Brotherhood listening experiment

Muffy's authoritative copy of Brotherhood arrived yesterday, for purposes of the great listening experiment. So far I have performed careful track-by-track comparisons of the first two tracks, comparing the Muffman's pristine Factory CD version with my own humble Qwest copy. So far I am not detecting differences. Of course the listening experiment will continue, and I will provide further reports.

Based on multiple comparative listens to the first two tracks, I continue to think that whatever sounds "different" about Brotherhood has mainly to do with the treatment of the vocals.

Patrick, I don't always agree with you (Regret, Brotherhood) but you have to be truly congratulated for your will to change your opinion if possible, giving other listens and everything where most others would prefer to sit on their preconceptions.

I think you're a very honest man, Patrick.

Originally posted by Buster Klumpy Patrick, I don't always agree with you (Regret, Brotherhood) but you have to be truly congratulated for your will to change your opinion if possible, giving other listens and everything where most others would prefer to sit on their preconceptions.I think you're a very honest man, Patrick.

Thanks very much for the kind words, Klumpy. As you know, I think you're a saint (and not just for this message!)

Well, I DIDN'T know, Patrick, and even less on what you base this, but I'm touched anyway...

I continued the track-by-track comparison listening through tracks 3 and 4 and continued not hearing any differences, so I changed my approach and just listened to Muffy's copy straight through, trying to identify where the "problem" sound seemed the worst.

I continue to think it mainly has to do with the treatment of the vocals. The "problem" seems to vary from track to track, and even within tracks. Some, like "As It Is..." (which has always been a favorite of mine) seem relatively free of the problem. One track where the problem seems particularly bad is "Way of Life," especially the chorus. Listen to "When I look at you I know you're lying" to hear what I'm talking about at its worst.

It sounds to me like they recorded his vocals underwater.

Originally posted by (Major)
It sounds to me like they recorded his vocals underwater.

Thanks, Major. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks there's a problem with the vocals.

Patrick, i'm gonna give Brotherhood a good close listen over the next few days and see if I can spot any of these things you mention. I'll get back to you in a day or two.

Originally posted by Muffy Patrick, i'm gonna give Brotherhood a good close listen over the next few days and see if I can spot any of these things you mention. I'll get back to you in a day or two.

Thanks, Muffy. I'm looking forward to hearing your reaction.

Originally posted by Major
It sounds to me like they recorded his vocals underwater.

Could it be "someone" felt the lyrics on these songs were particularly bad and did this so they couldn't be made out?