Just got this one today. Giving it a listen right now. Oddly enough, this is not the Quad mix we're used to. The Quad mix used here is dissimilar to either of the known ones that appear on the Mike Robin Reels.
Poverty Train: On the Audio Fidelity mix, Bass is in Back Left. The other Mike Robin mixes, Bass is back center.
Eli's Comin' : Audio Fidelity mix features all vocals in front center. Mike Robin reels feature Laura's Lead front center while backing vocals appear in either back center or back left (depending on which reel you get). Also, NO piano strikes during the intro!
So, we can safely say that this title was mixed to Quad at least THREE times. Makes you wonder how many different versions of other albums there are still lying about? Boggles the mind. However, from what I've read about SQ, this one 'feels' like it's the mix that would be the most compatible with SQ mixing requirements. I wonder if this mix was the SQ 4-track master or was this just the reel that was closest to being acceptable by both the artist and mixing requirements?
The sound is quite good. Still a little hiss detectable during the quieter passages but nowhere near as bad as the Mike Robin reels. The dynamic range is simply lovely. I'm happy with the disc and music, my only dissatisfaction would be with the mini-booklet/liner notes - or complete lack of.
No Quad remix credits, matter of fact there's hardly a mention of anything regarding the Quad mix. You'd think you'd want to mention that just a bit - or how this is an unreleased 4-channel mix that has never been heard before or the fact that it was remixed to Quad THREE times and still rejected for whatever reason.
There's an interesting story there and one that deserves to be told - but I guess I'm the only one who thinks that.
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