The Stephen Desper Thread
Stephen W. Desper:
Comment to Brother John --
You'd think that the sophistication of today's equipment would be able to produce a successful copy of an original recording. Only if the original is digital. If analog tape, the best method is the reverse copy. Its a shame that human intervention (in terms of noise-reduction etc.) has a tendency to spoil it for those that really care about the recordings. That is why it was not used in the 2000 release. Better to hear the analog with all the hiss then to try to remove the hiss and along with it some of the beauty. I like the sound of the Andrew Sandoval and Dan Hersch 2000 release best -- over and above the first one I sat in on.
So, it seems that the released Surf's Up on the box set (the completed track, not the demo) is a more authentic version than the one on 2000's twofer? I'd say the authentic version is on Reprise Records LP # RS 6453 and if you can find a matrix number 31237 it will be one of the Artisan originals. (The matrix number is hand written on the land between the leadout groove.)
Thanks Stephen for pointing out that the UK version is a generation away from the original. Why? I suppose sending master tapes across the Atlantic without a bodyguard is just too risky. Ho hum. It's not a matter of security, it's a matter of time. The LP matrix is cut in soft acetate. The shape of the groove will be good for about twenty-four hours, but after that the acetate tends to drift back to its original shape loosing details in the sound. The pressing stampers must be plated from the original matrix within a day of it being cut. During the LP age, or even today, you could not get the matrix from the Hollywood cutting lathes to London's pressing plants that fast, so a tape copy was made for foreign releases. ~swd
Joshilyn Hoisington:
Mark, if you're still reading in, I have a question about the 3-track of Surf's Up.
Was the basic tracking session tracked in mono to one track, then overdubbed later with the horn section on another track and then an additional piano on the third track?
I have a compulsion to know exactly what the contents of every discrete track a Beach Boys ever recorded...
yrplace:
Quote from: Stephen W. Desper on January 02, 2006, 12:25:31 PM
Comment to Brother John --
You'd think that the sophistication of today's equipment would be able to produce a successful copy of an original recording. Only if the original is digital. If analog tape, the best method is the reverse copy. Its a shame that human intervention (in terms of noise-reduction etc.) has a tendency to spoil it for those that really care about the recordings. That is why it was not used in the 2000 release. Better to hear the analog with all the hiss then to try to remove the hiss and along with it some of the beauty. I like the sound of the Andrew Sandoval and Dan Hersch 2000 release best -- over and above the first one I sat in on.
So, it seems that the released Surf's Up on the box set (the completed track, not the demo) is a more authentic version than the one on 2000's twofer? I'd say the authentic version is on Reprise Records LP # RS 6453 and if you can find a matrix number 31237 it will be one of the Artisan originals. (The matrix number is hand written on the land between the leadout groove.)
Thanks Stephen for pointing out that the UK version is a generation away from the original. Why? I suppose sending master tapes across the Atlantic without a bodyguard is just too risky. Ho hum. It's not a matter of security, it's a matter of time. The LP matrix is cut in soft acetate. The shape of the groove will be good for about twenty-four hours, but after that the acetate tends to drift back to its original shape loosing details in the sound. The pressing stampers must be plated from the original matrix within a day of it being cut. During the LP age, or even today, you could not get the matrix from the Hollywood cutting lathes to London's pressing plants that fast, so a tape copy was made for foreign releases. ~swd
If memory serves the 3 track demo is a track of piano and then two seperate tracks of overdubbed lead vocals by Brian. I believe we mixed that tape in mono on the GV box.
yrplace:
Quote from: aeijtzsche on January 02, 2006, 12:39:01 PM
Mark, if you're still reading in, I have a question about the 3-track of Surf's Up.
Was the basic tracking session tracked in mono to one track, then overdubbed later with the horn section on another track and then an additional piano on the third track?
I have a compulsion to know exactly what the contents of every discrete track a Beach Boys ever recorded...
I would have to check the tape to be certain, but the track was most certainly cut to two or three tracks live and the horns may have been an overdub. If I get out the safety to check if Carl sang any lead on pt two I will take a look at the horns as well.... Mark
Andrew G. Doe:
If, and as with anything to do with Smile reportage from the 60s, that's a big 'if', Jules Siegal's description of the session is accurate, Brian tracked the piano first, added a vocal, then doubled it. The session was initially intended for group vocals for "Wonderful" & "Cabin Essence", so unlikely that horns would have been present. David Oppenheim filmed the session - that's one set of reels I'd gladly sit through.
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