Love, Love, Love

I listened to the Beatles “Love” album this weekend.

I had some pre-conceived notions about it as I have heard some people (all musicians) saying it was terrible. I think the objection is one of tampering with something “sacred”.

The record was conceived as a soundtrack for Cirque du Soliel.

George Martin and his son Giles produced it and much of what they do involves editing the original tracks. I think the editing factor is what offends some folks which, to me, is a little odd because there was a lot of George Martin editing happening on the original versions. Back in the day it was splicing tape, now it’s copy and paste.

Anyway, I was at a friend’s house and I got to hear to the 5.1 surround sound mix. I listened to the whole work, beginning to end, one time through. I found it very enjoyable and entertaining. Some of the stuff may work a little better with the dance but all in all it’s fun to here this music in a new light.

I spend a lot of time in the recording environment and sometimes it’s difficult for me to detach and not just pick apart a mix. Also, I haven’t listened to a lot of surround sound so I perk up when I hear little studio tricks. There are a lot of studio tricks involved but for the most part they work (with the exception of some superfluous sub-woof stuff). The thing is, none of those tricks work if the original performance isn’t solid.

I could see how someone who never heard the Beatles could listen to “Love” and want to explore the original records.