CD Review The Beatles in Mono Box Set Music Worth Buying Episode 13 Part 1

[MattHatter]

I bought both sets on the day of release from Ameoba Music in Hollywood. I've been a Beatles fan since I was 3 years old in 1980 and on 9-9-09 at 32 years of age was able to buy The Beatles albums on the day of release for the FIRST TIME! It was so great. I, of course, grew up with the American stereo albums on Capitol. I love the albums in stereo and in mono (but the first two albums are essential in mono because of the twin-track recording).

[musicworthbuying]

@MattHatter : Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I grew up with the American stereo versions too. TJR

[WithdrawnAccount]

What do you think of the Mono Masters album?

[musicworthbuying]

@WithdrawnAccount I enjoyed it a lot, but I wish they had included The two singles (Get Back and Don't Let Me Down) that where only released in Stereo. Not doing this forced you to get the Past Master's CD in order to get those two songs (Until the Beatles made themselves available on iTunes that is).

[akeel456]

@musicworthbuying Huh? Those songs ARE on the Mono Masters! I have it right here and I've listened to them. However, when you upload the CDs to iTunes or whatever, those songs are filed under "The Beatles With Billy Preston" so maybe you couldn't find them.

[georgeharrisonfan789]

the reason is because the beatles themselves asked them to be mixed that certain way with more sounds for mono. in "I'm Only Sleeping" you hear more backwards guitar than the stereo.

[floydpink2222]

What about The Beatles Remastered and "The Loudness War"????

[musicworthbuying]

@floydpink2222 I am not sure I understand what you are asking. But if you are asking if I think that these remasters where over compressed. The answer is no. I don't think they are

[ZingerBeatle]

@floydpink2222 There is no limmiting on the mono albums.

The remster team said they use a little limiting for he stereo version, but I am agree, I think that stereo remasters where not over compressed. And I think stereo version sounds great, better than 80's CD's

[supermd4589]

I am definitely sure that they did not take 4 MONTHS to mix for mono and 2 WEEKS for stereo. The stereo took only a few days and yes, while the mono took longer, it did not take FOUR MONTHS to mix. Come on, now... All you need is common sense. Other than that, good review.

[musicworthbuying]

@supermd4589 I thought all you needed was love...........Yeah, you got me on that one, I watched it again and realized that I probably meant to say that they spent 4 months recording and mixing it. it......We have no scripts, or retakes and this was probably the hardest show we ever did. Live and learn. 

[MattBartolomeo]

I was disappointed the remasters use the original ‘60’s master tapes rather than new mixes from the original session tapes. The releases of Yellow Submarine Soundtrack and Love present how good Beatles music CAN sound. Original session tracks were used for both releases rather then ’60 final mixes which can often be 2nd, 3rd, even 4th generations old! Another great example is the remix of The Beach Boys Pet Sounds album. I'd love to see the Beatles music completely remixed to end the debate!

[musicworthbuying]

@MattBartolomeo I absolutely AGEE With you!!! While the new stereo mixes do sound good, Your comments are exactly the reason I decided to go with the Mono set instead. At least with the mono mix I am hearing them the way they where originally meant to be heard. Why they didn't release the catalog with a full modern stereo mix is beyond me (see part two for my comments on the "ping pong stereo mixes") Thanks for a great comment

[MattBartolomeo]

@musicworthbuying If you guys haven't yet, you should check out Beatles Rockband! The music HAS been remixed and it does sound perfect! Drums, bass and vocals have been centered on tracks that use to have them on either left or right channels only and tracks with the annoying "ping pong" stereo mixes are now adjusted, similar to mono, with slight stereo echo effects. Some may argue this isn't pure, but the new mixes sound much cleaner and more alive!

[musicworthbuying]

@MattBartolomeo I have heard them and I agree with you. 

[Dodo251]

These are the reviews I really like. Not those crap videos made by some teenage poser.

[musicworthbuying]

@Dodo251 Thanks. Glad you liked them.

[leoxfactor]

I have both versions stereo and mono. Some i like more in stereo and some others in mono. But sincerelly tomorrow never knows stereo beats the mono version, the drums sounds icredibly, and the music flows pretty well, in mono the music sounds so low, contained and shy unlike Taxman wich saiounds fuller in mono.

[musicworthbuying]

@leoxfactor : I personally prefer the mono version of Tomorrow Never Knows, but all our opinions are subjective. I like the mono version of Sgt Pepper better than the new Stereo remaster. I thought the White album was a whole new experience in mono, but that being said, I thought the new stereo remaster of the White Album was a huge improvement over the 87 remasters (I like them both equally).

Thanks for your comments and feedback

[benjbass32]

WAY too much time talking about the packaging. I would like to have heard much more about the musical comparisons. To speak of a different vocal in Help! and then not play it is a big tease. You guys get a C minus on this report.

[musicworthbuying]

We always talk about the packaging in all of our shows so that people can know what else they are getting beyond just the audio. And there is already another video on youtube that covers the audio examples...I just sent you link for that.

[chinawhitenl]

Wow guys, a lot of things I did not know, GREAT! The Beatles rule anayway. (even when an album like Rubber Soul was released before I was born.) Timeless classics you never get tired of. Thanks for sharing!

Peter

[musicworthbuying]

Thanks for your comment. We appreciate it.