Explore every episode of the podcast Mixology: The Mono/Stereo Mix Differences Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live at Kelvin Hall by The Kinks | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:40:34 | |
Hello Friends! Here we are, at episode 99, and what better way to hit the end of double digits with than The Kinks curio of a live album from 1967/68 [US/UK], Live at Kelvin Hall. Notorious for its overbearing loop of screams edited into the mixdown, the album is nothing if not an exciting listen. But what of the two mixes available for this sonic experience? Well, between the Stage Front of the Mono and the Hall Rear of the stereo, they couldn't be more different, including heavy echo usage in stereo only, entirely different guitar overdubs throughout in each mix, and a generally different balance and track edits in each. All-in-all, a vastly different experience that can be hard to initially quantify. So come on now - Batman wants answers! Happy Listening, Frederick Email Instagram - @hypnoticfred | |||
| With The Beatles by The Beatles | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:33:03 | |
Hello Friends! It's Beatle time here on the show again, as we finally round out our look at all the catalog LPs in the Beatles canon with a look at 1963's With the Beatles. Originally issued in mono and stereo, this twin-track recording seems like a simple comparison on the surface - and yes, many of the tracks are - but there's some real hidden secrets in these mixes that demand your attention, including unique overdubs in each mix, alternate edit pieces used, and a couple of odd balance moments independent of each other. We also have a couple of curious international variations, one with some extraneous session sounds, and the other the fault of a tape machine. Of course, MONEY makes a completely worthy climax to this knock-out programme. Hope it doesn't leave you too breathless to flip back to Side One for a repeat-play session WITH THE BEATLES. Happy Listening, Frederick Email Instagram - @hypnoticfred | |||
| The Andy Williams Christmas Album by Andy Williams | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:23:48 | |
Hello Friends! It's that festive time of year again, so I thought I'd pull out one of the few 60s seasonal LPs in my collection for your listening pleasure today, courtesy of Andy Williams. Today, we'll be looking at the first of his 5(!) Christmas albums, here sensibly titled The Andy Williams Christmas Album from 1963. Not reissued in it's mono mix since it's first issue, this LP is home to the classic 'It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year', along with other Side 1 bangers such as 'Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells'. Side 2 then delves into the more secular side, which while not my usual chosen side of things, seems appropriate to cover, and overall, this is certainly a solid holiday LP from the period that deserves to have it's poppier material heard in that punchy monophonic sound, but the stereo is certainly no slouch - if anything, it's a little too bombastic! So let's weigh it all up, and most importantly, don't forget to hang up your sock!
Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| 1962-1966 & 1967-1970 (Remixed and Expanded Editions) by The Beatles | 10 Nov 2023 | 01:13:26 | |
Hello Friends! Today on Mixology - you guessed it - we’re covering all the new remixes featured on the 2023 expanded and remixed editions of 1962-1966 & 1967-1970 by The Beatles - better known as the Red and Blue albums. Expanded to 3 LPs each and compiled entirely from either remixes done from 2015 to the present, or from brand new remixes, these LPs pack quite a punch, and these 36 brand new remixes make up our look today. Extending well over an hour, this is a deep dive into the many approaches taken to give this material a fresh shine, and help you understand exactly what makes these mixes different compared to their most recent or common mix options. Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| Waiting For The Sun by The Doors | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:14:28 | |
Hello Friends! We've got a slightly different look this week, with The Doors' 3rd LP, Waiting For The Sun. Released in mid 1968, this was at the height of the phase-out of mono in the USA, and is the only Doors mono LP that has never been reissued. As such, I wanted to take a look today and see if we can pick apart the many different takes on this album on the internet. Is it true mono? Is it a fold? Or is it a mixture - and if so, how much? With a fresh needledrop of the original US mono and US stereo in hand, let's breakdown the similarities, and see what secrets we can find... Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram | |||
| Kinks by The Kinks | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:24:26 | |
Hello Friends! We're completing The Kinks' studio LP output on the show today, with a look at their debut LP, succinctly titled Kinks. Issued in October 1964, the album is built around 'You Really Got Me', with a snatch of Ray Davies originals, R&B covers, and two dire Shel Talmy compositions. That said, we have a shockingly fun stereo mix for a pop LP in 1964, and a random unique US mono mix too, giving us a lot to look at with surprisingly little effort. So let's hop in the Cadillac to Bald Mountain and see if we Got Love... If You Want It.
Happy Listening,
Frederick
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| Ferry Cross The Mersey by Gerry and The Pacemakers, etc. | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:19:36 | |
Hello Friends! We're finally taking time out with Gerry and The Pacemakers on Mixology this week, with a look at the soundtrack LP from the group, Ferry Cross The Mersey. Issued in mono and stereo, this album included 9 originals from the group, plus three other cuts produced by George Martin from The Fourmost, Cilla Black, and The George Martin Orchestra. This fantastic beat collection features some huge differences in editing and vocal mixing, as well as a general balance difference between the mono and stereo, making a break down like this shockingly essential. So let's hop on the Ferry and find out Why Oh Why mono is the way forward here... Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake by Small Faces | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:42:16 | |
Hello Friends! After a suggestion by Ethan from the wonderful Fans on the Run podcast (an episode of which I will be appearing on very soon - and a huge thanks to Ethan for this episode's flatlay!), we're today looking at the 1968 epic from Small Faces, Ogden's Nut Gone Flake. Part ripper song collection, part fairy story, this fascinating collection was of course issued in mono and stereo, with some tasty differences throughout, and a real power factor at play. We also get a later single remix of the fantastic 'Afterglow (of your Love), and of course address the horrendous 'additional production' on the US issue of the album, if only briefly (in short - avoid). So let's take a ride out with Happiness Stan to HappyDaysToyTown, to the Song of a Baker!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Check out Fans on the Run wherever you get your podcasts, or here.
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| The More I See You by Chris Montez | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:19:26 | |
Hello Friends! Taking the moment for a little bit of a palette refresher, we're taking a trip out today with Chris Montez, and his smash A&M LP The More I See You. Following on from hit singles including the title cut and 'Call Me', this easy listening LP manages to pack in a surprising amount of differences between the original mono and stereo mixes for the genre (most focused around handclaps), so let's ease up for a second, and let Chris fly us to the moon, regardless of how high it is!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
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| Horizontal by Bee Gees | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:29:34 | |
Hello Friends! We're jumping around in the Bee Gees canon again this week, moving back to their second LP on Polydor, the fantastic Horizontal. Issued at the start of 1968, this LP came in mono and stereo mixes, including some classic Bee Gees differences in the different echo textures, and the use of said effect. However, unlike Idea which had some different vocal and instrument tracks highlighted throughout, generally here everything present in one mix is present in the other - with a few small exceptions. That said, the speed differences persist, which give both of these mixes a very different feel, and could make or break either mix for the listener. Regardless, Birdie Told Me you're excited to dig in, so let's hop on a ship to Massachusetts and dig in!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
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| Hums of The Lovin’ Spoonful by The Lovin’ Spoonful | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:21:24 | |
Hello Friends! We're getting back on the Spoonful train this week with a look at the group's 3rd (and arguably best) LP, the fantastic 'Hums of...' from 1966. Including the hit singles 'Summer in The City' and 'Nashville Cats', the album was originally issued in mono and stereo, with the former single weirdly being in low-fidelity on the LP when compared with the shining mono 45 master. Much like Daydream, these are two mixes of different vibes more than actual differences, but there's still a smattering of these too - and of course that textural difference can make for some vastly different feeling songs too. So grab this LP in Full Measure and let's mess around with Voodoo in the Basement... Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono25 All-Time Greatest Summer Songs The Ultimate Collection: https://www.discogs.com/release/8318257-Various-25-All-Time-Greatest-Summer-Songs-The-Ultimate-Collection | |||
| Begin Here by The Zombies | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:38:48 | |
Hello Friends! It's Zombies time again on the show, taking a look this time at their UK debut LP Begin Here from 1965. Half originals and Half covers, this LP has a curious mix history, being only issued in mono originally and having a few tracks subject to stereo mixes for international release (some barely issued digitally in poor quality versions on early CD issues and now out of print), all tracks were finally remixed in stereo in 2002 on the Decca Stereo Anthology. But should you stick with that original mono, or recompile it from the mountain of goodies present in said collection? What more can I do than help you answer that... Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| Of Cabbages and Kings by Chad Stuart & Jeremy Clyde | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:41:07 | |
Hello Cabbages! This week on the show we're taking our first full-length look at Chad & Jeremy, addressed here by their full names, and their 1967 statement piece Of Cabbages and Kings. A tale of two sides, this takes an already very progressive baroque-folk set of songs on Side 1 and pairs it with The Progress Suite on Side 2 - a 5 part, most instrumental look at the rise and fall of society and the politics surrounding it. It's a grand, Gary Usher produced statement of an album that lands for the most part, but how do it's two mixes stand up? Well, for the most part the mono and the stereo are equally strong, especially over speakers, and I never truly feel left wanting from the mixes, but there's plenty of little details that make each unique. So with these two LPs in hand, and a 45 edit/mix of opening cut 'Rest in Piece' trailing behind, let's dig into this album to deep which is the Cabbage, and which is the King. I've also got to once again give a huge thanks to Ethan Alexanian from the Fans on the Run podcast for his work on the flatlay artwork for today's episode. Oh, and I want a word with whoever decided to put my name on a gravestone at the start of the album. I'm a little suss now... Happy Listening, Frederick P.S. If you want more Chad & Jeremy, we looked at 'Paxton Quigley...' b/w/ 'You Need Feet: last month over at the Patreon on Mixology on 45. Email Instagram - @hypnoticfred | |||
| Beatles for Sale by The Beatles | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:28:43 | |
Hello Friends! It's time for a trip out with The Beatles again here on the show, finally tackling their second LP of 1964, Beatles for Sale. Released just in time for the Christmas season, this LP is one famous for having a top class sounding stereo mix, in just about any release of said mix, with the mono often knocked, ignored, or just seen as inconsequential. Thus, my goal today was to take both mixes on an equal footing (as I always do), and make each one shine as best it can, and in doing so I've found some wonderful differences that make the mono unique, and in some cases, the superior mix (at least, in your host's opinion). So, with one mono LP and one stereo LP in hand, plus a brief 2015 remix for one song, let's see if it's really worth owning both copies, or if you should put one up.... for sale.
Happy Listening,
Frederick
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| The Who Sell Out by The Who | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:42:36 | |
Hello Friends,
This week on the show we're finally taking another trip out with The Who, and their 1967 concept peak, The Who Sell Out. Presented as an AM radio broadcast, complete with fake Ads and genuine Radio London bumpers, surely this album is designed with that Mono AM Radio format in mind - but does the quality of the recording exceed this and truly need stereo to understand it properly? And if so, does the 1995 remix present it in it's truest light? The short answer to all of these is yes and no each time. We've got differing echo effects, additional flange and tremelo, a differing guitar solo, missing instrumentation, different edits - the whole shebang! Plus of course an alternate 45 mix AND performance to boot! There's a whole lot to dig into here, so shall we see if Our Love Was worth it, or we should just dig into some Heinz Baked Beans instead...
Happy Listening,
Frederick
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| The Mamas and The Papas (Cass.John.Michelle.Dennie) by The Mamas and The Papas | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:32:01 | |
Hello Friends! It's time to jump back into the world of The Mamas and The Papas today, with their self-titled second LP from November 1966. A fantastic collection of music from the canyon, we of course saw original release in both mono and stereo, while final single 'Words of Love' also received a new dedicated mix with overdubs for 45 release. There's some fantastic differences here to dig into, but also some mixes that really serve each other well, making choosing a favourite a difficult task. So don't trip, stumble and fall grab your dancing bear and let's go dancing in the street!
Happy Listening,
Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| Disraeli Gears by Cream | 17 May 2023 | 00:21:33 | |
Hello Friends!
In our latest Patron requested episode, we’re taking a look today at the 1967 classic LP from British Rock Trio Cream, Disraeli Gears. Originally issued in mono and stereo mixes, this LP has occasionally been mislabelled online as a fold, outside of both sides of the Strange Brew/Tales of Brave Ulysses 45. Today I am very happy to confirm this is not the case, with each of the 11 tracks most certainly having its own dedicated mixes for both editions of the LP. However, does this mean we have one consistently definitive mix, or would a blend between the two LPs ultimately create the best listening experience? This ain’t no mother’s lament – let’s find the answer together and dance the night away!
Happy Listening,
Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| Smiley Smile by The Beach Boys | 03 May 2023 | 00:57:45 | |
Hello Friends! In an episode I teased as coming soon almost a year ago, it's finally time for Mixology to take on The Beach Boys' most unusual offspring, 1967's Smiley Smile. Recorded in the aftermath of Smile's cancellation, this incredibly lofi, yet incredibly intricate little album was only originally issued in mono, getting a couple of stereo mixes for the first time in 2001, and then finally a full LP stereo mix in 2012 for it's issue in Japan - before then being tweaked further before being issued in the rest of the world that same year. Despite this, with only 10 new tracks to look at ('Good Vibrations' was of course covered in my Sounds of Summer episode, but has been pasted in here), this seemed like a quick task. With an episode totaling a hair under an hour later for an LP under 28 mins in length. So, from the odyssey of mixes for 'Heroes & Villain', thru lost ambient sounds, different edit lengths, differing takes, alternate instrumentation, and general mixing tomfoolery, let's dig into the most unique album in The Beach Boys canon, and discover why the mono mix truly has the spook, but the stereo almost manages to be creepier. Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| Neon by The Cyrkle | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:22:20 | |
Hello Friends! As is routine, it's time for me to pull out a slightly left-field pick for the show, which means today we're looking at the fantastic LP Neon by The Crykle. Released in 1967 on Columbia in the USA and CBS in the UK, this LP is chock full of killer melodies, fantastic performances, and was issued in two great mixes. As was often the case on Columbia, we either end up with songs that sound very close, or songs with some very dramatic and clear differences, and today we have a lovely helping of both! From edits to shorten tracks, differing speeds, instruments dropping in and out, and changing levels of echo, we've got plenty to dig into today. So, with a Sundazed CD in one hand, and a sealed US Mono LP in the other, our mix choice is in question. Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| The Fold-down Chronicles, Vol. 1 (feat. The Association, Margo Guryan & The Rolling Stones) | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:29:21 | |
Hello Friends! The time has come for the first part in a sub-series for Mixology on a topic I've been wanting to cover for a while - fold-downs. Specifically, albums that originally had a stereo and a mono issue (usually as a promo) that was created primarily using the Stereo mix as the source. Today, we’ll be taking a look at 3 fantastic LPs from 1968 - Birthday by The Association, Take a a Picture by Margo Guryan, and Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones. Do these albums benefit from the fold down treatment? What makes them unique compared to their Stereo source counterparts? And above all - are these worth seeking out, or should you just stick with the pure Stereo source? It’s time to start breaking down the myths around these mixes, and evaluating the results. And I can assure you - there’s plenty more where these came from! Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| The Monkees - Headquarters Mixography Booklet Announcement! | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:03:02 | |
Hello Friends, Just a quick message from me regarding a very special announcement Monkees fan of the show won't want to miss!
Hey, hey everyone! The Headquarters Mixography booklets are being printed! These are 48 pages, 7.25” x 7.25” (to match the super deluxe edition booklets). This guide lists all variations of recordings made from January to March 1967. There are full mix notes for all Headquarters album tracks and several other key tracks. In full transparency, while all available versions of the Jeff Barry New York tracks are listed ("A Little Bit Me . . . ", "99 Pounds," etc.), there are no detailed mix notes for these tracks in this printing. If you are interested, I am collecting information via Survey Monkey so I can reach back out once we have actual shipping rates. This is especially critical if you want the booklet shipped outside the United States. The booklets are $8 plus shipping for a physical copy with download; a PDF will be available for $4 after physical copies have shipped.
Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| Odessa by The Bee Gees | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:47:38 | |
Hello Friends! As voted on by my Patrons, this week on Mixology we’re taking on the 2LP beast from The Bee Gees, the ever-fascinating Odessa. Originally issued in 1969 in stereo, as well as a late mono issue in the UK, this gives us two lovely mixes for this wonderful album, both of which I heartily enjoy, and of course both carry with them their own unique elements. From the grandiose entry of the title cut, through single First of May and the country tinged Marley Purt Drive, and even the orchestral instrumental piece Seven Seas Symphony, there’s a real mix of flavours here, giving us plenty to sink our teeth into across these 17 tracks. So which mix is your Black Diamond? Let’s take a trip down to Melody Fair with Edison and find out… Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| Their Satanic Majesties Request by The Rolling Stones | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:33:25 | |
Hello Friends! It's time to take a trip back to the land of The Rolling Stones as we continue our look at the Psych of 1967, with Their Satanic Majesties Request. The Christmas effort that year from the group, this album has divided opinion since release, and with a messy history of the issue of it's mono mix, which is the way one should be listening to this rather unique offering from the group? Thankfully we only have the mono and stereo mix to look at once again, so in that case - on with the show!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
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| Once Upon a Twilight by The Twilights | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:33:03 | |
Hello Friends! We're moving into the land down under this month on the show, with a look at the fantastic 2nd LP from Australia's own The Twilight, Once Upon a Twilight. Issued in 1968 in mono and stereo exclusively in Oz, the album has since been reissued on CD, including a Mono/Stereo issue by Aztec. Sadly, this uses a fold-down of the stereo for the mono presentation, while the original LP is wonderfully a dedicated mono affair, complete with drier vocals, and some wildly different use of effects throughout this very 'studio' production. This is a wonderful piece of late 60s Pop-Psych, and if you're a fan of The Beatles' 1967 efforts, or The Hollies' Butterfly, you'll love this album. Not convinced? What a silly thing to do! Be Mr. Nice and Take Action - the Blue Roundabout is waiting! Happy Listening, Frederick Email Instagram - @hypnoticfred | |||
| The Piper at the Gates of Dawn by Pink Floyd | 08 Feb 2023 | 00:46:56 | |
Hello Friends! We're kicking the year off proper today, with an album I have had requested from the moment I started Mixology, and that is The Piper At The Gates of Dawn by Pink Floyd. The only LP released by the group under Syd Barrett's leadership, this album truly is something else, with seemingly disconnected ideas strung together to somehow make a psychedelic classic. Never remixed, this album was issued in 1967 in both Mono and Stereo, and oh boy, do we have plenty to dig into here. Prepare for extra instrumentation, flanging, phasing, echo, egregious panning - the whole shebang! So, without further ado, take up thy stethoscope and walk with me to find out if the somewhat elusive mono mix of this album is the one to seek out, or if you should be going into interstellar overdrive in stereo! Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram Back to Mono | |||
| A Conversation with Craig Smith (Monkees Mixography; Mixing Links: The Monkees on Disc) | 25 Jan 2023 | 01:27:15 | |
Hello Friends, and welcome to Mixology for 2023! We're starting the year off a little differently, with a wonderful conversation I had recently with Craig Smith. Best known for his work on the Monkees Mixography website and the upcoming Mixing Links: The Monkees on Disc book, Craig has worked with his partner Derek Miner to create the most comprehensive guide to the 900+ unique mixes in the Monkees US discography, in a resource used by everyone from Andrew Sandoval to this very podcast! Less of an interview and more of a conversation between friends, Craig and I took this opportunity to chat about our love for all things mix difference, from our very different introductions to the world, to how this affects the way we listen to and interact with music today. Of course, we also dig into the history of the Monkees Mixography website and it's origins, and how through a reboot gave life to the concept that became Mixing Links: The Monkees on Disc, as well as an update on the current state of the book itself. And of course, The Beatles come into it. So, don't be feeling Nine Times Blue, come join us in our Conversations! And if that wasn't enough, I joined Craig over at the Pods and Sods Network for a very special Monkees episode of Two Pick Ten, which you can listen to now at https://podsodcast.com/ Happy Listening, Frederick Support the show and get hours of extra content (including Mixology on 45) at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono Browse the Monkees Mixography: http://monkeesmixography.wikidot.com/ Get a sneek peek into the Mixing Links book: https://mixinglinksbook.com/ Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/ | |||
| Do I Have To Do This All Over Again? (or Everything You Told Me I Missed, Vol. 1) | 17 Dec 2022 | 00:21:16 | |
Hello Friends! Well, with another year over, and a bout of illness delaying recording, it's time to look back over the year we've had. It's been one of incredible growth for the show, and I wanted to take some time to thank you all, not just in words, but by finally responding to some of the emails I've had over the last three years telling me everything I missed, and setting the record straight. So, with a bevy of seemingly unconnected mixes in hand from the likes of The Monkees, The Hollies, and The Rolling Stones, and some passive-aggressive corrections in the other, let's take a look back over my catalog and 2022, and see if we can spend a little while Writing Wrongs.
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content (including Mixology on 45) at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
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| Headquarters (1989 & 2022 Remix Edition) by The Monkees | 29 Nov 2022 | 00:42:34 | |
Hello Friends! We're back at it again today with, not only another new remix, but also a look at an album already covered on the show, The Monkees' classic 1967 LP Headquarters. In our original instalment we covered the original mono and stereo mixes, but today we're covering both the 1989 Bill Inglot remix on Arista, and the brand new 2022 remix by Andrew Sandoval from the Super Deluxe Edition of the album. While the 1989 was a remix from the final 4-track master, the new 2022 remix provides a resync of the multistage tapes to provide a far more evenly balanced mix, while retaining the sound of 1967 through and through. If you're on the fence about picking up the set, this episode should push you off of it - and with only a few copies left, there's No Time to waste! So, let's see if this is like comparing Shades of Grey, or if [this] May Just Be The One.
Happy Listening,
Frederick
P.S. The HQ fun doesn't end here - this Sunday on Mixology on 45 we'll be looking at the brand new mixes of non-LP single A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You & The Girl I Knew Somewhere, and then in December we will be looking at the 9 other new mixes of the bonus tracks in a Patreon exclusive Mixology! Sign up to support the show now to get access as soon as they go live, from just £1 a month, at https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Purchase the box set exclusively from Rhino here: https://monkeesstore.warnermusic.com/en/the-monkees/home/the-monkees---headquarters-super-deluxe-edition/081227883836.html
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
Artwork for this episode by @vinylbenjy
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| (The Curious Case of) Evolution by The Hollies | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:21:35 | |
Hello Friends! This week on Mixology we're riding back to 1967 with The Hollies (again - whoops!), and their fantastic LP Evolution. Recording at the same time as Sgt. Pepper, and released the same day, this is an album that has always had a very curious stereo mix, one that sounds identical to the fantastic mono. Are these two dedicated, but very focused mixes, or is the mono simply a fold? Today we'll be taking a slightly different approach through the story of this mix, with a discussion on what makes or breaks a fold down, and the environment at EMI in which this album was released, and if Graham Nash, was actually a mastermind behind the mixing console. So if you think you're going to Leave Me, Stop Right There! You won't believe The Games We Play...
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content (including Mixology on 45) at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
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| Revolver by The Beatles (inc. 2022 Remix) | 28 Oct 2022 | 01:15:15 | |
Hello Friends! Thank you for your patience as I've been moving house, but now it's time to come back into things with a bang, as we breakdown The Beatles' 1966 All-Time classic Revolver, in celebration of the new reissue of the album. We'll not only be looking at the original UK Mono and Stereo mixes of the album, but also the many stray mixes issued in the USA (and the UK), the various remixes done in 1999 and 2015, and of course the new 2022 remix - a first for the Beatles episodes of Mixology, where I have previously only focused on vintage mixes for the group. So, with a huge bevy of mixes in hand, let's dive right in and see if the impressive remixing effort was worth it, or if the original really is the best...
With this in mind, over on the Patreon next Sunday, Mixology on 45 will be following this episode up with a look at the two non-LP tracks from these sessions, 'Paperback Writer' and 'Rain'. While the vintage stereo mixes have been covered on the show before, we will be looking at the 2015 and 2022 stereo remixes, and seeing what they bring to the table that the originals didn't! Find it (and support the show) at https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
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| In The Hollies Style by The Hollies | 05 Oct 2022 | 00:23:05 | |
Hello Friends! We're taking a trip back again with The Hollies this week, and their second LP on Parlophone, the wonderful In The Hollies Style, released in November of 1964. A huge step up from their debut LP, this saw the bevy of original numbers grown from 1 on the debut to 7 here, along with some fantastic covers to boot. But with this growth, do we see a development in mix differences? Well, with a mono mix only done for the UK, and a stereo mix made for export only, we shall have to dig in and see if the answer is in her kiss by getting down to the nitty gritty! Happy Listening, Frederick Support the show and get hours of extra content (including Mixology on 45) at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/ Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred | |||
| The Monkees by The Monkees | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:23:16 | |
Hello Friends! We're taking another trip out with The Monkees this week, jumping right back to the beginning with their debut LP. Released in October 1966, we once again have mono and stereo mixes of the whole album to look at today, as well as 3 unique TV mono mixes/edits used in the first series of the show. So Take a Giant Step outside your mind and see which mix truly is definitive, and if Rhino have kept the correct one in circulation... Happy Listening, Frederick Support the show and get hours of extra content (including Mixology on 45) at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/ Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred | |||
| I Never Loved a Man The Way I Love You by Aretha Franklin | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:26:43 | |
Hello Friends! Today on the show we're journeying to 1967, with Aretha Franklin's 1st LP for Atlantic, the classic I Never Loved a Man The Way I Loved You. Kick starting her career on the new label, the album included both the title cut and huge hit 'Respect', but the album us full of many other equally fantastic cuts - including a few Aretha originals. But most importantly to us, there's a surprising amount of differences between the mono and stereo LPs, with some very fine tuned mixing decisions occurring, leading to parts missing in some mixes that are present in others. In the end, I will say this is no tie - only one mix reigns supreme - but join me on my Soul Serenade to find out...
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content (including Mixology on 45) at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
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| Seekers Seen in Green by The Seekers | 24 Aug 2022 | 00:20:26 | |
Hello Friends,
After the recent passing of Seekers member Judith Durham, I felt it only natural to direct my next Mixology efforts towards my favourite studio LP from the group, the wonderful Seekers Seen In Green from 1967. With it's ill-fitting psych-drenched jacket, this folk-pop gem was thankfully issued in mono and stereo upon original release, with no unique single mixes or subsequent remixes, and was reissued on CD in 1991 in both these mixes. While these sources aren't the best mastering of the album, short of a perfect needledrop of both, they are the best on offer. So with Peter Mew's handiwork at hand, and this sweet little collection of music, let's follow the rainbow and find out if indeed Angeline is always friday - or if she prefers the mono or stereo for that measure.
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content (including Mixology on 45) at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
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| Bee Gees 1st by The Bee Gees | 07 May 2024 | 00:32:15 | |
Hello Friends! Today we're completing our look at the Bee Gees' catalog* here on the show, with their first international release Bee Gees 1st from 1967. Issued originally in both mono and stereo mixes, I was shocked at how much stronger the stereo mix here was than the rather poor showing on Horizontal, generally being comparable to the mono, with a couple of exceptions. But what are these exceptions, and what makes some of the stereo mixes stand out above their mono mixes? Well send those vocals to the echo chamber and turn up those orchestration overdubs, as we head down to Cucumber Castle for the Turn of the Century. Happy Listening, Frederick *Remember, non-LP tracks such as 'Words' & 'I've Gotta Get a Message to You' can be found on Mixology on 45 over at the Patreon Email Instagram - @hypnoticfred | |||
| Fifth Dimension by The Byrds | 10 Aug 2022 | 00:34:39 | |
Hello Friends! This week on the show we're taking our second look at The Byrds, with their 3rd LP Fifth Dimension. Released in both mono and stereo in 1966, 5 of the tracks were treated to new stereo mixes in 1990, and then an unknown quantity in 1996. Today, we'll be comparing the original mono and stereo mixes, all the new 1990 mixes, and also all mixes used on the 1996 CD, regardless of the evidence suggesting remix or not, as honestly it's hard to tell (as you would know if you've checked out my episode on Younger Than Yesterday, and we were never given confirmation either way). With this absolute bevy of mixes in hand, let's dive into the material at hand, and take a trip to the Fifth Dimension with Captain Soul!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content (including Mixology on 45) at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
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| Arthur (or The Decline and Fall of The British Empire) by The Kinks | 27 Jul 2022 | 00:42:49 | |
Hello Friends! We're taking another trip back to Kinkdom today, with The Kinks’ last LP to be released in both mono and stereo, 1969's Arthur (Or The Decline and Fall of The British Empire). A shockingly late period mono mix, this fantastic album explores a more matured, rock sound for the group, with plenty of British baroque elements mixed in, to give us a group of mixes that, while not as far apart as the UK and Australia, certainly have enough cultural differences to make them both worthwhile. But which of these two mixes is definitive, or is neither an all-out winner? If you're young (and if you're healthy) why not get on a boat and come to Australia, where we have all the answers!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content (including Mixology on 45) at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono
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| Sounds of Summer: Expanded Edition by The Beach Boys | 20 Jun 2022 | 01:39:51 | |
Hello Friends! We've got an extra special episode of the show today, digging into all of the new mixes presented on the recently released Expanded Edition of The Beach Boys' huge selling compilation Sounds of Summer, newly remixed by Mark Linett. With 28 9not the listed 24) tracks to look into, we'll be breaking down each of these mix by mix, in the order they appear on the compilation, starting with the earliest mix offered, and working through a summary of all subsequent mono, stereo, single mixes and remixes, culminating in the new 2021 mix of the track, and breaking down exactly what makes these new mixes unique. We'll also be correcting some mislabelling of mixes here, to give you a proper breakdown of exactly what you're getting. From first-time stereo mixes of tracks like 'I Get Around' that emulate the original mono mixes extremely closely, to later remixes of 70s tracks such as 'Let Us Go On This Way' that radically change the soundscape, let us see what's on offer here, and help you decide if these new mixes will become your new sounds of summer.
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono
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| Daydream by The Lovin’ Spoonful | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:15:58 | |
Hello Friends. Many moons ago a listener of the podcast requested I cover The Lovin' Spoonful on the show, and I can only apologise that is has taken this long! On the show today we will be looking at the group's 1966 album Daydream, a mid 60s pop classic by anyone's measurement. Filled to the brim with fantastic singles, hooks, and original cuts, this album is a real treat for the listener. Between the mono and stereo mixes, we don't encounter too many true differences, but there is a real difference in feel between these mixes that is hard to quantify. Which ultimately suits the material best, and is this consistent from track to track? Let's dive into the big noise from speonk and find out!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono
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| Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys | 01 Jun 2022 | 00:19:28 | |
Hello Friends! We're following on from our recent look at Please Please Me this week, with the earliest album by The Beach Boys to receive mono and stereo mixes, 1962's Surfin' USA. The follow up to their Capitol debut Surfin' Safari, this LP saw the production standards grow, with double tracked vocals and additional instrumentation entering the fray. What does this hold for the two mixes and their unique traits? And does the benefits of either mix hold true across the whole album? Let's go trippin' and see if we can find out, bringing along a lovely little 2003 remix of 'Shut Down' with us too!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono
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| Nancy & Lee by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood | 18 May 2022 | 00:33:34 | |
Hello Friends! Today on the show we're taking another trip out with Nancy Sinatra, and her album of duets with Lee Hazlewood, Nancy & Lee from 1968. An album that for many years was seen as an underground classic, over the last few years it has risen to greater prominence in the music community, and today I want to take a look at that original 1968 stereo mix, the original mono single and LP releases of the 5 tracks released prior to the album, the Bill Inglot remix issued on CD in 1989, and the tracks remixed for the digital only release in 2006. It's time to put all these differences to rest, as we celebrate Light in the Attic's reissue of this album next week, including a couple of wonderful bonus tracks too!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono
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| Please Please Me by The Beatles | 04 May 2022 | 00:17:03 | |
Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Hello Friends! Today on the show we're hitting the 50th album on the show, and I've decided to take it right back to the beginning, with The Beatles' debut LP Please Please Me. An album with a notoriously wide twin-track stereo mix, just how different could the mono and stereo mixes be? The answer is not too different, but there's a few key differences here that you may have overlooked, and a big hole to dive down regarding the title track. So, with 2 LPs and a 45 in hand, let's bring these mixes together and find that taste of honey!
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
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| Revolution! by Paul Revere & The Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:21:28 | |
Hello Friends! It's time to get revolutionary, as this week on Mixology we'll be taking our second look at Paul Revere & The Raiders, with their fantastic LP Revolution! from 1967. The first in a line of 'featuring Mark Lindsay' titles thanks to their heavy wrecking crew involvement, Mark has gone on record as saying producer Terry Melcher only ever intended this album to be heard in mono. As a result, only 6 of the tracks received stereo mixes back in 1967, with Him or Me getting a stereo mix in the 90s. Of these seven tracks, do the stereo mixes offer us anything new - or should you just stick with the stereo mixes that circulate today? What's It Gonna Be?
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred
Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono
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| Idea by The Bee Gees | 06 Apr 2022 | 00:27:41 | |
Hello Friends, and welcome to the first Mixology look at The Bee Gees. Today we'll be starting our journey with their 3rd UK LP Idea, released in 1968 in both mono & stereo mixes. With a drier and faster mono mix competing with a wetter and higher orchestra mix stereo, is one really superior to the other? Let's get an idea about the answer and find out...
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono | |||
| Insight Out by The Association | 23 Mar 2022 | 00:26:35 | |
Hello Friends, today on the show we're taking our first trip out with The Association, and their huge hit 1967 album, Insight Out. Featuring hit singles 'Windy' and 'Never My Love', this album is somewhat of a mixed bag mix wise, covering everything from fold-downs, to multiple unique mixes across LP and single mixes for other tracks. Does this add up to a superior stereo mix, or a hodge-podge mono mix that somehow rises above it's creation? Let's find out in this long awaited requiem for the masses... Happy Listening, Frederick Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono | |||
| Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!) by The Beach Boys | 10 Apr 2024 | 00:46:48 | |
Hello Friends! It's time to hop back on the Beach Boys train this month with a look at the group's 2nd LP of 1965, the commercial smash Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!). Containing huge hits 'Help Me, Rhonda' and 'California Girls', the album was only initially issued in mono and Duophonic stereo back in 1965, but once the late 90s hit, the album steadily gained true stereo mixes of it's tracks, until in 2012 the whole album received it's first true stereo edition, using many of the previously issued mixes, and some additional ones created for this issue. However, those stereo mixes had been changed multiple times prior - not always with notice - giving us a perplexing bevy of mixes to look into, along with an alternate fade on the single version of 'California Girls', and a unique 2003 DVD-A mix of 'Summer Means New Love'. In short, you'll need an entire summer day and night to digest it all! A huge thanks to @vinylbenjy on instagram for his second flatlay artwork to grace the show while my collection makes it's way between countries! Happy Listening, Frederick Patreon Email Instagram - @hypnoticfred | |||
| A Quick One by The Who | 09 Mar 2022 | 00:28:20 | |
Hello Friends! Today we're taking our first Mixology look at The Who, with their 1966 LP A Quick One. Following up on their first LP, this album featured far more original contributions from every member of the group, culminating in Pete Townshend's epic 'A Quick One While He's Away'. Originally released in the UK only in mono, the album received a mostly stereo mix in the US and across Europe, and these are the mixes we'll be looking at today. Many of the tracks were then remixed in 2003, mirroring the original stereo mixes, with a few quality of life improvements here and there. So, with most tracks having 3 mixes to cover, this isn't going to be a quick one, but let's run run run and see if Boris the Spider has the answers! Happy Listening, Frederick Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono | |||
| Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme by Simon & Garfunkel | 23 Feb 2022 | 00:37:11 | |
Hello Friends! Today we’re finishing up the trilogy of Folk Rock albums from Simon & Garfunkel, with Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme from 1966. Their second album in the limelight, this was a huge leap forward in terms of production, but still heavily relied on songs from Paul's previous effort, The Paul Simon Songbook. Did this advancement in production lead to a greater number of mix variations when compared with Sounds of Silence? Not entirely, but once again with a 2001 remix now being the defacto mix of the album, we have three alternative mixes to consider. On top of this, 'Homeward Bound', a refuge from the Sounds of Silence sessions, was issued earlier that year on said album in the UK, complete with an earlier, and drier, stereo mix, as well as later that year on a 'Folk' compilation here in the UK in a very bizarre alternative mono mix... though not quite in the way you'd expect. With a suitcase and guitar in hand, let's dig in and see if we can decide on the definitive way to enjoy this album... wherever we may find it.
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono | |||
| Strange Days by The Doors | 09 Feb 2022 | 00:22:49 | |
Hello Friends! After looking at the fabulous self-titled debut LP from The Doors last year on the show, it only felt right to move on and cover their only other mono LP, Strange Days. Released in 1967, this album heralded a step forward for the group sonically, with the use of a greater number of tracks to record, as well as synth sounds and experimentation in the studio. This would naturally lend itself to an album with some even greater mix differences, but something is afoot here. Can we sort the dedicated mixes from the folds, and is the mono worth your time? Come take a Moonlight Drive with me and find out! Happy Listening, Frederick Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono | |||
| Rubber Soul (RM2) by The Beatles | 26 Jan 2022 | 00:43:35 | |
Hello Friends! Continuing on our January dive into The Beatles' 1965, we're taking a fresh look over the mix differences for the all-time classic LP, Rubber Soul. Originally covered in my very first episode of Mixology, the formula by which I make episodes was still in it's infancy, and since then my approach has got broader, deeper, and far more in depth than I ever intended, and I wanted to retrace my steps and give the album the treatment it truly deserves. This means not only covering the 1965 Mono and Stereo mixes of the album, but also the 1987 Stereo Remix by George Martin as this is the only digitally in-print edition of the album. We will also be once again covering the alternate mixes issues in America, including a mono mix of Michelle missed in my original edition! We've once again got a lot to cover this week, so it's time to Think For Yourself as to which mix is the definitive article, and dig right in with the evidence.
Happy Listening,
Frederick
Support the show and get hours of extra content at: https://www.patreon.com/backtomono
Email the show at: backtomonoradio@gmail.com
Listen to companion podcast Back to Mono: https://www.mixcloud.com/backtomonoradio/playlists/back-to-mono-complete/
Find me on Instagram @hypnoticfred Join the Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/backtomono | |||