel" different. It's not right and most of them shouldn't be around at all. Getting a bit off track! The point to this thread is to find the best sounding release of each and every song available from Queen's albums. So, if there are errors on certain cd's, we can try to find one without those issues, etc. So, a track from CD -X- has to be clear enough to the majority that it's an improvement and worthy of inclusion here. I think this is what JohnSS is saying. Yay, nay? Adam.

djcamper wrote: Weren't there one master disc to which band listened, was satisfied by it sound and decided it should go in production? What's the point of these reremasters, which sound band didn't approve, if band already choosed how their albums should sound best? That especially concers "Miracle" and "Innuendo" remasters, as there is little to improve, taking in mind what recording equipement was much better than in 70's.

Van Basten 9 wrote: What versions are the Gold Plated CDs that came with some box set many moons ago?

demonwolf wrote:   Made In Heaven is easily the best sounding Queen-CD.   Sounds amazing.  

Negative Creep wrote:

demonwolf wrote:   Made In Heaven is easily the best sounding Queen-CD.   Sounds amazing.  

Made In Heaven sounds rubbish. Instead of the album being mastered properly - ie, compressed to get it to the desired loudness, they've just amplified the channels and in doing so have distorted lots of the vocals.

Negative Creep wrote:

demonwolf wrote:   Made In Heaven is easily the best sounding Queen-CD.   Sounds amazing.  

Made In Heaven sounds rubbish. Instead of the album being mastered properly - ie, compressed to get it to the desired loudness, they've just amplified the channels and in doing so have distorted lots of the vocals.