The Joshua Tree Remastered

@joshua_w (501)
Malaysia
April 11, 2008 9:49pm CST
It's been a long time since i'd initiated a new topic. All because of a glitch in Mylot's system? Or maybe it's my system. Couldn't think of a better topic so, guess i'll start with music. Again!U2's seminal work, 'The Joshua Tree', which was first released in 1987, has been given a new lease of life through the remastering process, and released to the general public in October last year. I bought the album only this year. Although not my favourite from the group, it is nevertheless a fine album. All the songs in there, with perhaps the exception of one, are almost perfect. The only thing that could possibly mar the of enjoyment of the album as a whole is the sound quality. So imagine how i felt when i heard of this release. Finally, a good excuse to appreciate the songs in the album again. Does it measure up to the expectations? The opener "Where The Streets Have No Name" has always been one of the great opener in rock album. The Edge's guitar slowly, slowly fading in before Bono's voice finally appeared and taking centrestage. The highlight here is of course, The Edge's chiming guitar with chords which at once sounded so simple yet appealing. The only song where the guitar sounded so really good. Over the years, it is the later tracks which has grown more enjoyable with each listen. Songs like "Red Hill Mining Town", "In God's Country", "One Tree Hill" and "Exit" are the ones which appeals more to the senses if only because they're performed with such passion. The beautiful, "Red Hill Mining Town" has always been my favourite. The bass are deeper and more nuanced and given more prominence in the mix. Whereas previously the drums sounded a little muffled, now they're louder and tighter-kick drums especially are more noticeable. "Exit" never sounded angrier with its driving drum and bass towards the end. Snares are crisp and the cymbals crashes are Bass notes that even rumbled the floor and windows. Listening to it alone can be, erm, quite disquieting. "You turn away to face the cold, enduring chill. As the day begs the night for mercy love...". "One Tree Hill" has one of the most beautiful prose in music. Emotions aside, this song has benefited again from an improved clarity in the rhythm part. So, the remastered version is certainly a more enjoyable listen than the original release. Overall improvement can be heard mostly in the rhythm section which is what drives the whole musical piece. There's a Gold Disc version remastered by Mobile Fidelity but i have not listen to it as it is almost impossible to find here. Now, if only the record company would remastered "The Unforgettable Fire", that would be bliss, haha. At the same time, when would The Beatles remastered version of all their albums be release, if ever?
3 responses
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
14 Apr 08
HI Joshua nice you see you back. These glitches sometimes get over us and at the same time helps us to value some old friends who are so nice to be with. I have very little idea about the album and it seems that it's a nice remastered version. The review was fantastic, even a layman could get the feel of it. It goes to show your love of music as well. And yes, if ever The Beatles remastered version releases please let us know for they are my all time favorites. Smiles... PS: Wish you a very Happy Bengali New Year.
1 person likes this
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
15 Apr 08
Actually 'review' sounds more professional and it indeed had a professional finesse in addition to your personal touch to it. I am wrong in selecting words. lol.. *Cheers*
1 person likes this
@joshua_w (501)
• Malaysia
16 Apr 08
Mimpi, you are too kind in your words. I will definitely read what you have to say in your posts here when free. Until then, you have a good day ya.
@joshua_w (501)
• Malaysia
14 Apr 08
Hey Mimpi, it's good to see you too. I hope you are well and healthy. Actually, i did not meant to write it as a review but rather just to express my experience listening to it. I'm not good at thinking up a more suitable topic to begin so there goes... Anyway, thanks for the kind words. Of course i would let everyone here knows if The Beatles past catalogues get a re-release in remastered form, haha. You have a great New Year too.
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
12 Apr 08
Welcome back as it has been a long time. I know very little about this modern music, but must say that your description of it makes on want to go find the tunes and listen, because you have such enthusiasm. Don't be such a stranger.
1 person likes this
@joshua_w (501)
• Malaysia
14 Apr 08
Hi, thanks for the welcome. Glad to read your comments again. It is a rock album, so you may not like it but it's not those heavy and loud types of rock like hard rock or heavy metal. The songs are very melodic and they all have references to Christianity itself. Although i'm not a Christian, i find the words very lyrical and most are downright poetic. Hmmm, i always felt like a stranger here because most of the people here are from the Western part of the world. Or am i wrong?
@bradhart (659)
• United States
12 Apr 08
it isn't my favorite either but you are right it is a fine album. I prefer Rattle and Hum personally.
1 person likes this
@joshua_w (501)
• Malaysia
14 Apr 08
Rattle and Hum is not a personal favourite except for a few tracks like "Heartland", "God Part II" and the "All I Want Is You". It's political 'American music-style' is not quite my taste actually.