A remastered version of Free as a Bird, a song featured on The Beatles‘ Anthology, has split fans.
While some were full of praise for the finer detail brought out of the song by remastering technology, others believe the original version is far stronger. Though fans are split on Free as a Bird, some were left wondering whether the tightness of the new remaster removes some of the magic found on the rougher quality release from 1995. A post to the r/Beatles subreddit had fans discuss their preference for the original release. Produced by Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra as part of the Anthology package, a leftover tape from John Lennon was turned into a fully-fledged release. The latest effort in remastering Free as a Bird has split listeners, with some saying the mix “sounds off” on Lennon’s vocals.
A fan took to the r/Beatles subreddit and wrote: “Something about this mix sounds off, especially in John’s vocals. With the new AI separation used on John’s voice (I assume), most of the charm from the original mix is gone. I think that the original way of separation gave John’s vocals on the original mix its own sound (sort of like a chorous-y, flanger vibe).
“Now his voice just sounds too dry for me. I don’t know, for me, the original sound of John’s vocals on the original mix had its own character, that eventually is so much of the identity of the original song.” Others have agreed with this assessment, suggesting the mixture has removed the rougher and distorted quality of the first attempt.
One fan wrote: “John’s voice on the new mix, while clearer, is too dry for my taste. The ghost voice on the old one made the song.” Another agreed, adding: “My take too. I mean, I might grow into the new mix- but his new voice just sounds so out of place with it so dry. I feel like John would’ve doubled the single take and done a little more effects to make him sound trippier.”
A third disagreed, sharing: “Big fan of the new mix, John’s vocals sound weird to us because we’re just so used to the old distorted ones that these sound weak. I do think they could’ve done with a little bit of ADT doing to them for the early verses when it’s mostly just John, and the other instruments aren’t in yet, but overall I’d say it’s a solid mix.”
Others have suggested the ghostly voice of the original felt a bit out of place, and that the new mix is a tad superior. Both versions are reportedly set to feature on the Anthology 4 release coming later this year. November 21 will see the release of the new box set, while a ninth episode of Anthology will be released on November 26.
One fan wrote: “I’m loving the new mix. The ghost Lennon voice always sounded out of place to me. Lucky for everyone, both will be in the set.”
Another agreed, replying: “I also prefer this new mix. Not only are the cassette tape artefacts gone, which really detracted from the overall quality of the original release, but Jeff Lynne’s heavy-handed processing is less evident. Sonically superior for sure.”
A third shared: “I wish they met in the middle. A little more reverb for the parts where John is singing alone but keep it dry for the harmonies.”
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