HiRez Poll Midler, Bette - THE DIVINE MISS M [Blu-Ray Audio]

[~dave~~wave~]

Well, here goes from blu~ray.com: [A fun read]

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Bette-Midler-The-Divine-Miss-M-Blu-ray/368135/#Review

Somebody needs to do this guy a favor and explain to him the technical reasons for his frustration with the authoring.

 

[jefe1]

This album poll has garnered 41 posts including one from me.
One might think this is an extremly popular album from these numbers. Goes to show what a little controversy can do....

 

[Rstaylor]

Never my intent to offend, and in fact “hate” is a probably too strong a word. If Bette Midler’s car broke down in front of my house I would certainly call her a cab. A lot of folks who have gotten into surround music find that there is a lack of titles which has pushed us into exploring other genres and try new things. Despite making some interesting and exciting musical discoveries, sometimes there is one that just doesn’t resonate, and this is one for me. But to the extent I have some thoughts about why something works or does not, I may share with this community. Others may find it useful, or not. I certainly don’t begrudge anyone liking this album.

This brings back memories of getting my first cd player way back in 1987.
A few of my friends were buying titles simply because the selection of cd's was very limited for a while.
More often than not, they were disappointed.
I learned from their mistakes.
That being said, I am optimistic that there will be more and more quad releases in the near future.
Hopefully, everyone will get the titles that they really want.

 

[Infomas]

Like Al Stewart's "Past Present and Future", I've been listening to this album for 50 years and it has never sounded better. As others have stated, it is well produced and has an excellent quad mix with lots of front to rear separation. For some of us older folk, part of the love of this album comes from seeing her live back in the day. Near the end of the show on her first tour she says, "Okay, here's the song you paid your $5 for. What? You paid $7.50? You've been robbed!" She then breaks in to "Leader of the Pack" and is flying back and forth across the stage in her 8 inch spiked heels. We were all in awe. Playing that song today in 4 channels brought all of that back. An enthusiastic 10.

 

[barfle]

I won’t give this a point score. It’s pretty clear I am an “outlier” statistically and I don’t want to let that take away from the fun Bette Midler fans may experience with this. If you are not a fan of BM, I don’t think this will change your mind. Anyway, here goes. I hated this. Probably because I am not and never have been a Bette Midler fan. Never understood the appeal of “The Rose” or “Beaches” and her voice always got on my nerves. I was hopeful after reading the raves that this would be different, but sadly no. Sometimes she just seems to drag out words and notes unnecessarily to perhaps dramatize them but for me it just subtracts. The song selection is mid 70s dreck. Listening to “Friends” I thought “If after school specials were musicals they would sound like this.” Never wanted to hear “Delta Dawn” again. Leader of the Pack never needed to be redone either. “Superstar” which talks about someone playing their sad guitar doesn’t seem to have a guitar in it, But there is a prominent piano and a harp. Most of the time her voice is immersed in reverb, so much so I swear I could still hear it after I pressed the “stop” button. There are a few diamonds: “Am I Blue?” “Hello in There” and “Boogie Woogie” are nice. There isn’t enough shelf space inside my house for my entire collection, the “less appealing” of which is in the garage which is not climate controlled. This will fit right in there.

There are a handful of “artists” whose work I find unappealing as well. I don’t have the courage to call them out on this forum, because I see so many folks here who practically worship what I consider to be bad singing, mediocre guitar playing, inane lyrics, screwball rhythms, and just plain irritating songs.

But I already know a lot of what I don’t like, because I didn’t like it in 1975 and I still don’t like it. And in that case, I don’t buy it.

 

[jedson]

First post here. Been lurking for a while, which is how I heard about this bluray.

Full transparency: I can't be completely objective as I've been in love with this album since I heard it on 8-track when I got my first stereo as a kid -- one of those all-in-one jobs with a turntable, tuner and aforementioned 8-track player. My current setup is certainly not the highest-tech surround system, but since I got it I've been searching out old quads in addition to newer multichannel releases. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I give this a 10.

During her "Experience the Divine" concerts in the mid-90s, Bette Midler referred to her recording career as "the scud missile of show business." It's a funny line, especially considering that she also poked fun at "those inspirational ballads they love me for" before delivering improbably affecting performances of said ballads which, in a live concert setting, she invests with a sincerity that elevates them above the treacle of their studio counterparts. "The Wind Beneath My Wings" may be a far cry from "The Rose," but she only jokes about it beforehand, not during. However, speaking as someone who grew up on her freewheeling pastiches and smart-ass banter with Johnny Carson, give me one of her "scud missiles" from the 70s over "Beaches" any day of the week. That said, this album is nothing less than a bullseye, as far as I'm concerned. The bluray sounds amazing, my only quibble being the original quad mix on "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" which has the vocal wandering around the room. I'm not sure what the intention was with doing that, but it doesn't work for me. The first version of "Friends," on the other hand, benefits greatly from the quad mix, separating the multiple overdubs which in the stereo mix just sound like a big muddle. Anyway, that's my two cents. Happy to be here.

 

[zani57]

A PLUPERFECT 10 if ever there was one! Superbly remastered from the original Atlantic DOLBY A master QUAD tapes, Ms Bette skillfully weaves her magic from tin pan alley to a World War II classic to Motown on steroids and turns John Prines's HELLO IN THERE from his original faster paced original into a heartfelt elegy to growing old and forgotten. Her articulation is superb, the arrangements beyond reproach and the RHINO team has managed to preserve every minute nuance of what I consider Ms Midler's finest achievement EVER! And Tom Dowd's QUAD remix brilliantly captures THE DIVINE MISS M in sheer four corner MAGIC!

Thanks to Foraging Rhino and his A+ team at RHINO for at long last releasing this mini masterpiece in state of the art sonics!

Not trying to be a stickler, but not one of the tracks is a Motown song. Chapel of Love and Leader of the Pack are songs by girl groups but neither was from the Motown label.

 

[quicksrt]

First post here. Been lurking for a while, which is how I heard about this bluray.

(edit) Happy to be here.

Not trying to be a stickler, but not one of the tracks is a Motown song. Chapel of Love and Leader of the Pack are songs by girl groups but neither was from the Motown label.

Great to see a Quadio release, or releases bringing out the new welcomed members and lurkers.
This is one of those very important quad mixes, imo as important to pop-vocal as "Paranoid" and Machine Head" both are to hard rock. All of these mentioned quad mixes brought out folks to the forums and resulted in more than satisfied purchases.

It's all good.

 

[4-earredwonder]

Not trying to be a stickler, but not one of the tracks is a Motown song. Chapel of Love and Leader of the Pack are songs by girl groups but neither was from the Motown label.

You are quite correct. My BAD! Should've specified "the Brill Building" sound!

 

[quicksrt]

There is a 5 rating here on this one, but "surprisingly no comment" from the posting member on why.

 

[GOS]

There is a 5 rating here on this one, but "surprisingly no comment" from the posting member on why.

A 5 vote could mean several things. I think. The music sucks badly, and the surround mix blows. Which, doesn't seem likely. Even if the content is a 1, the mix shouldn't be much less than an 8, and the fidelity really shouldn't be much less than an 8. That doesn't add up to a 5. I dunno. I think some folks vote with a knee-jerk response. I don't like her and and I don't like the music. So, I'm gonna vote a 4 or 5.

Oh well.

 

[Clement]

This was one of my mother's favo(u)rite LPs back in the day, and since she controlled the turntable, it was in constant rotation during my youth. Consequently, i'm VERY familiar with the content, and it NEVER sounded this good (we listened in stereo). As a kid, i balked at the songs, but i secretly loved a handful of the tunes. Today, i can honestly say i appreciate the whole collection, due in no small part to the superior Quad mix.

The album starts wonderfully discrete with "Do You Want To Dance?": bass RL, piano RR, bongos FR, FL silent. Then Midler's vocals, sultry and wet come through all four speakers, with lots of reverb in the rears. Drums enter in stereo up front. The song continues to build with swelling orchestration, Midler matching the volume and passion, absolutely igniting the torch song. Right from jump street, this listener knew he was in for a tour de force treat.

The discrete mix continues with "Chapel of Love." As @4-earredwonder notes, this is one of the "Brill Building" songs on the album. And though i didn't appreciate it as a kid, now i see how much affection and respect Midler has for the Brill Building sound and craft.

Next up is "Superstar," and although this isn't my favo(u)rite version of the Leon Russell tune, Midler and Manilow milk it for all it's worth. Their version continues to grow on me (i have listened to this release over a dozen times). The mix follows the same format with piano up front, harp in the rear, and Midler's vocals coming strong from all four speakers. The instrumentation builds and Midler follows suit, really putting her own stamp on the tune. . . . okay, it may be my fav one day soon!

The eclecticism of the album builds with an uptempo and funky "Daytime Hustler" up next. This tune shows off the Quad mix and gives a hint of what we would come to see in The Rose.

The eclectic mix continues its flow with another torch song, "Am I Blue?" This was the way side 1 of the album ended. Again, as a kid, i didn't really appreciate the torch songs, but now, the emotion with which Midler infuses her performance helps me to really enjoy the whole program . . . and i can't help but think the Quad mix has a lot to do with my growing appreciation.

Side 2 starts off with (and eventually ends with a reprise of) "Friends." What an amazing mix! This one starts with piano FR. Bongos enter FL and Midler's vocals enter isolated in the RR, followed by bass in RL. Drums come in across the front and then we are treated to background Bettes from the remaining three speakers, the lead still isolated RR. The sense of humor and emotional impact of this mix is amazing and really elevates this tune for me.

Even as a kid, "Hello In There" was my favo(u)rite selection. What Midler is able to do with the John Prine song is absolutely transcendent. I knew the original because i grew up in Broadview, which was right next to Maywood, where Prine lived; consequently, the local radio station celebrated him. Midler absolutely transforms the song, becoming the protagonist and realizing her through compassion and nuance. Amazing.

One more Brill Building classic is up next: "Leader Of The Pack." Again, Midler and Manilow take this song to the next level! Mad respect.

"Delta Dawn" follows. As a kid, i remember hearing this song on the radio the next year by Tanya Tucker and then Helen Reddy (and Reddy's version also on the turntable when my mom was in control). Those two versions pale in comparison to what Midler is able to do with the song, really moving this listener with her sympathetic vocals and the great Quad mix.

Speaking of great Quad mix, up next is "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." @fredblue has written passionately about the superiority of the moves in this mix, and i heartily concur! Again, as a kid, i didn't really appreciate this one, but now the circling Bettes in the mix make this one so much fun!

The album closes with a reprise of "Friends," starting slow and sultry, reminiscent of the album's opener. And then, it picks up and absolutely shines in the Quad mix. What a treat!

Thank you SO MUCH to @ForagingRhino and the Quadio program for all of the joy their releases have brought me. This one really takes me back, and hearing it in Quad gives me a newfound appreciation of a powerful and poignant release. 10!

 

[Victor Bisio]

This was one of my mother's favo(u)rite LPs back in the day, and since she controlled the turntable, it was in constant rotation during my youth. Consequently, i'm VERY familiar with the content, and it NEVER sounded this good (we listened in stereo). As a kid, i balked at the songs, but i secretly loved a handful of the tunes. Today, i can honestly say i appreciate the whole collection, due in no small part to the superior Quad mix.

The album starts wonderfully discrete with "Do You Want To Dance?": bass RL, piano RR, bongos FR, FL silent. Then Midler's vocals, sultry and wet come through all four speakers, with lots of reverb in the rears. Drums enter in stereo up front. The song continues to build with swelling orchestration, Midler matching the volume and passion, absolutely igniting the torch song. Right from jump street, this listener knew he was in for a tour de force treat.

The discrete mix continues with "Chapel of Love." As @4-earredwonder notes, this is one of the "Brill Building" songs on the album. And though i didn't appreciate it as a kid, now i see how much affection and respect Midler has for the Brill Building sound and craft.

Next up is "Superstar," and although this isn't my favo(u)rite version of the Leon Russell tune, Midler and Manilow milk it for all it's worth. Their version continues to grow on me (i have listened to this release over a dozen time). The mix follows the same format with piano up front and harp in the back and Midler's vocals coming strong from all four speakers. The instrumentation builds and Midler follows suit, really putting her own stamp on the tune. . . . okay, it may be my fav one day soon!

The eclecticism of the album builds with an uptempo and funky "Daytime Hustler" up next. This tune shows off the Quad mix and gives a hint of what we would come to see in The Rose.

The eclectic mix continues its flow with another torch song, "Am I Blue?" This was the way side 1 of the album ended. Again, as a kid, i didn't really appreciate the torch songs, but now, the emotion with which Midler infuses her performance help me to really enjoy the whole program . . . and i can't help but think the Quad mix has a lot to do with my appreciation.

Side 2 starts off with (and eventually ends with a reprise of) "Friends." What an amazing mix! This one starts with piano FR. Bongos enter FL and Midler's vocals enter isolated in the RR, followed by bass in RL. Drums come in across the front and then we are treated to background Bettes from the remaining speakers, the lead still isolated RR. The sense of humor and emotional impact of this mix is amazing and really elevates this tune for me.

Even as a kid, "Hello In There" was my favo(u)rite tune. What Midler is able to do with the John Prine tune is absolutely transcendent. I knew the original because i grew up in Broadview, which was right next to Maywood, where Prine lived; consequently, the local radio station celebrated him. Midler absolutely transforms the song, becoming the protagonist and realizing through her compassion and nuance. Amazing.

One more Brill Building classic is up next: "Leader Of The Pack." Again, Midler and Manilow take this song to the next level! Mad respect.

"Delta Dawn" follows. As a kid, i remember hearing this song on the radio the next year by Tanya Tucker and then Helen Reddy (and Reddy's version also on the turntable when my mom was in control). Those two versions pale in comparison to what Midler is able to do with the song, really moving this listener with her sympathetic vocals and the great Quad mix.

Speaking of great Quad mix, up next is "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." @fredblue has written passionately about the superiority of the moves in this mix, and i heartily concur! Again, as a kid, i didn't really appreciate this one, but now the circling Bettes in the mix make this one so much fun!

The album closes with a reprise of "Friends," starting slow and sultry, reminiscent of the album's opener. And then, it picks up and absolutely shines in the Quad mix. What a treat!

Thank you SO MUCH to @ForagingRhino and the Quadio program for all of the joy their releases have brought me. This one really takes me back and hearing it in Quad gives me a newfound appreciation of a powerful and poignant release. 10!

100% agreement on all levels!!!

 

[jaybird100]

This was one of my mother's favo(u)rite LPs back in the day, and since she controlled the turntable, it was in constant rotation during my youth. Consequently, i'm VERY familiar with the content, and it NEVER sounded this good (we listened in stereo). As a kid, i balked at the songs, but i secretly loved a handful of the tunes. Today, i can honestly say i appreciate the whole collection, due in no small part to the superior Quad mix.

The album starts wonderfully discrete with "Do You Want To Dance?": bass RL, piano RR, bongos FR, FL silent. Then Midler's vocals, sultry and wet come through all four speakers, with lots of reverb in the rears. Drums enter in stereo up front. The song continues to build with swelling orchestration, Midler matching the volume and passion, absolutely igniting the torch song. Right from jump street, this listener knew he was in for a tour de force treat.

The discrete mix continues with "Chapel of Love." As @4-earredwonder notes, this is one of the "Brill Building" songs on the album. And though i didn't appreciate it as a kid, now i see how much affection and respect Midler has for the Brill Building sound and craft.

Next up is "Superstar," and although this isn't my favo(u)rite version of the Leon Russell tune, Midler and Manilow milk it for all it's worth. Their version continues to grow on me (i have listened to this release over a dozen time). The mix follows the same format with piano up front, harp in the back, and Midler's vocals coming strong from all four speakers. The instrumentation builds and Midler follows suit, really putting her own stamp on the tune. . . . okay, it may be my fav one day soon!

The eclecticism of the album builds with an uptempo and funky "Daytime Hustler" up next. This tune shows off the Quad mix and gives a hint of what we would come to see in The Rose.

The eclectic mix continues its flow with another torch song, "Am I Blue?" This was the way side 1 of the album ended. Again, as a kid, i didn't really appreciate the torch songs, but now, the emotion with which Midler infuses her performance help me to really enjoy the whole program . . . and i can't help but think the Quad mix has a lot to do with my growing appreciation.

Side 2 starts off with (and eventually ends with a reprise of) "Friends." What an amazing mix! This one starts with piano FR. Bongos enter FL and Midler's vocals enter isolated in the RR, followed by bass in RL. Drums come in across the front and then we are treated to background Bettes from the remaining speakers, the lead still isolated RR. The sense of humor and emotional impact of this mix is amazing and really elevates this tune for me.

Even as a kid, "Hello In There" was my favo(u)rite tune. What Midler is able to do with the John Prine tune is absolutely transcendent. I knew the original because i grew up in Broadview, which was right next to Maywood, where Prine lived; consequently, the local radio station celebrated him. Midler absolutely transforms the song, becoming the protagonist and realizing her through compassion and nuance. Amazing.

One more Brill Building classic is up next: "Leader Of The Pack." Again, Midler and Manilow take this song to the next level! Mad respect.

"Delta Dawn" follows. As a kid, i remember hearing this song on the radio the next year by Tanya Tucker and then Helen Reddy (and Reddy's version also on the turntable when my mom was in control). Those two versions pale in comparison to what Midler is able to do with the song, really moving this listener with her sympathetic vocals and the great Quad mix.

Speaking of great Quad mix, up next is "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." @fredblue has written passionately about the superiority of the moves in this mix, and i heartily concur! Again, as a kid, i didn't really appreciate this one, but now the circling Bettes in the mix make this one so much fun!

The album closes with a reprise of "Friends," starting slow and sultry, reminiscent of the album's opener. And then, it picks up and absolutely shines in the Quad mix. What a treat!

Is your mom still around to hear this album in all its quadraphonic glory?

 

[Clement]

Is your mom still around to hear this album in all its quadraphonic glory?

She IS! I helped her and my dad into an assisted living facility in Sun City, AZ, last year. I have her copy of the stereo LP. I would have to find someone out in AZ with a Quad set up and talk my mom into taking a trip (she is in a wheelchair these days). I will let her know how much i appreciate the album now, though! Thanks for asking! Stay Surrounded, Comrade!

 

[dquad]

A 5 vote could mean several things. I think. The music sucks badly, and the surround mix blows. Which, doesn't seem likely. Even if the content is a 1, the mix shouldn't be much less than an 8, and the fidelity really shouldn't be much less than an 8. That doesn't add up to a 5. I dunno. I think some folks vote with a knee-jerk response. I don't like her and and I don't like the music. So, I'm gonna vote a 4 or 5.

Oh well.

I'm still pretty new but if you see my other reviews, I don't vote with a knee-jerk response. A review is incoming with the corrected rating.

 

[Victor Bisio]

A 5 vote could mean several things. I think. The music sucks badly, and the surround mix blows. Which, doesn't seem likely. Even if the content is a 1, the mix shouldn't be much less than an 8, and the fidelity really shouldn't be much less than an 8. That doesn't add up to a 5. I dunno. I think some folks vote with a knee-jerk response. I don't like her and and I don't like the music. So, I'm gonna vote a 4 or 5.

Oh well.

Simple question? Why in gods name did you buy it or are you referring to other people? (...which I think you might me.) There are many of these quads being released that contain music I don't like. That means I wouldn't waste my money on them.

 

[quicksrt]

Simple question? Why in gods name did you buy it or are you referring to other people?9 (...which I think you might me.) There are many of these quads being released that contain music I don't like. That means I wouldn't waste my money on them.

It’s others he is referring to.

That’s the big question. The two issues are:
1. Why leave a shitty rating, then walk away with no comment.
2. Why keep buying discs that you are not going to like. So why buy and then rate them in the first place?

I don’t have a problem with anyone leaving a poor rating on a very well received new title. I just get irked when the poor rating is left by a non-contributing member who leaves no comment on why the rating left is so poor. Like just ding it with a 4 or a 5 and then walk away like that is contributing to the conversation.

So great if a comment is given along with the poor rating even if I don’t agree on the quality. It at least adds to the conversation.

 

[dquad]

It’s others he is referring to.

That’s the big question. The two issues are:
1. Why leave a shitty rating, then walk away with no comment.
2. Why keep buying discs that you are not going to like. So why buy and then rate them in the first place?

I don’t have a problem with anyone leaving a poor rating on a very well received new title. I just get irked when the poor rating is left by a non-contributing member who leaves no comment on why the rating left is so poor. Like just ding it with a 4 or a 5 and then walk away like that is contributing to the conversation.

So great if a comment is given along with the poor rating even if I don’t agree on the quality. It at least adds to the conversation.

I left a rating accidentally and I don't know how to remove it. I set it to a 5 as a placeholder until I received a copy of it. It arrived yesterday and I'm going to leave a corrected rating soon. I like to give most releases a few listens before giving a final verdict.

If someone knows how to remove a rating, let me know. At this point, I only see how to change it.

 

[Dynamic Editor]

It’s others he is referring to.

That’s the big question. The two issues are:
1. Why leave a shitty rating, then walk away with no comment.
2. Why keep buying discs that you are not going to like. So why buy and then rate them in the first place?

I don’t have a problem with anyone leaving a poor rating on a very well received new title. I just get irked when the poor rating is left by a non-contributing member who leaves no comment on why the rating left is so poor. Like just ding it with a 4 or a 5 and then walk away like that is contributing to the conversation.

I worry a bit about the sort of firing squad we might create by singling out people like this. I imagine there are a number of people who are interested in surround sound releases but generally don't have too much to say, but nevertheless vote. I want to make sure the environment is open enough so people who may give lower scores than others still feel welcome, you know?