Cocteau Twins remastered

[mysticaldodo]

I notice the cds come in fold in cardboard packaging without any booklets! The cds are gold and I notice theres a slit on the left cardboard, maybe a booklet was suppose to be there? I 've checked out many shops and they are all the same thing.

I', wondering did anyone else buy the remastered cds?

 

[Oski]

Cool, thanks for the heads up. I'm going to get Star and Topsoil either tonight or tomorrow. I'll let you know how it's packaged.

 

[markl]

IMO, the remastered Twins catalog is a sonic travesty, almost unlistenable.

They are LOUD, abrasive, with BRIGHT treble that has edges that can saw into your eardrums. Very disappointing. (And they were "remastered" by one of the band members, too, yikes! What was he thinking?) I would hunt down the originals, while hardly sonic marvels, at least you can listen to them.

 

[Oski]

Just got the Stars and Topsoil CD and listening to it right now out of my speaker system. Yes, it is brighter, edgier, and harder sounding than the original versions on CD, but I do rather like the increased dimension, definition, and air. Somehow the added air and lightness is apt for the ethereal quality of their songs and the brightness seems to highlight Elizabeth Fraser's siren-like voice, where it was dulled by the former murkiness. But I certainly wouldn't want to listen to the CD on an overly bright system or Ety's...it would probably be like fingernails on the chalkboard.

Sadly the songs from Heaven or Las Vegas (my favorite CT album) do not benefit all that much from the remastering, the original master tape must not have been very well recorded.

As for the packaging, mine came in a regular plastic jewel case with a grey disk and a booklet. The booklet contains 6 pages of rambling recollections and musings by Alan Werner in 2000, followed by the playlist with the original album title and year of release. I'm not quite sure why yours was in a cardboard (digipack?) package. But then again I got mine at this neighborhood CD store called Future Legends her in NYC on 9th Ave. and 53rd Street for $12.99, so I'm not sure if it's the regular commercial version of the CD.

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by markl IMO, the remastered Twins catalog is a sonic travesty, almost unlistenable. They are LOUD, abrasive, with BRIGHT treble that has edges that can saw into your eardrums. Very disappointing. (And they were "remastered" by one of the band members, too, yikes! What was he thinking?) I would hunt down the originals, while hardly sonic marvels, at least you can listen to them.

That's harsh dude......but unfortunately a correct assessment of recent remastered CDs sound, mine were in jewel cases purchased 1-2 years ago. The original CDs are really no better sounding, same problems as remasters.
Also a "travesty" why no bonus tracks? Same tracks as original record with 1/2 the CD blank space, CT has a ton of non album material that could have been added.

If you have ever heard the original 4AD vinyl record releases they sound fabulous, so CT needs a real professional to do proper CD remasters with bonus tracks instead of what we have now.

 

[EdipisReks]

i don't even care about bonus tracks, i just want the CD's to be mastered properly.

 

[chillysalsa]

Comparaing the original and remastered Garlands CD, I agree with Markl.

It seems like the remastering consisted of boosting treble and bass, and making it louder. And presto - dynamic range has dissappeared while at the same time emphasizing the digital harshness!

 

[mysticaldodo]

I'll post pictures here....I've got to learn how to. I want you all to see what I the heck I bought

Anyway the back says 4AD, doesn't say remastered anywhere. I bought Blue Knoll that day and I thought it sounded quite nice. Bass was ok and everything seems clear. I think it compares favourably to the recording quality of Milk and Kisses (the original one)

I just bought Treasures today

And I saw Garland (original) and Head over Heels (probably remastered). Ohhh...should I?

 

[mysticaldodo]

how do I show upload images?

 

[mysticaldodo]

I check the FAQ but still no idea...anyway here are 2 more....no booklet as can be seen

 

[DarkAngel]

Yes images can be seen, but even though these have digipak I suspect the CT CDs will have the poor sounding 2003 remaster we have been discussing before.....with no bonus tracks (unless you have some unusual imported version)

Back in late 1980's 4AD was more generous and briefly sold treasure/victorialand on one CD!
Plus briefly had head over heels/sunburst & snowblind EP on one CD!

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdipisReks i don't even care about bonus tracks, i just want the CD's to be mastered properly.

Don't encourage groups to sell us 30-40 minute CDs.......bonus tracks should always be included on remasters.

 

[mysticaldodo]

The sound is fine....comparable to Milk and Kisses. I HOPE they're not the remastered though. Its EVIL of them to not put in a booklet (feels somewhat incomplete

). I paid USD 10 for each though....slightly cheaper then most imported cds from where I come from.

 

[Oski]

Mysticaldodo, where are you located...Malaysia (M'sia)? CDs are produced and distributed separately by region. Even in North America there are differences between US and Canadian releases.

I've bought CDs from Japan, HK, Taiwan, and the Philippines during my travels and they are sometimes different. My Coldplay Parachutes came packaged with an acoustics bonus disk which was pretty cool.

It may say on the packaging where it was manufactured or distributed. Otherwise, looking at my CD (US version) for Stars & Topsoil, it doesn't say remastered anywhere, except on a sticker afixed to the cellophane wrapping on the CD originally. Otherwise on the disk itself, it says 4AD, CAD 2K19 CD made in the usa (and again, the dist art is in gray with cream lettering).

 

[DarkAngel]

I just found out CT has released two 2CD sets Lullabies to Violaine I, II 1982-96 that contain the material in the large 1991 singles boxset (which is not listed used anymore used at Amazon) plus newer work since then

Also comes in a more deluxe (and more expensive) 4CD package.

We can only pray that these improve upon the remasters done a few years back, this release was 3/2006 on 4AD label. From CT website this info for LTV:
Mastered by Robin Guthrie with Walter Coelho at Masterpiece.
Analog tape transfers by John Dent at Loud.
Seems to be basically same team that did "stars & topsoil" collection which was not great sounding for me, but perhaps they have improved since then.

I took a chance and ordered both, although most of the good stuff is on Violaine I if you only can get one. I have the Cocteau Twins 1991 singles boxset also, 10 CDs with original cover artwork for each slipcase, worth the price used I paid just for cool package.