Why did non-band members re-produce the record?
ted offensive | pacifica, california United States | 04/18/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Did Brian Marnell not know how he wanted this album to sound? The original vinyl, mixed by the Marnell and his band, mastered by the great ear of George Horn, SHIMMERED! It sounded bright and alive as few vinyls did. Paul and Jack's bottom end was resounding.
Brian's brother and Colla, muted and damped and REPRODUCED A DEAD MAN's ALBUM. They stepped all over the songwriters' (my very favorite songwriters') songs. Brian Marnell was an absolute genius at power pop/punk songwriting.the opening chords of 'bleeding hearts' are SUPPOSED to have shock value- to alarm!- then fade into feedback. But these two non-members threw a blanket over it. I can actually hear the nobs being turned down on the chords after they strike-JUST LIKE DRIED UP PARENTS WOULD DO!
I'm so mad I could spit! I was so excited to hear that this cd was coming, and Brian Marnell would finally get his due, only to be sold out by his brother and his pop sellout friend (it's not hip to be square,Johnny). I looked to see if Paul or Jack were consulted, they were not. I doubt they liked their songs re-mixed.
If you listen hard, and use what I have said to adjust your ears, you can still pick out the genius of "bleeding hearts", "heart of stone", "money street", "love blind", and the glorious chugging of the three on "you don't rock" to close out the lp. What is sad is that this is all that is left of Marnell's legacy, not the album he mixed, but this second guess re-mix. The vinyl was one of the great undiscovered gems of rock music, and this band sooo deserves it. Try like a lifes' mission to find the vinyl- then you'll see.
Otherwise, this will have to do. But shame on Colla and this other Marnell for doing this re-producing and shame on Rhino for allowing it.
ted.offensive SFM
"
Could use some bonus tracks
James | Seattle, WA United States | 08/30/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I was originally drawn to SVT after hearing the 7" version of Heart of Stone, and the arena-rock mix of this version is disappointing by comparison. There are some decent tracks here, but if this is to be the one and only CD release of SVT, it should have included the Heart of Stone single and some demos and live tracks."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1
Tompee Z. (tompee) from CASTAIC, CA