Genesis

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Genesis

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This was one of the first Genesis albums I listened to, and it's an odd one. I've always loved tracks 1-4 (Home by the Sea being my favourite), and as these songs have all become live favourites i'm probably not alone. Tracks 5 onwards have always either bored or annoyed me.

However, I have been very impressed by the multichannel mixes of the Genesis albums so far, and I am very impressed by this. My favourite tracks really come alive in 5.1 surround, with good use of the rear speakers and a real sense of extra space. As usual, I lost interest as soon as track 5 started, and i've not yet explored the bonus material.

I've listened to both the SACD 5.1 and DTS 5.1 mixes (can't tell the difference between them with my ears and system, so non SACD owners with a surround system shouldn't feel short changed) and they are really good.

My main priority is the multichannel mix. The other reviews criticising the stereo layers are worth reading, though. There seems to be a recurrent problem with many of the 5.1 releases of classic albums emerging. The CD stereo layer is frequently felt to be inferior to earlier CD releases. Reviewers have said this in reference to several Genesis re releases and other artists too. If it's a definitive stereo version you want, read the other reviews carefully; you may be better off with the 1994 remasters if you can still find them. If you like the album and want to give your surround system a workout, then get this. I've got all of the Genesis re releases so far, and the multichannel mixes of all are good.

Edit: I've been trying to compare the old CD / new CD mix / stereo SACD versions of "That's all" in an attempt to get to the bottom of this issue. I only have an all in one Sony system here, so this isn't audiophile stuff, but the new CD mix does seem more harsh and compressed compared to the old one. The stereo SACD mix, however, is much warmer and clearer than both IMHO. I'm no golden eared HiFi reviewer, though.

Roll on the Gabriel area re releases...

Three stars here are for the remaster. The album itself is a five star fave of mine.

I just downloaded one track to see what the fuss about this remaster is.

I usually like remasters - almost always - and generally think that "anti remaster" reviews are mostly luddite!

In this case I think what we have is remasters that are not that good. The sound is richer and fuller and there are details that you could not here before - but it's a totally different mix and the cymbals and vocals are less bright - which makes for a less crisp sound overall.

So here's the point: You're getting a totally different mix in this remaster. Some things about it are better, but some things have been lost. Overall I probably prefer the original.

I'd like to hear another go at the remaster... that has the full sound of this version, but the crisper/tighter cymbals and vocals of the original version.

Yes albums were remastered twice - once by Joe Gastwirt, for the initial Atlantic remasters (excellent!) and again for the Rhino Remasters (better again)... so it can be done!