THE WHO: UK single mixes (best digital sources)

Postby **lukpac** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 6:29 pm

I can't put a CD in right now, but after the solo - 1:10 maybe? - there are a series of drum hits on the alternate version not present on the regular one. That's probably the easiest place to spot.

JWB · Postby **JWB** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 7:00 pm

Thanks, Luke.

I'll check it out and let you guys know which is which.

JWB · Postby **JWB** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:16 pm

OK, guys. I checked it out, and much to my surprise, the first mix (MBBB, US WBWB) is the UK single mix. The second mix (Colelction, Singles, Box Set) is an alternate!

Postby **lukpac** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:47 am

Told you so :wink:

Andreas · Postby **Andreas** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 2:56 am

I have now made my first comparison of the Polydor WBWB against the MCA WBWB.

General observation: The Polydor is a bit louder.
Some tracks are from the same digital master.

My Generation, Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere: From the same digital master (but at different volumes).
The Kids Are Alright: Polydor has the full length version, and also sounds miles better than the shorter MCA mix.
Substitute: Polydor is mildly duophonic. (Only apparent with headphones). MCA version is pure mono and sounds better.
I'm a Boy: Unpleasant on Polydor, more distortion than on the MCA. Definitely the same mix, though.
Happy Jack, Pictures of Lily: As previously noted, only the MCA has the correct single mixes. Besides that, the Polydor versions sound "closer to the source".
I Can See for Miles: More clarity and punch on the Polydor. Compared to that, the MCA sounds like from a copy tape. Both versions have the complete first note (which is clipped or cross-faded on every other version that I am aware of.)
Who Are You: Couldn't hear a difference.
Won't Get Fooled Again: Polydor has the album version (sounding similar to the Who Collection), MCA has the single mix (sounding worse than The Singles).
Magic Bus: Polydor has the mono mix, MCA the stereo mix, but not with the complete intro as Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy.
I Can't Explain: Couldn't hear a difference.
Baba O'Riley: The Polydor has the same fade-in as on The Who Collection and the old Polydor Sell Out CD. The MCA has narrower stereo image. Both are, of course, not even close to being the best versions on CD.

I didn't listen closely to the remaining tracks, I don't think there were big differences, and all those sound better on other CDs.

krabapple · Postby **krabapple** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:18 am

What kind of comparison is this? Sighted, blind, ABX?

Andreas · Postby **Andreas** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:19 am

By the way, all my observations (except the one that no two tracks are digitally identical) are based on non-scientific psycho-accustic nonsense. :wink:

No, I actually placed the headphones on my cat's head. "Meowww" = compression. "Gurrrr" = flat transfer from the master tape. "MOOOOOWWWWWEEEE" = noise reduction. "Xxxxxxrgh" = digital clipping.

Xenu · Postby **Xenu** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 12:48 pm

Jeez. I'm so glad I never bought *either* WBWB.

Now that I'm home...anybody have the old MCA WBN or WAY CDs? I'd like to check small FLAC samples against my Polydor discs.

-D

Rspaight · Postby **Rspaight** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 12:52 pm

I've got access to both. I think I gave Luke copies at one point. Might be easier to get 'em from him than have me chase them down again.

If he pitched 'em, though, I might be able to dig 'em up.

Ryan

Postby **lukpac** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:35 pm

I keep everything. I think I even know where they are.

I have the Canadian copies of those, as well as a "full artwork" of WAY.

Phil Elliott · Postby **Phil Elliott** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:56 pm

Andreas wrote:I have now made my first comparison of the Polydor WBWB against the MCA WBWB.

Substitute: Polydor is mildly duophonic. (Only apparent with headphones).

Cloned from "The Who Collection" maybe?

Xenu wrote:Jeez. I'm so glad I never bought *either* WBWB.

-D

Why? If you get the US/Canadian, you've got the best sounding Substitute and Happy jack (correct mix) by a long shot. My Generation sounds nice aswell ...

Andreas · Postby **Andreas** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:34 pm

Phil Elliott wrote:
Andreas wrote:
Substitute: Polydor is mildly duophonic. (Only apparent with headphones).

Cloned from "The Who Collection" maybe?

Good guess, but that is not the case. Substitute on The Who Collection is much more duophonic, it sounds terrible. The effect is more subtle on the Polydor WBWB. In fact, I did not even notice this before doing the direct comparison against the MCA WBWB. :oops:

JWB · Postby **JWB** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:57 pm

Two questions for Andreas & Luke:

Does "The Who Collection" have any other necessary tracks besides Let's See Action/Join Together/Relay/Squeeze Box/Who Are You (single mix)?

Is "The Kids Are Alright" edited on MBBB, or is the Polydor WBWB the best place to find it?

Postby **lukpac** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:07 pm

JWB wrote:Does "The Who Collection" have any other necessary tracks besides Let's See Action/Join Together/Relay/Squeeze Box/Who Are You (single mix)?

I didn't even know those were necessary...<g>

It used to be the only CD source for the long/alternate Magic Bus. That is now available on the Japanese bonus disc for Then & Now.

Is "The Kids Are Alright" edited on MBBB, or is the Polydor WBWB the best place to find it?

Edited on MBBB.

Am I correct that MBBB was never issued on CD in the UK?

JWB · Postby **JWB** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:52 pm

lukpac wrote:
JWB wrote:Does "The Who Collection" have any other necessary tracks besides Let's See Action/Join Together/Relay/Squeeze Box/Who Are You (single mix)?

I didn't even know those were necessary...<g>

Andreas said "Collection" had the best versions of those tracks....