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So... i emailed the good doctor because i never received a replacement Technique with my original batch. I got it today, just wondered what was improved (except the loveless glitch)?
Also i wanted to confirm if the first album discs of Movement or Low-Life have ever been corrected? If the vinyl is ok and the japanese version is fixed why wasn't a new uk/us version pressed?
Don't get why they re-remastered Technique and not the others.
Any ideas?
blunt laser wrote: So... i emailed the good doctor because i never received a replacement Technique with my original batch. I got it today, just wondered what was improved (except the loveless glitch)?
Also i wanted to confirm if the first album discs of Movement or Low-Life have ever been corrected? If the vinyl is ok and the japanese version is fixed why wasn't a new uk/us version pressed?
Don't get why they re-remastered Technique and not the others.
Any ideas?
Ha I emailed them on 2/21 and just today got my replacement. The issues with Technique were mostly on disc 2.. that disc is a hot mess. See the first post.
blunt laser wrote: So... i emailed the good doctor because i never received a replacement Technique with my original batch. I got it today, just wondered what was improved (except the loveless glitch)?
Also i wanted to confirm if the first album discs of Movement or Low-Life have ever been corrected? If the vinyl is ok and the japanese version is fixed why wasn't a new uk/us version pressed?
Don't get why they re-remastered Technique and not the others.
Any ideas?
Ha I emailed them on 2/21 and just today got my replacement. The issues with Technique were mostly on disc 2.. that disc is a hot mess. See the first post.
Goratrix wrote:
DjBr wrote: The Factory CD of Low-Life is too bright and was obviously mastered like crap. The Centredate copy has been replicated onto other pressings as well as the Factory copy which can be spotted easily by listening the amount of treble they have mastered this pressing, which is way too bright.
What equipment do you use to listen to it? AFAIK that version of Low-Life has pre-emphasis, so it needs to be de-emphasised to get the proper sound.
Can someone summarize what the difference between various "original" CD pressings of the albums are? I returned my Collectors Editions due to all the errors and I want to buy the best versions available and I'm not really sure what the difference is between Factory or London or Centredate versions. I'm in the US, so I'd prefer to buy domestic copies, if possible, but I'm fine with going to eBay if UK pressings are better quality.
PS I'm just talking about the first 5 albums, I already own the most recent 3.
Thanks in advance for the advice!!
Whats the current status with these? Three years after. I'm hoping any "new" copies have been fixed and arent chockfull of shitty errors, which is why I havent bought originals/poor remasters yet. If anyone can give me a quick check guide so I know if I pick up a copy it isn't one of the crap remasters and is one of the better quality new ones, I might plonk down the notes for them this time.
mark reed wrote: Whats the current status with these? Three years after. I'm hoping any "new" copies have been fixed and arent chockfull of shitty errors, which is why I havent bought originals/poor remasters yet. If anyone can give me a quick check guide so I know if I pick up a copy it isn't one of the crap remasters and is one of the better quality new ones, I might plonk down the notes for them this time.
This is answered repeatedly in this thread. Maybe start reading from the beginning.
mark reed wrote: Whats the current status with these? Three years after. I'm hoping any "new" copies have been fixed and arent chockfull of shitty errors, which is why I havent bought originals/poor remasters yet. If anyone can give me a quick check guide so I know if I pick up a copy it isn't one of the crap remasters and is one of the better quality new ones, I might plonk down the notes for them this time.
I've bought all 5 of the re-masters from my local HMV store over the past few weeks & I'm sure they all are the 'new' versions, as both the album & bonus discs sound fine. There's no outer slipcase cover for these versions, just some cellophane & a sticker saying which album it is etc. Each one was £12 & has 2 booklets inside, one for the album itself & another one with details of the full set etc.
The original versions (with the errors) have an outer slipcase, with the words 'Collector's Edition' on it. If you are going to buy them online, try to see a picture of it before you buy etc. Good luck!...
DJFairborne77 wrote:
mark reed wrote: Whats the current status with these? Three years after. I'm hoping any "new" copies have been fixed and arent chockfull of shitty errors, which is why I havent bought originals/poor remasters yet. If anyone can give me a quick check guide so I know if I pick up a copy it isn't one of the crap remasters and is one of the better quality new ones, I might plonk down the notes for them this time.
I've bought all 5 of the re-masters from my local HMV store over the past few weeks & I'm sure they all are the 'new' versions, as both the album & bonus discs sound fine. There's no outer slipcase cover for these versions, just some cellophane & a sticker saying which album it is etc. Each one was £12 & has 2 booklets inside, one for the album itself & another one with details of the full set etc.
The original versions (with the errors) have an outer slipcase, with the words 'Collector's Edition' on it. If you are going to buy them online, try to see a picture of it before you buy etc. Good luck!...
Was "THE COLLECTOR'S EDITION" slipcase the ONLY way to distinguished the FCUK releases to the supposedly FIXED copies?
i do see a few copies of them here [without the slipcase] @ my local record shops, but they have the same cat number, so have been reluctant to purchase them...
seen them also @ the HMV in LONDON but didn't want to purchase them for the same reason above.
Yes, that's the only way to distinguish them (apart from playing them).
Of course, you could always take the discs back if they're the buggered versions? 
Also the corrected versions are marked "This reissue" on the edge of the box. Disregard of the year, it is the same on both (2008).
What i'd really like to know (apologies if its been confirmed on this thread) is if the actual albums of movement (the him glitch) and Low-Life have (sunrise drop out) have been fixed on the new versions?
blunt laser wrote: What i'd really like to know (apologies if its been confirmed on this thread) is if the actual albums of movement (the him glitch) and Low-Life have (sunrise drop out) have been fixed on the new versions?
Since Technique was the only non-bonus CD that got replaced, then nope! :)
BROTHERHOOD - BONUS DISC, replacement version
Hi again, everyone. Sorry it's taken me so long to jump back on this forum. I just finished listening to the revised bonus disc from Rhino for "Brotherhood," and I'm happy to report that the errors seem to have been fixed.
Also, the last two tracks, "True Faith [Eschreamer Dub]" and "Blue Monday ['88 Dub]," have been relabeled on the disc itself. Of course, the original "True Dub" and "Beach Buggy" versions would have been better choices, but at this point, I'm happy the disc is glitch free.
My reports on the rest of the bonus discs to follow in time.
LOW-LIFE - BONUS DISC, replacement version
My replacement copy from Rhino seems to have fixed most of the listed errors. I can still hear two barely audible clicks/pops at 0:56 and 1:58 in "Subculture [Remix]," but they might simply be defects in the original recording. (Remember that old warning about how compact discs can reveal flaws in analog tape? It does happen, especially when the tapes might not have been cared for properly over the years.)
There's an odd stereo balance shift in "Let's Go" between 2:11 and 2:15. However, the track was essentially just an unfinished demo, and the version released on "The Best of New Order" is more complete.
"Dub Vulture" is probably copied from vinyl, and there are a few pops still noticeable if you're listening for them. Since the rumble has been eliminated, the track sounds about the same as a good vinyl 12-inch from back in the day.
"Shellshock" remains the Substance edit.
Two more to go.
I've also seen copies of the reissues (PC&L, Technique) minus the plastic slipcases in HMV London Leicester Square going for £12 a pop. I would assume that those without the plastic slipcases are the repaired versions but I didn't check the spine. I will do next time I'm in whenever that may be.
The confusing thing is that they are sitting alongside other reissues (Movement, Brotherhood) with the plastic slipcase intact so I assume that these are the original defective ones? Why has Warners/Rhino not asked for these to be removed? Surely it's a simple thing to filter down to major outlets such as HMV. It's a shame as some unknowing fan is about to pick up bonus discs full of gloops and crackles.
As for me personally, I forked out 75 quid in total for all five Factory reissues back in 2008 so there's no way I'm paying more money before the label is given a chance to deliver replacements to me for free. I've emailed "Dr Rhino" for a second time to arrange this (the first time I attempted in 2010 I got no reply) and he was meant to be "out of the office" until yesterday so he's back now.
There were no packaging changes, and both editions exist with and without slipcases. However the fixed versions had an added booklet and if you look at the run-outs of the discs you can spot which is which.
Example: PCL
Original Disc 2: 256469369-8/2 V01
changes to
Fixed Disc 2: 256469369-8/2.2 V02
That's good to know (as a discography geek, which I am) but unfortunately if I bought them, unsealed them and discovered that they were not the corrected versions I'm 75% sure I would be heading for an over-the-counter argument with HMV staff who can be notoriously difficult about returning items.
Has anyone noticed they've started selling cans of Coke and Mars bars at the checkouts in HMV now? Bizarre. Yes, that's just what I need while I'm buying my Cocteau Twins CD - a Twix "Xtra", bottle of Dr Pepper and a Stewie from Family Guy Tshirt. Jesus wept.
I'll wait for Dr Rhino to pull his hoof (?) out of his arse and reply to my Emails before parting with further cash to the Warner Brothers conglomerate.
So the shrinkwrap has to be broken to know for sure? How useful. Esp. if there has been no effort from the label to take the faulty ones off the shelves. So it's really a lottery? And expect it to take at least 3 years to resolve, if you're unlucky to get a faulty one. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the returned ones are re-packaged and re-sold. Vicious Circle indeed.
Warners have really managed to tick all the boxes in the "How not to release a CD" manual this time, haven't they?
Well I think... all moaning aside that it would not have been too much to ask to put a "2009 V2" sticker on the shrink wrap. Otherwise you have no sodding clue whether you're buying the older defective ones or the pristine newer ones. Besides the defective ones should have been removed from the shelves immediately once the mass scale of the defects were pointed out to the label. I'm not convinced this was done unless anyone can offer evidence to the contrary.
The identical packaging confounds things even further but as I say a solitary disposable sticker could have made this a whole lot more straightforward. I for one wouldn't mind owning the official "corrected" versions even with Mr £50 note's project out there. Just for comparison's sake if anything else never mind the fact I forked out for them originally.
As I say I'm going to give Dr Rhinoceros a week or two to respond to my very straightforward request before giving up (for the last time). I've offered photographs of the CDs I own etc.
Rhino were clearly hoping nobody would notice, however I reckon they've lost loads of sales by not stickering up the corrected ones.
The only ones you can be sure about are the Japanese ones I think, weren't they held back at the time?
Also, checked Low Life (I have both), and the dodgy one is "2.2 V02", the corrected one "2.3 V02".
MOVEMENT - BONUS DISC, replacement version
The Rhino replacement disc for Movement turned out okay. As far as I could tell, all of the clicks and pops have been fixed. However, the left and right channels on the alternate version of "Ceremony" are still reversed, which is pretty obvious when you listen to it; the stereo image doesn't sound right.
But really the bigger problem I found was that the overall levels jump up and down a bit in certain tracks, particularly "Ceremony" and the extended version of "Temptation." Maybe these are flaws in the original mixes, but I doubt it.
The main point for this disc is if you have these songs on other compilations, keep them.
Only one left.
However, the left and right channels on the alternate version of "Ceremony" are still reversed, which is pretty obvious when you listen to it; the stereo image doesn't sound right.
They have been corrected and match the original 7"/12", the hihats are panned hard right on the correct versions.
TECHNIQUE - BONUS DISC, replacement version
Most of the errors on this disc were fixed on the Rhino replacement. There are a few minor defects left:
However, I personally feel the biggest error with this disc is including the Minus Mix of "MTO" instead of the original shorter B-side. The extended version doesn't really sound like New Order.
Well, that's it for my input, fellow NO fans. Obviously, I must agree with the most common conclusion: These releases couldn't have been more botched, and I'm still very disappointed in the quality of the "Low-Life" CD, particularly that glaring screwup in "Sunrise." (Does anyone know for sure whether that was ever corrected?)
Even third-rate bands usually get better re-release treatment than this, for one of the greatest British bands of all time. Maybe one day, the albums will be released again with better sound quality, but I shall not hold my breath.
My comments are referring to the discs Rhino sent as replacements. On mine, the alternate version of "Ceremony" still has channels reversed.
So, I have the US "Corrected Versions" for the bonus discs from Rhino US (i.e. "Dr. Rhino").
My question, however, is were the UK bonus discs on Rhino UK/London ever corrected? Or are the original bonus discs still being sold in the UK and Europe?
Thanks, Mike
I don't think that "region specific" corrected discs were pressed. Apparently the corrected discs were produced and sent directly from the United States to anyone - even internationally - who requested them. Or at least that's what I've heard from the handful of people I know who have received them. The package came from the States.
I finally got a response from Dr Rhino around this time last week and submitted my photo of all five Collectors Editions plus a list the replacement discs I need. I had no reply to receipt of the photo but I assume they are in the post. I'll be pretty pissed off if they're not because Rhino are clearly receiving my e-mails but whether or not they're willing to provide adequate customer service is another matter. This is my second attempt to get replacements after my first one was completely ignored.
I'm giving them until the end of the week before I start sending chase-up mails for the third consecutive time.
steinomite wrote: are the original bonus discs still being sold in the UK and Europe?
The packaging of the remasters I have seen for sale in shops here as recently as 3 weeks ago look identical to the ones I bought in 2008 so the answer to this is: nobody knows. I'm sure as hell not wasting more money to find out. I feel ripped off enough as it is.
My replacement discs from the US finally arrived today; all five bonus discs plus Technique. From memory the original Technique remaster didn't seem to have much/anything wrong with it but I replaced my previous rip with the new one anyway. I did ask for a corrected Low-life album disc which I didn't get so I presume no fixed version was pressed; a shame as the channel drop-out in Sunrise is pretty glaring.
Sadly, the first bonus disc I listened to (Brotherhood) showed within 10 seconds that these new pressings are not perfect themselves. The Pettibone mix of BLT has an audible glitch in one of the bass drums during the first 10 seconds which wasn't even there on the defective 2008 mastering (despite the plethora of other major errors). So new issues have been created Rhino desperately need to ask a few people to listen to their future reissues before they're allowed into the public domain. As a rule.
To be fair and on a more positive note I compared the original remaster of 1963 with what I received today and there is an audible difference for the better; sounds much brighter. Similarly, the gloops and glips on TBTHOG have been rectified and most of the other replacement discs sound fine on casual first listens. I've done brief listening tests between both rips of the discs I have on my PC and the new versions definitely sound brighter, clearer and overall much better so this is clearly the best we're going to get.
For those still wondering how to get your replacements dr.rhino@rhino.com is the person to get in touch with. Best to have a digital photograph of the original defective versions you own handy. You may need to chase them up (gently) but I got my discs 6 weeks from the first email I sent. To be fair to Rhino the process didn't cost me a penny.
So... I emailed Dr. Rhino on January 5, 2011 with all my info and photos of the defective discs, etc. I received absolutely no reply or acknowledgement of any sort, even after a couple of polite inquiries around the two- and three-month mark. Lo, and behold, my replacement discs arrived TODAY, nearly SEVEN months to the day that I sent the original email. I'll admit I'd given up months ago and thought I may try again at a later date, but now I'm happy they finally arrived!
I'm still looking for a copy of the additional "credits booklet" that was included in the corrected versions if anyone can point me in the right direction. I'd be willing to pay a small fee plus postage if someone is willing to part with one. If anyone can scan it or knows where I can view a scan online that would be great too. Thanks in advance!
