It's unbelievable that Amazon would try to resell an album that was returned as defective. Shameful. Almost as shameful as Dylan making a second album from the outtakes of "Shadows of the Night." Eek. This why I bought a family subscription to Apple Music: My kids can put on headphones and listen to hip hop, while I can laugh at the once-brilliant Bob Dylan embarrassing himself on "Skylark." ;)
What You Need to Know About Bob Dylan's New Album on Vinyl
If you liked Shadows In the Night, musically and sonically, you will like the music here too since these songs were recorded during those sessions.
However, while the files for this record were mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, and cut there by Ray Janos (STERLING RJ stamp), Wes Garland at Nashville Record Productions (WG/NRP) cut side two.
Why?
I've seen this before on records pressed at United (URP). They ruined the lacquer for side two and rather than spending the money to have Ray cut side two again, Wes Garland was sent a CD (probably the commercial CD) and he re-cut from that.
Now in this case, since the master was probably the same 16 bit/44.1K temp mix Bob approved for the previous album, despite Al Schmitt having recorded it to high resolution 192/24 bit files (read the previous review), perhaps it won't make much of a difference—other than the differences in the lathes and electronics.
Still, it's annoying, and doubly annoying that Sony or Dylan's people chose to press at United. But this was probably more than anything to get it delivered on time.
How did it sound? The copy I got is being returned and replaced—and not because the pressing appeared to be defective.
First thing I noticed was, the digital download card was missing. Then I examined the record. There was a scratch on side two consistent with a stylus falling on the record and then sliding and bouncing across the record surface and then onto the label. I'm sure you've seen this or maybe even done this!
So I'm thinking what happened is, some klutz bought the record, ruined it, forget to put back the download card, and just sent it back as "defective" and got another copy. And then someone at Amazon's vinyl fulfillment house, re-shrinkwrapped it and tried to fob it off on me!
They picked the wrong customer. But at least they're replacing it.
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COMMENTS
Shameful to you. To people
Submitted by Razorball on Sat, 2016-05-28 01:44
Shameful to you. To people like me who enjoy music in general and most of all risks taken by such greats as Dylan to explore americanas songbook, I find it rather enjoyable.
Not a matter of taste
Submitted by eatapc on Sat, 2016-05-28 07:14
I realize that the controversy over Dylan's interpretations could be chalked up to taste. However, Dylan's versions of the Great American Songbook seem extraordinarily lazy. He apparently didn't take the time to understand the chord structures, the melodies or the lyrics. Beautiful tunes are butchered; poetic lines are turned into pap. When I listened, I thought to myself several times a song: "OMG! I can't believe he just did that." It's not that he's taking risks; it's that he's making mistakes. But if you find it effective, we'll agree to disagree.
Nothing new there
Submitted by marmaduke on Fri, 2016-05-27 10:41
as many years ago I purchased a rather expensive import double album from a local shop which specialized in 'audiophile' pressings.
Way before download card so that wasn't missing but the record had an ample amount of body hair on the vinyl disc.
At least I had the satisfaction of watching the store owner squirm while he tried to explain that away.
We don't have that problem!
Submitted by gMRfk6LMHn on Fri, 2016-05-27 10:55
The European version of Shadows of the Night was cut at SST by Daniel Krieger and I believe Fallen Angels was also cut there! Both are MPO pressings.
It seems like Warner (Rhino) are the only ones that use US lacquers to press EU vinyl. Sony and Universal not so much! A shame!
James, Dublin, Ireland
I stopped buying from Amazon
Submitted by kruhlin on Fri, 2016-05-27 12:49
I've received many defective albums from amazon. They always send a replacement but its a hassle. Last title I bought from them was Steve Wilson's Aqualung remix. I went through three copies and was never satisfied. I sent them a note about quality control and let them know I wouldn't be buying from them again. I don't think they miss me (never heard back) but I feel better :)
No worries with replacing your record
Submitted by OldschoolE on Fri, 2016-05-27 12:53
Amazon may try the re-shrink wrap stunt on occasion, yes, it isn't right, ethical or kosher and they are not the first to do it.
That said, the good thing with Amazon is their return policy. I've only had to use twice over many years, but it's quick, simple and no nonsense. Rest assured it will be made right.
United not exactly "upping its game"
Submitted by sennj on Fri, 2016-05-27 14:22
Typical URP. I bought the Vince Gill/Paul Franklin "Bakersfield" LP a while back and the pressing was (almost) laughable. The record is a tribute to the sound and songs of Buck and Merle and there's so much noise going on--tics, pops, clicks--that you'd swear you'd just bought a thoroughly abused original from a 1961 garage sale. Wait...maybe that was the effect they were going for! The secret genius of URP: "Make your new records sound old again."
Eh?
Submitted by Joeeveret on Fri, 2016-05-27 15:08
Why did they go to Sterling to begin with if they're satisfied with the cut from URP? Now, it seems that each side is going to be tonally different due to two different people making the lacquers, unless it's Wes Garland imitating Ray Janos. Because that formula always works.
An aside: It's nice to know that Greg Calbi is still with us. I, somehow, remembered otherwise.
Today I received an lp from
Submitted by jimhb on Fri, 2016-05-27 18:23
Today I received an lp from Amazon. I opened it, and it had the dreaded circle U in the deadwax. I cleaned it, but it is still noisy, off-centered and slightly warped. They are truly pathetic.
United needs a wake up call
Submitted by JC1957 on Fri, 2016-05-27 21:26
Maybe we should all get together and boycott anything and everything that leaves their factory. Think then they'll get the hint?
I hate United Records!
Submitted by jimhb on Fri, 2016-05-27 22:26
If we only knew in advance what lp's were pressed at their crappy facility!
Barnes blue version
Submitted by Razorball on Sat, 2016-05-28 01:25
Ordered the blue vinyl from barnes & noble. Hope to get it soon. Live in Europe... Hope it sounds good also!
did also order the Barnes
Submitted by PeterPani on Sat, 2016-05-28 05:39
I have good experience with their vinyl.
Don't jump down my throat, but!
Submitted by gMRfk6LMHn on Sat, 2016-05-28 05:22
Don't jump down my throat, but I have to say my experiences with United pressings has been very favourable. I have over a dozen LPs and I would have to say bar one or two I have absolutely no issues with them at all!
James, Dublin, Ireland
Amazon repackaging?
Submitted by robbbby on Sat, 2016-05-28 08:21
Do they really do this kind of stuff?
It's funny because I have always been skeptical about what goes on there. I have about 6 or 7 separate instances where I go buy an LP (4 MoFi LPs in particular), and amazon claims "Only 1 left in stock", when a week earlier they had nothing. I receive these and they are in absolutely terrible condition. Off center, terrible surface noise and one actually had a torn gatefold, you could tell somebody had already "opened" it since it didn't have that crisp first time opening and was ripped inside. In every case amazon tries to get me to keep it for an extra 20% discount. If they really are repackaging other peoples returns i'm going to stop purchasing from them and pay an extra buck or two and buy elsewhere.
How can you blame Amazon for
Submitted by mauidj on Tue, 2016-05-31 15:18
How can you blame Amazon for the record being off center or having surface noise? I don't understand. My years of experience with Amazon are that they are the top of the tree as far as replacing faulty stuff. Amazing customer service. No I don't work for them ;-)
Fallen Angels European pressing
Submitted by Dylan on Sat, 2016-05-28 09:26
I bought the European pressing. Pressed in France by MPO. Not so good. The spindle hole is too tight, side two has visible and audible warp.
Why and how
Submitted by Martin on Sat, 2016-05-28 10:12
Why and how could anyone (record company, whoever), be stupid, lazy, cynical, dumb, indifferent, lunatic enough to record at 192/24 digital, then press vinyl at 44.1/16 resolution.
Given the readership of the site, perhaps someone knows the dick responsible. And would invite the dick to explain.
Unfortunately...
Submitted by singhcr on Sat, 2016-05-28 12:59
This is common.
Journey's latest album "Eclipse" was recorded at 96/24 (industry standard I believe) and was released on vinyl exclusively in Italy at the time. I contacted the pressing plant and eventually despite the language barrier between us I understood that the source used for the lacquer was 44/16. Why not send the master? If you are tweaking for vinyl, why not stay at 96/24? It is so stupid.
No standard
Submitted by J. Carter on Sat, 2016-05-28 16:42
There is no industry standard. 24/44.1 or 24/48 are actually much more common and popular than 24/96 however. I wouldn't be surprised if the album was recorded in one of those formats.
Also, even if the recording may have been done in 24/96 the final approved master is usually 24/44.1 for easy conversion to CD and digital downloads.
Bob preferred the 16/44.1
Submitted by J. Carter on Sat, 2016-05-28 16:39
Read the article he references. Bob preferred the way the CD mix sounded over the 24/192 mix did.
Please Read the Review of "Shadows In the Night"
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Mon, 2016-05-30 13:52
This was Dylan's choice believe it or not. Dylan is the "dick responsible".
I've got to say it
Submitted by Martin on Mon, 2016-05-30 14:15
How on earth do you get a 44.1/16 mix sounding better than a 192/24 mix?
All things equal?
Most people here must have done this, I sure have; take a 192/24 track off HD Tracks or wherever and downsample it using Foobar or whatever freeware to 96/24, 44.1/16, and finally MP3. Plug it into the DAC and use it to demonstrate to friends why you download stuff at high resolution.
How do you get a 44.1/16 mix sounding better than a 192/24?????
Who did that??
I am not so sure about that
Submitted by PeterPani on Tue, 2016-05-31 02:43
Maybe Dylan liked the brigth sssss of 44,1/16 in his voice. I myself don't care anymore about 44,1/16 or 196/32 or whatsever. Whatever the digital format, I nearly stopped listening to digital music. The last ten years I bought DAC's and software to improve my digital. Just from the technical view I should have a superb digital front to listen to. In reality I don't bother. I am bored stiff listening to digital music. I cannot find emotion in it. I guess, this is also the main problem with Dylans Songbook LP's. They don't touch the way they should. Only analog can do the magic. Digital is too much number crunching. And the more hires, the more maths is in it. The more accurat the bits are calculated, the more boring it sounds. My 24/196 files sound all perfect and boring. No secrets and no magic between the notes survive the formula solving of the ADC's and DAC's.
Yeah, what can one say
Submitted by Martin on Tue, 2016-05-31 02:58
I'm not a fan of digital either.
I can appreciate 96/24 and 192/24 and in all fairness, it can sound really good.
The recent 192/24 transfer of Sinatras "Wee Small Hours" sounds very good indeed for example. Though it still doesn't come close to a good clean original.
I also have a very good digital front end. With a tube output stage which puts a bit of life into proceedings.
That said, most of what I play at home is analog vinyl.
The mystery is lost
Submitted by PeterPani on Tue, 2016-05-31 05:15
During analog playback everything can happen between the notes. That miracle is not given with digital. All numbers are laid out. I listened yesterday evening to Lou Reeds Transformer on my tubed reel to reel deck. Forget digital at home. On the way digital portables are okay. But never try a musiccassette on a Sony DD9. It could harm you digital joy, too.
Plus Ca Change...
Submitted by Paul Boudreau on Sun, 2016-05-29 04:57
When Tower Records was still around, I bought an LP that turned out to have fingerprints on it. That when I still worked there! Then I found out about the shrink-wrap machine.
Stick to CD (For Time Being)
Submitted by robbr on Sun, 2016-05-29 05:03
Gee! What a mess. At least I got a comp CD with concert tickets.
That is Good to Hear...
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Mon, 2016-05-30 13:53
Wes Garland is a vinyl fan and audiophile....so...
Barnes and Noble - Translucent Light Blue Vinyl
Submitted by Mile High Music on Tue, 2016-05-31 15:03
After a light clean with the ant-static gun and record brush I took this for a hopeful spin. Overall the music and singing sound great but with my low expectations for this pressing I can still only generously just say it is "liveable".
It is flat with "U"in the dead wax - so far so good. It sounds dead quiet in between each track. In fact, at the immediate start and end of each track, without the music, I swear I hear a snippet of "tape hiss" background noise. On the music side there are 6 minor pops/clicks in total. More annoyingly there are two tracks each with a single one second burst of "radio static" sound. Could this be from release compound in the groove or from micro warps? I see a hopeful wet and vacuum clean in my future.
Fingers crossed we will get a better pressed and all analogue version one day.
Pre-scratched records. Please don't get me started!
Submitted by Bob Levin on Sat, 2016-06-04 08:41
Got the new disking of The Beatles "1967-1970" from a brick and mortar (FYE) a couple of months back. Side two had a huge scratch, completely ruining "Strawberry Fields". Took it back and exchanged it for another copy. Scratched in exactly the same place and worse, to boot!
Adele's "25". Same story.
Will this bring nearly 50 years of buying new vinyl to an end for me? Hell no!
I just wish QC would get it right for a change.
Test Pressing on Ebay with Original side 2
Submitted by keithdylan on Sun, 2016-06-05 20:40
I am not selling this, just thought I'd share that after reading this article I noticed test pressings with what must be the original side 2 on ebay. Wonder why it was rejected.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bob-Dylan-Fallen-Angels-LP-Vinyl-Test-Pressing-L...
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