Some thoughts on RHCP "By the Way."

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chessrock

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So I've been listening to a lot of reference CD's as of late as I've been working on upgrading room accoustics. So I'm trying to kick my ear in to hyper-critical mode.

One of those reference CD's that's been getting it's share of play is "By the Way."

Alright, so every now and then even my very favorite artists and/or producers can come out with something I'm not overly-thrilled with. But I must say I'm a bit disappointed in Rick Rubin's latest effort. And I want to see if it's just me -- am I losing my mind, my ears, or both?

In comparison, Blood Sugar Sex Magic just seems to have so much greater sonic punch, richness, and power to my ears, and it's like a decade older.

On BTW, is it the overcompression I don't like? It's almost like the sound is being stunted before it even gets a chance to develop. So to me, it's like a constant "stunted" sound that desperately wants to jump out of my monitors and come alive. . . so I keep turning up the volume in hopes of breaking it free, but it still just sits there behind it's sonic bubble / embryo. Only a louder version of it.

I'm also feeling separated from the music by a thin veil of distortion. I'm sure it's actually intentional warmth . . . maybe driving some Neve pres a bit for some added grit . . . or could it be the LA-2A? Whatever it is, I don't think it achieves the desired result. It doesn't sound warm (or analog) to me -- just a digital recording that sounds like they tried to add intentional grit.

My ears are telling me they should have gone for complete sonic clarity, accuracy, and detail. In addition, they should have cut back a bit on that comp ratio and release time . . . and just pumped the shit out of it by cranking that attack time up to half mass. Only track 7 "Can't Stop" comes close to coming to life the way I'm used to hearing out of RR's productions.

Sorry for my ranting. I love Rick Rubin. I love the Chili Peppers. And BTW is good stuff. I just wanted to address a few or my minor bitches. :D
 
hey chessrock,

about a month ago we also had a thread about BTW, where we were a bit dissapointed by it. You'll find it with the search function.
 
I'm in that camp where I kind of like the album but.........

It sounds like a Fruciante album not a Peppers album. I love the guitarwork and the strength of the song-writing. But man do I miss the funk.

And the lyrics aren't as good as in the past. More contrived and less inspired. Like they got hit with a huge dose of oversensitivity.

And though I've never used Autotune, I swear that I'm hearing some glaring vocal artifacts on some of the songs.

I like listening to the album on shit systems, where the distortion problems aren't so glaring. But my Mackies take the fun out of the album.

My cents

-Jett
 
it's too good

I think by the way is one of the best albums i've heard in a long long time. I like the fact that they're doing something different. You think after doing funk shit for so long that they don't want to expand their musical horizons? If people want funk listen to the old records or go see them live. It obviously gets to a point where it's no fun repeating yourself, and most bands that make the same record over and over again never last very long. Anyway they're almost all 40 years old for fuck's sake, what do you expect?
 
Hmmm....

I think i see what Junk emails trying to say, but I don't think the issue here is the music itself, it's how bad it's been tracked, mixed and compressed to hell.

The whole album feels like it's got cotton wool all over it. There isn't enough dynamics and clear sounds for the album.

Compared to other regular radio friendly albums out it's pretty standard, but compared to BSSM's production (and not the music itself) it sucks.

I for one, regularly use BSSM as a test bench for my system, so I can get used to my speakers (I work away from home, it's good to 'reset' my ears once in a while). I'm sure a lot of other members here also use BSSM as a test bench, because of it's fantastic production.

oh well, i'm too tired to write any more :)
cheers

d
 
Can you say AUTO-TUNE!!!! It's Horrible! At least try to make it inaudible!
 
ever heard them live?
If you did, you will know why their albums are auto-tune and edit specials from a to z
 
Autotune???????????????????

Well, it must be an old model cause they still sound out of tune to me... all of them..... (yes even the drummer)

Im not for that raw, dry sound in the first place... but especially RHCP.... the songs are pretty good but the recordings are at best.. dull...


I am forced to wonder if they puposely go for that sound... I mean they can afford to do alot better, and Rick Rubin does have a good set of ears....

After all listen to The Cult's "Electric"..


Even the last one was rough (Californication)... What about all the digital clipping in "The other side"......

Hmmmm.... But, As I said, it must be done purposely (the raw, bad sound)..... Cause they can afford way better....

Joe
 
glad other people hear that damn clipping in californication....

my non engineer friends are always like "dude...whatever..it's an unlimited budget band...you're hearing things"

i'm like no damn you it's there!

heh
 
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