Appleyard
First let me mention i am a great advocate on surround sound, i take self proud on make sure i got a decent soundstage and sound gear on this purpose, hence i am tempted to give you some comments on your mixes, but overall is of my humble opinion that little Giles can use your advice in future surround mixes, and you make me wonder what you can do in case you have access the original multitracks, kudos to you.
Now on the review, i took the liberty on going track by track, for each so here it goes (first is Beatles for Sale):
Beatles for Sale
- No Reply - Nice sound stage, i love what you did with the guitars on the rears on this one, and the LFE signal picks up really nicely, no distortion, also the elements on the left, right and center channels are nicely used, the voice placement is on point and the drums kick ass and wisely positioned in the soundstage. The piano shines is an outstanding piece which is more clear now
- I'm a Loser - The tremolo in the guitar in the rears is a nice touch, is a nice contrast on George Licks in the front, and what was that a "pea shaker"? before the middle eight? wow is as clear as if it is in the middle of the room, the harmonica coming from rear and front nice work
- Baby's in Black - I got surprised and in awe on this, i liked the song before, but somehow the placement on the sound stage make the song sound more "dirty" heavy and bleak (in a good way) upon the subject matter, the accousting Gibson's and the twelve string in the back helps with the song contrast, and the drums, man... you make Ringo sound like a heavy metal drummer and the LFE on my system can testify about that
- Rock And Roll music - Is everything you expect to hear on a 5.1 soundstage on a straight forward Rock and Roll song, Kudos to sir George Martin on the Piano, i mean, wow, is the highlight of the song along with Ringo Drums and Paul's bass and the cherry on top, John's Voice coming from the center... The best Rock and Roll singer of his time
- I'll Follow the Sun - A nice contrast against the first 4 tracks, the acoustics surrounds you from the rears and then the lead on front, highlighted by Paul's voice
- Mr. Moonlight - That 3 part harmony is killer for a really mediocre song (i would rather prefer they had chose "Leave me Kitten Alone" instead) and John's initial scream made my skin tingle, the way you handle the Hammond was a nice touch, is not too dominant in the soundstage and in the bridge is really smooth, again i enjoyed the way you used the guitars on the rears, it allows you to enjoy the refrain they made with the lead guitar ("twang, twang, twang twang..."
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
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- Kansas City (hey, hey hey hey) - Not too much to say here pretty straight forward Rock, but Paul's voice, damm Paul McCartney along with John the best rock voices, and the answer coming from the rears nice touch, the drums from Ringo, i can't but thank you for the way you mixed them, Ringo Star was a kick ass drummer
- Eight Days a Week - Clever use of the soundstage, the handclaps with the Rythm guitar in the back, John and Paul's voice coming from the front, again an intelligent use of the LFE which mostly highlight Paul's use of the bass, you made me wish the intro and the outro lasted longer
- Words of Love - I loved this mix so much, because it highlights the vocal harmonies, the guitar and bass work, very well balanced mix, it makes you wonder what Buddy Holly would have think on this version,... he may be jealous, it highlights how good were the Beatles as a vocal group, but also as instrumentalists
- Honey Don't - The lead guitar coming from the rear, did not expected that, then the Gibson's, very well balanced mix, it sounds as if Ringo was hitting the cymbals directly in your living room, this place you in the middle of the action as if you were in a live presentation.
- Every Little Thing - I always loved this song, and was looking forward to hear your 5.1 mix, in all honesty while i think is a good mix, i was expecting more of it, although is well balanced, for some reason it sounds a bit muddy on the percussions section also the vocals sound a little convoluted to me (maybe is just my perception)
- I Don't Want To Spoil the Party - again clever use of the rears in this one, also the elements are nicely balanced on the mix, the vocals mostly coming from the center helps in maintaining the focus on the song while allowing you to enjoy the rest of the instrumentation elements
- What You're doing - This mix sounds angry, in a hurry, dirty, nice touch on the vocal placement in the center and the "responses" coming from the rears, it helps the song overall mood, and again Ringo Drums and Paul's bass are a highlight... but guess what, not so much as George lead guitar, it is the real highlight in the mix, nice work
- Everybody's trying to be my Baby - Straight forward Rock on an Straight Forward?
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5.1 mix you can close your eyes with this one and try to imagine what it would have been to be on the Star Club while they were playing this, that is how powerful the mix sounds
GILES IF YOU ARE READING THIS HAVE A LISTEN AT THIS MIX! you could learn a lot!