I got it on vinyl for $1.99 in 1982 and played the $hit out of it so, I already have a place in my heart for the original but, I really enjoy the new remix. Tom Allom understands the band's sound, and now Rocka Rolla resonates as a genuine Priest album, albeit a seventies Priest album. I enjoy early Priest more than the albums from Painkiller on.
Priest’s first few albums are classics for sure… the only post painkiller album that comes closest is Angel Of Retribution (Invincible Shield) is close as well but not on that level). I’ve seen varied reviews on the sound, but I like what Tom Allom has done here personally.
I was initially excited to hear how big it sounded, though I became kind of frustrated with the reverb on the drums after a few songs. As someone else pointed out, I think Run of the Mill was especially disappointing, The drums feel disconnected in the mix due to the volume and reverb. Going back and forth between the two mixes, there's a huge improvement in tape hiss during the quieter moments, but overall I still prefer the original mix. I also think Winter/Deep Freeze/Winter Retreat work better as a connected mini suite rather than separate tracks as on the remix. I love this album so much though, and I find the remix to be a fascinating listen. The original mix is always there to come back to.
The remix is really interesting for sure. I like how big it sounds, but people more knowledgeable than me have pointed out the same about the drumming. I’m just glad the band is finally giving this record attention. I’ll probably end up buying the new mix since I don’t own the original on CD.
Well I’m not being funny Johnny Z, but, I’m fine with the original mix. Very loud and warm with the guitars on the original. Not heard anything on this reissue, don’t own it at all, they’ve sold me!!
The original mastering sucks, but the 2015 vinyl remaster of Rocka Rolla (and Sad Wings, both on Repertoire; Japanese CD remasters on Victor, I believe) sounds fantastic and reveals that the album was actually recorded well. It was more or less live in the studio with vocal overdubs because they didn't have the budget for much else. Given that, the mix is pretty solid too. It just goes to show how important the mastering process is It will be interesting to hear the new mix nonetheless. I am not sure that modern is necessarily better, but that is entirely subjective.
The original suffers from not having the budget for great production. I’ll have to see if I can find the Japanese remasters… those sound really cool. Definitely interested in hearing how a physical copy sounds on a good pair of speakers compared to the digital release.
I find the new remix too compressed. Run of the Mill sounds terrible. I also prefer the original mix of Ken's guitar on the left channel and Glenn's guitar on the right channel rather than both guitars equally on both channels.
I can hear what you're talking about. I guess I was most pleased with how much more lively the album sounded. Hope the new mix grows on you, tho... if not, at least you have the original!
@@TheCDGuyJZ I have an original pressing on vinyl. I'm hoping that the new version will sound better on vinyl than the digital version. I listened to the new digital version in FLAC format through an iFi hip dac and Sony MDR-7506 headphones.
Run of the mill sounds great. They cut the cheesy echoey effects on the guitars (Glenn’s solo especially) and let the bass and drum into the mix, and Rob’s clean vocals are incredible, would have liked a different ending that that weird echo fade, but maybe that was too much of a departure or the tapes didn’t have an untreated sample. Run of the Mill is more a blues rock song than a metal one, the mix was appropriate for that kind of song.
Fixed? Nothing wrong with it? I've got several versions of this. 1st press Japanese or UK Lps that are fantastic. (They lack nothing) I suppose I'm in the minority here, but I don't feel this "remaster" was warranted. The early versions of Tyrant Epitaph & Ripper that Bain rejected are not included. The original 14-minute long Caviar & Meths was not included. The bump up in the rhythm guitar track, even bleeding over into the acapella vocals, is unpleasant & overwhelming- the drum kit (excruciating on bass & floor tom) includes what sounds like a bass boost. I swear it sounds like it was added or (rerecorded by Scott Travis) Contrary this mix does not "open this lp up" or allow it to breathe, it clutters it & there is noise, either musical instruments or what not carrying notes constantly where original mix allowed the lp & songs to "breathe" it now does not. The good news: Band members are set to reap some rewards after all of these years & have a say in this part of their legacy. A publishing company REACH obtained rights from GULL & are apparently all about working with band. (KK stated he is signed w/Reach Music) The harmonica is present throughout "Cheater" thats very cool. IMHO The remix/remastering attempts to rewrite history- giving this lp a "metal mix" this was not a metal lp! Rob & company repeatedly stated the lp suffered becausse of Rodger Bain production- but his production was sufficient on black sabbath & budgie albums? The production was appropriate for the songs written. My biggest fear now, is they will try to "Improve" Sad Wings Of Destiny. God Forbid!
Priest have been cashing in for a while now, and that's OK - they deserve to be happy. But anyone (including the band) who tells me the original Rocka Rolla wasn't great is absolutely insane. The new mix overused virtually every effect, often to the point of comedic proportions. Let's be honest here - this remix is to cater to a new generation that is too proud to admit they just simply don't like the more creative JP before they settled into one genre amd stayed put. Again, thats fine. I can respect that. But I'll not respect slagging the original. Thats weak sauce.
I guess I’m insane, but I just didn’t care for the original mix. The ideas on the album were good, and better live, but the whole record sounds flat to me. I don’t know if this era of Priest were more or less creative, or still looking for their spot in the burgeoning metal scene.
Sorry this is terrible. Way to ruin a classic dark 70s album and make it sound like a bad 80s album. Way too much compression, reverb, pitch correction, replacement, augmentation, editing, everything is way too much not what it was. Sucks the soul and magic right out of it. Sterile and 80s dated sounding now, which does not match the 70s music. JP and this album are my fave. Orig early 70s mix best. 70's music should stay sounding 70s, that is the point. Way too bright crisp cold thin, adding things not there before, etc. Can't believe they ruined it this bad. Messing this much with a 70s album is sacrilege and clueless backwards thinking, as if they feel need to pander to younger people and compete with overproduced "modern" metal production, which is also generic and sterile, but at least of it's era. This is like a bad out of time dream, sounding like a 70s band that never made an album til the 80s but still played 70s music so dated by the 80s so failed at both being good 80s music, and failed at playing 70s music with a cool 70s sound, neither are cool. Real JP fans are making fun of this already saying its done by AI lol. Does anyone want the first sabbath or Zep albums to sound like a bad stereotypical 80s or modern metal production? That is what this is. Total garbage. I love JP and this album but this is hilariously sad. Most all priest fans want them to always stay sounding late 70s early 80s in music and production style and that is it, they never beat that era, only ruined their rep 1985 to present with commercial pandering fails at every move.
I never liked the production on the original, but that’s just me. I’ve heard a lot of people who don’t like the new mix… it definitely doesn’t have the same 70s vibe to it… I really hope they don’t change too much on the reissue of Sad Wings.
'Rocka Rolla' has ALWAYS been a great Priest album, far superior to anything released after 'Killing Machine' (aka 'Hell Bent For Leather')- intelligent, original despite showing clear Sabbath, Zep and Purple influences. Soon as anyone dismisses it, I think ' Not a real fan!'. It's packed with groundbreaking tracks like "Run of the Mill", "Deep Freeze", "Winter Retreat", all genius. But it has to be said, they've made a shit show of the publicity, NOTHING on the official website, no preorders up anywhere for physical copies (apart from a red vinyl reissue on Amazon US). Not all of us want to stream stuff. Shame there is nothing else in the vaults, be interested to see what they do with 'Sad Wings', but it's perfect anyway....
The marketing for this release has been really poor… maybe when we get closer to the physical release. I still need to pick up Rocka Rolla on CD, so I’ll probably end up preordering it… like you said, not that they’re advertising it well lol
What are your thoughts on the new remaster of Rocka Rolla by Judas Priest? Is Rocka Rolla finally fixed? Let me know below!
I like the original, I love the new remaster and can't wait for the remaster of Sad Wings of Destiny. Priest!!!!
Glad you’re digging the remaster! Very interested to hear the new Sad Wings of Destiny mix.
I cant wait to hear it. I was definitely hoping it would sound heavier.
I enjoyed it. I’ve seen mixed reviews for it (which surprised me), but I think it definitely sounds heavier.
I got it on vinyl for $1.99 in 1982 and played the $hit out of it so, I already have a place in my heart for the original but, I really enjoy the new remix. Tom Allom understands the band's sound, and now Rocka Rolla resonates as a genuine Priest album, albeit a seventies Priest album. I enjoy early Priest more than the albums from Painkiller on.
Priest’s first few albums are classics for sure… the only post painkiller album that comes closest is Angel Of Retribution (Invincible Shield) is close as well but not on that level). I’ve seen varied reviews on the sound, but I like what Tom Allom has done here personally.
I love it!! Already a fan of that album, but this really made it better
Agreed!
I was initially excited to hear how big it sounded, though I became kind of frustrated with the reverb on the drums after a few songs. As someone else pointed out, I think Run of the Mill was especially disappointing, The drums feel disconnected in the mix due to the volume and reverb. Going back and forth between the two mixes, there's a huge improvement in tape hiss during the quieter moments, but overall I still prefer the original mix. I also think Winter/Deep Freeze/Winter Retreat work better as a connected mini suite rather than separate tracks as on the remix. I love this album so much though, and I find the remix to be a fascinating listen. The original mix is always there to come back to.
The remix is really interesting for sure. I like how big it sounds, but people more knowledgeable than me have pointed out the same about the drumming. I’m just glad the band is finally giving this record attention. I’ll probably end up buying the new mix since I don’t own the original on CD.
haven't heard this, but as I'm going through Sabaton's catalog I feel like those first few albums should probably get a remix or remastered version.
Yeah, those earlier albums haven't aged as well as their newer stuff from the last 15 years.
Well I’m not being funny Johnny Z, but, I’m fine with the original mix. Very loud and warm with the guitars on the original. Not heard anything on this reissue, don’t own it at all, they’ve sold me!!
The guitars on the original are pretty distinct for sure... warm is the perfect way to describe it.
You're right. It's always been an amazing album for anyone who listens and steps outside their expectations.
First album is great
The original mastering sucks, but the 2015 vinyl remaster of Rocka Rolla (and Sad Wings, both on Repertoire; Japanese CD remasters on Victor, I believe) sounds fantastic and reveals that the album was actually recorded well. It was more or less live in the studio with vocal overdubs because they didn't have the budget for much else. Given that, the mix is pretty solid too. It just goes to show how important the mastering process is
It will be interesting to hear the new mix nonetheless. I am not sure that modern is necessarily better, but that is entirely subjective.
The original suffers from not having the budget for great production. I’ll have to see if I can find the Japanese remasters… those sound really cool. Definitely interested in hearing how a physical copy sounds on a good pair of speakers compared to the digital release.
I find the new remix too compressed. Run of the Mill sounds terrible. I also prefer the original mix of Ken's guitar on the left channel and Glenn's guitar on the right channel rather than both guitars equally on both channels.
I can hear what you're talking about. I guess I was most pleased with how much more lively the album sounded. Hope the new mix grows on you, tho... if not, at least you have the original!
@@TheCDGuyJZ I have an original pressing on vinyl. I'm hoping that the new version will sound better on vinyl than the digital version. I listened to the new digital version in FLAC format through an iFi hip dac and Sony MDR-7506 headphones.
@@LauraKnotek So cool that you have an original pressing! Hopefully you have a better listening experience with the new vinyl than on digital.
I've always felt that it sounded fine and of its time. Why should it sound like it was recorded yesterday?
Run of the mill sounds great. They cut the cheesy echoey effects on the guitars (Glenn’s solo especially) and let the bass and drum into the mix, and Rob’s clean vocals are incredible, would have liked a different ending that that weird echo fade, but maybe that was too much of a departure or the tapes didn’t have an untreated sample. Run of the Mill is more a blues rock song than a metal one, the mix was appropriate for that kind of song.
Fixed? Nothing wrong with it?
I've got several versions of this.
1st press Japanese or UK Lps that are fantastic.
(They lack nothing)
I suppose I'm in the minority here, but I don't feel this "remaster" was warranted.
The early versions of Tyrant Epitaph & Ripper that Bain rejected are not included.
The original 14-minute long Caviar & Meths was not included.
The bump up in the rhythm guitar track, even bleeding over into the acapella vocals, is unpleasant & overwhelming- the drum kit (excruciating on bass & floor tom) includes what sounds like a bass boost.
I swear it sounds like it was added or (rerecorded by Scott Travis)
Contrary this mix does not "open this lp up" or allow it to breathe, it clutters it & there is noise, either musical instruments or what not carrying notes constantly where original mix allowed the lp & songs to "breathe" it now does not.
The good news: Band members are set to reap some rewards after all of these years & have a say in this part of their legacy.
A publishing company REACH obtained rights from GULL & are apparently all about working with band. (KK stated he is signed w/Reach Music)
The harmonica is present throughout "Cheater" thats very cool.
IMHO The remix/remastering attempts to rewrite history- giving this lp a "metal mix" this was not a metal lp! Rob & company repeatedly stated the lp suffered becausse of Rodger Bain production- but his production was sufficient on black sabbath & budgie albums?
The production was appropriate for the songs written.
My biggest fear now, is they will try to "Improve" Sad Wings Of Destiny.
God Forbid!
Very cool that you have a Japanese pressing of the debut! I’m not sure how they can possibly make Sad Wings better… it’s already perfect.
Played Sad Wings of Destiny afterwards, and it’s right back into the mud, hope that Tom Allom is working on that now.
I never really had a problem with the original Sad Wings. The new mix will be interesting tho
So its getting the Animals 2018 remix. It sounds good but a 70s album should sound like a 70s album.
That’s a good point. I guess it boils down to which sound you prefer. I liked the 2018 remix, but the original Animals sounded fine IMO
Priest have been cashing in for a while now, and that's OK - they deserve to be happy. But anyone (including the band) who tells me the original Rocka Rolla wasn't great is absolutely insane.
The new mix overused virtually every effect, often to the point of comedic proportions. Let's be honest here - this remix is to cater to a new generation that is too proud to admit they just simply don't like the more creative JP before they settled into one genre amd stayed put.
Again, thats fine. I can respect that. But I'll not respect slagging the original. Thats weak sauce.
I guess I’m insane, but I just didn’t care for the original mix. The ideas on the album were good, and better live, but the whole record sounds flat to me. I don’t know if this era of Priest were more or less creative, or still looking for their spot in the burgeoning metal scene.
Sorry this is terrible. Way to ruin a classic dark 70s album and make it sound like a bad 80s album. Way too much compression, reverb, pitch correction, replacement, augmentation, editing, everything is way too much not what it was. Sucks the soul and magic right out of it. Sterile and 80s dated sounding now, which does not match the 70s music. JP and this album are my fave. Orig early 70s mix best. 70's music should stay sounding 70s, that is the point. Way too bright crisp cold thin, adding things not there before, etc. Can't believe they ruined it this bad. Messing this much with a 70s album is sacrilege and clueless backwards thinking, as if they feel need to pander to younger people and compete with overproduced "modern" metal production, which is also generic and sterile, but at least of it's era.
This is like a bad out of time dream, sounding like a 70s band that never made an album til the 80s but still played 70s music so dated by the 80s so failed at both being good 80s music, and failed at playing 70s music with a cool 70s sound, neither are cool. Real JP fans are making fun of this already saying its done by AI lol. Does anyone want the first sabbath or Zep albums to sound like a bad stereotypical 80s or modern metal production? That is what this is. Total garbage. I love JP and this album but this is hilariously sad. Most all priest fans want them to always stay sounding late 70s early 80s in music and production style and that is it, they never beat that era, only ruined their rep 1985 to present with commercial pandering fails at every move.
I never liked the production on the original, but that’s just me. I’ve heard a lot of people who don’t like the new mix… it definitely doesn’t have the same 70s vibe to it… I really hope they don’t change too much on the reissue of Sad Wings.
'Rocka Rolla' has ALWAYS been a great Priest album, far superior to anything released after 'Killing Machine' (aka 'Hell Bent For Leather')- intelligent, original despite showing clear Sabbath, Zep and Purple influences. Soon as anyone dismisses it, I think ' Not a real fan!'. It's packed with groundbreaking tracks like "Run of the Mill", "Deep Freeze", "Winter Retreat", all genius. But it has to be said, they've made a shit show of the publicity, NOTHING on the official website, no preorders up anywhere for physical copies (apart from a red vinyl reissue on Amazon US). Not all of us want to stream stuff. Shame there is nothing else in the vaults, be interested to see what they do with 'Sad Wings', but it's perfect anyway....
The marketing for this release has been really poor… maybe when we get closer to the physical release. I still need to pick up Rocka Rolla on CD, so I’ll probably end up preordering it… like you said, not that they’re advertising it well lol
WHERE’S THE CD??????????????????!
Calm down… digital was released last Friday… CD and vinyl doesn’t come out for another 2 months
@@TheCDGuyJZ ARE YOU BUYING THE CD??
Most likely. I have Rocka Rolla on vinyl but not CD. I’m digging the new mix so I’ll probably end up buying it.
It's hiding behind all the silly question marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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