Seamonsters

by

The Wedding Present

Edit

In response to the other reviewer here who complained about the remastering job on this album, I am posting my take on it here.

I purchased the original USA issue of this CD, on the First Warning label, and bought this import version as a replacement after losing the first one. In comparison, I'd say that the remastering for this album has been done extremely well. The older copy I had was mastered using some sort of compressor/stereo-expander device, which was obvious, since you could hear the effect clipping at some points.

This version clears up the high end tremendously; a lot of gray area in the high midrange now seems to have more clarity, and the compression is a big improvement, also. I do not think any area, highs or lows, has been over-emphasized.

Then there is the music. I can't really speak about "Seamonsters" without some bias: I simply can't think of any rock album from the early 1990's which can stand as its equal. My affection for this album really goes beyond words; it literally changed my tastes in music. It's quite obvious that pairing the Wedding Present with Steve Albini was a masterstroke that produced one of the greatest (and most underrated) albums in all of rock music. Those who have previously complained about the drums being too loud may not be familiar with this sound, which is part and parcel of a typical Albini mix, finding the true impact of rock music in the rhythm section and the sound of a good too-loud guitar, and not the emoting of the vocalist.

I think what I admire most about "Seamonsters" is the conviction. It doesn't really matter about the lyrics, the chord changes, or anything else. What matters is not what they are saying, but the way they say it--four guys putting their all into it, hammering away furiously, expressing some kind of inner drama that transcends the genre. A timeless, unappreciated classic, and a great album dying to be heard.