| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| frank_black_francis |
Posted - 10/31/2005 : 14:54:33
What always really bugs the hell outta me when I listen to these two albums is first, I have to crank the volume higher because its too quiet compared to the others, and second, that it seems that Mr.Norton really fucked up a good thing. Had both albums been produced in a way that left it more raw, they would have been much, much better and dare I say, history would have looked differently about them.
As they are, they are f--king great tunes that have always sounded too polished and too bland as a result of being over-produced. If you referred to live versions of these songs, you'd see what I mean. |
| 21 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| IceCream |
Posted - 11/14/2005 : 15:26:52
Two Reelers, I agree that TLM sounds very metallic. I really like Frank's guitar on Distance Equals Rate Times Time because it's so intense without being super-distorted. The reverbed backing vocals and second guitar are perfectly fitting arrangements. The production of "The Navajo Know" is also very good. However, I think that "Letter To Memphis" is extremely overproduced. Frank's guitar is way too unclean and unsparkly; plus, the drums are too reverbed. The song doesn't sound bad, per se; I just think that Doolittle's sound would have been better. To overgeneralize, the clean and accoustic guitar tones on Trompe are fantastic, but the distorted guitars sound overproduced, outdated, and dull.
As for Bossanova, I agree with EVERYTHING billgoodman (or Jop) said. |
| Carl |
Posted - 11/12/2005 : 00:30:04
I do find Bossanova's sound a little watered down in places, but I would'nt say it's poorly produced. TLM I find a little mushy and fuzzy, too, in spots!
 "I seem to have rejoined the cult of FB.Net!"
|
| number 13 |
Posted - 11/11/2005 : 15:59:25
I don't think these albums are overproduced. Just listen to Frank's voice on Blown Away, the atmosphere on Havalina, Joey's playing on Is She Weird, Ana and The Happening for instance.
The production suits really fine the songs, Velouria is a perfect illustration, the ultimate pop song for the last twenty years...
As for Trompe, I regret that the bass is sometimes "missing", on Planet Of Sound it's dumb, 'cause the bass is driving the song ! 
I would like the record to sound a little bit louder. But I'm already satisfied with the actual production.
And 4AD would be wise to release the records with bonus tracks (demos, unreleased songs, ... ) with a different mixing for some songs (maybe). |
| Mad Lucas |
Posted - 11/05/2005 : 04:55:10
I just find the Dig For Fire to Down to Well part so dissapointing. It was kicking along so well, and Fire comes along and just feels forced musically. Pixies stuff seemed to me as straight off the tongue/guitar onto record, and this seems way too perfect in a way. That's just my opinion of course.
Some of the stuff on there is kinda groundbreaking really, especially for the time. Some of the more synthesised, effect-filled parts of the song are, for a 80's alt-rock band, a Kid A-for-Radiohead type jump, which is huge creatively. I just feel at times it doesn't work, and is the only album I feel has filler tracks (ie Stormy and Wire)
http://s7.invisionfree.com/Super_Happy_Site
Perhaps the greatest forum on earth |
| Ziggy |
Posted - 11/04/2005 : 18:43:55
I wouldn't change a thing about Bossanova. Love it. |
| billgoodman |
Posted - 11/04/2005 : 15:19:09
Don't think that Bossanova would have worked with the Surfer Rosa-production
And I think neither with the Doolittle.
Still, I agree that the snare is way to 80's
It's my favourite record because it's the Perfect Pop Album
I have no problem with the production
it does sound dated
but so does Pet Sounds
(I'm walking on a rope above hot lava here)
I think the arrangements and songs are better than on anyother album
listen to the way the songs end on Bossanova
every single ending is original
btw some sounds are very sophisticated
Franks distance voice on Blown Away are top-notch
they make the song
Joey's guitar on The Happening
The fast strumming on Allison
Theremin on Velouria
Havalina sounds like the sun
---------------------------
God save the Noisies |
| Z_Zoquis |
Posted - 11/04/2005 : 14:31:04
I agree. I think Doolittle sounds best production-wise. The other two sound sorta thin and flat to me - compressed or something. Lots of great songs on them none-the-less (I'm partial to Letter To Memphis from trompe - kicks ass). |
| Mad Lucas |
Posted - 11/04/2005 : 05:32:10
Doolittle had the greatest recording I've heard, raw but so clean.
Tromple, as a polished album, sounds awesome, and my player cranks it enough. Bossa was way over produced IMO. The sound effects and stuff just ruins some really good songwriting, and the drums have that dodgey 80's sound, with the fat snare that sounds more from a computer.
But yeah, I have no probs with Trompe, through headphones it's one of the ultimate experiences
http://s7.invisionfree.com/Super_Happy_Site
Perhaps the greatest forum on earth |
| Ziggy |
Posted - 11/04/2005 : 05:32:00
Rock Music? The Happening? Hang Wire? |
| freakin phreak |
Posted - 11/03/2005 : 10:59:58
franks voice on bossanova is overproduced - i cant stand the way his voice is quieter, more like a whisper, and too "wet"
a day late, a dollar short |
| billgoodman |
Posted - 11/03/2005 : 03:07:52
your mother is over-produced!
but seriously
I don't think they are over-produced
---------------------------
God save the Noisies |
| fbc |
Posted - 11/02/2005 : 14:25:33
I only really notice it when listening to songs on random. Next track, the opening riff to 'Trompe' kicks in and is so so quiet compared to the previous
(If any band should be louder than the rest, it's the Pixies)
I turn them up to their rightful decibel. Oh yeah!
'Last Splash' needs turning up, too. |
| VoVat |
Posted - 11/02/2005 : 08:48:51
I think Bossanova has the best production value of any of the Pixies' albums. Everything sounds so polished and majestic. On the other hand, I agree about how annoying it is when albums (especially albums by the same artist) are mixed as such different volumes. Unless there's a REASON why something is especially quiet or loud, I really think album mixers should make more of an effort to keep this consistent.
"If you doze much longer, then life turns to dreaming. If you doze much longer, then dreams turn to nightmares." |
| Mister Dog |
Posted - 11/01/2005 : 20:35:36
quote:
Originally posted by ivandivel
Trompe le monde sounds great and was defintely a step in the right direction - soundwise - compared to bossanova. The drums donīt sound right on some tracks on Bossanova - but it hardly matters as the songs are brilliant anyway.
I've noticed that, on a lot of tracks it sounds like it's a drum machine, but I don't know, maybe it is a drum machine. I wouldn't beat myself up over it, the sound quality isn't THAT bad.
Hello Japan? Could you connect me to Godzilla please? |
| Ziggy |
Posted - 11/01/2005 : 10:48:11
Somebody vetoed the new editions, apparently.
Long overdue though. I'd buy every CD again just to get decent sound. |
| two reelers |
Posted - 11/01/2005 : 10:37:03
quote:
Originally posted by CheekyDan
I read on the 4ad website a few years ago that digitally remastered versions of all the Pixies albums were coming out in the US, did this happen?
The problem with the sound, which is particularly bad on TLM is that they seem to have been mixed to suit vinyl rather than CD.
My vinyl copy of Bossanova sounds kickass, the CD sounds weak.
And now Im gonna sing the Perry Mason theme....
maybe that's the reason, i just have vinyl...
I joined the cult of Souled American / 'cause they are a damn' fine band |
| ivandivel |
Posted - 11/01/2005 : 09:56:31
Trompe le monde sounds great and was defintely a step in the right direction - soundwise - compared to bossanova. The drums donīt sound right on some tracks on Bossanova - but it hardly matters as the songs are brilliant anyway. |
| CheekyDan |
Posted - 11/01/2005 : 09:46:02
I read on the 4ad website a few years ago that digitally remastered versions of all the Pixies albums were coming out in the US, did this happen?
The problem with the sound, which is particularly bad on TLM is that they seem to have been mixed to suit vinyl rather than CD.
My vinyl copy of Bossanova sounds kickass, the CD sounds weak.
And now Im gonna sing the Perry Mason theme.... |
| two reelers |
Posted - 11/01/2005 : 06:40:36
TLM is perfect. sounds like metal (not the music style, i mean the material) all trough. dark, down-tuned, heavy, pressing, broad, a bit indifferent - i think it is perfect.
I joined the cult of Souled American / 'cause they are a damn' fine band |
| fbc |
Posted - 10/31/2005 : 15:35:49
I've always enjoyed Bossanova the way it is. I'm glad out of all four releases, this is the one that's polished to the point you could actually see your reflection in it. But....
I love my records sounding like the band is playing at the same time. In the moment. Catholics style!
Though I think songs like 'Dig For Fire', 'All Over The World' and 'Velouria' benefit from the way Bossa was recorded. Hearing them live, they seem to lack a little something, especially 'Dig for Fire'. No wonder they needed a third guitar man now and again.
Trompe Le Monde should definately be louder. Louder. Louder! Louder!!!
My speakers wouldn't handle the volume I want to crank this at.
I've a live recording of 'Palace of the Brine' that just sounds awesome. The tom-toms at the beginning of the song just rock the foundations. Planet of Sound: Kim's bass drives the song when played live.
The cd just seems to hide away the sheer force and dynamics within most of Trompe's songs.
But I don't lose any sleep over it. Times like these, I just count my lucky star (all one of them) these songs were recorded in the first place. |
| Ziggy |
Posted - 10/31/2005 : 15:34:18
The 'cranking the volume higher' issue seems to be the same for every album (B sides is a little better. Isn't this a question of mastering?
Don't agree with you about the 'overproduction' of the latter albums. I've yet to hear a live version of 'Velouria' that matches the one on 'Bossanova', for example. |
