So, the internet being the wonderful thing it is, I found the entire mono mix of "A Saucerful of Secrets" uploaded to YouTube. The quality of the sound... well it's not hi-fi, but it's good enough that one can listen to the music and not be distracted by the quality (it also helps that I've been getting into the whole lo-fi thing recently anyway, but that's beside the point).
This mix kicks the arse of the stereo mix in some places. "Corporal Clegg" sounds a little more focused, the cacophony of "A Saucerful of Secrets" is also pared down a little (thank God...), and generally it sounds a little less crowded.
So I suppose the point of this post is a simple question:
Why the heck hasn't Floyd re-released this version? Ever? The mono version of "Piper" got a re-release! Why not this?
Saucerful of Secrets (Mono Mix)
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- Hammer
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Re: Saucerful of Secrets (Mono Mix)
Agreed, I have an unofficial MONO remastered CD edition that was put together in 1998 ... it would be great to have the proper version with the superior Corporal Clegg etc
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- Axe
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Re: Saucerful of Secrets (Mono Mix)
It's interesting how some mono mixes either have key elements that aren't in the stereo mix (eg the organ that's missing in the stereo Interstellar Overdrive), or leave out stuff (eg the noisy guitar in Corporal Clegg)
In both cases above, the tracks are better in the mono mix.
Corporal Clegg sounds positively garage-band in mono.. more 'in your face', and not buried under so much overdubbing.
I don't think Abbey Road had 8-track machines installed when it was recorded, but the 'busy' stereo mix has all the hallmarks of Pink Floyd trying to fill the tape with everything.. kinda like what the Grateful Dead did on Aoxomoxoa when they got one of the first 16-track machines.
In both cases above, the tracks are better in the mono mix.
Corporal Clegg sounds positively garage-band in mono.. more 'in your face', and not buried under so much overdubbing.
I don't think Abbey Road had 8-track machines installed when it was recorded, but the 'busy' stereo mix has all the hallmarks of Pink Floyd trying to fill the tape with everything.. kinda like what the Grateful Dead did on Aoxomoxoa when they got one of the first 16-track machines.
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Re: Saucerful of Secrets (Mono Mix)
They should do that for sure. I love the mono version, especially the longer fade out on "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun".
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- Hammer
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Re: Saucerful of Secrets (Mono Mix)
That fade out certainly is something else. Can't imagine why they cut it short on the stereo version.Hadrian wrote:They should do that for sure. I love the mono version, especially the longer fade out on "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun".