Another "I just bought......." thread: Beck's "Sea Change"

[FunkyHiFi]

I just bought it but haven't listened to it yet. I bought the dvd-audio version because the sound quality is supposed to be awesome-same with the quality of the surround mix ("demo quality" is used a lot to describe it).

But to be clear I did not buy it so I could hear my equipment, I bought it because of all the very positive opinions of the music, how moving it is & because I like Beck's music.* The last straw was last week at a Starbucks when I was talking to an employee about how Starbucks was selling Guero (I was surprised they were doing that) and when I mentioned that I had been passing up Sea Change because it seemed so somber,** the woman (who turned out to own all his albums) I was talking to suddenly cut me off & went "Ooooh, that is such a beautiful album-I love that one!" with this kind of dreamy look on her face at the same time.

Crap.

Maybe someone else's gloom will make me feel better. :)

* shitty music--even if it sounds great or comes from more than two speakers--is still shitty music, so good sound quality to me is simply a bonus.

** Funky ain't exactly doing what the college counselor said I would be doing after graduating and racking up a $42,000 student loan......I don't want to sink anybody's ship so I'll spare everybody the grisly details.

[Mr Films]

sea change can only be described with a combination of two icons:

(y) :(

[FunkyHiFi]

(y) :(
This why I want to listen to it uninterrupted all the way through the first time. Right now I'm watching a couple Harvey Birdman episodes I taped last night (i think they are early ones since one features Harvey interviewing Peanut for a clerk job and these are much more off the wall story-wise).

[FunkyHiFi]

BTW: another album I own that I like a lot but have to be in the right mood to hear is Sarah McLachlan's Fumbling Towards Ecstacy (http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?style=music&bab=E&pid=1110203&cart=248417060). Haunting music with a vaguely hip-hoppish beat to it sometimes with beautiful but sometimes quite dark lyrics, but fortunately the album has a hopeful ending. This album, The Rollins Band Weight (http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?style=music&bab=E&pid=1168880&cart=248417060) CD, particularly the track "Shine" and along with some other inward-looking music helped me get through some bad times ten years ago. In the case of Sarah and Henry Rollins, while they have two totally different physical appearances they both can inspire good things in their own special ways.

BTW: about a minute after the last track ends, there is a pretty acoustic piano version of "Possession".

[cosmo105]

that album is perfect for driving through Joshua Tree on a starry night with the windows down and the crisp clean air on your cheeks.

[FunkyHiFi]

Wow.

Got through all the tracks and felt like I was in a different world, actually that feeling was there by the end of the second song, maybe something like when you're moving out of a house you've lived in for a long time, and before you close the front door for the last time you're looking around at all those empty rooms after all the furniture is gone......something like that I guess.

This is just a little bit different than Odelay or Mellow Gold. His voice though still fits the mood on this album very well.

This will definitely take more listens to understand better, even with the help of the lyric book. But some of the things he talks about I--and probably many others--have been through myself.

I only watched one video once out of the six on the disc (the one directed by Spike Jonze) but won't watch anymore until I've listened to the music by itself a few more times--I want to form my own mental image of the music/lyrics first.

[enree erzweglle]

Got through all the tracks and felt like I was in a different world, actually that feeling was there by the end of the second song, maybe something like when you're moving out of a house you've lived in for a long time, and before you close the front door for the last time you're looking around at all those empty rooms after all the furniture is gone.

This is a exactly how Sea Change makes me feel too.

I love the way Lonesome Tears floats off into the unknown.

It's a gorgeous album. Blows me away every time I hear it. I'm usually not into downer/breakup music, but I don't know that I'd classify it that way despite its lyrics. There's a strange beauty to it that defies its underlying melancholy. I love that entire album--it's one of my top 10 favorites.

[Darko]

Sea Change is good, but I find it really hard to listen to. It's got such a depressing vibe running through it. Although I do think 'Lost Cause' and 'Little One' are some of the best songs he's done.

[HEIRESS]

weird, I just listened to that album this morning at work

all my coworkers were all mellowwwwed out and shit

[Documad]

I could never get into the album, and the tour he did not help. Although Golden Age was terrific live. I love individual songs on it, but not the overall album. Often the case with me and Beck.

[roni]

(lb) he's going on tour for guero and the opening act is le tigre! i'm so pissed though because i can't go. sad too. :(

[FunkyHiFi]

I finally got to listen enough to this album to write a mini review of it (Ilike music a lot but am not good with musical terms so also am not good at writing detailed reviews of it).

Music is great, rock mixed with some country-ish sounds & lots of stringed instruments (including violins) and most of it has a very "lush" feel to it feeling something like an old but comfortable blanket; lyrics very good too but can't always follow along with them for fear of being involuntarily bummed out. IMO "Round The Bend" wins the prize for most desolate track on the disc,but still manages to sound pretty at the same time. But I want to be able to enjoy the music so now I just tune out the words if I'm not in the right mood, something i don't usually do (I'm big into having music with meanigful lyrics). As someone else said (Documad?) this is a good driving-at-night-by-yourself album.

************************************************** ************

Dvd-audio section review: as others have told me, the surround mix on this disc is great & would make a good surround demo disc. It is very immersive and aggressive: the first word means the band's instruments are literally placed all around you & not just that fake/reverby echo that many of those new "DualDisc" titles have. Though this can be a little overwhelming if you're not in the right mood, like on Round The Bend. Aggressive means there is movement of certain instruments & sound effects around you during a lot of the tracks which adds to the emotion of the song (but without being gimmicky). Sound quality itself is very good but IIRC this was recorded on an analog deck because you can hear the tape's hiss in the background. Many, many musicians and engineers still like recording to analog because of its special sound that adds an organic and warm feel to the music. >>> Just because something is labeled "digital" does NOT mean it is always the best.

There is a stereo high resolution track too and just like the surround tracks, it uses the 88.2kHz/24bit PCM format (CDs use the 44.1kHz/16bit format).

If you play this on a regular dvd-video player, you have access to the surround track but it uses the Dolby Digital format so relatively speaking it doesn't sound as good as the high resolution tracks. But all dvd movies use Dolby for their soundtracks so you know this format can still sound very good. There is no separate stereo track for dvd-video players--if you use the player's left and right analog outputs to listen, the player will "downmix" the six surround channels into two channels--it will still sound fine but instrument placement in the resulting stereo image may be a little wonky.

There are six videos on this disc but I thought only three were worth watching again:

The one for "Round The Bend" uses some really pretty & slowly changing abstract colors mixed with real images to reinforce the song's feeling. This song is also used for the disc's menus.

"Guess I'm Doing Fine" has Beck in a city park walking around looking somber while his guitar follows him around. We also get to see him do some mild breakdancing(?) and play soccer with some kids.

"Lost Cause" is the weirdest one I guess but interesting to watch. It features a sort of pinata-type thing in the shape of a human figure with Beck's head and it does various acrobatic things while fireworks shoot out. Hard to describe but fun to watch.

I bought this for $15 at Best Buy. I have noticed at my own BB that many of the discs have incorrect prices: the Doors' L.A. Woman dvd-audio had a tag with $22.99(!!) on it but it was actually only $14.99. BTW: I bought this Doors disc and am sorry to report that IMO it ain't worth it. The surround mix sucks--just a few instruments popping up in back of me at random moments at really low volume levels--and sound quality itself, while good, is nothing special. The single bonus video for "The Changeling" is just a montage of photos--zzzzzzzz (though it shows why so many women like Jim Morrison). My next surround disc will be this cool 80s album (http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=6939300&style=music&cart=264686775) by Simple Minds (listen (http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=5930229&style=music&cart=264686775)). Great memories of lsitening to this loudly while in college. In Canada where it is already available people have said it has an excellent surround mix which complements the music's "big" feel.

My next CD will be De La Soul's Three Feet High And Rising because of all the talk here about it & I really liked the samples I've heard.

[Sandinista!]

* shitty music--even if it sounds great or comes from more than two speakers--is still shitty music, so good sound quality to me is simply a bonus.



Maybe you didn't get the memo: Beck's garbage is shitty music.

Try to see if you can get a refund and instead purchase the upcoming Stooges remasters.

[FunkyHiFi]

Anyway..........

Anybody here been to the concert for the Guero tour (assuming there is one)?

[FunkyHiFi]

The Doors management confirms the Doors' 5.1 surround box set will be coming out...sometime. But at least it's still coming out! So all the thousands of surround music fans here can relax now. ;)

From their message board (http://messageboard.thedoors.com/index.php?showtopic=28470&st=90), post #97:

Hi Jeff, I am curious as to how the production is on the 5.1 mixes of the studio albums? L.A. Woman is a HUGE success in the 5.1,.......

Hi:

Yes, EVERY Doors studio album AND AL have been remixed in 5.1 surround. What you will see this year is a box set of EVERY studio record and AL, each with two discs: a remastered CD with the classic mix AND, if all of The Doors are satisfied and happy, a brand-new mix from Bruce Botnick, using the latest state-of-the-art technology to bring out Jim's voice, the timbre of all the instrumentation, and a clarity, depth and scary-great mix like you've never heard, including parts that were buried or left out of the original mix. Don't worry, though, the original mix, albeit completely remastered, will be there, too.

On the second disc will be the complete album in 5.1 surround, 96K original stereo mix AND a complete 96K remix, again if approved, from Botnick.

All of The Doors still need to approve/tweak the mixes, so I can't say for sure if/when they're coming, but one way or another...they're comin'! I can't wait for you to hear what Bruce has done...it is AMAZING!

FYI: "96K" means a 96kHz sampling rate (CD's is 44.1kHz) and a 24bit sample word. Many engineers think the larger sample word is actually more important soundwise.

I have to revise my review of that L.A. Woman dvd-audio I complained about above, but not because of the overly happy opinion (IMO :) ) of that guy quoted above. I got that Doors disc, one of the first surround mixes done back around 2000, at about the same time I bought the Sea Change dvd-audio, which has one of the *best* surround mixes. I guess I was spoiled by the Beck disc, so after a awhile I listened to the Doors disc more often and not so critically and honestly, IMO it's not as bad as I thought it was. I found out I prefer so-so surround mixes to just about any stereo mix-surround playback is that much better to me and many others.

And like all the remixed 5.1 albums I own, the sound itself is definitely better because they have to use the original multitrack master tapes to do that-those tapes are the "virgin" recordings if you will, meaning they contain the unprocessed signals that came directly from the microphones. Up in front the drums and the guitars especially sound better, even on the Dolby Digital track.

......techie audio nerd stuff follows................

The stereo mix though on the dvd-audio was taken from the original stereo master, which was made in 1972 on that era's equipment. But that isn't really a problem, as much recording gear back then could still sound very good*. What the deal is is that the stereo master was optimized for 8-tracks, radio and vinyl, all of which have varying & sometimes very audible sonic limitations.

But if those "pure" multitrack masters are still available & in good phyiscal shape, they can be played back through modern mixing/processing systems (usually fed via a restored analog reel-to-reel tape deck) but this time optimized with modern formats in mind, formats that have few of the limitations of those older ones. Though vinyl, if played on very good gear, say a $700+ turntable/cartridge combination, can sound nearly identical to the CD version.

So I don't think Mr. Jampol is bullshitting when he says the new stereo mixes sound great. I hope they get approved. And the surround versions should reveal even more "layers" just because of the special physics of surround playback.

FYI: if you're a prog rock fan, Yes' Fragile dvd-a (http://rhino.com/store/ProductDetail.lasso?Number=78249) is a perfect example of the above. I can hear the improvements easily, even on the Dolby Digital track.

* actually, excellent sounding gear appeared around 1957 or so-buy just about any RCA "Living Stereo" classical CD and you'll see what I mean. My Jimmy Smith jazz comp CD also sounds excellent-its tracks are also from the late 50s to early 60s. And all this great music was amplified by "lowly" vacuum tubes and recorded on "lo-tech" analog tape.

[kaiser soze]

I fucking love Sea Change, beck's most personal and profound

very epic but holds down the mellow, do not play at a party

[FunkyHiFi]

In a lot of places on the disc there are pictures of faded & tattered American flags. Since the CD came out in 2002, maybe something to do with 9/11? Anyway, this album is the most mind altering one (in a good, though somber, way) I've bought in a looooong time. When I'm listeing to Midnight Vultures or Odelay it doesn't seem possible that this album exists.

[aa ninja]

i went to the guero tour. some guy with drum machines all over his body opened and played 80's hair metal. i wish i caught the name because it was the craziest thing ever. not to mention that beck was amazing. that was one of the more memorable shows i've seen. i think midnight vultures is my favourite. i kind of wonder if beck is suddenly a scientologist more for shock value though.. no offence to scientology but its quite a leap from being jewish

[jackrock]

Sea Change is an awesome album... i particilarly enjoy The Golden Age, Paper Tiger, and everything else is pretty good too.

[Planetary]

that album is perfect for driving through Joshua Tree on a starry night with the windows down and the crisp clean air on your cheeks.

it's have to be golden agfe, cause of thwe slight similarity with the first verse lyrics

[FunkyHiFi]

For those of you with turntables, Sea Change is going to be issued in vinyl form this month.

Here are two retailers that are going to sell it:

* Sea Change @ Acoustic Sounds (http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=28625)
* Sea Change @ Music Direct (http://www.amusicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=LDB9319)

BTW: if you want to buy a new turntable without breaking the bank, two that you might want to check into are:

Technics SL-BD20 - a belt drive 'table with what's called a P-mount cartridge. This is the type of cartridge you just plug-in & secure with a set screw......and that's it. Very convenient. I own its "upscale" version, the SL-BD22 which has a variable speed platter.

Rega P3 (http://www.rega.co.uk/html/p3.htm) - a very stylish (comes in different colors!) and nicely built table. But this model uses a standard mount cartridge which means you need to do a few installation & adjustment procedures. Not difficult but requires some patience.

Of course there is the pricey Technics SL-1200 series which *can* be used at home with excellent results, no matter what some of the audiophile snobs say (i.e. it is not "just" a DJ's table).

FYI: to hear these tables your receiver will need an input specifically marked "phono" (and not "phono/aux", but just "phono"). Otherwise you'll need to buy a phono preamp, which usually start around $25. There are some very basic tables out there that have an internal preamp but the quality of these models can sometimes be pretty questionable.

I found this special turntable at Best Buy but have no idea of its sound or build quality:
ionAudio Vinyl Recording USB port Turntable (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7367324&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03037&id=1122653506956)

You can also record from regular tables so you can make your own personal-use CD-Rs - a Google search will show you how.

[SuckaMC]

Sea Change is really depressing. I prefer Mutations. Same amount of beauty, less misery.

[FunkyHiFi]

Mutations is my next Beck album to buy. I bought Midnight Vultures a few months ago and I guess I'm in the minority here with this opinion but: I don't like it very much. :( I guess to me the songs seem too processed and slick, like something you'd hear on a commercial. His voice is different too. Sea Change definitely ain't no party album but I still like it much better. Of all the Beck albums I actually own (five), Odelay is still my favorite though.

[Lo_Lyfe]

gotdayum, i just got this. no wonder it sounds like radiohead.(y) (y)

[Waus]

Sea Change bonus track (http://rapidshare.de/files/26984368/Beck_-_Ship_In_The_Bottle.mp3.html) "Ship in the Bottle." Only released in Japan or something.


Just click the "free" button or whatevs. You have to wait like 15 seconds to download it, but other than that it's simple.

[Auton]

Mutations
Odelay
Midnight Vultures (though personally i really do like it better than odelay)
Sea Change
Mellowgold
Guero
Guerolito

[Deep_Sea_Rain]

For me Sea Change is tied with Mellow Gold for Beck's best album. Sea Change is technically better, but Mellow Gold has the nostalgia factor for me.

Sea Change is beautifully depressing...only way to describe it. When I'm sad it does tend to make me feel better, for some reason :confused:

It's definately a driving cd too....and easily in my top ten albums (y)