u2songs.com: Running to Stand Still
Site Related => Discography & Releases => Topic started by: George on May 03, 2017, 06:22:12 PM
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U2's gift this year is a 10" vinyl set of the four The Joshua Tree singles, each featuring the remastered version of the single on Side A and a live performance from the 2017 tour on Side B. See http://www.u2.com/news/title/the-joshua-tree-singles-vinyl-collection-1987--2017 (http://www.u2.com/news/title/the-joshua-tree-singles-vinyl-collection-1987--2017).
So that's a total of four (4) new tracks.
This is a profound disappointment when related to previous gifts, especially the more recent ones U22, Edge's Picks, and even Another Time, Another Place. There were so many opportunities to really shine like they did with U22 and Edge's Picks. It's beyond me how they might think that this is on par with those. At least they went back to something musical this year, but really, it could should have been so much better.
I wonder if they actually asked any fans what they'd like before hand...
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The announcement was so delayed I had a feeling the gift would end up being tour-related!
I'm conflicted about this one. Those single sleeves are iconic and make for a cool collectible. Unfortunately I spent quite a lot of time tracking down good copies of the original 12" singles and I have all four framed and hanging in my office. Now what am I going to do with 10" versions?
I'm glad the b-sides will have new audio, I just hope they release the tracks as downloads through U2.com. I know vinyl is huge right now but I think they're probably overestimating its appeal as a fan club gift.
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Yes, it'll certainly look nice, there's no doubt about that, but upon further thought, in keeping with the same theme of live 2017 versions, I think a better gift would have been a live version of the album, not just from one show but each track selected from different performances during the tour - like what they're doing now, but with the remaining seven songs.
Maybe (please, please, please) they will release these as downloads for members, just as they did with those extra tracks for U22/Edge's Picks?
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Maybe (please, please, please) they will release these as downloads for members, just as they did with those extra tracks for U22/Edge's Picks?
All tracks will be available to download at U2.com
" In the next few months, you'll be able to download all the tracks."
Actually, if one is a new subscriber and newish U2 collector, this would be a pretty cool set of unique singles. I'm not a collector and am not subscribing but I still think it's a nice looking set for 50 bucks. I paid more than that for my JT 12'' singles back in the day. And they were certainly not mint in wrapper.
Certainly I'd prefer another complete JT show from their vault. I'm still puzzled why they chose the one they did when Bono was still wearing a sling from his fall and most likely full of painkillers. And this show was already available in its entirety from WV.
But so it goes.
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Maybe (please, please, please) they will release these as downloads for members, just as they did with those extra tracks for U22/Edge's Picks?
All tracks will be available to download at U2.com
" In the next few months, you'll be able to download all the tracks."
I meant the other seven album tracks - it'd be nice to get a downloadable version of each of those, too.
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Gotcha ;)
Who knows, they could easily offer dls for those other 7 at some later time. Or maybe even do a full show broadcast.
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Gotcha ;)
Who knows, they could easily offer dls for those other 7 at some later time. Or maybe even do a full show broadcast.
I own the complete 7, 12 and cassette versions of these plus One Tree Hill. Kinda repetitive but a high cost gift for them to produce. The new tracks should be interesting. Again RHMT gets the shaft....and not a miner's shaft.
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Please, oh please, I beg of you, world, can you let this vinyl resurgence nonsense pass on by already?
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Please, oh please, I beg of you, world, can you let this vinyl resurgence nonsense pass on by already?
;D
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Please, oh please, I beg of you, world, can you let this vinyl resurgence nonsense pass on by already?
It ain't going away, we are just going to have to live with multiple formats. Even the millennials are into the wax these days so sit tight.
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It ain't going away, we are just going to have to live with multiple formats. Even the millennials are into the wax these days so sit tight.
Ah, but see, therein lies the rub. We're actually trending away from the concept of multiple formats. Degradable vinyl and compressed downloads/streaming audio are supplanting the improved durability and playback quality of CD at a rapidly increasing rate. Can I get this fan club gift on CD? Nope, so so much for the abundant choices multiple formats provides. CD keeps getting squeezed out. If it was to make way for a superior format, I would have no complaints (heck, I've gone from collecting VHS, to LaserDisc, to DVD, to Blu-ray, to now 4K UHD), but in music's case, it's to make way for an inexplicable slide into inferior ones. And I recognize that this gift will come with digital downloads of the songs. Only if they're lossless will it pass muster with me and, even then, something about music that only exists as a file on a hard drive doesn't sit well with me.
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Yep. Doubt we'll ever see a lossless version of those live tracks.
I have learned to be happy with lossless downloads. In fact, I almost never play my CDs anymore, just my lossless rips through Roon.
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Yep. Doubt we'll ever see a lossless version of those live tracks.
I have learned to be happy with lossless downloads. In fact, I almost never play my CDs anymore, just my lossless rips through Roon.
That's actually exactly what I do--open the CD, rip it losslessly, then the CD goes back into the case in mint condition, never to see the light of day again. But I want that CD as my root source, both for the tangible packaging, as well as to have access to the best audio quality available to the mass market. Vinyl gives us the tangible packaging, but not the quality playback experience we deserve. I desperately wish that the hipster movement would be willing to subordinate nostalgia below playback fidelity.
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I for one, am thrilled with the gift. The only thing that could make it better would be if they weren't using the same versions on the A-sides that we've always heard before. Using the new remixed versions from the upcoming sets would have been a bit more interesting.
Regarding the vinyl aspect, obviously we don't need to start an audiophile debate here, but the merits of vinyl go beyond bitrates. Properly mastered vinyl is truly lossless, in that the audio hasn't been converted from a smooth analog waveform to a stairstep binary digital code. Sure, you might not own a turntable, but most people don't own a CD player anymore either. At least this way you're getting a collectible piece that actually has audio (as opposed to the serigraphs) and if you don't like it, you can resell it for much more money.
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...the audio hasn't been converted from a smooth analog waveform to a stairstep binary digital code...
This is a myth about digital audio.
http://productionadvice.co.uk/no-stair-steps-in-digital-audio/
Plus, I'll bet dollars to doughnuts these records are cut from a digital master.
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...the audio hasn't been converted from a smooth analog waveform to a stairstep binary digital code...
This is a myth about digital audio.
http://productionadvice.co.uk/no-stair-steps-in-digital-audio/
Plus, I'll bet dollars to doughnuts these records are cut from a digital master.
Yes, there are no cut-and-dry answers when it comes to what is better, although I generally stand with God Part II in the wish that vinyl would, if not disappear, be matched with an identical digital media release.
There are many releases these days on vinyl that were originally digitally recorded. Unless you receive a file that is in the original sample rate and bit depth, regardless of whether or not your media is CD or vinyl, you're losing something.
Similarly, lots of recordings, like The Joshua Tree, were recorded to tape. The gift we're getting has been digitally remastered and is now being pressed to vinyl. Each step of the way, something is lost. This is true every time that there is an analogue step involved in the process. Of course it might be very small, but it is there nevertheless.
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Only if they're lossless will it pass muster with me and, even then, something about music that only exists as a file on a hard drive doesn't sit well with me.
Absolutely yes. It also makes enjoying the collection much more possible. Where is the joy in having that rare track on your hard drive when you could have it in your hands?
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Regarding the vinyl aspect, obviously we don't need to start an audiophile debate here, but the merits of vinyl go beyond bitrates. Properly mastered vinyl is truly lossless, in that the audio hasn't been converted from a smooth analog waveform to a stairstep binary digital code. Sure, you might not own a turntable, but most people don't own a CD player anymore either. At least this way you're getting a collectible piece that actually has audio (as opposed to the serigraphs) and if you don't like it, you can resell it for much more money.
This article thoroughly and richly covers why I find vinyl to be a subordinate medium to CD, and on top of all of it, I have to add that each and every time you play a vinyl, it progressively degrades, whereas the fidelity offered by CD remains constant no matter how many times it's played. To George's point, if that's your thing, no sweat off my back, but when the only options offered are vinyl and/or compressed digital downloads/streams, then I get pissed.
http://www.laweekly.com/music/why-cds-may-actually-sound-better-than-vinyl-5352162
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To George's point, if that's your thing, no sweat off my back, but when the only options offered are vinyl and/or compressed digital downloads/streams, then I get pissed.
Rereading my post, I clearly wasn't clear. What I meant to convey is that I prefer to have a digital physical copy over simply a downloaded file, as the downloaded version really brings very little joy to me and my collection (in comparison to a CD). You and I, we're on the same page.
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Rereading my post, I clearly wasn't clear. What I meant to convey is that I prefer to have a digital physical copy over simply a downloaded file, as the downloaded version really brings very little joy to me and my collection (in comparison to a CD). You and I, we're on the same page.
LOL, I think you are misreading my reply! I said, "to George's point"--in other words, "in support of what George already said about vinyl and CD coexisting". And when I said "if that's your thing", I was addressing Nikabrik's affection for vinyl.
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I'm a digital guy, mainly because I've not invested in a record player, and don't seek out purchasing vinyl. I believed the experts when things went digital and they said digital was better. To each their own - I'm fine with someone who thinks clicks, hiss, pop, etc. = better sound. I listened to plenty of vinyl as a kid, when that was the technology of the day. For now, I'm a digital consumer, regardless if it's physical (cd) or not.
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Regarding the vinyl aspect, obviously we don't need to start an audiophile debate here, but the merits of vinyl go beyond bitrates. Properly mastered vinyl is truly lossless, in that the audio hasn't been converted from a smooth analog waveform to a stairstep binary digital code. Sure, you might not own a turntable, but most people don't own a CD player anymore either. At least this way you're getting a collectible piece that actually has audio (as opposed to the serigraphs) and if you don't like it, you can resell it for much more money.
This article thoroughly and richly covers why I find vinyl to be a subordinate medium to CD, and on top of all of it, I have to add that each and every time you play a vinyl, it progressively degrades, whereas the fidelity offered by CD remains constant no matter how many times it's played. To George's point, if that's your thing, no sweat off my back, but when the only options offered are vinyl and/or compressed digital downloads/streams, then I get pissed.
http://www.laweekly.com/music/why-cds-may-actually-sound-better-than-vinyl-5352162
This video clears up a lot of myths about the "shortcomings" of digital audio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIQ9IXSUzuM
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In response to the following article:
http://www.u2songs.com/news/fan_club_vinyl_most_still_waiting
The Pearl Jam gift is also a year and a half late and started shipping in the last two weeks.
This U2 package might be taking longer because of vinyl production. I am awaiting this one because all of my JT 12 inches were sold over the years which I regret. Luckily I own the JT 30 vinyl box set so all b sides are accounted for in that format.
If I could hope for a future gift it would be a vinyl copy of the U22 monolith which is the best gift of the lot. Does anyone have extra copies of Artificial Horizon on vinyl?
I am also hoping for a clearing house of studio tracks a la the medium, rare and remastered. I am sure there is enough material to fill 2cds. But the 2018 will probably be live audio from JT30, BBC special or live ie audio such as Paris.
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Personally, I am vehemently opposed to these subscriber gifts being offered in vinyl format only, which personally despise and do not/will not use. Any music offered as a subscriber gift should be offered in vinyl, CD and lossless download versions, from which each subscriber can select their preferred format.
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Your anger is palpable. Personally, I think embracing multiple formats is cool. I only own a $100 turntable that is hooked up to my PC. I only buy vinyl of bands that I really like and that I know I can get rid of one day if necessary.
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Personally, I am vehemently opposed to these subscriber gifts being offered in vinyl format only, which personally despise and do not/will not use. Any music offered as a subscriber gift should be offered in vinyl, CD and lossless download versions, from which each subscriber can select their preferred format.
Personally I think we should be given a choice of vinyl or CD for the gift. And regardless of which you choose they should make the lossless downloads available to everyone on the same day they start shipping to avoid this three month window of some subscribers having their gifts and some having nothing...
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Personally I think we should be given a choice of vinyl or CD for the gift. And regardless of which you choose they should make the lossless downloads available to everyone on the same day they start shipping to avoid this three month window of some subscribers having their gifts and some having nothing...
Hot damn, let's put you in charge!
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I concur. My gift came today in Ontario.
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Personally, I am vehemently in favor of these Best Penis Extenders (https://www.villagevoice.com/2021/09/21/best-penis-extenders/) and opposed to these subscriber gifts being offered in vinyl format only, which personally despise and do not/will not use. Any music offered as a subscriber gift should be offered in vinyl, CD and lossless download versions, from which each subscriber can select their preferred format.
Personally I think we should be given a choice of vinyl or CD for the gift. And regardless of which you choose they should make the lossless downloads available to everyone on the same day they start shipping to avoid this three month window of some subscribers having their gifts and some having nothing...
That would make a lot of sense, Aaron. Why can't you be in charge of that? Mine still hasn't arrived nor do I expect it to for another week or 2.
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I'm still waiting for mine, and I just received this email from "Jerry" of the U2.com support team:
Following dispatch of initial orders, there were unexpected delays in production of the four 10” discs which form the new limited edition collection The Joshua Tree Singles Vinyl Collection: 1987 & 2017. Production is now underway again and dispatch of the gift will begin again in early February 2018. We’ll email you as soon as your copy hits the post so that you know when to expect it.
To use a term that's popular these days, I'd say that sometimes it feels that the fan club that I'm a member of is a bit of a shithouse.
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Hello there,
I subscribed last week and chose the "special gift revealed early 2018". But what is that special gift? Was it revealed yet?
Thanks in advance!
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Nope. But once it is a new thread is in order.