I think the 80's was the best era in music, from 77 on, the punk and post punk eras, those influenced the 90's alternative rock and changed everything. Good to know Ultravox gets the reissue treatment.
I must say I truly appreciate you getting more into the actual music. After all, this is top of the list, long before the audiophile aspect of it. Really enjoyed this review as well as the Björk one.
As I posted before I just don’t get this different speed at all. It’s getting bizarre. I heard a reissue last week. I think I don’t remember that. An entire string section had been added The band originally recorded it but released without Prob due to space. But now it was a totally different record.
Part of Conny Plank's team was certainly technician Michael Zähl, who built much of the equipment in the recording studio himself. Nowadays, by the way, he builds a fantastic headphone amplifier, the HM1, unfortunately very expensive. Nils Frahm uses his mixing consoles.
This is a great album with Stranger Within , The Thin Wall & I Remember Death In The Afternoon my favourite tracks. The chorus of I Remember Death In The Afternoon is played ▶️ backwards on the haunting title track. I generally prefer John Foxx Era Ultravox but this is the best Midge Ure Era album by them. A masterpiece.
Beautiful OG copy, I have an OG Japanese pressing of this which sounds amazing. I am a Brit living in the US so I understand how expensive buying bargain vinyl from the UK can get lol. Hope you ordered the 45rpm half speed mastered Exorcising Ghosts by Japan
We Stand Alone is an amazing song, and the instrumental break on I Remember is just so beautiful. Vienna is actually my favourite album but Rage in Eden is one of the best albums ever recorded
I have been enjoying your videos for a very very long time. Not sure anyone has brought this up with originals versus repress album. But one component is now more or less a lost art . That is the actual cutting of the lacquer that is used to create the stamper. When the industry went digital those people went the way of the dinosaur. There are videos that show the cutting process, I recommend the ones shot by Ardent Studios. Just my two cents. Without people learning how to do a proper cut no what tape you use is lost.
In the U.S. this LP was released with a lacquer cut done at Allen Zentz Mastering (a very reputable place back then) while Chris Bellman was working there. Used copies are typically inexpensive and sound great.
Great video, we stand alone what a fabulous song. Keep these up Michael I’m loving it plus it’s getting me interested in different music than just jazz all the time
I have an original US promo press of this and whoa, it’s amazing. Love it, which is why this box set was of little interest originally. However may get now after your review for the extras.
I expected that this reissue wouldn't be near as good as the original! This is actually one of those albums that you can pick up in great condition for very little money. I bought a German first pressing last year my local record shop in Augsburg for€5!! Can you believe that.. in near mint condition for so little!! Yes, the German first pressing also sounds great 👌
Always appreciate the honesty. One step and Half Speed are two things that I think will be discussed more and more as steps that may or may not be needed to produced a fantastic (or gorgeous) better record.
Hi Michael, great review. I completely agree with you regarding the production by Connie Plank - they gave Uktravox an edge that was sadly lacking from the follow up album ‘Quartet’ I lost interest after Rage in Eden.
Disappointing, but I'm not surprised. I've the "Vienna" 40th re-issue and thought to myself 'Thats it?" upon first listen, but was grateful for the bonus content as I'd many of those 12" singles back when (kept a couple!) Specifically chose it over the Steve Wilson re-master for that reason. Oh well. Going to take this opportunity to *again* plug "Conny Plank: The Potential of Noise" documentary. Must See TV for fans. Think I'll order EU copies this winter - already received an order this month from that German shop on Discogs I've good luck with. Expect you to review "Journey's to Glory" by Spandau Ballet next and we can compare notes! HAHaha Artistically, I think Rage In Eden was the high-point of the Midge Ure era and I know it enjoyed commercial success too. It's a pretty dark record compared to "Vienna" which had a lot of exuberance and flash! That said, I've been revisiting the John Foxx era Ultravox! over the past year and enjoying it more today than back when. The CD Boxset re-issue was good - haven't picked up the Vinyl copy, but did find a UK repress of "Ha! Ha! Ha!" Recommend "Howl" by John Foxx and the Maths: most Ultravox! like record he's released in decades. Once more my pre-order (placed in July, confirmed in August) is in Amazon Limbo. Don't know what's up with that - don't ascribed any ill motives or incompetence, but release dates come and go, ship dates are issued then re-issued for earlier/later dates. It's a mystery to me. Will likely cancel and place a new order if I don't hear from them by end of week.
Love this album and bought the deluxe CD and the double-vinyl package. CD sleeve was badly crumpled for a 3 inch by half inch section. The vinyl actually plays OK but both discs are badly warped. Quality control these days is beyond a joke. I got rid of all my vinyl in 1995 but started buying again six months ago and my turntable finally arrived last week. First four plays - all of which LOOKED pristine - had issues. Endless pops and crackles, scratches that lasted several revolutions etc. Modern vinyl purchasing is a joke because the quality control is non-existent. Presumably the issue is demand and the fact that the pressure is on very old pressing plants with poorly maintained equipment. I'm now going back to CD because my "modern vinyl" experiences have been terrible.
Boy, what a change. For a guy who only ordered reissues to someone who almost always prefers originals, this is quite a transformation. The difference in most cases is so great that I doubt you’ll even listen to the reissues. And yet you keep ordering them! I know you’re doing it for the website and for the vinyl community and that’s very generous but won’t you perhaps reach a point where it becomes a fruitless endeavor? Of course, some reissues are excellent so I guess there’s that…
Im amazed that Vienna only took three weeks! Wow, they worked their magic fast on that classic! I picked up a NM- Rage In Eden, first USA pressing last month. Sounds fantastic on my system!
It's not live, it's memorex...😉 Another good video, and I'm constantly hearing so so things about half speed masters. I really liked Midge Ure's band The Rich Kids he formed with Glenn Matlock. Ghost's of Princes in Towers, so good.
Hi Michael, I Finally received my copies. You were definitely correct on the remaster of the OG RIE album. No good. But that 2nd live album, yes. It's really good. Just one note. The record store day version is really good. It's a little different, but the steven wilson remix and instrumentals sound really good. Surprisingly good. If you can grab a copy, you might be pleasantly pleased. I am. Happy Holidays from America.
Why would I buy an expensive boxset of ( i do not know the price of this one) say €60 when you can buy an original record at any secondhand recordshop for (under) €10 in excellent shape... I have never understood this..
It's probably better than you remember, if you are anything like me! I felt slightly ashamed of myself for getting rid of the OG back in 1982 when I picked up a new OG recently. I was highly impressed. Who was that man? Sit back and turn it up. The louder the better.
I got this today also and the 5CD/1DVD box. Haven't listened to anything yet so haven't heard the half-speed master. I have the US pressing from 1981 also so will be interesting to compare them.
Love that album. Actually I had first german pressing years ago and sold it. :/ Btw. great channel and wide music taste besides standard audiophile stuff.
I prefer the Steven Wilson Remix, it keeps fairly faithful to the original but let’s the instruments breathe more and sound is more open and detailed, I agree get the original and the Wilson remix
Half speed mastering requires very specialized equipment (very critically equalizion in particular). Probably was just riding the current wave of half speed mastered vinyl. Bummer about this.
Michael, why must an album be remastered in the first place? something sketchy with this practice. if an original sounds great, just cut a new lacquer, no Remaster. Do you have any insight why would a "remaster" is always done for reissues? I would think that there can be a reissue without a Remaster. The practice of always doing a Remaster makes me think there is some other motivation besides trying to improve the sound. I wonder that if a new reissue were to use the original master or a previous Remaster then some royalties or license would be required from that owner? Thoughts? I would love to hear what you think.
How can you cut a new lacquer without running the original tape or a tape duplicate? This will inevitably sound different because a different engineer is mastering it and making different choices. The closest you can get to the original mastering is if you have the metal parts and those are not kept In perpetuity.
Just running the tape to cut the laquer on a different reel to reel machine (which has a different tape reproduce amplifier), with same EQ choice, will sound different than original. Different EQ electronics, cutting head amplifier will result in different results. That's why I pick remastered releases done by engineers that are very meticulous in choosing the electronics in the signal path.
I’m with you Michael,I’m not buying anymore 1/2 speed abbey Rd. I bought Face Dances & It’s Hard by the Who. Abbey Rd 1/2 speed both of them suck & are as dull as dish water😂 Then just last week I’ve been collecting originals of Bryan Ferry.I have 3 all of which all sound fantastic. Then I saw HMV doing a great deal on 2 of Bryan Ferry albums £12:50 each,so I thought what the hell grab them. They again were both 1/2 speed & guess what they both suck, The originals have so much more 3D bass & better separation of instruments. The only 1/2 speed any good was McCartney. Michael if I good give you suggestion of record. Try an original of Bryan Ferry “Boys & Girls” it will knock your socks off sounds incredible. It’s like Avalon part 2. All the best 👍😎
I've had this album since it came out and it's my fav of their albums even thou my copy is getting old and crackly. I was reading that they have lost the master tape of "the voice" is that correct ? How did they do a remaster ?
Hello Michael, sorry I take this Video to ask you something different, cause my question didn't take any interest in today's VC discussion. 1. Have you heard about the record "Port Almond - Little ships" pressed in a so called One-Step Plating, which means there is only the father template? 2. I will be for 4 days in London. Does your Dave have a record shop there. Thanks for an answer.
Hi. You might realize this is not an Abbey Road 1/2 speed master. It was done by Alchemy at Air Studios I believe, so Miles Showell was not involved. That could be a determining factor as to why it doesn't suffice. Anyway, I skipped the LP box for the CD/DVD box, as it has a lot more music, and a surround mix as well.
SUPERTRAMP crime of the century half speed master . Canadian a m pressing . best ever half speed. 75 - 125 on average . plus shipping . new remaster.... total dog poopy.
Appreciate the review..does it suck ass, sucks balls ...or just plain sucks....decided to order a pressing from Deutschland! Maybe the pressing is über alles! Also no review of Quartet?
Really bad box set with crappy sound. What I do not understand at all is that in the vinyl box set the Steven Wilson remix is not there, which is in the CD box set. A 5th LP would have been feasible, but you want to pick up the vinyl buyer properly, the RSD Black Friday appears the Steven Wilson Mix extra, of course not at RSD Germany but only in the US. They have already done similar shit with Vienna. I for my part do not buy anything from this. It shows once again, try to get OG's and not this sloppy reissue crap.
I must say I truly appreciate you getting more into the actual music. After all, this is top of the list, long before the audiophile aspect of it. Really enjoyed this review as well as the Björk one.
The dog left to go answer the door when you knocked on the box.
I think the 80's was the best era in music, from 77 on, the punk and post punk eras, those influenced the 90's alternative rock and changed everything. Good to know Ultravox gets the reissue treatment.
I must say I truly appreciate you getting more into the actual music. After all, this is top of the list, long before the audiophile aspect of it. Really enjoyed this review as well as the Björk one.
As I posted before I just don’t get this different speed at all. It’s getting bizarre. I heard a reissue last week. I think I don’t remember that. An entire string section had been added The band originally recorded it but released without Prob due to space. But now it was a totally different record.
Part of Conny Plank's team was certainly technician Michael Zähl, who built much of the equipment in the recording studio himself.
Nowadays, by the way, he builds a fantastic headphone amplifier, the HM1, unfortunately very expensive. Nils Frahm uses his mixing consoles.
This is a great album with Stranger Within , The Thin Wall & I Remember Death In The Afternoon my favourite tracks. The chorus of I Remember Death In The Afternoon is played ▶️ backwards on the haunting title track. I generally prefer John Foxx Era Ultravox but this is the best Midge Ure Era album by them. A masterpiece.
Beautiful OG copy, I have an OG Japanese pressing of this which sounds amazing. I am a Brit living in the US so I understand how expensive buying bargain vinyl from the UK can get lol. Hope you ordered the 45rpm half speed mastered Exorcising Ghosts by Japan
We Stand Alone is an amazing song, and the instrumental break on I Remember is just so beautiful. Vienna is actually my favourite album but Rage in Eden is one of the best albums ever recorded
I have been enjoying your videos for a very very long time. Not sure anyone has brought this up with originals versus repress album. But one component is now more or less a lost art . That is the actual cutting of the lacquer that is used to create the stamper. When the industry went digital those people went the way of the dinosaur. There are videos that show the cutting process, I recommend the ones shot by Ardent Studios. Just my two cents. Without people learning how to do a proper cut no what tape you use is lost.
Are the mastering engineers at Abbey Road hard of hearing? How can a remaster get it so wrong? Thanks Michael.
A nice clean copy of rage of edan is usually around £6 in the I’ve never got round to picking up a copy ,maybe it’s time 👍
do it Rob :-)
In the U.S. this LP was released with a lacquer cut done at Allen Zentz Mastering (a very reputable place back then) while Chris Bellman was working there. Used copies are typically inexpensive and sound great.
Great video, we stand alone what a fabulous song. Keep these up Michael I’m loving it plus it’s getting me interested in different music than just jazz all the time
I have an original US promo press of this and whoa, it’s amazing. Love it, which is why this box set was of little interest originally. However may get now after your review for the extras.
I expected that this reissue wouldn't be near as good as the original!
This is actually one of those albums that you can pick up in great condition for very little money.
I bought a German first pressing last year my local record shop in Augsburg for€5!! Can you believe that.. in near mint condition for so little!!
Yes, the German first pressing also sounds great 👌
Yes more 80s. How about the new Yello catalog release? Maybe a few original comparisons with that catalog? Thanks!
Always appreciate the honesty. One step and Half Speed are two things that I think will be discussed more and more as steps that may or may not be needed to produced a fantastic (or gorgeous) better record.
Hi Michael, great review. I completely agree with you regarding the production by Connie Plank - they gave Uktravox an edge that was sadly lacking from the follow up album ‘Quartet’ I lost interest after Rage in Eden.
Disappointing, but I'm not surprised. I've the "Vienna" 40th re-issue and thought to myself 'Thats it?" upon first listen, but was grateful for the bonus content as I'd many of those 12" singles back when (kept a couple!) Specifically chose it over the Steve Wilson re-master for that reason. Oh well.
Going to take this opportunity to *again* plug "Conny Plank: The Potential of Noise" documentary. Must See TV for fans.
Think I'll order EU copies this winter - already received an order this month from that German shop on Discogs I've good luck with. Expect you to review "Journey's to Glory" by Spandau Ballet next and we can compare notes! HAHaha
Artistically, I think Rage In Eden was the high-point of the Midge Ure era and I know it enjoyed commercial success too. It's a pretty dark record compared to "Vienna" which had a lot of exuberance and flash! That said, I've been revisiting the John Foxx era Ultravox! over the past year and enjoying it more today than back when. The CD Boxset re-issue was good - haven't picked up the Vinyl copy, but did find a UK repress of "Ha! Ha! Ha!" Recommend "Howl" by John Foxx and the Maths: most Ultravox! like record he's released in decades.
Once more my pre-order (placed in July, confirmed in August) is in Amazon Limbo. Don't know what's up with that - don't ascribed any ill motives or incompetence, but release dates come and go, ship dates are issued then re-issued for earlier/later dates. It's a mystery to me. Will likely cancel and place a new order if I don't hear from them by end of week.
You reminded me of the 14 year old who bought this album in 1982. Incredible stuff.
I saw Midge Ure open for Howard Jones back in July. He was amazing. Just recovered from the virus. Love 80's music.
Thank You Michael for your review and comparison. Really appreciate it.
I'm still waiting for my copies.
Love this album and bought the deluxe CD and the double-vinyl package. CD sleeve was badly crumpled for a 3 inch by half inch section. The vinyl actually plays OK but both discs are badly warped. Quality control these days is beyond a joke. I got rid of all my vinyl in 1995 but started buying again six months ago and my turntable finally arrived last week. First four plays - all of which LOOKED pristine - had issues. Endless pops and crackles, scratches that lasted several revolutions etc. Modern vinyl purchasing is a joke because the quality control is non-existent. Presumably the issue is demand and the fact that the pressure is on very old pressing plants with poorly maintained equipment. I'm now going back to CD because my "modern vinyl" experiences have been terrible.
I appreciate your honesty and willingness to discuss negative aspects of remastering.
Boy, what a change. For a guy who only ordered reissues to someone who almost always prefers originals, this is quite a transformation. The difference in most cases is so great that I doubt you’ll even listen to the reissues. And yet you keep ordering them! I know you’re doing it for the website and for the vinyl community and that’s very generous but won’t you perhaps reach a point where it becomes a fruitless endeavor? Of course, some reissues are excellent so I guess there’s that…
time will tell Eric
True. But if you’re still doing this in five years, don’t be surprised if you need to build a new addition to your house!
@@ericlubow4354 😂 I am surprised Michael hasn't an entire wing for his krautrock collection.
I laughed out loud when you knocked on the box and your dog thought it was somebody at the door. 😂 5.20
Im amazed that Vienna only took three weeks! Wow, they worked their magic fast on that classic!
I picked up a NM- Rage In Eden, first USA pressing last month. Sounds fantastic on my system!
It's not live, it's memorex...😉 Another good video, and I'm constantly hearing so so things about half speed masters. I really liked Midge Ure's band The Rich Kids he formed with Glenn Matlock. Ghost's of Princes in Towers, so good.
I have that album, but label Chrysalis is not brown but black and white.
Hi Michael, I Finally received my copies. You were definitely correct on the remaster of the OG RIE album. No good. But that 2nd live album, yes. It's really good.
Just one note. The record store day version is really good. It's a little different, but the steven wilson remix and instrumentals sound really good. Surprisingly good.
If you can grab a copy, you might be pleasantly pleased. I am.
Happy Holidays from America.
Why would I buy an expensive boxset of ( i do not know the price of this one) say €60 when you can buy an original record at any secondhand recordshop for (under) €10 in excellent shape...
I have never understood this..
The CD box set includes a remix by Steven Wilson, think I may consider that over the vinyl box for a change
will check out, Thanks Michael.
Loved the album...we should have a pop mind and the music is in the league of Duran Duran...love it..took me back to the eighties.
Cracking album. I have the og but haven't played it in many years.
It's probably better than you remember, if you are anything like me! I felt slightly ashamed of myself for getting rid of the OG back in 1982 when I picked up a new OG recently. I was highly impressed. Who was that man?
Sit back and turn it up. The louder the better.
I got this today also and the 5CD/1DVD box.
Haven't listened to anything yet so haven't heard the half-speed master. I have the US pressing from 1981 also so will be interesting to compare them.
The OG's win again!
Love that album. Actually I had first german pressing years ago and sold it. :/ Btw. great channel and wide music taste besides standard audiophile stuff.
I have owned first UK pressings of Vienna and Rage in Eden since the were released in the 80s. I didn’t buy either reissue.
I prefer the Steven Wilson Remix, it keeps fairly faithful to the original but let’s the instruments breathe more and sound is more open and detailed, I agree get the original and the Wilson remix
Interestingly enough, it is Midge Ure's birthday today.
conny plank war ein genie.
Half speed mastering requires very specialized equipment (very critically equalizion in particular). Probably was just riding the current wave of half speed mastered vinyl. Bummer about this.
Michael, why must an album be remastered in the first place? something sketchy with this practice. if an original sounds great, just cut a new lacquer, no Remaster. Do you have any insight why would a "remaster" is always done for reissues? I would think that there can be a reissue without a Remaster. The practice of always doing a Remaster makes me think there is some other motivation besides trying to improve the sound. I wonder that if a new reissue were to use the original master or a previous Remaster then some royalties or license would be required from that owner? Thoughts? I would love to hear what you think.
Strong Points
How can you cut a new lacquer without running the original tape or a tape duplicate? This will inevitably sound different because a different engineer is mastering it and making different choices. The closest you can get to the original mastering is if you have the metal parts and those are not kept In perpetuity.
...Business as usual : same old wine, NEW BOTTLE !!
Just running the tape to cut the laquer on a different reel to reel machine (which has a different tape reproduce amplifier), with same EQ choice, will sound different than original. Different EQ electronics, cutting head amplifier will result in different results. That's why I pick remastered releases done by engineers that are very meticulous in choosing the electronics in the signal path.
Remastering simply means cutting a new lacquer.
I’m with you Michael,I’m not buying anymore 1/2 speed abbey Rd.
I bought Face Dances & It’s Hard by the Who.
Abbey Rd 1/2 speed both of them suck & are as dull as dish water😂
Then just last week I’ve been collecting originals of Bryan Ferry.I have 3 all of which all sound fantastic.
Then I saw HMV doing a great deal on 2 of Bryan Ferry albums £12:50 each,so I thought what the hell grab them.
They again were both 1/2 speed & guess what they both suck,
The originals have so much more 3D bass & better separation of instruments.
The only 1/2 speed any good was McCartney.
Michael if I good give you suggestion of record.
Try an original of Bryan Ferry “Boys & Girls” it will knock your socks off sounds incredible.
It’s like Avalon part 2.
All the best 👍😎
I've had this album since it came out and it's my fav of their albums even thou my copy is getting old and crackly. I was reading that they have lost the master tape of "the voice" is that correct ? How did they do a remaster ?
Thank you for your opinion Michael, that has saved me some money 🙂
this is why I now tend to seek out orig pressings
No gatefold ... No purchase! And I LOVE Ultravox!
Great band. Synth pop at its best.
Look at 5:18
Hans goes to look:: Who is knocking? 🤷🤭
we should def. go to the 80ies..
Hello Michael, sorry I take this Video to ask you something different, cause my question didn't take any interest in today's VC discussion.
1. Have you heard about the record "Port Almond - Little ships" pressed in a so called One-Step Plating, which means there is only the father template?
2. I will be for 4 days in London. Does your Dave have a record shop there.
Thanks for an answer.
havent heard of this record Karl, and no Dave has no Store
80s 👍
Hi Michael, just a question.
Can you do a comparison of the 3
80s King Crimson albums remixed by Steven Wilson? I believe they're released on Oct 28.
Yes
@@Michael45RPM
AWESOME!!!!
Some great Albums!!!
i have the og never played it ,suppose i better drag it out and play it lol....
Hi. You might realize this is not an Abbey Road 1/2 speed master. It was done by Alchemy at Air Studios I believe, so Miles Showell was not involved. That could be a determining factor as to why it doesn't suffice. Anyway, I skipped the LP box for the CD/DVD box, as it has a lot more music, and a surround mix as well.
Conny plank again ;-))
SUPERTRAMP crime of the century half speed master . Canadian a m pressing . best ever half speed. 75 - 125 on average . plus shipping . new remaster.... total dog poopy.
👌👌
For me, that album is their weakest along with "Lament"
1. Ha Ha Ha
2. Systems of Romance
3. Vienna
4. Ultravox
5. Quartet
6. Rage in Eden
7. Lament
Appreciate the review..does it suck ass, sucks balls ...or just plain sucks....decided to order a pressing from Deutschland! Maybe the pressing is über alles! Also no review of Quartet?
I don't agree with Ultravox MK 2. No John Foxx makes it weird. Or maybe less weird, and I don't like it
I shall try again..,
Abbey Road - Half Speed Mastered - a marketing hype that I stopped being sucked into ages ago. Most of these so called remasters are so lack lustre.
Really bad box set with crappy sound. What I do not understand at all is that in the vinyl box set the Steven Wilson remix is not there, which is in the CD box set. A 5th LP would have been feasible, but you want to pick up the vinyl buyer properly, the RSD Black Friday appears the Steven Wilson Mix extra, of course not at RSD Germany but only in the US. They have already done similar shit with Vienna. I for my part do not buy anything from this. It shows once again, try to get OG's and not this sloppy reissue crap.
I must say I truly appreciate you getting more into the actual music. After all, this is top of the list, long before the audiophile aspect of it. Really enjoyed this review as well as the Björk one.