HiRez Poll Jones, Howard - DREAM INTO ACTION [Blu-Ray Audio (Dolby Atmos)]

[Stephen W Tayler]

It's also, to my ears, an alternate take. I was playing this song on the radio in 1986, and that's what I compare it to.

Not actually alternate - previous. It was from a year previously and as I have said before it is the version that belongs in this album - the single version has a very different production approach and sound and would have been difficult to fit into the overall picture here. I am sure it will appear on the next release as intended!
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In other words - this is by no means an error - it is absolutely intentional!! SWTx

 

[bktouchstone]

Stephen W Tayler is now on my short list of “buy unknown” surround mixers. This is such a joyous surround experience. 10! 10! 10! 10!

 

[key_wiz]

The Phil Collins/Hugh Padgham version of “No One Is To Blame” is the “alternate”. After listening to the ORIGINAL on “Dream Into Action” for a year, the re-recorded version was released as a single, and first on the “Action Replay” EP.

It wasn’t on the original LP of “One To One” (produced by Arif Mardin) either. Since it was a hit (and probably to help sell it) it was included as a CD bonus track when "One To One" came out 6 months after the "No One Is To Blame" single.

I’ve always preferred the original, personally, but that’s mostly because that’s the one I knew so well by the time the Collins/Padgham version came out.

 

[key_wiz]

Yes it was always the original version recorded with all the other songs at Farmyard Studios, produced by Rupert Hine and recorded and mixed by yours truly.

The Phil Collins/Hugh Padgham single version was recorded some time after Dream Into Action, and eventually appeared on the next album, One to One. I expect if a new version of that album is made then that version will appear there - as it should!!!

I would not have chosen to include it on this release, I wanted these to be the actual material presented by this team.

SWTx

If Howard decides to remix “One To One” do you think you’d be involved? Or are you interested only in the albums in which you were originally involved?

 

[key_wiz]

Another easy ‘10’ for me. Little for me to say here I didn’t say on my “Human’s Lib” review. seminal album for me. Changed my musical life, really.

And these new mixes are astounding. And the surround is perfect. Each track is so well thought out and executed. Pure artistry.

only quibble I have is I’m so familiar with the US LP version. So the running order is jarring. But at least they included the two US-only tracks at the end. (Although if it were me I’d have considered putting them somewhere inside the running order. maybe between the two original album sides) so that the album still ends with the ethereal “Hunger For The Flesh”.

But excellent from start to finish. A+++ Stephen!

 

[key_wiz]

I give it some consideration, after another play.

You should. You can’t fault any release of an album for not having a version of a song that was never on it in the first place.

 

[@gpoly]

only quibble I have is I’m so familiar with the US LP version. So the running order is jarring. But at least they included the two US-only tracks at the end. (Although if it were me I’d have considered putting them somewhere inside the running order. maybe between the two original album sides)

I see this disappointing issue come up regularly with re-releases. There seems to be plenty of albums out there from the 80's with US vs International tracks listings being different. The thing is that it is easily solved on Blu-ray. It's possible to put different running orders on the front menus. It would cost the record companies zero especially if the tracks are already there as "extras".

 

[key_wiz]

I see this disappointing issue come up regularly with re-releases. There seems to be plenty of albums out there from the 80's with US vs International tracks listings being different. The thing is that it is easily solved on Blu-ray. It's possible to put different running orders on the front menus. It would cost the record companies zero especially if the tracks are already there as "extras".

Well, I’ve always known the original British album had different tracks/running order. I just never bothered to listen to that because I like the US version so much. They took out two more downbeat tracks and replaced them with two more upbeat ones, including the hit single “Like To Get To Know You Well”.

Offering different track-order versions would be possible, except in the case of this remix, there have been some new edits that would make that awkward, at best. And my guess is Howard prefers the world hear his album the way he intended it, rather than how the studio bosses at Elektra in US wanted it.

I’ll learn to adjust.

 

[@gpoly]

Well, I’ve always known the original British album had different tracks/running order. I just never bothered to listen to that because I like the US version so much. They took out two more downbeat tracks and replaced them with two more upbeat ones, including the hit single “Like To Get To Know You Well”.

Offering different track-order versions would be possible, except in the case of this remix, there have been some new edits that would make that awkward, at best. And my guess is Howard prefers the world hear his album the way he intended it, rather than how the studio bosses at Elektra in US wanted it.

I’ll learn to adjust.

I await a surround collectors edition of some of The Klf stuff and the discussion about which version. They seemed to release a different version of their singles everyday and a different album version for every country. I have boxes and boxes of some of their vinyl.....

 

[SomethingAnything]

This is not an album I knew at all, apart from the first and last songs. It's good, isn't it? And the mix and graphics are lovely, as is the packaging. A high quality release all up and deserving of a ten rating.

Pleased about those Atmos bonus tracks as well and am looking forward to SWT getting into Atmos. Somehow, I just know he's going to be good. Two remixers I can rely on, Wilson and Tayler.

 

[GabeL]

Easy 10 for me First time hearing the album in full and I found it to be quite engaging. The surround mix is superb and I really enjoyed the on-screen visuals as the album played. Incredibly well done!!

By the way, I felt that the volume changed dramatically (much quieter) when I played the Atmos tracks; first time noticing this on a disc. Is this generally the case? Thanks

 

[edisonbaggins]

Solid 10+.
See comments in Human’s Lib thread, plus I mildly prefer this album.

 

[edisonbaggins]

Interview With Stephen W Tayler - Recording and Mixing Howard Jones in stereo and 5.1 + Atmos Talk

 

[wavelength]

I think this is the most unified surround field that I have ever heard. The level matching between the front L, C, R and the rears is critical. I was listening to this album and the music just wasn't making sense. I was getting a little frustrated because all the comments were so positive but I wasn't getting it. Finally I raised the rears and wham!...the music locked into place. A surround field to die for. It truly is wonderful.

Edit: I only slightly raised the volume on the rears. It was a fine line between being not quite right and being perfect.

 

[Clement]

Another surround sonic delight from the dream team of HoJo and SteTay! @Stephen W Tayler has done it again! I can't thank @mandrix enough for giving me the opportunity to hear this beauty! Sitting in the sweet spot this morning, after listening to this blu ray half a dozen times, i keep thinking that "Things Can Only Get Better"! Even though this is clearly a synth pop album, this new mix takes the album to the next level to transcend the genre: it's big and bouncy and bright and the perfect way to start my ("Life In One) Day"! As with Human's Lib, the liner notes are essential reading, and the screen graphics are always engaging and enhance the entire experience, taking this "Dream Into Action." Okay, i'm not going to work every song title of the release into this review, but i will squeeze one more in as i note that this is a stone-cold 10 for me, and it may also be for the one vote of 9 on this poll thread if @jaybird100 reconsiders his vote, given the historical accuracy of this release with the inclusion of the original version of "No One Is To Blame," which, to my ears, is an absolute delight in this mix. I can't wait to hear more songs mixed by @Stephen W Tayler !

 

[madscot]

Yes, I always have to turn up the volume for atmos
I forgot to reply to GabeL

 

[Bobby Martini]

Probably one of the best surround mixes I own (along with Human's Lib)
Surround demo worthy

 

[Tres Discrete]

Very active mix.
This is how it should be done IMHO.
I personally have no use for “stereo centric” surround mixes.
Thank you
@Stephen W Tayler
Another winner

 

[groo]

This is an amazing mix and visual presentation. The best surround album I purchased this year in addition to Human's Lib, maybe it's just me but I feel SWT hit his stride in MCH mixes after BBD's Drastic Plastic.