The Velvet Forum

I knew the stereo mix of The Velvet Underground and Nico inside and out. I heard the mono mix today for the first time. I am officially blown away. It was like hearing the album for the first time all over again. I cannot believe how clean and clear it sounds as compared to the stereo mix. That means a lot coming from me because for me, the more channels the better (I buy tons of 5.1 surround music). This album belongs up there with Pet Sounds as just an unbelievable sounding mono recording.

What I really love is how little distortion there is as compared to the stereo version. Tom Wilson really did a shitty job on the stereo mix. I also love how the mono mix has a slightly different ending (longer fadeout) for "There She Goes Again". I'm sure there are other differences but I was too taken aback by the sound quality to notice on one listen.

I'm really surprised that the stereo version of VU&N hasn't undergone a remix to try and remove some of that distortion. Maybe the original multi-track masters haven't survived the last 39 years?

Anyway, does anyone know if the mono version of White Light/White Heat is also a revelation as compared to the stereo version? Is it a true mono mix or is it just a fold-down of the stereo mix?

Yes the mono-mix of their second album is also WAY better. Except for side two which is a stereo-fold. But side one, is an absolute neccessity for your ears.




AR

arzep wrote:Yes the mono-mix of their second album is also WAY better. Except for side two which is a stereo-fold. But side one, is an absolute neccessity for your ears.




AR

Interesting. Has the entire mono album ever seen release on CD? Or am I stuck paying extortionist prices for an original 1968 mono pressing?

Also, the 3rd album and Loaded were never released to market in mono versions right? I know some promo DJ copies exist in mono, but they're probably just stereo fold-down?

Thier second album has not had an officail CD release. PM me and maybe I'll be able to help you out. Their thrid had a couple of mono-mixes come out, I think there were dedicated. And thier fourth had a mono-mix white label, which I lstened to, but only breifly. Alll this was on the japanese CD collection 3-cd set I forgot the name. . .It was just released, and seeded.


Peace,
AR

analogdemon wrote:Anyway, does anyone know if the mono version of White Light/White Heat is also a revelation as compared to the stereo version? Is it a true mono mix or is it just a fold-down of the stereo mix?

Check this topic http://www.velvetforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=785