Customer Reviews

Meadowlands

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First off: I would give the original version of this album 4 stars. It's an excellent album from an excellent band. However, the "special edition" (which Amazon lists as "[Extra Tracks, Import, Original Recording Remastered]") has been remastered poorly, with the result being that the vocals are so low in the mix that you can't hear many of the vocal details that made the original version of the album so good.

Well, okay -- to be fair, there might be some people who would prefer this master. Here's how it compares: Basically, the guitars sound much bigger and beefier on this version. And, as I mentioned before, the vocals (which were already quiet on the original version) are made not only quieter but also muddier here, so if you didn't already know the words to these songs (which are quite good, and deserving of your attention), you'll never figure them out from this master.

I have no idea why this album was remastered in the first place. If this had been a "10th Anniversary Edition" or something, a remastering might make sense -- but this album isn't even 10 years old. It seems to me that this version was simply slapped together to cash-in on the success of an album that unexpectedly struck a nerve in the online indie-rock community.

You do get two extra tracks on this edition, and they're both quite nice, even if they're not quite up to par with the rest of the album. Both these songs might have sounded right at home on the Abbot 1135 EP, or even on the latter half of Secaucus. In any case, they are a welcome addition, even if they don't sound of a piece with the rest of The Meadowlands.

Anyway, to sum up: Buy The Meadowlands; it's an excellent album. You should also buy Secaucus; it is also excellent, and the contrast between the two albums is striking, as is the story of what the band went through during the time between them. (See "[...]" for the shortest possible version.) Taken together -- Secaucus first, released in 1996, then The Meadowlands second, released in 2003 -- the albums tell a very compelling story: Band on the rise, full of wit and optimism and energy (Secaucus), then band in the wake of a lengthy court-battle over a contract they didn't want to sign, soldiering on as a band because it's the only thing they really know how to do well, relating story after story of confusion and heartbreak (Meadowlands). Make no mistake: Both these albums are great, and each is made better by the existence of the other.

But for the love of God, don't buy the "Remastered" version of The Meadowlands unless you already own the original version. This remastering does not sound better than the original. It sounds worse.

How can I be the first person reviewing the Wrens classic album The Medowlands? How is that possible with an album that is so critically loved, so adored by a very patient fan-base, so accessible and interesting and just completely awesome? i mean, Pitchfork gave this album a 9.5, and they never give anybody anything.

I can't think of anything else i can say to convince you. This is one of the best albums of its time, and should be in any modern pop/rock lover's aresenal. Also, buy Secaucus.

Jeez.