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View Full Version : Thick As A Brick 40th. anniversary special edition



Progatron
11-07-2012, 04:14 PM
This arrived today from amazon - what a beautiful set! A nice thick book with lots of stuff to check out while I listen. I didn't check out the online stream, I want the full effect of this new mix (fingers crossed that it's good!). Going to finish up a few little errands and then settle down to spend the evening with this DVD X) . It's a little bigger than I thought it would be, but will fit perfectly on the shelf alongside the other boxed sets of this style.

calyx
11-07-2012, 04:27 PM
Bought this today - 20 euros seemed a very reasonable price for the package. The only downside is the almost total lack of additions to the album itself - the "almost" being a 1972 radio ad. But the booklet is cool, with nice photos and essays.

NotTheMama
11-07-2012, 07:18 PM
Considering how this album was written and recorded, I'd be a little surprised if there was any extra material. It seems like they squeezed the music they had as hard as they could to get a full album.

Progatron
11-07-2012, 07:22 PM
A '72 live show would be a great bonus!

mpoll
11-07-2012, 08:36 PM
Listened to TAAB 40 twice now over the past two days.

The jury's still out. :
- It's very clear. :)
- But it's different (duh, it's a re-mix!). :doh
- Maybe when you've heard something, well, probably a thousand times over 40 years, it takes a bit of time to adjust. :meh

Not giving up yet. Only 998 plays to go.......I'll get back to you.

The packaging is excellent, however.

Progatron
11-07-2012, 09:01 PM
- Maybe when you've heard something, well, probably a thousand times over 40 years, it takes a bit of time to adjust. :meh


To me, that's what makes these remixes easier to get into and enjoy. The Genesis boxes are a good example - a lot people hate the new mixes, but I know those albums like the back of my hand so it's fun to hear a different take on them. When I am less familiar with an album, maybe I would find it more irritating or at least confusing. But all these Wilson classic-prog-album remixes are great for me. I remain ever hopeful that he is allowed to get his hands on A Passion Play too!

I really enjoyed TAAB tonight, although I just went with the 96/24 stereo mix on the DVD because my 5.1 seems to be acting up (I noticed it straight away when the flute in the early seconds of the song was almost non-existent). Thoroughly enjoyed it. :cool

Dok
11-07-2012, 11:38 PM
Listened to TAAB 40 twice now over the past two days.

The jury's still out. :
- It's very clear. :)
- But it's different (duh, it's a re-mix!). :doh
- Maybe when you've heard something, well, probably a thousand times over 40 years, it takes a bit of time to adjust. :meh

Not giving up yet. Only 998 plays to go.......I'll get back to you.

The packaging is excellent, however.

Have to agree... what struck me right off was Barrie Barlow's drums however. Sizzling! Can you imagine this album with Clive Bunker in the drum seat?

Arkangel3
11-08-2012, 06:11 PM
Have to agree... what struck me right off was Barrie Barlow's drums however. Sizzling! Can you imagine this album with Clive Bunker in the drum seat?

Completely agree! What an incredible job with the drums, cymbals, and other tuned percussion (the glockenspiel is like listening to crystal!) Although I don't think Clive would have quite fit this kind of music. Barrie just was a complete monster on this album much like Bruford was to Close To The Edge.

I absolutely love the new stereo mix (on CD and Advanced Rez); makes it sound even better than I ever thought it would for 2.0 The 5.1 however, is gorgeous! Nice sound stage with lots of great things happening all over the place, especially solid front sound. There's a great part with a cymbal crash, snare, and hi hat that pans around the room and seems to swirl into the center of the room during a section of Side One (I *loved* how Steven Wilson called it "Side" One and Two :) ) that really took me by surprise and made me go, "Wow!" out loud. Only SW's mixes actually make me do that. Say what you want about the remix (which I think is amazing), but SW just really knows 5.1 better than any engineer around these days. He knows when to use the occasional gimmick if it adds to the music, and really keep things straight up and honor the music for the rest of the time.

As to the remix...well, it's *different*. Just like his LTiA is *different*. It accentuates pieces of the music that were always there but not only were never heard properly, but are such that they are just damned interesting to listen to when he brings them out in the remix. This is a very warm sounding album, but there are a couple of parts that I found interesting choices in terms of *volume*. Where you usually hear familiar crescendos in an increase in volume, he tends to accentuate different crescendos in the same part of the score (within a couple of bars of the familiar). It does catch you off guard when you are expecting the score to be loud in one part and 4 or 8 bars later there is the loudness in the mix in a spot where it never was before but for some strange reason it just tends to fit there. SW *listens*. That's a big positive I can say about the guy; he dearly cherishes what he engineers and knows the work...but he listens to what's underneath things and brightens the whole picture.

This is really well done and thoroughly enjoyable...and I don't have to worry about folding out a newspaper anymore. It's nicely fit in a beautiful booklet inside the package with some excellent new articles about the album along with some very cool photos. One of the best re-releases of the year.

JIF
11-09-2012, 12:39 AM
The Best Buy website shows that this will be released on Tuesday. Is that the U.S version?

Rand Kelly
11-09-2012, 03:01 AM
I want this one bad.

Progatron
11-09-2012, 07:16 AM
Listened to it several times already since getting it on Wednesday. Most enjoyable!

Moonchild_deleted
11-09-2012, 01:57 PM
funny that none of ‘golden ears’ around here have noticed the ‘glitches’…that others are reporting.

flytomars
11-09-2012, 02:56 PM
I dont mind the glitches (havent read anything but spotted 2 so far), but what does bother me is that I do not enjoy the 5.1 as much as I expected to.
Of course, this is completely subjective, and perhaps my expectations were too high, but I find something lacking in the 5.1 mix and I cant put my finger on it-
The mix is done "by the book", everything is placed as it should, the different channels are very clear and detailed,
really I have nothing bad to say about it (apart for the above mention glitches, which like I said, do not affect my overall listening experience),
But still- something is just missing.
Mabe I just listened to this piece too many times to still enjoy it, its a possibility :)

Neil Palfreyman
11-09-2012, 03:58 PM
I just listened to the 5.1 DTS mix and really enjoyed it ...thought it was very tastefully done.

trurl
11-09-2012, 04:19 PM
Like, what kind of glitches? I haven't bought this yet and I'd like to know...

Progatron
11-09-2012, 04:24 PM
I'd also like to know what glitches people are referring to. I did notice a skip at one point early on, but chalked that up to my player itself. Is it the disc then? Or the actual ones and zeroes?

Adm.Kirk
11-09-2012, 09:43 PM
I got the vinyl box today. Expensive, but a nice package. The book is done well. I got it mainly because I wanted TAAB 2 on vinyl. I'll have a go with it tonight and see what my impressions are.

Bill

zombywoof
11-09-2012, 10:11 PM
^ Could you perhaps take some photos of the vinyl set? Would love to see it.

Firth
11-09-2012, 10:27 PM
I read on Amazon :There is a production defect with the 5.1 DVD. At times 2:32, 2:48 & 3:03 of "Side 1" there is audio defect that is heard.

I also read that Anderson's thick as a brink ending was cut off

What format is the 5.1 in? Data rate?

zombywoof
11-09-2012, 10:29 PM
I also read that Anderson's thick as a bring ending was cut off


Yep, the little "Yeah..." at the end of Part 2. The only CD that has it (that I know of) is the MFSL.

Mr Class & Quality?
11-09-2012, 10:53 PM
Playing the 96/24 stereo remix on the DVD at the moment. Don't like it. I'll be buggered if I can tell the difference between this and the original mix!? That said, it is not the mix that bothers me most. I think this release has been screwed up in the mastering. It is too loud and trebly for these ears. Nice packaging though.

flytomars
11-10-2012, 06:53 AM
I think this release has been screwed up in the mastering. It is too loud and trebly for these ears.

Dont know about loud, the 5.1 at least, but yeah- mabe its a bit too trebly, and missing some juevos.
I am however warming up to the 5.1 mix, perhaps its something that needs to get used to.

Guitarplyrjvb
11-10-2012, 10:43 AM
I hate to say this: I find TAAB to be the most overrated of Tull's records. It basically beats one or two themes to death! I like it, sure, but I'm not going to buy another copy just to hear a remix. Passion Play is the one long form Tull work for me! I find it far superior!

zombywoof
11-10-2012, 11:08 AM
I hate to say this: I find TAAB to be the most overrated of Tull's records. It basically beats one or two themes to death! I like it, sure, but I'm not going to buy another copy just to hear a remix. Passion Play is the one long form Tull work for me! I find it far superior!

Surely, Aqualung is the most overrated! But I do prefer APP...

Adm.Kirk
11-10-2012, 01:24 PM
http://www.amazon.com/Thick-Brick-Special-Vinyl-Collection/dp/B008S6B44Y/ref=sr_1_5?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1352571805&sr=1-5&keywords=Jethro+Tull+Thick+As+A+Brick+40th+Anniver sary+vinyl

Well there are pictures of it on Amazon that will do. I will try to get some photos uploaded.

Bill

Trane
11-11-2012, 03:17 AM
To me, that's what makes these remixes easier to get into and enjoy. The Genesis boxes are a good example - a lot people hate the new mixes, but I know those albums like the back of my hand so it's fun to hear a different take on them. When I am less familiar with an album, maybe I would find it more irritating or at least confusing. But all these Wilson classic-prog-album remixes are great for me. I remain ever hopeful that he is allowed to get his hands on A Passion Play too!



Are you not confusing the remix and remastered version for Genesis, by any chance

As far as I know the Genesis boxes are remastered (both in 2.0 and 5.1) but not remixed

The only remixes I'm aware of are the tracks on that two disc collection here below

http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=7373

Progatron
11-11-2012, 08:09 AM
I hate to say this: I find TAAB to be the most overrated of Tull's records. Passion Play is the one long form Tull work for me!

A Passion Play is my favourite too, but TAAB is not far behind it. The whole period is top drawer for me!



Are you not confusing the remix and remastered version for Genesis, by any chance

As far as I know the Genesis boxes are remastered (both in 2.0 and 5.1) but not remixed

Nope, not confused. :p All four of those boxes are completely remixed, from Trespass through to Calling All Stations, including the b-side tracks. Some are noticeably different, and had some fans up in arms about it.

flytomars
11-11-2012, 09:45 AM
As far as I know the Genesis boxes are remastered (both in 2.0 and 5.1) but not remixed



How can the 5.1 be remastered if this is the first time it ever gets a master? :)

Firth
11-11-2012, 10:30 AM
As far as I know the Genesis boxes are remastered (both in 2.0 and 5.1) but not remixed
http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=7373

Unlike the more recent 5.1 remix releases, the Genesis box sets did not include the original mixes, remastered or not. Presenting the original mix in an high res format and with a remastering (if needed because the previous mastering had limitations) is a good idea because one can compare the original mix to the new mix, with comparable mastering. On the Wish You Were Here blu-ray, the original mixes were obviously lacking in dynamic range and clarity, even though presented in a high res format.

I still don't understand why TAAB 5.1 isn't provided in a high res format. Doe anybody know what the bit rate is, when playing the 5.1 on this DVD?

timmy
11-11-2012, 10:57 AM
sorry if this has been answered previously but is there any possibility of APP getting an overhaul?

oshfr
11-11-2012, 11:01 AM
Been following this board awhile and this is my first post. Thanks all for the comments on this set. I'm returning it tomorrow unopened and getting a refund. Reading about glitches just makes it not worth it.

UnephenStephen
11-11-2012, 11:10 AM
The Best Buy website shows that this will be released on Tuesday. Is that the U.S version?it's already out there. just got mine yesterday after ordering it from Amazon last week. and it is awesome. beautiful packaging.

flytomars
11-11-2012, 11:11 AM
Been following this board awhile and this is my first post. Thanks all for the comments on this set. I'm returning it tomorrow unopened and getting a refund. Reading about glitches just makes it not worth it.

AFAIK, the glitches are only on the 5.1 and hardly hinder the listening experience- I still think this box is well worth the money, but YMMV

oshfr
11-11-2012, 11:51 AM
AFAIK, the glitches are only on the 5.1 and hardly hinder the listening experience- I still think this box is well worth the money, but YMMV

As I bought it for the 5.1 this is a huge deal breaker for me. Quality control has become much worse within the music industry lately and problems with many reissues has made me very weary of these purchases as it has become more common than ever (except for Crimson and Nick Cave which have all been glitch free). I recently have started to just wait for the reviews before purchasing but I took a chance at preordering Thick as A Brick and now regret it. I will only wait until the reviews and comments come in from now on for these type of reissues. I would also like to pick up the Rush Sector Boxes which I avoided but am worried I am going to get old stock that were never replaced. I'm going to continue to avoid them as I don't trust what is out there.

playbass
11-11-2012, 03:25 PM
AFAIK, the glitches are only on the 5.1 and hardly hinder the listening experience- I still think this box is well worth the money, but YMMV

I think there is a glitch in the stereo remix as well. At the beginning of part 2 when Ian sings "See there! A man born and we pronounce him fit for peace." the words "there" and "born" are missing from the vocals, the vocals just cut out. At least on my copy they do. Haven't listened to the 5.1 yet.

On the whole, I'm a bit disappoint about TAAB remix. Other than the acoustic instruments (which really do sound brilliant on this remix) the other instruments are not as good as the 97 remaster. Just my opinion, YMMV

Trane
11-11-2012, 05:30 PM
Nope, not confused. :p All four of those boxes are completely remixed, from Trespass through to Calling All Stations, including the b-side tracks. Some are noticeably different, and had some fans up in arms about it.

OK, I must admit I only bought the Gabe years boxset (plus TOTT as a separate from its boxset), and mainly for the filmed concerts... And to be honest, I'm not sure I ever heard the remixes... Are there any really notable differences (without going into nitpicking)??

ca1ore
11-11-2012, 09:40 PM
OK, I must admit I only bought the Gabe years boxset (plus TOTT as a separate from its boxset), and mainly for the filmed concerts... And to be honest, I'm not sure I ever heard the remixes... Are there any really notable differences (without going into nitpicking)??

IMO, the only real reason to buy the remixed box sets is to hear the albums in surround. Some of the extras are nice, although many had been available previously. I still prefer the older mixes for 2-channel, and those are the ones that I have loaded onto my iPod.

JIF
11-11-2012, 10:07 PM
it's already out there. just got mine yesterday after ordering it from Amazon last week. and it is awesome. beautiful packaging.My Amazon(the one in the U.S) shows that the TAAB remix is an import, while the Best Buy website says that the domestic U.S version is coming this Tuesday. Sorry, but I like to but domestic(not import).

JIF
11-11-2012, 10:09 PM
sorry if this has been answered previously but is there any possibility of APP getting an overhaul?I remember reading in an online interview with SW that he would like to work on APP, but it probably won't get a remix cause APP was no well review when it was released.

ca1ore
11-12-2012, 10:12 AM
sorry if this has been answered previously but is there any possibility of APP getting an overhaul?

Saw an interivew with AP a while back who said that while he'd love a go at the back catalog in surround, it was up to the label (Arista? - can't recall) who apparently were not interested. In Air was done, but that's it.

Joe F.
11-12-2012, 10:27 AM
Saw an interivew with AP a while back who said that while he'd love a go at the back catalog in surround, it was up to the label (Arista? - can't recall) who apparently were not interested. In Air was done, but that's it.

In a Jethro Tull thread it's safe to assume that APP = A Passion Play and not Alan Parsons Project. ;)

UnephenStephen
11-12-2012, 11:20 AM
My Amazon(the one in the U.S) shows that the TAAB remix is an import, while the Best Buy website says that the domestic U.S version is coming this Tuesday. Sorry, but I like to but domestic(not import).looks like mine was an import (didn't notice) but you know what? it was the same price that BB is listing it as ($27). came quickly too. i ordered it on the 7th and it arrived on the 9th.

RobT
11-12-2012, 12:03 PM
Thoroughly enjoying it. Almost as much as LTIA andextremely happy that it is nothing like the teo Emerson, Lake and Palmer re-mixes!

ca1ore
11-12-2012, 12:14 PM
Ah, yes, of course you are correct - I shall escort myself to the woodshed. This is what happens when one tries to do to many things at the same time. My bad!

Progatron
11-12-2012, 12:17 PM
Ah, yes, of course you are correct - I shall escort myself to the woodshed. This is what happens when one tries to do to many things at the same time. My bad!

Say three Hail Ians and recite the entire "Hare Who Lost His Spectacles" and you shall be redeemed.

zombywoof
11-12-2012, 02:12 PM
I remember reading in an online interview with SW that he would like to work on APP, but it probably won't get a remix cause APP was no well review when it was released.

God, I hope not. Ian wants to thin out the instrumentation on the remix. Not cool.

gregory
11-12-2012, 05:18 PM
I remember reading in an online interview with SW that he would like to work on APP, but it probably won't get a remix cause APP was no well review when it was released.

How could that be, when it went number 1 in US?

Troopers For Sound
11-12-2012, 05:26 PM
Yep, the little "Yeah..." at the end of Part 2. The only CD that has it (that I know of) is the MFSL.

That always really bugged me about the 1997 remaster...a small detail, but still. Of all SW's recent remixing jobs this is the one that interests me the least simply because i find the original recording/mix to be simply stunning. Those acoustic guitars sound just wonderful, especially towards the end of side 1.

Matt.

JIF
11-12-2012, 05:35 PM
How could that be, when it went number 1 in US?Something selling well and being well-received by the music press are two different things. Yes, it did go to #1 in the U.S, but the critics were not too kind to it(read the APP remaster liner notes). This is probably why War Child abandoned the suites of TAAB and APP and went back to the "songs" of Aqualung.

Moonchild_deleted
11-13-2012, 12:45 AM
I remember one cd version of TAAB that had only one track indexed. Anyone know what edition that was? I have it loaded into i-tunes but forget which cd it came from. BTW i’m not buying this edition till the glitches are fixed, if at all.

gregory
11-13-2012, 04:14 AM
Something selling well and being well-received by the music press are two different things. Yes, it did go to #1 in the U.S, but the critics were not too kind to it(read the APP remaster liner notes). This is probably why War Child abandoned the suites of TAAB and APP and went back to the "songs" of Aqualung.

Thick As A Brick was also Billboard's No 1 album. BTW, their number ones doesn't mean sales. I think it was about their general popularity.

JIF
11-13-2012, 05:16 AM
Thick As A Brick was also Billboard's No 1 album. BTW, their number ones doesn't mean sales. I think it was about their general popularity.That's right. Why did you question me, then?

zombywoof
11-13-2012, 06:17 AM
I remember one cd version of TAAB that had only one track indexed. Anyone know what edition that was? I have it loaded into i-tunes but forget which cd it came from. BTW i’m not buying this edition till the glitches are fixed, if at all.

Probably the Chrysalis Records CD from the 80s or 90s. I never owned it, but their issue of A Passion Play was a single track.

Jubal
11-13-2012, 06:28 AM
My geek son just got a used PS3. Of course, eh got and installed it the week I get this. When I tried listening to the 5.1 mix, the rear right channel was out. Yup- he accidentally disconnected it from the receiver.Haven't yet had all the kids out so I can give it a proper listen yet. Hopefully when they go see Wreck-It Ralph, I'll get that chance.
I did hear about the first five minutes and heard what I thought was a vocal glitch, almost like the the word was edited at the very end.
I will keep a pen & pad handy to note any glitches I find.
BTW, the DVD defaults to the 96/24 stereo mix.

Joe F.
11-13-2012, 08:18 AM
Thick As A Brick was also Billboard's No 1 album. BTW, their number ones doesn't mean sales. I think it was about their general popularity.

How on earth would they measure that? Sales?

Arkangel3
11-13-2012, 06:59 PM
I've listened twice more, and after three 5.1 listens, I can detect absolutely no defects on my copy

ca1ore
11-14-2012, 08:32 PM
I've listened twice more, and after three 5.1 listens, I can detect absolutely no defects on my copy

Wish I could say the same. Although I have not heard the 'glitches' that some people have reported, at about the six minute point the highs (particularly the cymbals) deteriorate into a phasey, distorted mess - almost unlistenable. I'm really debating what to do. If a replacement disc is forthcoming then I will hold tight, but if nothing has been announced within a week or so I'm afraid Amazon is getting it back. What a huge disappointment.

zombywoof
11-14-2012, 09:25 PM
From a FB connection who is affiliated with the Jethro Tull Board:

"STOP PRESS: AUDIO GLITICHES ON TAAB 40th Special Edition DVD

We have been alerted to the fact that there are three small audio glitches on the 5.1 streams on the DVD part of the Thick As A Brick Special Edition CD/DVD set. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Any new stock going into stores will be amended & for fans who’ve already purchased the set we will be making available a replacement DVD disc for you. More information to follow shortly. This occurred in the very final stage of mastering prior to manufacture of the commercial run of product and was not noticed until attentive early purchasers spotted the digital errors. With our apologies.

EMI Music, Ian Anderson and Steven Wilson."

Progatron
11-14-2012, 09:35 PM
Well there ya go, good news!

Moonchild_deleted
11-14-2012, 11:20 PM
thanks in advance for replacements, steven and ian…now, about the aqualung box...:yell

Trane
11-15-2012, 04:01 AM
From a FB connection who is affiliated with the Jethro Tull Board:

"STOP PRESS: AUDIO GLITICHES ON TAAB 40th Special Edition DVD

We have been alerted to the fact that there are three small audio glitches on the 5.1 streams on the DVD part of the Thick As A Brick Special Edition CD/DVD set. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Any new stock going into stores will be amended & for fans who’ve already purchased the set we will be making available a replacement DVD disc for you. More information to follow shortly. This occurred in the very final stage of mastering prior to manufacture of the commercial run of product and was not noticed until attentive early purchasers spotted the digital errors. With our apologies.

EMI Music, Ian Anderson and Steven Wilson."

Isn't this the secvond time it happens with Wilson remixes (KC's Lizard being the other)??

jkelman
11-15-2012, 07:27 AM
Isn't this the secvond time it happens with Wilson remixes (KC's Lizard being the other)??
Yes...but don't forget that Wilson only remixes. Has nothing to do with mastering or any other post-mix activities. So it's a coincidence, and nothing more....

gregory
11-16-2012, 06:17 PM
How on earth would they measure that? Sales?
Not only: citation index in media, the impact, TV shows, etc. The whole buzz about.

Progatron
11-25-2012, 03:21 PM
Any more news on the replacement discs?

ca1ore
11-26-2012, 11:35 PM
Any more news on the replacement discs?

Apparently SW has approved a replacement DVD that is a flat transfer sans glitches. I have not seen any information about how this new disc will be disseminated tho, nor timing.

battema
11-28-2012, 07:45 AM
I got this from the Burning Shed this morning:

"Hi,

Thanks for buying Jethro Tull Thick As A Brick (40th Anniversary Special Edition) (cd/dvd) from us.

As you may be aware there was a manufacturing problem with the DVD element of this album and we have been waiting for EMI to confirm a solution for all our customers to fix this.

Replacement DVDs are being produced now and as soon as we receive them here we'll be sending one to you. EMI haven't given us a delivery time but we certainly hope it won't take too long!

You don't need to do anything - we will send them out automatically and we do not need you to return anything to us.

Thanks for bearing with us on this. We can't wait for you to hear the full glory of the album as Steven Wilson truly intended!"

Pretty good customer service, IMHO.

flytomars
11-28-2012, 08:20 AM
Isn't this the secvond time it happens with Wilson remixes (KC's Lizard being the other)??

Excuse my ignorance, but whats wrong with Lizard? (apart from a different take of one of the instruments in the lizard suite, didnt notice anything wrong with it)

zombywoof
11-28-2012, 08:38 AM
"Thanks for bearing with us on this. We can't wait for you to hear the full glory of the album as Steven Wilson truly intended!"


It's like he thinks its *HIS* album.

calyx
11-28-2012, 09:07 AM
It's like he thinks its *HIS* album.

Cut the Wilson bashing a bit - this is PR blurb, not what Wilson himself said !

PotatoSolution
11-28-2012, 12:49 PM
The AV Club has posted a nice article about Thick As A Brick. Really don't mind if you sit this one out .... (http://www.avclub.com/articles/thick-as-a-brick-pleasures-of-the-long-song,89194/)

zombywoof
11-28-2012, 12:49 PM
Cut the Wilson bashing a bit - this is PR blurb, not what Wilson himself said !

True. You must admit, it could've been worded a bit better...

Progatron
11-28-2012, 02:49 PM
Hopefully those of us who purchased from amazon etc. will also be getting replacements...

ca1ore
11-28-2012, 06:17 PM
Hopefully those of us who purchased from amazon etc. will also be getting replacements...

I have never had a disc replacement done through Amazon. Was always done directly with the record company (Rhino in the case of Seconds Out; Universal? In the case of Rush). Amazon just tells me to return the set and they'll send a new one.

Jubal
11-28-2012, 06:31 PM
email from Burning Shed Records:

Hi,

Thanks for buying Jethro Tull Thick As A Brick (40th Anniversary Special Edition) (cd/dvd) from us.

As you may be aware there was a manufacturing problem with the DVD element of this album and we have been waiting for EMI to confirm a solution for all our customers to fix this.

Replacement DVDs are being produced now and as soon as we receive them here we'll be sending one to you. EMI haven't given us a delivery time but we certainly hope it won't take too long!

You don't need to do anything - we will send them out automatically and we do not need you to return anything to us.

Thanks for bearing with us on this. We can't wait for you to hear the full glory of the album as Steven Wilson truly intended!

Kind regards

jkelman
11-28-2012, 10:12 PM
email from Burning Shed Records:

Hi,

Thanks for buying Jethro Tull Thick As A Brick (40th Anniversary Special Edition) (cd/dvd) from us.

As you may be aware there was a manufacturing problem with the DVD element of this album and we have been waiting for EMI to confirm a solution for all our customers to fix this.

Replacement DVDs are being produced now and as soon as we receive them here we'll be sending one to you. EMI haven't given us a delivery time but we certainly hope it won't take too long!

You don't need to do anything - we will send them out automatically and we do not need you to return anything to us.

Thanks for bearing with us on this. We can't wait for you to hear the full glory of the album as Steven Wilson truly intended!

Kind regards
When I received this I sent a reply thanking them, and that this was the reason I purchase through them, even if sometimes a little more expensive. Ya can't beat this kind of attentiveness to customers - as much as I buy from amazon, and as much as I know they know who they've sold this title to, as happened with the Miles Davis box set a couple years back, it didn't cross their minds to be proactive and take care of everyone; they expected their customers to reach out to them, and then they'd take care of putting things right. They absolutely did, but at a time when records of purchases are kept, why should the customer who was sold a defective product do anything but expect the vendor to send a replacement if/when available, when it's a problem across the board.

Congrats, Burning Shed; if I had a "top vendor" in my best of list for the year, they'd absolutely be #1.

PiscesPraematurus
11-29-2012, 03:44 PM
Have to agree... what struck me right off was Barrie Barlow's drums however. Sizzling! Can you imagine this album with Clive Bunker in the drum seat?

I will always believe that BB was the greatest drummer of the progressive rock era.

battema
11-29-2012, 03:51 PM
When I received this I sent a reply thanking them, and that this was the reason I purchase through them, even if sometimes a little more expensive. Ya can't beat this kind of attentiveness to customers - as much as I buy from amazon, and as much as I know they know who they've sold this title to, as happened with the Miles Davis box set a couple years back, it didn't cross their minds to be proactive and take care of everyone; they expected their customers to reach out to them, and then they'd take care of putting things right. They absolutely did, but at a time when records of purchases are kept, why should the customer who was sold a defective product do anything but expect the vendor to send a replacement if/when available, when it's a problem across the board.

Congrats, Burning Shed; if I had a "top vendor" in my best of list for the year, they'd absolutely be #1.

Yeah, ditto for me. I have frequently used them instead of certain domestic vendors because of my confidence in them.

Dok
12-28-2012, 11:36 PM
Posted on the Hoffman forum -

The new selection # and UPC has been assigned for the replacement product:
Jethro Tull “Thick As A Brick 40th Anniv.” [CD/DVD Combo]
Selection #: 410722B
UPC: 5099974107223

If a consumer that resides in USA requires a replacement disc, they should send an email to: emiconsumer@emicapitol.com
The consumer should be prepared to provide proof of purchase, name and address and a replacement product will be mailed to them.

Should a customer want to return product, they may contact Capitol Customer Service at 800-914-8257 and pick-up can be arranged or sent back through the Capitol Returns Center in Franklin, IN.

jkelman
12-29-2012, 12:02 AM
And my copy of the replacement DVD arrived today in the mail...no muss, no fuss. Thank you Burning Shed! That others have to do something themselves, when we're talking online shop that can track who bought what, is really unfortunate. But at least there's a means to get the replacement.

Trane
12-29-2012, 03:57 AM
Does anyone have a detailed visual of the 40th anniv reissue??

I saw some "thing" rather weird in the shops earlier this week... a very weird format (slightly bigger than a DVD package (but much thicker, though), but smaller than those Genesis Archives boxsets)... Obviously unable to pay tribute to the original artwork... TAAB would be one of the rare example where the near-vinyl format would be justified, if the 180gr vinyl wasn't included

EDIT: just checked it.... Yup, that's what I saw.... a real bad choice IMHO >> missedopportunityland....

battema
12-29-2012, 07:49 AM
And my copy of the replacement DVD arrived today in the mail...no muss, no fuss. Thank you Burning Shed!

Yep, my replacement arrived in Virginia yesterday as well. Great service from Burning Shed (as usual).

BarryLI
12-29-2012, 08:15 AM
And my copy of the replacement DVD arrived today in the mail...no muss, no fuss. Thank you Burning Shed! That others have to do something themselves, when we're talking online shop that can track who bought what, is really unfortunate. But at least there's a means to get the replacement. You might want to eyeball the serial number, I also got my replacement from BS yesterday, listened to it last night and thought I was nuts when I heard the same error near the end of the DVD. Didn't think much of it but now that I see there is a different serial number for the replacement posted up I checked, and lo and behold I received the original flawed disc again, not the replacement one. I e-mailed BS, they were very surprised, said that the disc I received was sent to them by EMI so they're going to be checking the serial number from now on.

jkelman
12-30-2012, 12:24 AM
You might want to eyeball the serial number, I also got my replacement from BS yesterday, listened to it last night and thought I was nuts when I heard the same error near the end of the DVD. Didn't think much of it but now that I see there is a different serial number for the replacement posted up I checked, and lo and behold I received the original flawed disc again, not the replacement one. I e-mailed BS, they were very surprised, said that the disc I received was sent to them by EMI so they're going to be checking the serial number from now on.
Can you do me a favor and shoot me the serial # so I can check?: I trusted it would be the fixed version, and won't have time to check out the DVD for a bit...so if you can send the serial# so I can confirm I got the right one (or not) I'd really appreciate.

Tx!
John

BarryLI
12-30-2012, 03:34 AM
Can you do me a favor and shoot me the serial # so I can check?: I trusted it would be the fixed version, and won't have time to check out the DVD for a bit...so if you can send the serial# so I can confirm I got the right one (or not) I'd really appreciate.

Tx!
John

New: UPC: 5099974107223
Old: 5099970461992

jkelman
12-30-2012, 09:53 AM
New: UPC: 5099974107223
Old: 5099970461992
Dammit! I have the old one.thx.... :(

Jubal
12-30-2012, 10:08 AM
I ordered through Burning Shed. I haven't seen my replacement yet. I hate to say it, but I suspect EMI has no intention of fixing the issues.

Jubal
12-30-2012, 10:42 AM
I would like to know Steven Wilson's opinion of this situation. He will probably stay as far away as possible since he would be biting the hand that feeds him, so to speak.

JKL2000
12-30-2012, 12:17 PM
Is there a photo of the actual digibook edition online anywhere? I didn't even know it came in a digibook format until just no - I thought it was in a regular hardcover book size from the one photo that seems to be everywhere.

Jubal
12-30-2012, 12:57 PM
The size is 7.5" x 5.5" x 7/8". As for the display of the newspaper, the sections, type and pictures are the same size as the original vinyl cover. The book is extremely well done.
Here is an email I sent to Burning Shed, and a very timely response:
I have yet to receive my replacement DVD yet. I understand the postal service varies according to areas (especially mine), so that is not my issue. What concerns me is reading that the replacements that were sent out are the exact same discs that are considered defective. Is EMI attempting to back out of fixing this issue? Do they not realize that Prog fans are the most anal retentive listeners in existence? Of course we will notice the defects the second time around! I bought this set ONLY for the 5.1 mix. I could care less about the fancy package or even the remastered stereo CD. Please insure that I will eventually receive a defect free 5.1 DVD mix.

Hi Keith

Thanks for the email.

We've only just been told that the replacement discs MAY have a fault. We will be writing to EMI on the 3rd of January when we get back to the office (and we know they will be there).

If it is the case that the discs have an issue then we will inform everyone and let you all know what EMI are intending to do about it.

Kind regards

Pete Morgan
support@burningshed.co.uk

BarryLI
12-30-2012, 03:30 PM
The size is 7.5" x 5.5" x 7/8". As for the display of the newspaper, the sections, type and pictures are the same size as the original vinyl cover. The book is extremely well done.
Here is an email I sent to Burning Shed, and a very timely response:
I have yet to receive my replacement DVD yet. I understand the postal service varies according to areas (especially mine), so that is not my issue. What concerns me is reading that the replacements that were sent out are the exact same discs that are considered defective. Is EMI attempting to back out of fixing this issue? Do they not realize that Prog fans are the most anal retentive listeners in existence? Of course we will notice the defects the second time around! I bought this set ONLY for the 5.1 mix. I could care less about the fancy package or even the remastered stereo CD. Please insure that I will eventually receive a defect free 5.1 DVD mix.

Hi Keith

Thanks for the email.

We've only just been told that the replacement discs MAY have a fault. We will be writing to EMI on the 3rd of January when we get back to the office (and we know they will be there).

If it is the case that the discs have an issue then we will inform everyone and let you all know what EMI are intending to do about it.

Kind regards

Pete Morgan
support@burningshed.co.uk

As I stated above in my case there's no issue as to my "replacement disc having a fault", the issue is I didn't get one, I got the same DVD that was in the original package. I can both hear and read, I can hear the error and read the serial number, also.

Jubal
12-30-2012, 03:59 PM
As I stated above in my case there's no issue as to my "replacement disc having a fault", the issue is I didn't get one, I got the same DVD that was in the original package. I can both hear and read, I can hear the error and read the serial number, also.
Yeah, I forwarded that info to Pete Morgan, who said he had come here and read the threads before his second reply. I'm sure the folks at Burning Shed will have some rather pointed questions to the reps at EMI after the new year settles. I suspect a UPC was developed with no intention of creating a corrected disc. They simply ain't gonna get away with it without some Tull fans raising some serious Hell.

UnephenStephen
12-30-2012, 04:53 PM
ok, just to keep up, are most or all of the problems that have been described present on the DTS 5.1 version or the AC3 5.1 Dolby version (or both)? i can't play the DTS version because my micro system doesn't support it. i did however notice a lot of problems just within the first 5 mins of the AC3 version including: flute and guitar way down in the mix in various places where you can hardly hear it and another guitar part that is way too loud and sounds real twangy. for me the stereo remix sounded fine (i'm not that picky anyway) and i believe the CD played fine as well. has anybody else heard these same problems with AC3 version? i'm wondering if it's the disc or my stereo system.

JKL2000
12-30-2012, 05:33 PM
Yeah, I forwarded that info to Pete Morgan, who said he had come here and read the threads before his second reply. I'm sure the folks at Burning Shed will have some rather pointed questions to the reps at EMI after the new year settles. I suspect a UPC was developed with no intention of creating a corrected disc. They simply ain't gonna get away with it without some Tull fans raising some serious Hell.

Since someone above said he DID receive a corrected disk, doesn't it make more sense that EMI DID create a corrected disk, but for some reason some uncorrected disks were mistakenly sent out?

Jubal
12-30-2012, 06:02 PM
JKL,
Someone who had received their replacement from Burning Shed first noticed it had the same glitch, then compared the UPC to the old and new UPC. The replacement disc he received had the same identical UPC as the one that came with the set when he first bought it. I seriously doubt Burning Shed took DVDs out of their existing stock. It is more likely that they received a shipment of original DVDs. The questions remaining is where are the new ones, and when will they be sent out?
I have a business degree and tend to think that some business execs are greedy SOBs. In my mind, it wouldn't be totally crazy to think EMI simply created a UPC for a non-existent product. In other words, until I receive a corrected DVD, I suspect they will try to avoid the expense of mastering, burning and printing replacements. Yes, I have trust issues.

JKL2000
12-30-2012, 07:41 PM
Oops, I didn't see JKelman's 2nd post.

BarryLI
12-30-2012, 08:40 PM
JKL,
Someone who had received their replacement from Burning Shed first noticed it had the same glitch, then compared the UPC to the old and new UPC. The replacement disc he received had the same identical UPC as the one that came with the set when he first bought it. I seriously doubt Burning Shed took DVDs out of their existing stock. It is more likely that they received a shipment of original DVDs. The questions remaining is where are the new ones, and when will they be sent out?
I have a business degree and tend to think that some business execs are greedy SOBs. In my mind, it wouldn't be totally crazy to think EMI simply created a UPC for a non-existent product. In other words, until I receive a corrected DVD, I suspect they will try to avoid the expense of mastering, burning and printing replacements. Yes, I have trust issues. Or, OTOH they might have thought the public are such complete twits (Thick as a Brick?), that they'd gush at how wonderful EMI was sending a replacement disc without actually listening to it. I have to admit the thought of comparing serial numbers never occurred to me at all, I was shocked when I heard the original error again during the final chorus, it was only when I read the post above and saw the new serial number that the light went on and I compared them, and there was no surprise to see they were different. One of the posters above got the same disc too, so it ain't just me.

Dok
12-30-2012, 09:56 PM
The fixed replacement disc is a flat transfer of Steven Wilson's 5.1 mix (no Peter Mew remastering) and has the final 'yeah' at the very end... if in doubt go to the very end and if the 'yeah' is there you have the fixed disc, if not, it's the original.

Dok
12-30-2012, 10:01 PM
Here is Steven's posting on Hoffman's forum talking about the replacement -

Hello folks - just to clarify: the replacement DVD only replaces the 5.1 streams of my TAAB mix with a flat transfer, the stereo is still in mastered form. The glitches present in the original 5.1 mastering meant that EMI had to fix them, which gave me the opportunity to also persuade them to replace the mastered version with a flat transfer (having been on tour the first time the mastering was done, so unfortunately out of the loop). As there were no glitches on the stereo there wasn't the same opportunity there.

While I'm here a couple of other things to address. Somebody mentioned that I had deliberately sped up TAAB to make it sound brighter - though the conclusion (expressed as incontrovertible fact needless to say) is absurd, I can understand where the impression came from, as the remix does indeed run slightly faster towards the end. Or I should say that for the first time ever the TAAB remix runs at the *correct* speed throughout. All previous editions ran gradually slower and slower as the piece progressed, so that by the end the track is running about a third of a semitone flat / slow. We believe this was due to a fault with the tape machine used for the original mixdown.

Someone also mentioned that none of my mixes are "warm" - I'm not sure if that was meant as a criticism, or just an observation, but there would certainly be some truth in this. I'm not in the habit of adding brightness to things for the sake of it (though the ones that have been mastered have gained in that area in a way I can't say I like), so what you hear is pretty close to what is on the multitrack tapes. I'm by no means an expert on the effects of the analogue process on music, having grown up with and learned my trade on digital equipment, but it has become apparent to me in comparing the original mixes with what I hear coming off the multitrack tapes, that when the original mixes were done in the 60's/70's/80's, the process of mixing through an analogue desk onto 1/4 reel to reel running at 15 inches per second appears to have usually resulted in a lot of high end roll off, above 8K especially, and then usually nothing at all above say 14K. I think that this is what many people perceive to be "warmth", but in fact it is itself a distortion and compromise of sorts, and I have yet to find any artist who does not prefer the additional clarity and air at the top end that bypassing the analogue tape mixdown stage gives the music - essentially the way they recorded it. I say this of course with the caveat that many listeners may quite legitimately prefer the sonic signature of the analogue tape high end roll off. After all, give the same piece of music to 1,000 people and ask them to EQ it they way they want it (in other words be your own mastering engineer), and you will get 1,000 different settings. Which is why I largely favour to not EQ anything too much when it comes off the tapes, to have a flat CD transfer, and for the 5.1 to be uncompressed on Blu-Ray and/or DVDA. But at the end of the day as the remix engineer, mastering approach and format is something I can only suggest to the labels and artists (which is not to say that they aren't listening, and I do think things will take a turn for the better on the next Tull release, the issues with TAAB have been noted by all involved).

Hope that helps - best wishes for the new year!
SW

JKL2000
12-30-2012, 10:19 PM
I'm a little bummed that this set doesn't include the original mix on a CD too (I know it's on the DVD). Of course, I have my original MoFi CD so I can just hang onto that.

Jubal
12-31-2012, 08:47 AM
I'm a little bummed that this set doesn't include the original mix on a CD too (I know it's on the DVD). Of course, I have my original MoFi CD so I can just hang onto that.
Do you not have a DVD player? They make programs that allow you to digitally transfer the audio from DVD to wave files, and then burn to CD. It's really not very complicated.
BTW, I am certain there are still people here (not JKL2000 specifically) who do not realize that DVD players are also CD players. For those looking for a great sounding DVD or BluRay (which also plays CDs) player, I offer one word: Oppo.

flytomars
12-31-2012, 02:10 PM
Oppo is also great for surround :)
I just love my OPPO. (and no, I am not affiliated to them in any way).

Iszil
12-31-2012, 02:22 PM
I've always wondered if there's any other purpose to this releases other than just making money out of collectors...

Well, I'm being a bit bitter. I guess it would be nice to listen a whole new mix and remasterization of this great masterpiece. I hope it's worth it.

Jubal
12-31-2012, 03:14 PM
I received my replacement DVD today also. It is in fact the same as the original. The UPC # matches. I sincerely hope EMI will make this right.

JKL2000
12-31-2012, 06:52 PM
Do you not have a DVD player? They make programs that allow you to digitally transfer the audio from DVD to wave files, and then burn to CD. It's really not very complicated.
BTW, I am certain there are still people here (not JKL2000 specifically) who do not realize that DVD players are also CD players. For those looking for a great sounding DVD or BluRay (which also plays CDs) player, I offer one word: Oppo.

Yes, I have an Oppo DVD player, but it's not hooked up to a decent sound system. I used to use it as my primary CD player. Also, I do still listen to CDs in the car. So sue me! :)

Jubal
12-31-2012, 07:19 PM
Yes, I have an Oppo DVD player, but it's not hooked up to a decent sound system. I used to use it as my primary CD player. Also, I do still listen to CDs in the car. So sue me! :)
I used to listen to CDs in my car until it died. That is why I told you how you could convert it to CD.

ca1ore
01-01-2013, 12:59 PM
Appears that Amazon US has a second, new listing for this set available as of tomorrow (Jan 2nd). I presume that this will be the fixed set and that the original listing, still 'under review' will just be deleted. I guess I will just return my bum set and hope that the replacement is indeed the fixed set. Typical EMI cluster.

JKL2000
01-01-2013, 03:31 PM
Thanks, Jubal - I've ripped the audio from DVDs before. I just would have liked the original mix to have been included on CD in the set for the sake of the set being complete.

flytomars
01-01-2013, 06:58 PM
Hadnt listened yet to the DVD that arrived from burning shed, but it seems it is with the old UPC-
I dont have a way to listen to it for a few days, does the old UPC mean it is the version with the defects?
Anyone here received the fixed version and can comment about the overall sound sans-mastering?

ca1ore
01-02-2013, 06:28 PM
Hadnt listened yet to the DVD that arrived from burning shed, but it seems it is with the old UPC-
I dont have a way to listen to it for a few days, does the old UPC mean it is the version with the defects?
Anyone here received the fixed version and can comment about the overall sound sans-mastering?

Hard to get clear answers on this - most infuriating. I did read over on SH that perhaps the UPC is not in fact different for the fixed disc. I think the best approach is to give it a listen to know for sure.

Jubal
01-05-2013, 09:40 PM
OK...I just listened to the replacement DVD, which has the same UPC #as the first one. This one is definitely right.
There is the speed issue that is a bit disconcerting. That is, the album speed slowed about 2% over the course of the entire album during mastering. The 5.1 mix has the correct speed throughout. This means it will sound a bit fast to most who have heard it in just stereo.
I haven't listened to the stereo mixes yet. It will be interesting to note if the updated SW mix corrects the speed.

BarryLI
01-07-2013, 09:18 AM
Burning Shed responds: Hi Barry,


We've just heard back from EMI and have had lots of emails over the last week or so about the replacement disc.


As we assumed it definitely is from the new master and all the other comments are really complimentary about the mastering/mixing/sound quality etc.


The replacement discs have a line underneath the info on the right hand side under the word duration so that EMI could tell the difference - all the other information is the same.


Thanks,


Lisa

flytomars
01-07-2013, 12:05 PM
Had a chance to listen to my replacement copy,
Same UPC but definitely the fixed one-
No glitches in the beginning and the sound is so much better, I am amazed at how badly this was mastered in the first place that the non-mastered version sounds so much better.
I guess it was mastered to sound good on ipod, which is silly since it is 5,1 and unplayable in any mobile mp3 player...

Jubal
01-07-2013, 08:18 PM
I'm just wondering how many here hate the speed correction of the album? The original release was mastered at a very slightly decreasing speed that ends at about -2%. So the second side definitely sounds fast to those who are familiar with the original.

Firth
02-16-2013, 05:55 PM
The 5.1 Mix on the DVD is definitely DTS 96/24, the same high quality format Genesis used on box set. Listened to that mix this afternoon. May not be DVD-A MLP, but it sounds really good. The mix is a never ending circus of sound with many sound scapes within. Just frickin awesome:up

Rand Kelly
02-17-2013, 03:59 AM
The 5.1 Mix on the DVD is definitely DTS 96/24, the same high quality format Genesis used on box set. Listened to that mix this afternoon. May not be DVD-A MLP, but it sounds really good. The mix is a never ending circus of sound with many sound scapes within. Just frickin awesome:up

I can only imagine what this does in 5.1. So, after some time has gone since the glitch was discovered,does this mean if I were to order one today I would/wouldn't need to ask for a replacement disk?

Firth
02-17-2013, 08:49 AM
I can only imagine what this does in 5.1. So, after some time has gone since the glitch was discovered,does this mean if I were to order one today I would/wouldn't need to ask for a replacement disk?

No, but that may depend on where you buy it from.

Guitarplyrjvb
02-17-2013, 09:52 AM
I love Steve Wilson's philosophy on mastering and remixing! Try to get what was on the original masters without EQing to suit the engineers taste! He doesn't say anything about compression, but I imagine he would also take the "do no harm" approach with that, too!

Jubal
02-17-2013, 09:52 AM
The way you can tell you received a corrected version is to look at the left side of the DVD. There is a solid line several spaces below the word "Duration".
The original does not have this.

Rand Kelly
02-17-2013, 10:48 AM
The way you can tell you received a corrected version is to look at the left side of the DVD. There is a solid line several spaces below the word "Duration".
The original does not have this.

Great info,thanks.

Firth
02-17-2013, 02:57 PM
I love Steve Wilson's philosophy on mastering and remixing! Try to get what was on the original masters without EQing to suit the engineers taste! He doesn't say anything about compression, but I imagine he would also take the "do no harm" approach with that, too!
Of course I would not be knowledgeable enough to know whether compression was used on this, however I have read that he and Gaswirt (Ocean Digital, Yes remasters) will used analog tubes to perform compression. The reality is that there would never be enough bits to compress in the digital domain without hard limiting. Non-linear processing is an art.

Firth
02-17-2013, 03:15 PM
The way you can tell you received a corrected version is to look at the left side of the DVD. There is a solid line several spaces below the word "Duration".
The original does not have this.

Mine has a solid line under the word "duration", but it's not on the left side, if one is facing the title of the disc it is on the right and duration is under "DVD SIDE".

ca1ore
02-18-2013, 03:36 PM
The best way to know you have a corrected version is to listen to it. If it sounds awful beginning at about the 5 min mark, then you don't.

JIF
12-09-2013, 11:56 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4SAdw1KS-c&list=FLwq9k94KreLouL_EXhChSlw&index=1
Look what I found.