The Joshua Tree Remastered  

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?