Beggars Archive

Round-up

A few projects are within sight of the finishing post so an update is in order.

The new artwork for This Mortal Coil is done – a collusion of the talents of Ivo, Vaughan Oliver and original photographer Nigel Grierson. Each of the original albums is in a gatefold sleeve and I must say, they look peachy. There’s a new continuity to the type and, along with a fourth album of singles, they’re in a special box – all made in Japan. Production has to be carefully overseen but the set could be released by September; start saving now.

Re-mastering has presented it’s own problems. Although Blood was recorded on analogue tape, the final assembly at the original mastering session in 1991 (cross-fades between tracks etc.) was only archived digitally at CD quality. Since we’re planning to re-issue the catalogue in HD Audio (see below) this meant the original sequencing had to be repeated using the analogue sources – hopefully it’s all correct!

We seem to be getting ever closer to the adoption of Blu-ray discs (BD) as a format for HD audio which is great news. It’s ridiculous that an industry selling sound recordings has only CD quality (good as it is) as its non-specialist, high end audio format. For more information read this article

And finally on to The Fall whose Wonderful And Frightening World thereof is also being readied for new visitors. If all goes to plan (though it rarely does) this exhaustive 4 disc Omnibus Edition should also be ready for a September release.
This Nation’s Saving Grace will now be running in the next race but should be ready to bring some Christmas cheer.

And really finally this time, we’re looking forward to a well earned kneE’s-up on Monday when The Charlatans bring their Some Friendly show to The Roundhouse in London. The re-issue is doing well – its not had any reviews yet but, then again, copies were sent out a bit late – so maybe next month!

Comment

1. Very much looking forward to this release. My poor boxset from the 90s has seen better days. I’m wondering if the box will be like the vinyl 180 cocteau’s box? Will it only come in bluray (I’m ok with that) or other formats like LP, or CD?

   Thank you thank you for the singles — I’ve always wanted the harder to get singles. These albums are so important to me today as they were when I first heard them 20 years ago.

   — reidmix · Sunday May 30, 2010 · #

2. The box set is CD only and the box is similar to the regular boxes made in Japan (I’ve tried to find a picture, but failed!). More like a slipcase that holds the 4 discs.
   The Bluray packaging is still in development but ORG in the USA will be re-issuing on vinyl, using the new artwork.

   — Back Cat · Wednesday June 2, 2010 · #

3. So, the CD set and the Blue Ray set are two different items?

   — Matt Buckmaster · Sunday June 20, 2010 · #

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