Search - Duran Duran :: Rio (W/Book) (Coll)

Better Sounding Remaster plus extras

Music Man | NY,NY | 11/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those of you who own the 2001 remaster of Rio, it's worth it to purchase this special updated remaster for many reasons.

First, the sound quality of this new remaster is far superior than the 2001 remaster. In comparing them I found the 2001 remaster to be hissy compared to this new realease. The improvements to this new 2009 remaster eliminates the hiss and is punchier and more present than the 2001 version.

Secondly, which is really interesting is that this UK version is different than the 2001 remaster(which I thought was the UK version as well). Tracks like "Hold Back the Rain" and most of the others are mixed differently...and are better! Plus you have the U.S. mixes which are interesting to hear(but I prefer the UK version on this 2009 remaster over them all). To top it off, you have the b-sides, demos, and night versions on disc two.

Speaking as a musician and a music fan, Rio is one of my favorite albums of all time and one that sounds fresh everytime I listen to it. This 2009 remaster is a must for any Duran Duran fan and a strong suggestion to those unfamiliar with this wonderful album. I hear they are going to give the same treatment to their debut album(which is a favorite of mine as well). This is an important album for rock history and if you happen to be a bass player, look no further...John Taylor rocks!"

Great track listing...sound quality a little questionable

Daniel W. Kelly | Long Island, NY United States | 12/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Personally, I found that the mastering on this new release is a bit shrill, with way too many highs that leave the songs sounding not only flat, but tinny at the same time with no dynamic range. Luckily, I have an old school system with an actual graphic equalizer, so i can manipulate the sound quality. But if you have a modern system that gives you 'predetermined' equalizer settings, you may have an issue finding the right setting. My only other complaint about this release is the final track on disc 2. The carnival mix of My Own Way is kind of ruined by the fact that they've tacked a spoken holiday greeting by Simon LeBon onto the end of the track! So guess what--if you want to put this mix on your ipod and don't have any editing software, you'll have to listen to that spoken greeting every time you play the song. So glad I have this mix on another CD..."