I don't think Hello Exile is as bad as the original mix for History Books, but I will say that I didn't truly appreciate that album until I listened to the From Exile version that was stripped down
Hello Exile’s production is definitely less of an issue than the original History Books, but you can hear the band so much better on SOIWT. I think it was just jarring at first going from After The Party to Exile. Songs are strong enough for it to not matter much, and the vocals being a little further back in the mix sells the nostalgia. I won’t defend whatever that vocal fade in on Strawberry Mansion is though haha. Damage is a better example for sure.
I have zero issues with Damage or Hello Exile, History Books on the other hand does sounded just not right. When they released the EP, man, Positive Charge became a top five Gaslight Anthem song, while I never though that way when they released the original album.
is this a thing? People hated the production on Goodness? I just absolutely love that album, but I also loved Hello Exile.
It’s the vocals being noticeably lower compared to Home. I remember when Piano Player was released, the producer went into either Reddit or here to defend it saying it was exactly how the band wanted it to sound.
That is one of my favorite produced albums of all time, no notes. Everything about that record's sound is immaculate and so thematic. The drums in particular, they sound so natural and yet have this spaciousness unlike any other recording I've heard. I think the vocals sit perfectly with the the lyrical themes of nature and relationship building on the record, as Christian is surrounded by the music in the same way he's becoming a part of a larger whole.
I feel like Piano Player was the only song on that album I recall sounding off with the vocals and it was clearly intentional
Prior to the mix being fixed I discounted this album from existence entirely, it was unlistenable. With the mix fixed, it takes a deserved position as the least-good Gaslight album and is passable, containing maybe 3-4 worthwhile tracks overall. If we're doing things right regardless of the business case, going back to finish Get Hurt properly I think would be a good use of their time. Otherwise, we'll see what the next one brings.
I think this is their third best record behind 59 Sound and Handwritten but I've come to appreciate everything they do in a new light since they got back together.
Seeing this in context with the remix and remaster last week, I think they wanted to bring it more in line with how the album (supposedly) sounds on wax
this, american slang, handwritten are 1A-C for me loving this remixed digital version. way way back in rotation