Is Sgt. Peppers Mono the best version?
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Just curious. I'm ready to start buying them back. What is the best version, in your opinion, of Sgt. Peppers?
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I know the original mono mix is the way The Beatles intended, and they did the stereo mix as an afterthought. But I do prefer the stereo mix only because I like hearing more clearly all the different instruments and sounds in each song. A true 5:1 or 7:1 surround mix would be awesome too. Some of the songs from Sgt.Pepper were remixed for surround in the Yellow Submarine movie, and I'd love to hear the whole album that way!
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Thanks, Randy for weighing in. That's good to know about hearing each instrument clearer in stereo. Funny, I read a review by someone on Amazon who said he could hear the instruments better on the mono. I did not like the Naked album, so I may not like the mono version if it sounds like that.
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Personally I prefer the mono version. To me it has a much fuller sound and I don't have any difficulty with the clarity of the instruments. To me "A Day In The Life" sounds much better with John's voice coming from both speakers. However both mono and stereo are worth having.
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stephencornish:
Personally I prefer the mono version. To me it has a much fuller sound and I don't have any difficulty with the clarity of the instruments. To me "A Day In The Life" sounds much better with John's voice coming from both speakers. However both mono and stereo are worth having.
Thanks, Stephen. Can you think of any other differences? Stereo used to be more expensive, but I can't remember why it was better.
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There are a number of differences but main ones include Johns voice in Lucy In The Sky has a different feel to it, She's leaving Home is slightly faster (or the stereo was slowed down) and to me sounds a lot better. Also to me some of the guitar work seems a bit more up front. Don't get me wrong I love the stereo version but I just prefer the mono. If you listen to the mono with good headphones it sounds like it comes from inside your head (if that makes sense).
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Thanks! So, is does stereo have a smoothed over feeling? Like it all blends in?
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It isn't just sound placement, the mono version is a different mix than the stereo. So it's a different listening experience. I'd have both of them.
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Yes, different mix entirely, as stephencornish and beatlesfanrandy have both said. Since "She's Leaving Home" is faster, Paul's voice is higher and more youthful-sounding in mono, whereas he sounds kind of tired and dreary in the slower stereo version. Many noticeable differences in the editing, too, especially the chicken clucking at the end of "Good Morning, Good Morning" that blends into the electric guitar of "Sgt. Pepper [reprise]". It's actually much cleaner in stereo, or it just feels that way because I'm more used to it. But in mono, Paul's shouting at the end of the reprise is much clearer. In "Lucy In The Sky," I find the mono mix is much better at making the transitions between verses and choruses sound natural, like they have the same intensity, if you know what I mean. The chorus in the stereo jumps out kind of awkwardly, I think. I like having both versions.
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the mono version is one of my favorites in the mono series with the different sounds and speeds on there
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Thanks everyone. So the answer is BOTH. Gotcha
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Dang, I gave away my vinyl mono version of Pepper and bought it in stereo in 1968!
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Looking forward to receiving the vinyl Sgt Peppers mono being released tomorrow (9-9). Should be delivered within the next two weeks.
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Pepper Mono sounds so much better. LSD sounds very different. Lennon's voice is so much richer. In stereo, it sounds like he inhaled a helium balloon before taking the mic. Paul's vocal has so much energy in SLH. Finally having Lennon's eerie vocals coming through on all speakers on ADITL is worth the price of admission. Pepper needs to be listened in mono, as the band intended.
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Well said.
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I definitely prefer the mono version. The stereo version is a great POP recording. The mono version is a great ROCK recording. The mono version sounds heavier to me. The drum sound is fantastic. More of a band sound, as opposed to a collection of interspersed sounds.
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I listened to the 2009 stereo remaster CD of Pepper today for the first time in awhile. It really doesn't sound 47 years old. It still sounds cutting edge and fresh. What a masterpiece!
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Shawn:
I definitely prefer the mono version. The stereo version is a great POP recording. The mono version is a great ROCK recording. The mono version sounds heavier to me. The drum sound is fantastic. More of a band sound, as opposed to a collection of interspersed sounds.
Interesting perspective, since many music people consider this album to be the end of the Pop Era and the beginning of the Rock Era for music in general.
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beatlesfanrandy:
Shawn:
I definitely prefer the mono version. The stereo version is a great POP recording. The mono version is a great ROCK recording. The mono version sounds heavier to me. The drum sound is fantastic. More of a band sound, as opposed to a collection of interspersed sounds.
Interesting perspective, since many music people consider this album to be the end of the Pop Era and the beginning of the Rock Era for music in general.
I hadn't thought of that. Very interesting.
