Possibly both. I owned both of those compilations long before I acquired Rocka Rolla, and the harmonica parts are fully burned into my brain. I was a bit confused by the comparison in this video.
You beat me to it. Just read an article and the band swear they didn't re-record any parts for the remix. Just remixed it from the original master tapes. I actually really like the remix. I like the original but it has always had this very flat 70s mix that makes it seem like there is a blanket hanging over the speakers taking out some of the highs and mids.
Its kinda of odd, the original sounds like a cutting edge 70s album, the remix sounds like a 2000s album trying to sound 70s. The remix is clearer and bigger but there is something about the less refined quality of mid 70s hard rock especially guitars that are very mid focused.
*That's* why I got confused as I listened to this video! I owned Hero, Hero long before I owned Rocka Rolla, so that's the version that's most burned into my brain. I haven't actually noticed the difference before. Thanks!
Tom Allom was going for the Screaming for vengeance mix style. But not many people know about the remixes of the rocka rolla from 1981 on the original HERO, HERO compilation. The only CD version of that is from 1985. 🤘🏻
The original EQ of the album sounds warmer and more balanced. It sounds like they boosted certain upper midrange frequencies in an attempt to clarify or brighten certain instruments. Instead, it introduces this slightly nasal tinge to the overall mix. It's more evidents on some songs than others, but I wouldn't say that it's really an improvement. More a matter of taste in terms of the EQ choices
If Sabbath got together and re-did these songs it would be perfect. Just imagine these tracks with that signature Iommi, Butler, and Bill Ward heavy sound. Not sure if they were influenced by Sabbath, but I can sure hear it trying to break through on Rocka Rolla.
Those things don't sound good. I'd rather hear a remix from the multitracks like Steven Wilson did on Technical Ecstasy. Re-recordings never done it for me. Go check out Twisted Sister Still Hungry - sounds awful compared to the original. Or Whitesnake's rerecordings. 🤮
Thanks for doing this Lem. This remix is VERY interesting. For many years (since the early 80's when JP started to be an actual thing) all of the band have commented on how bad they thought the sound was on Rocka Rolla. I never thought that was even a chance of hear what could have been. Then, almost 50 years later the band acquires the rights to the first two albums. Cool. I assume this means that the members on those two albums might get a bit more money, and that is all. Then only a month or two ago there's rumors of a remix with Tom Allom. And now(Sept.2024), almost out of the blue, the new remix of Rocka Rolla is out. As a JP fan since 1979 this just blows my mind. I never saw this coming. The BIG question is: are they gonna remix Sad Wings? Rocka Rolla certainly deserved a new look. But does the almighty Sad Wings of Destiny need a remix?
Rocka Rolla is more metal than modern down-tuned things that can't sound heavy in E standard so they have to downtune and growl isntead of clear vocals/rock screams.
I wouldn't go that far, but I can definitely see where you're coming from. It's easy to make things heavy when it's down tuned, but it's far harder to do it when it's in E standard
I say nope! The reverb on the drums I don't like, but the loudness of the guitars in the middles that part I can't stand, it sound so I don't know, plastic, artificial, fake? No,no original for the win, for me personally. Great vid as always man 👍🤟
I don’t know how I feel at all about the remaster. It has almost a sound-type added to it, like it’s trying to sound like a classic album like Greta Van Fleet
Hmmm... I don't know enough about Greta Van fleet to make that comparison, but the more I listen to it, and the more my subscribers talk about it, I am starting to realize there's a bit of a artificial feel to the remix
Thanks for the nice comparison. And, Dear Judas Priest: Sad Wings does not need any "update". Don't mess with stuff. And case in point, Rocka Rolla didn't need any updating neither. This new version is not better by any stretch. Sorry, Priests. I love the original, and have for many years because of its originality compared to the later albums. I feel the first 4 Priest albums are their classic period, of which I love the most. Those and maybe Hell Bent, and of course Unleashed In The East (which is the reason I got into them, as a youngster, in the first place). But there's no need to keep remixing old recordings everyone. Like Floyd's Animals remix. Still not necessary, though much better sonically than this remix here. I mean, Iggy Pop felt the need to remix Raw Power and that sounds like sh!t. Yeah, and the original also sounds like sh!t, but it doesn't make the remix not sh!t. Anyway, I digress. I'm very happy with my Japanese cd and Repertoire vinyl versions of Rocka Rolla. They sound amaze balls. And I even have a Koch version somewhere in case I wanna hear something substandard to those versions. But I probably will never again listen to that because there's no need. Just as there's no need to listen to this new version of it now. Just my op.
Agree 100%. I've been saying since 1979 that the first four albums are the ones that REALLY count- not that i don't like some later stuff- but those records are simply the pinnacle of artistic achievement in Heavy Metal, as Martin Popoff once said. I think the whole issue around 'Rocka Rolla' is that it is younger, more typical metalheads who can't relate to it as it doesn't fit their expectations of what 'Heavy Metal' is : the fact is that the genre became codified, formulaic and set as a type of music after 1977, largely due to Priest. Before that, the bands who coalesced into the genre - Sabbath, Zeppelin, Purple, UFO, Priest, AC/DC and a few others all had unique elements in their sound.
@@outlawbookselleroriginal Happy to have someone that understands. Popoff (as much as he is a "music nerd") is a bit of an elitist. Kinda like Fremer is when it comes to the ultra high end equipment (ultra ridiculous) to play a plastic disc that, in most instances, were made to play on cheaper/affordable decks back in the day when they were pressed and sold (for under $5). I say play your records (and cds and tapes and whatever you like) on whatever equipment you can afford and that sounds decent to your ears, and just ENJOY IT! And that being said, it (to me) is unnecessary to remix albums. Should DaVinci (if he were a vampire and still alive) repaint or touchup the Mona Lisa? No. And I am not even a fan of that overrated painting. But leave the art alone and move on, to create new art instead. Same goes for film. I'm too old to give much of a sh!t and couldn't care much less about these things, but the Ghostbusters remake and tons of Disney remakes are other good examples of why they should just move on and come up with new ideas. Star Wars is officially ruined, thanks to the low IQ woke dipsh!ts at Disney. Let's not F up great music the same way, please.
@@scaryeyeball Absolutely. I think the 'need' to alter 'Rocka Rolla' for elements of the fanbase who can't think outside the box of priest from the early 80s on says everything really.
Yo do you have all versions of the album available somewhere? I'm really curious to hear the differences and that list at the end of the video got me all excited
@@metal_helm agreed. All early Priest sounds best live. They should remix Sin after Sin. And Sad wings. Those are actually heavier than they sound on record.
I always like RR but yeah it was missing some punch. The band has been saying for years that it was not the sound they wanted, now they fixed it to they way they want. It's their music and I love it. Priest!!!!
I was really impressed when I first heard it, but the more I hear it, tbh, starting to like the original maybe a tad bit more.. but it's nothing like the Megadeth remixes LOL
Great video! Somehow the guitars sound thinner in the remix than back in the 70's. Really odd choice. The vocals sound better for sure. I was looking forward to purchasing this, but I'm pretty disappointed actually. Let's hope Tom does a better job with the remix for Sad Wings of Destiny.
Taken from WIKIPEDIA dont know how relevant it maybe Rocka Rolla (1974-1975) Judas Priest went into the studio in June-July 1974 with Black Sabbath producer Rodger Bain.[24] The band released their debut single "Rocka Rolla" that August[citation needed] and followed in September with the album of the same name.[24] The album features a variety of styles-straight-up rock, heavy riffing, and progressive.[25] Technical problems during the recording contributed to the poor sound quality of the record. Producer Rodger Bain, whose resume included Black Sabbath's first three albums and Budgie's first album, dominated the production of the album and made decisions with which the band did not agree.[26] Bain also chose to leave fan favourites from the band's live set, such as "Tyrant", "Genocide" and "The Ripper", from the album and he cut the song "Caviar and Meths" from a 10-minute song down to a 2-minute instrumental.
Very very interesting. Seems like the remix sounds "older" than the original. The original sounds like ahead of it's time with a sort of "massive sound" but lacking of initial sound power, due to both the instruments and recording technique at the time. The new mix sounds like a mix more typical of the 70's... from what I here I prefer the original, but the new mix is so different I really want to hear more and take time to discover. Even with a few seconds of those songs it seems almost like another album... that's the magic of sound engineering.
well said! and I felt very similar. I can really enjoy both I think. I was swayed initially by the remix, but then as I listened, I realized I can appreciate both!
@@arkhamianotargos You hear a "massive sound" and I hear humble and muffled sound in comparison to the remix. But I also agree that the new mix after a few listens can reveal some hidden nuances that we didn't hear before, great point!
@@LysyMortuusWell indeed I think I could've said "compact" instead of "massive", maybe it would have been more appropriate. Because indeed it doesn't sound massive to our ears today... But I'm pretty sure it was the purpose of the mix, initially, although restrained by the possibilities.
IMO, a lot of remixers in the modern era are pretty obsessed with adding an unnecessary amount of mids to the sound sometimes. Nothing's really wrong with a scooped sound if it works, and honestly it makes more room for the rest of the instruments in my eyes. It can be overdone, though :P Gotta be careful with that.
ya know what...I'm starting to believe this. I like mid-range, and I was plesantly pleased when I first heard the remix, but as I jump back and forth, I'm starting to hear the excessiveness of the midrange....
The original album recording to me always sounded better than Sad Wings of Destiny's, so having heard this remix now I think I still prefer the original version but I'm curious what they'll do to Sad Wings as it to my ears has an inferior sound. Well, I might end up still preferring that original version too. I tend to always end up liking what I've known for decades rather than new remixes, may even feel that way about Born Again by Sabbath if it ever gets remixed I quite like its dungeon sound. I'm just not big on these changes, never got into the Jethro Tull remixes either at all. Old far here and proud of it, an album most times sounds like it's supposed to sound as the time capsule it is.
So we’re not gonna talk about the obvious mid shift boost on the remix? I guess im an originalist ? But the remix while good doesn’t to my ear merit it’s required labor it doesn’t awaken any newfound (harmonica aside) inside to the original
I havent listened to the remix and compared but from these examples it seems that in a lot of them they made it much more muddy and harsh when the original mix was clear and defined and more pleasant sounding, probably a lot due to the distortion from pushing the mix up to far hence why the softer parts sound better. Unfortunately its not uncommon that at least remasters sound much worse than the original, im generally against remixes unless it was badly mixed and sounded bad from the beginning since it can take a way a lot from the classic original production.
It’s weird how hit or miss this remix is. The less intense remixed songs like Caviar & Meths are better than the original. I don’t mind the reverb on the drums either since it isn’t as noticeable when other instruments are playing. The lack of lower end bass is probably my biggest criticism.
@@metal_helm because to my ears it sounds better, purer, it's an album I've been listening to for 30 years and that sound is familiar to me... however, your analysis with the comparison is nice..
I can totally understand why the remix was done, and in some ways it does sound better than the Bain Mix. Allom’s mix of Winter is definitely better than Bain’s imo. But overall, I prefer Bain’s mix as Rocka Rolla is a very dated album and very much a product of its time. I feel Allom used too much compression and hard limiting on his mix. However, I say let Steven Wilson have a crack at remixing Rocka Rolla,as his work on the Jethro Tull and King Crimson albums is fantastic. Allom started with JP in 1979 with unleashed in the east and Priests music had changed dramatically by then, so it’s natural for Allom to do what he does best and remix with a more modern and heavier sound. I believe Wilson would be a much better fit for Rocka Rolla as he has much more experience is remixing music from this era.
@@metal_helmWilson definitely wouldn’t use reverb as Allom did. Going by what Wilson did in n Aqualung, which is Tull’s most problematic album production wise, I believe he would keep the each track sounding a faithful to the master tapes as possible, but remixing the levels much more coherently than Bain, which would hopefully give us a Rocka Rolla that sounds like it was recorded in 1974 (rather than 1984) but where each track is mixed clearly and articulately so that we can hear everything that’s going on in the mix. Kinda like what Roger Glover with his mix of Machine Head “it’s like a layer of varnish was lifted off the album, and now it can finally breathe”
The Rocka Rolla Remix 2024 on vinyl costs $49!! JP is my favoured band, but ...NO, not spending $49 for it!! There are better and cheaper LPs to buy: Medieval Death LP and free DVD and the Mordicus “Rights ‘n Trials” LP. If you want to know more Google [Medieval Death LP and free DVD + Mordicus “Rights ‘n Trials” LP], then check audio, videos etc. \m/
@@metal_helm Usually much better. That is my opinion. And I think I have the equipment, collection, and experience to say so. I have several CD versions and multiple vinyl records of the same record. Tested on several CD players, and turntable variants, expensive MC stylus, and RIAA's using $10000 studio monitors.
Good show, but nah, not a fan of this re-mix, or any 'cleaning up/modernising of the Hard Rock/Metal '70's sound, it detracts the warmth and clarity of the original, especially that muffled hi-hat section , added effects etc. Some '80's metal bands albums dont need a re-mix, they need to be totally re-recorded from scratch , (but not anything done by Mutt Lange, Randy Burns , Max Norman or Beau Hill !) especially the vocal and drum sounds some of them got , maybe as a result of the band members and producers losing some or most of their hearing after years of high volume exposure , attempting that 'stadium sound' or were just too blasted to care, haha! Modernly those tunes played live is a obviously different story, but i like my albums from any era, to sound like they came from that era with the recording processes and mikes , amps, vibes , mistakes , studio room characteristics , vocal and instrument tonalities of the times, be it '20's-40's gramaphone crooners , swing bands and blues, '50's rock 'n roll, 60's psychedelica, '70's swampy hard rock/crispy sounding disco, to '80's high end metal/deep -dark or standard pop-rock /electronica or ambiant. It documents the passage of time and sonic history. After the 90's and into the 2000's, thanks to the heavy use of pro tools , and almost stock standard recording methods and gear ,so many metal bands albums sounded like they were all done pretty much on the same day with the same producer/gear/ effects /drums and guitars, especially Priest as they got sonically 'heavier' and lost that unique 'tone seperation' of KK and Glen from Painkiller to present , anyway,, end of my blather , anyone want a beer while i'm up? cheers..
hahahah, nah, I totally get where you are coming from. You brought up a good point though. The remix is a little closer to what they probably sound like live now, so for someone like me, who didn't grow up with this, the remix feels like JP to me. BUT, if you did grow up with it, I understand the aversion to it. The more I hear it, the more I feel the original might be better, but I am totally about modernizing older albums (if you saw any of my shorts you would understand) (^_^)
So far I've only listened once and I'd say it's hit and miss. I think they went a bit overboard with the vocal effects on Winter Retreat. Never Satisfied sounds punchier, but lacks dynamics (that kickass riff between verses just doesn't hit as hard). Run of the Mill sounds much better and gains a lot from pushing Halford to the front of the mix. The mastering doesn't do it any favors but I guess nowadays it's kind of futile to complain so I take a more half-full glass approach and think it could have been much worse - see the latest Ozzy album, which I found to be unlistenable. So far I'd say my favorite version remains the Vic Anesini remaster from The Complete Albums Collection box set (2012, IIRC). I recommend it to anyone over any Koch remasters from the 2000s which I reckon are the most popular CDs out there.
I dont' know, there are quite a few people who like this compared to the original. And if you're like me, a "new" fan, it doesn't sound too bad (there's both bad and good on each side) Now when it comes to remasters, I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head
It sure is an interesting mix, i think Caviar and Meths sounds better inthe remix, but the rest of it, i think something in-between the two would be better. I dont really like how reverby some of the tracks are, but i do like the harmonica on the track cheater. So i almost think maybe the original mix is safer to stick with because it sounds closer to the rest of thier catalogue? As for Sad Wings, if they do a remix ill be a lot more skeptical because all thier albums from there sound great to me, and dont need a remix in my opinion.
On all comparison videos I’ve seen of the 2 versions of Rocka Rolla so far, the original sounds better and fuller, more “metal” to me. And wasn’t that the point of remixing the album anyway?
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. Wat too bright crisp cold thin etc. Can't believe they ruined it. Allom is great for the 80s albums but messing this much w a 70s album is sacrilege
as someone who hadn't heard this album before, I don't feel this way, BUT if you have been listening to this album for a long time, I can easily understand why you feel this way. Well said. Especially the compression which turns into clipping at times which is ridiculous.
@@metal_helm Yeah but even anyone listening to it first time will think it's a weird 80s album that sounds like a badly dated 70s band that recorded an album in the 80s with all the goofy reverb and thin bright tone. They lost the plot, lost the proper perspective in their old age thinking younger people in the modern age are dumb and basic and need or want everything to sound modern hyped to stand up to modern over produced metal production which is also terribly sterile and generic. True JP fans and hip young people want retro music of it's era to sound that way. Retro is cooler than modern and has been since the 90s. I do not know of any remixed 70s album that has been so drastically altered to sound like such generic 80s crap meets wannabe modern. Big fail in every aspect. Some are saying they think it was even remixed using AI which is a thing now, spitting out generic modern soulless sound. JP and this album are my top faves. the orig mix is best. Even the 81 hero hero and 90s with the different covers were inferior to the orig, trying to mid scoop the tone, but this 50th anniv is seriously prob the worst remix/master ever done by anyone anytime
@metal_helm > I am use to it but also I noticed a lot of remix/ remasters change the dynamics of the song to something that does not make it sound like a piece of art/ music. Gtrs or vocals to loud lose bass etc.. always something that does not make it feel the same as when you hear it first. Megadeath did this to peace sells, so I stay away from any remasters.
I very much hate how they mixed the guitars on the original versions, live versions are on another planet. It would be great if they touched only the guitars on the "remix", but those even fartier compressed drums are super bad, I can't stand the 10 seconds you've provided
Original by miles. Too much reverb and clarity on remix. I prefer the darker and muddy sound of the original. We are talkin' about Sabbath's original producer (Rodger Bain), not an 80's movie soundtrack.
The remix is not the best it sounds like it was mixed in a vacuum cleaner hose the original has such a beautiful dry sound with effects it jumps out at you the remix is just an advertising ploy I won't buy it I don't buy it at all
@metal_helm definitely. Also, Hill's bass playing on those earlier albums was as much a highlight as the others contributions imo and this mix is not telling that beautiful story.
I like the original it has the correct character.
The harmonica was also included on previous Gull mixes - not sure exactly which but was either on Hero Hero or Greatest Hits versions.
thanks!
Possibly both. I owned both of those compilations long before I acquired Rocka Rolla, and the harmonica parts are fully burned into my brain. I was a bit confused by the comparison in this video.
You beat me to it. Just read an article and the band swear they didn't re-record any parts for the remix. Just remixed it from the original master tapes. I actually really like the remix. I like the original but it has always had this very flat 70s mix that makes it seem like there is a blanket hanging over the speakers taking out some of the highs and mids.
Its kinda of odd, the original sounds like a cutting edge 70s album, the remix sounds like a 2000s album trying to sound 70s. The remix is clearer and bigger but there is something about the less refined quality of mid 70s hard rock especially guitars that are very mid focused.
Great analysis! I agree
The extra harmonica is also in the 1981 Hero Hero remix.
*That's* why I got confused as I listened to this video! I owned Hero, Hero long before I owned Rocka Rolla, so that's the version that's most burned into my brain. I haven't actually noticed the difference before.
Thanks!
I'm a simple man, I like both...
nothing wrong with that!
So pleased I have an original vinyl pressing, this remix sounds splashy and that undermines the tight rawness of the debut album from Judas Priest.
you're not the first to say that the vinyl sounds great! thanks for watching
Tom Allom was going for the Screaming for vengeance mix style. But not many people know about the remixes of the rocka rolla from 1981 on the original HERO, HERO compilation. The only CD version of that is from 1985. 🤘🏻
thanks! one day i'll do all of the rocka rolla versions one day and hopefully i'll be able to find this!
I believe there's been a more recent Japanese CD release of the 81 remix on Hero Hero
The Hero, Hero remixes of the Rocka Rolla songs are *way* better than the originals!
Talk for youself. Many do. Bought the Hero, Hero remix stuff when it came out first time on vinyl.
Original is absolute perfection, I don’t care for remix
I can respect that, but what specifically don't you like about it?
The original EQ of the album sounds warmer and more balanced. It sounds like they boosted certain upper midrange frequencies in an attempt to clarify or brighten certain instruments. Instead, it introduces this slightly nasal tinge to the overall mix. It's more evidents on some songs than others, but I wouldn't say that it's really an improvement. More a matter of taste in terms of the EQ choices
very well said and I agree with you to a certain extent!
Well done, Helm! As usual, you have some shit I never heard or thought about. You're a legend
Thanks my brothers! So which one did you like better? The remix or the original, and why?
Great comparisons bro! I like the originals more but the remixes do sound interesting and louder in most cases
thanks for watching!
This new remix, it sounds like they put an 80's reverb on a 70's album... And I kind of like it. I'm buying this for sure.
If Sabbath got together and re-did these songs it would be perfect. Just imagine these tracks with that signature Iommi, Butler, and Bill Ward heavy sound. Not sure if they were influenced by Sabbath, but I can sure hear it trying to break through on Rocka Rolla.
that would be sick! I want that!!!!!
Those things don't sound good. I'd rather hear a remix from the multitracks like Steven Wilson did on Technical Ecstasy.
Re-recordings never done it for me. Go check out Twisted Sister Still Hungry - sounds awful compared to the original. Or Whitesnake's rerecordings. 🤮
@@rabarebra Not sure about those, but I'll take Exodus' re-recordings over the original anyday!
Thanks for doing this Lem. This remix is VERY interesting. For many years (since the early 80's when JP started to be an actual thing) all of the band have commented on how bad they thought the sound was on Rocka Rolla. I never thought that was even a chance of hear what could have been. Then, almost 50 years later the band acquires the rights to the first two albums. Cool. I assume this means that the members on those two albums might get a bit more money, and that is all. Then only a month or two ago there's rumors of a remix with Tom Allom. And now(Sept.2024), almost out of the blue, the new remix of Rocka Rolla is out. As a JP fan since 1979 this just blows my mind. I never saw this coming. The BIG question is: are they gonna remix Sad Wings? Rocka Rolla certainly deserved a new look. But does the almighty Sad Wings of Destiny need a remix?
not sure about SWoD, but if it does, i'll do a comparison. For someone that has been listening this long, how do you feel about the remix?
@@metal_helm. I've only heard one song so far but I liked what I heard, And I'm glad they did this remix, if I hadn't made that clear earlier.
No. Sad Wings does not need remixing. Neither did Rocka Rolla IMO.
@@scaryeyeball that is valid too!
It does. It sounds extremely dry. I actually like Rocka Rolla better for that reason.
The original mix sounds best to me in every way.
What do you like better about it?
Rocka Rolla is more metal than modern down-tuned things that can't sound heavy in E standard so they have to downtune and growl isntead of clear vocals/rock screams.
I wouldn't go that far, but I can definitely see where you're coming from. It's easy to make things heavy when it's down tuned, but it's far harder to do it when it's in E standard
I say nope! The reverb on the drums I don't like, but the loudness of the guitars in the middles that part I can't stand, it sound so I don't know, plastic, artificial, fake? No,no original for the win, for me personally.
Great vid as always man 👍🤟
fairenough! I personally like the louder guitars but that's just me! thanks for watching!
I don’t know how I feel at all about the remaster. It has almost a sound-type added to it, like it’s trying to sound like a classic album like Greta Van Fleet
Hmmm... I don't know enough about Greta Van fleet to make that comparison, but the more I listen to it, and the more my subscribers talk about it, I am starting to realize there's a bit of a artificial feel to the remix
It's a 70s album...it should have a 70's sound. Tom Alom should have left the drums and bass as it was.
I know what you mean but kinda disagree. But there is something that makes me feel like something is off sometimes with the remix
Maybe they should have recorded the album live with the current line up for current tones and production.
I would have been fine with that! But I think there's a lot of people who would not have been
Thanks for the nice comparison.
And, Dear Judas Priest: Sad Wings does not need any "update". Don't mess with stuff.
And case in point, Rocka Rolla didn't need any updating neither. This new version is not better by any stretch. Sorry, Priests. I love the original, and have for many years because of its originality compared to the later albums. I feel the first 4 Priest albums are their classic period, of which I love the most. Those and maybe Hell Bent, and of course Unleashed In The East (which is the reason I got into them, as a youngster, in the first place).
But there's no need to keep remixing old recordings everyone. Like Floyd's Animals remix. Still not necessary, though much better sonically than this remix here. I mean, Iggy Pop felt the need to remix Raw Power and that sounds like sh!t. Yeah, and the original also sounds like sh!t, but it doesn't make the remix not sh!t.
Anyway, I digress. I'm very happy with my Japanese cd and Repertoire vinyl versions of Rocka Rolla. They sound amaze balls. And I even have a Koch version somewhere in case I wanna hear something substandard to those versions. But I probably will never again listen to that because there's no need. Just as there's no need to listen to this new version of it now. Just my op.
Agree 100%. I've been saying since 1979 that the first four albums are the ones that REALLY count- not that i don't like some later stuff- but those records are simply the pinnacle of artistic achievement in Heavy Metal, as Martin Popoff once said. I think the whole issue around 'Rocka Rolla' is that it is younger, more typical metalheads who can't relate to it as it doesn't fit their expectations of what 'Heavy Metal' is : the fact is that the genre became codified, formulaic and set as a type of music after 1977, largely due to Priest. Before that, the bands who coalesced into the genre - Sabbath, Zeppelin, Purple, UFO, Priest, AC/DC and a few others all had unique elements in their sound.
@@outlawbookselleroriginal Happy to have someone that understands.
Popoff (as much as he is a "music nerd") is a bit of an elitist. Kinda like Fremer is when it comes to the ultra high end equipment (ultra ridiculous) to play a plastic disc that, in most instances, were made to play on cheaper/affordable decks back in the day when they were pressed and sold (for under $5).
I say play your records (and cds and tapes and whatever you like) on whatever equipment you can afford and that sounds decent to your ears, and just ENJOY IT! And that being said, it (to me) is unnecessary to remix albums.
Should DaVinci (if he were a vampire and still alive) repaint or touchup the Mona Lisa? No. And I am not even a fan of that overrated painting. But leave the art alone and move on, to create new art instead.
Same goes for film.
I'm too old to give much of a sh!t and couldn't care much less about these things, but the Ghostbusters remake and tons of Disney remakes are other good examples of why they should just move on and come up with new ideas. Star Wars is officially ruined, thanks to the low IQ woke dipsh!ts at Disney. Let's not F up great music the same way, please.
@@scaryeyeball Absolutely. I think the 'need' to alter 'Rocka Rolla' for elements of the fanbase who can't think outside the box of priest from the early 80s on says everything really.
@@outlawbookselleroriginal Thanks for reading my psychobabble.
@@scaryeyeball Not at all, we're on the same page!
Yo do you have all versions of the album available somewhere? I'm really curious to hear the differences and that list at the end of the video got me all excited
sorry I don't, I mean I could find them probably, but don't plan on doing another version of this for a little while.
I think they almost had it. But, the original is cleaner. I own the originals and i'm happy with them.
I know what you mean. I feel like they goosed it a bit too much and should dialed it back
@@metal_helm agreed. All early Priest sounds best live. They should remix Sin after Sin. And Sad wings. Those are actually heavier than they sound on record.
@@frankartale1026 a lot of people like Sad wings as they are, I think there will be riots if they do that! ahahaha
I always like RR but yeah it was missing some punch. The band has been saying for years that it was not the sound they wanted, now they fixed it to they way they want. It's their music and I love it. Priest!!!!
I was really impressed when I first heard it, but the more I hear it, tbh, starting to like the original maybe a tad bit more.. but it's nothing like the Megadeth remixes LOL
Great stuff! When is thing made available in Europe??? JP messing with the fans again. Momentum lost!
I would imagine that it should be available in Europe..it's not? you can't get it from amazon??
Tried to order from Amazon US but wouldn't ship to UK. Amazon UK don't even list it!! @metal_helm
Great video! Somehow the guitars sound thinner in the remix than back in the 70's. Really odd choice. The vocals sound better for sure. I was looking forward to purchasing this, but I'm pretty disappointed actually. Let's hope Tom does a better job with the remix for Sad Wings of Destiny.
glad this could help! do you know when the SWoD will be released?
Taken from WIKIPEDIA dont know how relevant it maybe
Rocka Rolla (1974-1975)
Judas Priest went into the studio in June-July 1974 with Black Sabbath producer Rodger Bain.[24] The band released their debut single "Rocka Rolla" that August[citation needed] and followed in September with the album of the same name.[24] The album features a variety of styles-straight-up rock, heavy riffing, and progressive.[25]
Technical problems during the recording contributed to the poor sound quality of the record. Producer Rodger Bain, whose resume included Black Sabbath's first three albums and Budgie's first album, dominated the production of the album and made decisions with which the band did not agree.[26] Bain also chose to leave fan favourites from the band's live set, such as "Tyrant", "Genocide" and "The Ripper", from the album and he cut the song "Caviar and Meths" from a 10-minute song down to a 2-minute instrumental.
the guys from the Judas Priestcast told me something similar but this is great stuff, thanks!!
That was kinda stroke of luck, since Sad Wings of Destiny has these songs. And that album is awesome.
Console drive and colouration? The remix sounds like it is pushing the circuitry quite hard
Very very interesting. Seems like the remix sounds "older" than the original. The original sounds like ahead of it's time with a sort of "massive sound" but lacking of initial sound power, due to both the instruments and recording technique at the time. The new mix sounds like a mix more typical of the 70's... from what I here I prefer the original, but the new mix is so different I really want to hear more and take time to discover. Even with a few seconds of those songs it seems almost like another album... that's the magic of sound engineering.
well said! and I felt very similar. I can really enjoy both I think. I was swayed initially by the remix, but then as I listened, I realized I can appreciate both!
@@arkhamianotargos You hear a "massive sound" and I hear humble and muffled sound in comparison to the remix. But I also agree that the new mix after a few listens can reveal some hidden nuances that we didn't hear before, great point!
@@LysyMortuusWell indeed I think I could've said "compact" instead of "massive", maybe it would have been more appropriate. Because indeed it doesn't sound massive to our ears today... But I'm pretty sure it was the purpose of the mix, initially, although restrained by the possibilities.
IMO, a lot of remixers in the modern era are pretty obsessed with adding an unnecessary amount of mids to the sound sometimes. Nothing's really wrong with a scooped sound if it works, and honestly it makes more room for the rest of the instruments in my eyes.
It can be overdone, though :P Gotta be careful with that.
ya know what...I'm starting to believe this. I like mid-range, and I was plesantly pleased when I first heard the remix, but as I jump back and forth, I'm starting to hear the excessiveness of the midrange....
The original album recording to me always sounded better than Sad Wings of Destiny's, so having heard this remix now I think I still prefer the original version but I'm curious what they'll do to Sad Wings as it to my ears has an inferior sound. Well, I might end up still preferring that original version too. I tend to always end up liking what I've known for decades rather than new remixes, may even feel that way about Born Again by Sabbath if it ever gets remixed I quite like its dungeon sound. I'm just not big on these changes, never got into the Jethro Tull remixes either at all. Old far here and proud of it, an album most times sounds like it's supposed to sound as the time capsule it is.
So we’re not gonna talk about the obvious mid shift boost on the remix? I guess im an originalist ? But the remix while good doesn’t to my ear merit it’s required labor it doesn’t awaken any newfound (harmonica aside) inside to the original
you're right that's so obvious about the midrange..I should have brought that up. I'll be in the back room chastising myself
I havent listened to the remix and compared but from these examples it seems that in a lot of them they made it much more muddy and harsh when the original mix was clear and defined and more pleasant sounding, probably a lot due to the distortion from pushing the mix up to far hence why the softer parts sound better. Unfortunately its not uncommon that at least remasters sound much worse than the original, im generally against remixes unless it was badly mixed and sounded bad from the beginning since it can take a way a lot from the classic original production.
I don't necessarily agree, but you stated your case well with logic. great job!
It’s weird how hit or miss this remix is. The less intense remixed songs like Caviar & Meths are better than the original. I don’t mind the reverb on the drums either since it isn’t as noticeable when other instruments are playing. The lack of lower end bass is probably my biggest criticism.
so you're like me and have a hard time picking which one you like better overall?
Basically. Lol.
Harmonica was on the original demo if not wrong
that would make a lot of sense!
I prefer the original!!
Why is that?
@@metal_helm because to my ears it sounds better, purer, it's an album I've been listening to for 30 years and that sound is familiar to me... however, your analysis with the comparison is nice..
@@gabrielegazzotti5582 it's hard to beat what you're used to!!
I’m wondering if the harmonica was always there, but mixed out of the original….it sounds that way, to me.
Someone mentioned it earlier in the comments, but I couldn't remember what it was
It's on every version I own and I have quite a few and bought my first copy (second UK pressing) in 1978.
It was remixed for Hero, Hero double album by Rodger Bain.
I can totally understand why the remix was done, and in some ways it does sound better than the Bain Mix. Allom’s mix of Winter is definitely better than Bain’s imo. But overall, I prefer Bain’s mix as Rocka Rolla is a very dated album and very much a product of its time. I feel Allom used too much compression and hard limiting on his mix.
However, I say let Steven Wilson have a crack at remixing Rocka Rolla,as his work on the Jethro Tull and King Crimson albums is fantastic. Allom started with JP in 1979 with unleashed in the east and Priests music had changed dramatically by then, so it’s natural for Allom to do what he does best and remix with a more modern and heavier sound. I believe Wilson would be a much better fit for Rocka Rolla as he has much more experience is remixing music from this era.
what do you think that Wilson would bring to the table?
@@metal_helmWilson definitely wouldn’t use reverb as Allom did. Going by what Wilson did in n Aqualung, which is Tull’s most problematic album production wise, I believe he would keep the each track sounding a faithful to the master tapes as possible, but remixing the levels much more coherently than Bain, which would hopefully give us a Rocka Rolla that sounds like it was recorded in 1974 (rather than 1984) but where each track is mixed clearly and articulately so that we can hear everything that’s going on in the mix. Kinda like what Roger Glover with his mix of Machine Head “it’s like a layer of varnish was lifted off the album, and now it can finally breathe”
The Rocka Rolla Remix 2024 on vinyl costs $49!! JP is my favoured band, but ...NO, not spending $49 for it!! There are better and cheaper LPs to buy: Medieval Death LP and free DVD and the Mordicus “Rights ‘n Trials” LP. If you want to know more Google [Medieval Death LP and free DVD + Mordicus “Rights ‘n Trials” LP], then check audio, videos etc. \m/
I wonder how the vinyls sound compared to the CD or digital versions...🤔
@@metal_helm Usually much better. That is my opinion. And I think I have the equipment, collection, and experience to say so. I have several CD versions and multiple vinyl records of the same record. Tested on several CD players, and turntable variants, expensive MC stylus, and RIAA's using $10000 studio monitors.
@@rabarebra you're not the first to say so...I purposely avoid vinyl though
The new remix might be nice, I don't know yet, but ... I'll stick to the original. It's perfect.
what did you think when hearing the comparisons in this video?
Remix wins hands down. I don’t notice the clipping. Drums and Rob’s voice are much better overall
No way, listen again, the clipping is so bad.
@@gullberg1000 Could be the CD mastering.
Remix is often muddy and unrefined, exactly the opposite of great remixer like Wilson would do.
Well said!
Thank for saving me some time and money. Original is/was always fine. This was unnecessary imho
I love this kind of response. THIS is why I do this. thank you
I'm getting it anyway because I can't makeup my mind yet, it's early. So far I think they both sound different enough.
@@markgreene1162 I love this response too! it's always nice when a release like this sparks a lot of discussion
Good show, but nah, not a fan of this re-mix, or any 'cleaning up/modernising of the Hard Rock/Metal '70's sound, it detracts the warmth and clarity of the original, especially that muffled hi-hat section , added effects etc. Some '80's metal bands albums dont need a re-mix, they need to be totally re-recorded from scratch , (but not anything done by Mutt Lange, Randy Burns , Max Norman or Beau Hill !) especially the vocal and drum sounds some of them got , maybe as a result of the band members and producers losing some or most of their hearing after years of high volume exposure , attempting that 'stadium sound' or were just too blasted to care, haha! Modernly those tunes played live is a obviously different story, but i like my albums from any era, to sound like they came from that era with the recording processes and mikes , amps, vibes , mistakes , studio room characteristics , vocal and instrument tonalities of the times, be it '20's-40's gramaphone crooners , swing bands and blues, '50's rock 'n roll, 60's psychedelica, '70's swampy hard rock/crispy sounding disco, to '80's high end metal/deep -dark or standard pop-rock /electronica or ambiant. It documents the passage of time and sonic history. After the 90's and into the 2000's, thanks to the heavy use of pro tools , and almost stock standard recording methods and gear ,so many metal bands albums sounded like they were all done pretty much on the same day with the same producer/gear/ effects /drums and guitars, especially Priest as they got sonically 'heavier' and lost that unique 'tone seperation' of KK and Glen from Painkiller to present , anyway,, end of my blather , anyone want a beer while i'm up? cheers..
hahahah, nah, I totally get where you are coming from. You brought up a good point though. The remix is a little closer to what they probably sound like live now, so for someone like me, who didn't grow up with this, the remix feels like JP to me. BUT, if you did grow up with it, I understand the aversion to it. The more I hear it, the more I feel the original might be better, but I am totally about modernizing older albums (if you saw any of my shorts you would understand) (^_^)
First version way better and it has the harmonica on my version
I prefer the original. Darker. Gloomier. Polish does not always equal better.
well said
So far I've only listened once and I'd say it's hit and miss. I think they went a bit overboard with the vocal effects on Winter Retreat. Never Satisfied sounds punchier, but lacks dynamics (that kickass riff between verses just doesn't hit as hard). Run of the Mill sounds much better and gains a lot from pushing Halford to the front of the mix. The mastering doesn't do it any favors but I guess nowadays it's kind of futile to complain so I take a more half-full glass approach and think it could have been much worse - see the latest Ozzy album, which I found to be unlistenable.
So far I'd say my favorite version remains the Vic Anesini remaster from The Complete Albums Collection box set (2012, IIRC). I recommend it to anyone over any Koch remasters from the 2000s which I reckon are the most popular CDs out there.
Why oh why do record companies have to keep fucking up original releases?!? Oh I know, to make more money.
I dont' know, there are quite a few people who like this compared to the original. And if you're like me, a "new" fan, it doesn't sound too bad (there's both bad and good on each side) Now when it comes to remasters, I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head
Cover is better than the album !
😂
It sure is an interesting mix, i think Caviar and Meths sounds better inthe remix, but the rest of it, i think something in-between the two would be better. I dont really like how reverby some of the tracks are, but i do like the harmonica on the track cheater. So i almost think maybe the original mix is safer to stick with because it sounds closer to the rest of thier catalogue?
As for Sad Wings, if they do a remix ill be a lot more skeptical because all thier albums from there sound great to me, and dont need a remix in my opinion.
good point. SWoD will be interesting, if there is a remix, I don't think there will be quite as a striking difference as this was
On all comparison videos I’ve seen of the 2 versions of Rocka Rolla so far, the original sounds better and fuller, more “metal” to me. And wasn’t that the point of remixing the album anyway?
Think you're onto something....
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. Wat too bright crisp cold thin etc. Can't believe they ruined it. Allom is great for the 80s albums but messing this much w a 70s album is sacrilege
as someone who hadn't heard this album before, I don't feel this way, BUT if you have been listening to this album for a long time, I can easily understand why you feel this way. Well said. Especially the compression which turns into clipping at times which is ridiculous.
@@metal_helm Yeah but even anyone listening to it first time will think it's a weird 80s album that sounds like a badly dated 70s band that recorded an album in the 80s with all the goofy reverb and thin bright tone. They lost the plot, lost the proper perspective in their old age thinking younger people in the modern age are dumb and basic and need or want everything to sound modern hyped to stand up to modern over produced metal production which is also terribly sterile and generic. True JP fans and hip young people want retro music of it's era to sound that way. Retro is cooler than modern and has been since the 90s. I do not know of any remixed 70s album that has been so drastically altered to sound like such generic 80s crap meets wannabe modern. Big fail in every aspect. Some are saying they think it was even remixed using AI which is a thing now, spitting out generic modern soulless sound. JP and this album are my top faves. the orig mix is best. Even the 81 hero hero and 90s with the different covers were inferior to the orig, trying to mid scoop the tone, but this 50th anniv is seriously prob the worst remix/master ever done by anyone anytime
Is like when a director can’t let go of a movie, he keeps meddling and doesn’t know when to stop, yes it might get better CGI but I looses character.
good analogy!
Original
what do you like better about it?
@metal_helm > I am use to it but also I noticed a lot of remix/ remasters change the dynamics of the song to something that does not make it sound like a piece of art/ music. Gtrs or vocals to loud lose bass etc.. always something that does not make it feel the same as when you hear it first. Megadeath did this to peace sells, so I stay away from any remasters.
@@setgreen7877 well said
I very much hate how they mixed the guitars on the original versions, live versions are on another planet. It would be great if they touched only the guitars on the "remix", but those even fartier compressed drums are super bad, I can't stand the 10 seconds you've provided
so if you HAD to pick, what would you pick as the one to listen to?
@@metal_helm live concerts lmao
I don't hear any really important difference...just a marketing trick as usually
😳😳😳
Original by miles. Too much reverb and clarity on remix. I prefer the darker and muddy sound of the original. We are talkin' about Sabbath's original producer (Rodger Bain), not an 80's movie soundtrack.
I don't necessarily agree, but you present your argument well! hard to argue with that!
Remix is crisper, but the levels are messed up. imho
Do you mean like some instruments are too much louder or quieter than others?
Nope! Wtf can't the new generation accept cog artwork or sounds? Fuk this new THC bs , gimme pure coke a rolla
The remix is not the best it sounds like it was mixed in a vacuum cleaner hose the original has such a beautiful dry sound with effects it jumps out at you the remix is just an advertising ploy I won't buy it I don't buy it at all
I don't necessarily agree, but I see where you are coming from
I'll definitely avoid. Wow it sounds really bad.
Too much mid-range?
@metal_helm definitely. Also, Hill's bass playing on those earlier albums was as much a highlight as the others contributions imo and this mix is not telling that beautiful story.
@@dankoester9355 great point! I think you are the first to bring that up!