Description
Pink Floyd 1970 and 1971 BBC… This has long been known as a special A-class sound source, with sound quality and performance that fans of unofficial sound sources can recall the high-quality sound just by listening to it. This recording, including the LP for business broadcasting (= transcription disc) produced by the BBC at the time as a broadcast sound source, has always been in a class of its own, and the 4-CD set “BBC ARCHIVES 1970 & 1971” released in 2015 as a supreme masterpiece is a perfect title that scrutinizes and restores the mono and stereo versions of each year, and the version later broadcast on the US radio station WNEW-FM in great detail, and it remains at the pinnacle of solitary excellence. The quality of this pinnacle title did not waver even in 2016, when the official release of the 27-disc limited edition box set “The Early Years 1965-1972” was released. As you know, the 4th volume of this official box set, “1970 DEVI/ATION” and the 5th volume, “1971 REVERBER/ATION”, contain BBC recordings from each year, and so to speak, the “BBC sound as the official view intended by the band” has appeared. However, for some reason, the “official sound” has an unnatural compressor applied to it, which made fans who are familiar with the original sound through years of listening experience and training feel uncomfortable. To be honest, I think many fans felt like they were in a trap. The processed and edited artificial sound pressure and the natural sound with a core…I think this is the root of the discomfort, but if the official version has been so nosy that it has been processed and patched up the original, we should have taken the axe with a more refined sound, and Sigma has explored the possibility of further improving the BBC-70/71 sound based on the official box release and the Sigma 143 version. And finally, we have realized a simple and ultimate sound quality board with the minimum necessary 2-disc set (Disc 1: 1970-Mono, Disk 2: 1971-Stereo) that does not rehash Sigma 143!! ★ The popular sold-out title “BBC 1970/1971” has been re-released in an upgraded 2-disc set! The final definitive “back BBC” board that complements the official version! (It can be said to be the BBC version of the “final cut”.) To briefly write the outline of this BBC-1970/1971 sound as the ultimate sound quality board, 1970… The same master as the Sigma 143 board, but remade from scratch. Improved accuracy by reviewing and correcting the pitch 1971… Remade from scratch. The parent source is also completely different from Sigma 143. …I guess. In particular, the 1971 edition has been completely renewed to a sound image that could become the new standard in the future, which gives it an upper feeling. On the other hand, the 1970 BBC may not seem to have changed much when written as above, but by applying stricter scrutiny than when the 143 version was produced, the sound quality has been improved significantly. Just to be clear, this is not because the adjustments on the 143 version were sloppy, but because the sound was thoroughly remastered by reviewing almost every measure (the same goes for the 1971 version on disc 2), and the ultimate sound quality that can be considered at this time has been achieved. ★Differences from the official version released in 2016 [1970 BBC] The sound quality of the 1970 BBC was originally a superb mono recording, while the one recorded on the official version “1970 DEVI/ATION” was compressed a little strongly, and although it was powerful, it was a bit tiring on the ears. In addition, the applause and cheers after the performance were shortened by editing, so it was about one and a half minutes shorter in total. Furthermore, while there was originally a cut between the songs “If” and “Atom Heart Mother” (on the BBC transcription discs that we are familiar with), in the official version this part was connected by a cross-fade (the cross-fading resulted in a slightly shorter gap between the songs). By leaving these small details in their original form this time, we are once again trying to differentiate the official version. [1971 BBC] As you know, the 1971 BBC was originally recorded in stereo, and there are mono and stereo mixes. Both have great sound characters, but the stereo mix is the more familiar and popular version of 1971. However, in this official box set, the main part from “Fat Old Sun” to “Echoes” is recorded in a mono mix that is more suitable for enthusiasts than the familiar stereo mix, and the encore “Blues” is recorded on a separate disc with a miscredit of “December 2, 1968” (but this track is stereo). Moreover, the sound quality is worse than the existing unofficial sound sources, which is unbearable. However, on the other hand, it can be said that the 1971 stereo mix is still more than worth the unofficial sound source due to the poor historical management and sound quality, and this time, the stereo mix with the freshest quality has been remastered from scratch. Sub-stereo reel sound sources were used to compensate, and the missing parts where the scene was originally continued were further compensated for and connected with mono mixes, making the recording time the longest version in history, and the difference from the official version is increasingly clear. ★ Leaping from the official edition box and Sigma 143 Disc 1: [BBC-1970 / Mono] Live at BBC Paris Theatre, London, UK 16th July 1970 Disc 1 is the real mono version of the 1970 BBC. As you know, BBC broadcast in mono until the spring of 1971, but it is known that stereo recordings at that time were mixed in mono for broadcast (※ Conversely, after the station started stereo broadcasting, it seems that stereo mixes were created again). At that time, when a performance was recorded in this way, it was common for there to be multiple versions of the sound (or mix) depending on the purpose and equipment used, and this Floyd BBC 1970-1971, which had three faces: pseudo-stereo, real stereo, and real mono, was a product of that era. The version recorded on Disc 1 this time is a pure real mono version, the latest version in 2017, newly remastered from the same “BBC Radio One Mono Master Reels” used for Sigma 143. In addition, the pitch has been corrected more strictly than that of Sigma 143. As a result, the floating cymbal strikes and tom-tom sounds of “The Embryo,” as well as the layered sound of the children’s voices and ensemble crossfading in the song, are by far clearer and more precise in this latest work. “Fat Old Sun” is an unreleased take that was not broadcast on the radio at the time of recording (※ Source leaked in the 2000s). This time, the sound is even closer, and the carefully calculated sound density is exuded down to the smallest detail, and the dynamic change in the sound expression right next to your ears is fixed with the original brilliance of mono. “Green Is The Colour” once again beautifully reproduces the transparent floating sound that the original sound originally had, and you will be struck by the vivid sound that is so sharp that you can see the trajectory of the sound and tone color in “Careful with That Axe, Eugene.” Especially the “swoosh, swoosh…” sound of Roger’s breathing and the lingering sound of his breath just before the final song are heard in an unprecedented vividness. “If” also has a fusion of guitar arpeggios and singing voices in an outstanding original sound waveform, making the simple connection between the sound expressed by the smallest unit of sound and people more intimately felt. The cut between the songs after the final song (※ = the comment section about next week’s broadcast schedule during the main broadcast) is recorded in the original full-length version, including the talk of the next week’s preview. In addition, in the take of the official box set, 5 minutes 48 seconds to 49 seconds, that is, immediately after John Peel says “So, the atom heart mother”, is connected with a cross fade, but this is also recorded in the original form of the original sound with a moment of silence remaining, enhancing the advantage of this work. “Atom Heart Mother” is particularly outstanding in the way the tone spreads and the resonance rises after the brass band and mixed choir enter, and you can feel the diffusion of the sound that sharply releases the color of the contained original sound and the robustness of the low range at the same time. In addition, it is worth noting that the applause and cheers that come after the performance are recorded about one and a half minutes longer than the official version. Disc 2: [BBC-1971 / Stereo Mix] Live at BBC Paris Theatre, London, UK 30th September 1971 The 1971 BBC stereo recorded on Disc 2 has been sharpened by the latest mastering, sharpening the contours of each sound, bringing the famous recording back to life with even more power. Sigma 143 was completed by replacing “The Embryo” and “Blues” with another natural master based on the Harvested edited version, but this time, the raw version of the analog BBC transcription LP was digitized at 48kHz/32bit and carefully rebuilt from scratch. The texture of the sound was also slightly tingly due to the noise reduction in the Harvested version (this can be easily understood by comparing the 1 minute 30 seconds of “Echoes”). This time, the sound image is natural while maintaining the texture of the analog master, and the scratch noises were picked up one by one and the waveform was corrected, so that the beautiful sound image unique to the British sound, like a wet crystal, appears perfectly. In order to record the cheers between songs in a stereo mix as much as possible, a different stereo master from the main part (a stereo tape called “BBC Rock Hour 7 inch Reel”, used for the bonus CDR of Sigma 143) was used as a sub-sound source. By using this 7-inch reel sound source as a supplement, the stereo recording section is significantly longer than Sigma 143, and the parts that are still insufficient are supplemented with a mono mix (for example, the part where the DJ enters at the end of “Embryo”). Like Sigma 143, “Blues” is recorded in the highest sound quality version (commonly known as the “Broadcast WNEW-FM version”) that was rebroadcast on WNEW-FM in the United States in later years, but this time it also uses a new master source from a different route via the Internet. The high-frequency expression, such as the sound of the cymbals, comes out with a more textured sound. Furthermore, the distribution of each instrument, with the organ on the right channel, the guitar on the left, and the bass and drums in the center, will lead to an even more special listening experience. At the beginning of the disc, John Peel’s intro starts from the mono source where this talk remains. This is connected to the stereo sound at around 0 minutes 35 seconds, which enhances the significance of the full-length version. After shifting to stereo, the ultra-clear stereo sound image sharpened to the limit unfolds one after another in “Fat Old Sun”, but the vivid sound spread that can be heard in the interlude (from 4 minutes 01 seconds) is a noteworthy moment when the multi-layered feeling of the stereo pops out in the best form ever. Don’t miss the fact that the cheers after the performance are also recorded in stereo this time (※ Sigma 143 records this part in mono). “One Of These D”The Embryo” has a longer opening sound effect than the one included in the official box set, and the vivid atmosphere unique to the early take appears in the original full-length version from the beginning. “The Embryo” is recorded using the US WNEW-FM broadcast version with excellent sound quality, but it has been newly mastered with a different master than the one used for disc 2 of Sigma 143. This allows for a wider range of vision, closer performance sounds, and a clear and expansive high-frequency sensitivity that can only be described as amazing. The area around 7 minutes 47 seconds to 56 seconds and the area around 10 minutes 05 seconds to 47 seconds immediately after the performance are compensated for in mono, but this is also a key point that includes scenes that cannot be heard on the official version. And “Echoes” has a special A-class finish with a mega-crystal sound brilliance. The remastering effect is clear not only in the official box but also in comparison with Disc 2 of Sigma 143, with the improved high-frequency output, the volume of sound, the resolution, and the dynamic sound that runs through the entire frequency range, which is overwhelmingly satisfying to listen to, and this beautiful and thick sound image will surely leave everyone speechless. About 40 seconds from 26 minutes 16 seconds to 56 seconds (※ The cheering part after the performance) is supplemented with the monaural recording of this part, enhancing the significance of this full-length, complete version that uses all the existing scenes. Like “The Embryo”, “Blues” was newly mastered and recorded from the WNEW-FM version. This also has a more natural feel to the sound (※ Probably no reduction has been applied) than Disc 2 of Sigma 143, and it is easy to understand when listening to the guitar tone in particular, but the sound is characterized by the lack of impurities. At the same time, the transparency has increased, and the organ’s growth and sharpness have improved by about +1, so the aftertaste you feel after listening is even deeper. …A leap from the already released Sigma 143, which is still highly regarded as the pinnacle, and the dazzlingness of the official version. It is a challenge to the original sound that never ceases to seek the original form of each source, and it is recorded in the longest version with the ultimate documentary quality, and it can be said that it is the brilliance of the instantaneous power that is unleashed with the best sound in history. Such a work has come to fruition here as the latest work from Sigma that will impress not only unofficial sound source fans but also audio fans who are strict about sound quality. This is the very sound quality pinnacle of BBC-1970/71 that can be remembered with the five senses, how Floyd at that time drew one idea, one musical inspiration, how it enlightened that era, and how something intangible sprouted one after another in the listener’s inner self. It is a piece that can be grasped with a super high-quality sound that penetrates. Please pick it up and enjoy this exquisite sound!! BBC Paris Theatre, London, UK 16th July 1970 & 30th September 1971 Disc 1(61:51) Live at BBC Paris Theatre, London, UK 16th July 1970 [Mono Mix] 1. John Peel’s Intro.2. The Embryo 3. Fat Old Sun 4. Green Is The Colour 5. Careful With That Axe, Eugene 6. If (unedited, like the inter-song cut Sigma143) ★This part is cross-faded in the official version. 7. Atom Heart Mother★The applause and cheers after the show are about a minute and a half longer than in the official version. Disc 2 (65:59) Live at BBC Paris Theatre, London, UK 30th September 1971 [Stereo Mix] *Overall, a more natural sound than Sigma143 1. John Peel’s Intro. ★The cheers are in stereo from around 0:35 2. Fat Old Sun ★The cheers after the performance are recorded in stereo (※Sigma143 is mono) 3. One Of These Days ★The opening-style sound effects are longer than in the official box set (or mono mix) 4. The Embryo ★Almost the same as Sigma143 from the WNEW-FM version ★Around 7:47-7:56 and around the MC after the performance from 10:13-10:43 are filled in mono 5. Echoes ★From 26:16, about 40 seconds are filled in mono 6. Blues ★Same as Sigma143, from the WNEW-FM version, but a more natural version than Sigma143 *The masters used for “Embryo” and “Blues” are different this time. – “Embryo” is the same version as the previous Sigma143. – “Blues” is a fresh version of a different route (no reduction applied) with noticeable hiss.
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