drspecial

A song for the change of seasons.

WHEN THE SAND IS DRY
And the sun is high
Time blows by

When the tide is low
And footprints stay
Wind slows down

Everything you need is where you are
Just park your car and go
It's all the same you still remain

• From The Billy Dechand Band's 2001 release, "World Famous In Chapel Hill".
• Musicians: Billy Dechand, Vito di Bona, Mike Yanoski.

OK, I got my cue: an actual request of my opinion on the remastered Beatles.

All I can say is I haven't heard them. But I am disappointed by what they are not. A number of their albums deserve not just remastering, but remixing. To be clear, remastering is taking the original master, which was the actual tape to which they mixed down their album. So that mix was the best it could sound, using state of the art equipment -- from the 1960s. In contrast, remixing is taking the original multi-tracks, and remixing them to a new master.

I have no doubt that the new remastered CDs sound much better. There are even hopes for my favorite, the White Album. The White Album has been on my dream list of remixes for years. Great songs, shitty mix. CNN explicitly mentioned "Dear Prudence" as being a White Album track that sounds much improved. There was plenty of room for sonic improvement on that one, and I'm relieved to hear that it happened.

But no matter how much you hear them talk about how great the technology is that went into the remastering, remember that that could all be applied to the process of remixing. Each of those high-tech tools for extracting and enhancing could be applied to each individual track, then used to make a sparking, beefy mix. We know it can be done. We first heard it on the Anthology series. they took the alternate takes, original multi-tracks, and suddenly the Beatles goofing around, playing wrong notes was heard like you were hanging out with them. Then they remixed Yellow Submarine, and that was mind-blowingly superior. "Eleanor Rigby" became some sort of 3D experience, just using my two stereo speakers. Then they did it again with Let It Be... Naked. So it's not impossible. They've already done it themselves.

So until I get to hear the White Album and Revolver remixed properly, I will not be satisfied. After so many decades, it's about time we get to hear whatever Ringo might be playing on the upbeat number, "Got To Get You Into My Life". I've heard them mentioned as a... kit of drums? Drum kittle?

• From the Muss My Hair CD, Hold On

Hey Jake

Mal:	Hey Jake, don't get it wrong
	Your attraction, that’s not love 
	You’re a hunter, and squirrels are meant to be caught
	Don’t give a thought to how she’ll suffer

Jake:	OK, maybe you're right; it's not true puppy love 
	Maybe this craving's for the hunt instead 
 
Mal:	Yes Jake, you are a dog
	Who lives and eats and breathes 
	You should be hunting like a real live dog
	Do you dare to fetch your meal rare? 

Jake:	Hey little squirrel look out here I come
	I think I got a deep down hunger for my teeth in yer bones 
        I’m coming to your home

        You’re so beautifully fluffy and seeing you’s making me jones  
        I can’t tell if it’s blood or it’s love that’s making me crazy 
        You're so fluffy...

In Dog's Country CDBaby - iTunes

Hey Jake (You're So Fluffy) (w/...