marblesmike

QUOTE (Gedneil Alpeart @ Jun 14 2012, 12:21 PM) QUOTE (eshine @ Jun 14 2012, 11:10 AM) QUOTE (Alchemical @ Jun 13 2012, 10:21 PM) You know you've stumbled upon a circlejerk online when one cannot even express his opinion that may differ from the norm without being lambasted as a dissenter (Read: Troll), or not a "real" RUSH fan. Look, we all dig RUSH, that's why we're here right? But, believe it or not, some of us on here DON'T like the album, and what's so wrong with that? Not everyone is bound to orgasm over CA. Me personally? I dig it but I'm not completely blown away. I've given it six listens and it's adequate, even very good, but it's not a masterpiece in my opinion. IN. MY. OPINION. Got that? I'm just sick of the diminutive minority on here who have legit reason to dislike the album getting shut down by boisterous fanboyism. Let people hold their opinions, kay? I don't see how it is personally affecting you. Right - everyone who likes the album is a fanboi, but dissenters like you who only marginally like it are not fanbois at all. You are just super cool and aloof and don't care, with the exception of starting threads for the purpose of weeping openly over the stifling of your right to free expression about how much you don't like a new Rush album? Give me a f***ing break. Yeah, hand him a Kleenex..... For the circle jerk?

QUOTE (Rush Cocky @ Jun 14 2012, 11:58 AM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 14 2012, 11:57 AM) QUOTE (Rush Cocky @ Jun 14 2012, 11:52 AM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 14 2012, 11:36 AM) Then people need to grow up. Yes, most notably the people who incite such rhetoric. Either grow up, or check into a clinic, I don't care. Apparently you do care. No reason to argue over such trivial crap man. I am just trying to express my opinion about the sound of the new album with other Rush fans without being attacked for it. To be fair though, besides you and LosingIt most people are engaging in an interesting conversation. List one post where I have attacked you. I'll wait. I'm sorry, I was being a little oversensitive myself. You never personally attacked me (that was someone else...) although you did sort of insinuate I was a troll but who cares. In a week I'll probably go back into lurker mode and we can forget this happened.

QUOTE (Rush Cocky @ Jun 14 2012, 11:52 AM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 14 2012, 11:36 AM) Then people need to grow up. Yes, most notably the people who incite such rhetoric. Either grow up, or check into a clinic, I don't care. Apparently you do care. No reason to argue over such trivial crap man. I am just trying to express my opinion about the sound of the new album with other Rush fans without being attacked for it. To be fair though, besides you and LosingIt most people are engaging in an interesting conversation.

QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 14 2012, 11:47 AM) QUOTE (EmotionDetector @ Jun 14 2012, 10:40 AM) QUOTE (Rush Cocky @ Jun 14 2012, 11:23 AM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 14 2012, 11:03 AM) QUOTE (Rush Cocky @ Jun 14 2012, 10:59 AM) According to some, with the way it's mixed, it's like serving the world's best gourmet food on a styrofoam plate. As for me personally, I can't hear these things, but I have to imagine that there are people in Rush's camp who do! So why wasn't it fully addressed if that be the case? Because a lot of times musicians aren't the ones who pick up on this stuff. In most cases it is the role of a competent producer/engineer to pick up on this present them with a polished product. Unfortunately, a lot of contemporary producers/engineers are simply following the latest industry standard of mixing things to sound good on laptop speakers and ear buds (and general portability), not necessarily for hi-fi like it would have been 25 years ago. I disagree that Rush is that careless and univolved when it comes to the presentation of their hard work. I agree with you here. Some bands might not be as involved in the final product once their music is recorded, but Rush is NOT one of those bands. They are in it from beginning to end. They are devoted to putting the best product out there that they possibly can...I firmly believe that. So why would you think that what we are listening to isn't the best that they could have produced? Because an artistic vision can sometimes get in the way of what might be technically best. It happens all the time. Not to mention that as much as we love the Holy Trinity, they are not perfect and can make mistakes. After all, this is the same band that put out VT.

QUOTE (rushgoober @ Jun 14 2012, 10:52 AM) Just checked Amazon - Clockwork Angels is at #1 in music, and Usher's new album is at #19. How does this translate into him selling more albums? Could Amazon really be THAT bad a barometer of what's selling and what's not? I would think it'd be a pretty fair indication as so many people buy their music there... Probably because Amazon might not report sales totals to Billboard. Not to mention itunes purchases probably play into it.

QUOTE (circumstantial tree @ Jun 14 2012, 11:26 AM) I don't have a problem with the sound, but I have the turn the volume much farther down than usual. That's a symptom of the loudness wars. Same here.

QUOTE (Rush Cocky @ Jun 14 2012, 11:23 AM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 14 2012, 11:03 AM) QUOTE (Rush Cocky @ Jun 14 2012, 10:59 AM) According to some, with the way it's mixed, it's like serving the world's best gourmet food on a styrofoam plate. As for me personally, I can't hear these things, but I have to imagine that there are people in Rush's camp who do! So why wasn't it fully addressed if that be the case? Because a lot of times musicians aren't the ones who pick up on this stuff. In most cases it is the role of a competent producer/engineer to pick up on this present them with a polished product. Unfortunately, a lot of contemporary producers/engineers are simply following the latest industry standard of mixing things to sound good on laptop speakers and ear buds (and general portability), not necessarily for hi-fi like it would have been 25 years ago. I disagree that Rush is that careless and univolved when it comes to the presentation of their hard work. I'm just stating the truth. Go on industry message boards and read about it. It's not true in every case and of course I don't know exactly how Rush handles things.

QUOTE (Rush Cocky @ Jun 14 2012, 10:56 AM) QUOTE (GeminiRising79 @ Jun 14 2012, 10:47 AM) Troll labeller = one who can't accept an opposing view and counter it with an intelligent response And here you go again.....just when the thread is dying down, you stoke the fire. Time for another circle jerk I see..... ookie-cookie?

QUOTE (EmotionDetector @ Jun 14 2012, 10:44 AM) QUOTE (rushgoober @ Jun 14 2012, 10:39 AM) The sound quality isn't the best, but it's good enough. If it were better, the album would just be that much better. Bingo. I think that last line is exactly what most people discussing the sound issues of CA think. We all know the album is fantastic. A slightly better mix would only make it THAT much better. Exactly.

QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 14 2012, 09:46 AM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 14 2012, 08:41 AM) QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 14 2012, 09:38 AM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 14 2012, 08:36 AM) QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 14 2012, 09:29 AM) QUOTE (circumstantial tree @ Jun 14 2012, 08:16 AM) A person should be able to say that they like an album or not like an album without being persecuted for it. I certainly don't like everything the band has done. The problem comes when people get upset that somebody else doesn't like their favorite album. I agree with you, the problem comes when people start claiming an album is Dreadful, Uninspiring, meandering, a sonic mess(thats my fav), muddy, unlistenable, when the album was just released and they've only heard it once, if that. What about those of us who love the album, have listened to it maybe 20 times, and still think (at least to our ears) that the album is a sonic mess? Then I'd say "Sorry for the sonic mess in your ears? No need for you to apologize--you're not Brian Gardner or Nick Rasculinecz. Here's a strange and bizarre thought: You ever thought that maybe, just maybe wanted it to sound that way? Oh yeah, that's extremely possible. But the roll of a producer/engineer is to tell the band it sounds like crap and present them with a polished sound. Also, there's a reason why most of the best engineers out there aren't in the bands they work on.

QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 14 2012, 09:38 AM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 14 2012, 08:36 AM) QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 14 2012, 09:29 AM) QUOTE (circumstantial tree @ Jun 14 2012, 08:16 AM) A person should be able to say that they like an album or not like an album without being persecuted for it. I certainly don't like everything the band has done. The problem comes when people get upset that somebody else doesn't like their favorite album. I agree with you, the problem comes when people start claiming an album is Dreadful, Uninspiring, meandering, a sonic mess(thats my fav), muddy, unlistenable, when the album was just released and they've only heard it once, if that. What about those of us who love the album, have listened to it maybe 20 times, and still think (at least to our ears) that the album is a sonic mess? Then I'd say "Sorry for the sonic mess in your ears? No need for you to apologize--you're not Brian Gardner or Nick Rasculinecz.

QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 14 2012, 08:37 AM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 13 2012, 11:14 PM) QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 13 2012, 09:14 PM) QUOTE (ShlappinDahBass @ Jun 13 2012, 06:46 PM) QUOTE (Gompers @ Jun 13 2012, 06:40 PM) QUOTE (ShlappinDahBass @ Jun 13 2012, 03:21 PM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 13 2012, 02:16 PM) QUOTE (Storm Shadow @ Jun 13 2012, 03:14 PM) I read all of losingit2k's posts with that "double rainbow all the way" guy's voice in my head. Who's the double rainbow guy? That sounds funny. It's a video of this guy that is so out of his mind baked looking at a double rainbow...It is funny. You will laugh. That is some funny shit. Always the funniest thing watching it over and over again. Wow that was a double rainbow! Did you guys see that? It was intense! OMG a double Rainbow! What does it mean?! It means Mike still has Marbles in his ears! I think you missed the joke. I'd have to have some pretty big ear holes to fit marbles in them. My name is derived from the Marillion album Marbles.

QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 14 2012, 09:29 AM) QUOTE (circumstantial tree @ Jun 14 2012, 08:16 AM) A person should be able to say that they like an album or not like an album without being persecuted for it. I certainly don't like everything the band has done. The problem comes when people get upset that somebody else doesn't like their favorite album. I agree with you, the problem comes when people start claiming an album is Dreadful, Uninspiring, meandering, a sonic mess(thats my fav), muddy, unlistenable, when the album was just released and they've only heard it once, if that. What about those of us who love the album, have listened to it maybe 20 times, and still think (at least to our ears) that the album is a sonic mess?

QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 13 2012, 09:14 PM) QUOTE (ShlappinDahBass @ Jun 13 2012, 06:46 PM) QUOTE (Gompers @ Jun 13 2012, 06:40 PM) QUOTE (ShlappinDahBass @ Jun 13 2012, 03:21 PM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 13 2012, 02:16 PM) QUOTE (Storm Shadow @ Jun 13 2012, 03:14 PM) I read all of losingit2k's posts with that "double rainbow all the way" guy's voice in my head. Who's the double rainbow guy? That sounds funny. It's a video of this guy that is so out of his mind baked looking at a double rainbow...It is funny. You will laugh. That is some funny shit. Always the funniest thing watching it over and over again. Wow that was a double rainbow! Did you guys see that? It was intense! OMG a double Rainbow! What does it mean?!

QUOTE (jonboy71 @ Jun 13 2012, 07:21 PM) Can someone with the vinyl confirm whether the download code allows you to download the hi rez format (Audiophile 96kHz/24bit) as available on HDTRACKS? No--just mp3 or standard redbook flac.

QUOTE (EmotionDetector @ Jun 13 2012, 04:29 PM) I understand your message...but I know for me, I've listened to it more than 10 times over already, and the sound isn't perfect to these ears. The mix, IMO, is certainly harsher than S&A, but clearly better than VT by miles and miles. Again, the album f'n rocks. No doubt about it...I'm loving this thing. Can't get it out of my stereo...I'm hooked. But I do hear what some others hear. I don't think the sound 'sucks', but rather that it 'could be better'. Again, just my opinion though. I'm certainly far from a pro. Much agreed! Seriously, I've listened to this album multiple times in different settings: 1) mp3 leak on my portable player on ATH-M50 headphones 2) mp3 leak on high-res home system through Acoustic Research speakers 3) mp3 leak in my car on Infinity speakers and a Kicker sub 4) lossless cd rip on all of the above . . 6) vinyl on above home theater system 7) high res vinyl rip on above portable setup 8) high res vinyl rip on above car stereo setup And I've listened to all of the above multiple times (at least 3 on each one, more on others. I think I've listened enough times to be a sourpuss if I want to. Fortunately the material is so strong that enjoy listening despite said sonic blemishes. I just wish some people here would accept that it's possible to be a true fan and be critical at the same time. And that it's possible that people can perceive things differently.

QUOTE (Todem @ Jun 13 2012, 04:23 PM) QUOTE (Rush Cocky @ Jun 13 2012, 02:44 PM) QUOTE (BriGuy @ Jun 13 2012, 01:58 PM) Not an audiophile, don't have high end equipment. Not listening for tech, listening for the music. And I'd tend to think music is by its nature "imperfect." You can only polish something so much before the polishing action itself becomes damaging. I like what I hear. See, BriGuy gets it! Yo. Not everyone is bashing the album on a musical sense. The music is great. But those of us (speaking for myself I am a musician, and someone who loves high quality sonic soundscapes which Rush is very well known for) who like to talk about the sonic quality of the album are doing so. Now the posts that bash it calling is dog shit, crap, junk.....meh I ignore those. But those members that have the ability to respectfully articulate their feelings about the overall production are doing so. The production is not perfect. The sound is good and in some areas it is great. But some aspects are not as good and it just a discussion about production, not performance nor song quality. Strictly sound quality. When I listen to albums I can compare as far as style to this one from Rush.....sonically it falls a little short to albums like (and I am not talking about songs) Counterparts Snakes and Arrows Moving Pictures Permanent Waves Hemispheres Grace Under Pressure To me this album has so much of those vibes and song approaches going on in various spots. And soncially all those albums were better. In fact far better. Also I love the fact that on Clockwork Angels the band went back to the more organic approach of just a left and right guitar (not walls of guitars and layers upon layers of vocals and even bass) and no guitar rhythm track overdubs over the solo sections. What I am hearing though is sometimes with the strings added to the mix it get's a little muddy at higher volume levels. On lower volume levels the album sounds much better. Neils drums on many occasions is buried in the mix and not center like he normally has been on just about every albums they have ever made (VT everything was a hot mess). I am still waiting for my vinyl (which I got the shipping notice for yesterday) to hear that version as well. I love the album, sonically it is good not great. And it could have been better. Sometimes I think some fans here get confused when we are having a production critique as opposed to a songwriting critique. IMO after over a dozen listens Clockwork Angels is one of the 10 best Rush albums ever.....along with Snake and Arrows. But sonically it is not in the same top 10. Good post, although we may disagree on tastes. It's not terrible sounding and isn't the worst I've heard. I just think it could have been better. That's it. I'm not bashing Rush or their effort. For the umpteenth time, this is probably my favorite Rush album since PoW.

QUOTE (losingit2k @ Jun 13 2012, 04:36 PM) QUOTE (marblesmike @ Jun 13 2012, 01:52 PM) vinyl rip samples here: https://rapidshare.com/files/2261581141/rus...nyl-samples.zip Made by me. I think they sound a decent amount better than the cd, but not amazing. I believe these are 24-96. You must have Marbles in your ears Mike! You really think the cds/mp3s sound better than the vinyl? How so? And what are you listening on?

QUOTE (Hatchetaxe&saw @ Jun 13 2012, 03:22 PM) This thread needs a beer. And a wank. You offering? I'll take the beer.