AwayWeGo
Group: Members
Posts: 49
Joined: Feb. 2015 |
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Posted: July 15 2015, 17:11 |
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So, I bought the "Boxed" (CD) set from Amazon.co.uk. I found it from a German retailer.
I listened...
Oh boy...
For the record, if anyone has said that the Boxed version of Ommadawn isn't all that different, I have to greatly disagree. I noticed many differences right away.
So what are the differences? Mainly, dynamics, dynamics, dynamics. The first thing I noticed was that certain parts stuck out as bright and loud that hadn't in either the 1975 or 2010 mix. This mainly happened with the guitars and drums. However, a new mix isn't just about volume levels. It's an entire new relationship of all the complex parts, with altered textures, expressions, etc. You really have to just listen to see what they are. But, I will still try to summarize.
So, here are a few big things I noticed
Part 1
The dynamic ranges of some instruments make the haunting melodies a bit more emotional. There is no one change that happens, but as with any other mix, it's a collection of things. Mainly, changes in the depth of reverb, some parts being lowered in volume while others are raised, and some changes in texture. I like the slightly different atmosphere this gives the opening melody.
One thing I really did not like, however, was that during one portion of Part 1, the instruments suddenly increased in volume, and the result was a mix that let out a splat that made it sound as if someone had let out a huge fart next to the microphone. This happened very briefly though, so it is forgivable.
The chanting started off as very loud for a split second, then returned to more normal volume.
The ending was slightly less intense than I had hoped in terms of dynamics. Less intense than the '75 mix, but definitely more dynamically diverse than that awful 2010 mix flattening.
The drums go on for a RIDICULOUS amount of time at the ending, and I love it. They even fade out, and then briefly back in right before the track ends. It's almost comical.
Overall, VERY good Part 1
Part 2
This mix is closer to the 1975 mix than Part 1 is. I would say the beginning parts are nothing special. BUT THEN...
When that woodwind instrument starts (you know, the really loud one), it's FINALLY not so very loud this time around. This makes the music more smooth and easy to listen to, as well as more emotional.
When the minor sad melody starts after that, it has more reverb, and is brighter and louder. This is great in my opinion. And the magic keeps happening...
The high-pitched lead-in to the finale comes crashing in loud and proud. This is how I think it should be. It sounds more confident.
The outro, which I call the "folk stomp" section, has much louder percussion than before. The emotions keep building with better dynamics, but then a slight letdown happens when you can hear a male vocalist singing the chord melody (presumably Mike). I find it a bit distracting.
The last guitar strum and percussion hit, the last on the album before "On Horseback" starts, is not as loud as I'd hoped, since on the 1975 mix it ends with much intensity. This is probably my biggest problem with this version of the album (if you can even call it a "problem") but really, I'll take it for the beautiful mix this album offers.
"On Horseback" has a nice easy-listening mix. It's more true to the '75 mix than the 2010 mix was. The kids' voices are lowered so they fit into the mix better. A nice finishing touch.
Overall, LOVE IT. Very expressive, and very emotional. I would recommend it to any die-hard Oldfield fan.
I would recommend searching on different Amazon markets (UK, Japan, USA, etc) to find a low price on a used copy.
I truly would just upload a WAV version of the album for eveyone to hear if I weren't afraid of the copyright giants coming after me
Thanks for reading guys. Let me know what you think if you too have a copy, or if you have any questions. I might post another thread just about the other "Boxed" mixes and extra content.
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