I always loved rock ‘n’ roll. It always got a bad wrap, but there was some great songs and I think this new version was great. Hopefully it’ll get the recognition it deserves.
I'll buy it. The irony is, this album to my ears anyway always sounded better than Sad Wings of Destiny so if they go with that classic album next as I'm sure they will, it should be interesting to hear that one as well.
You're exactly right it sounds like a priest album sandwiched between screaming and defenders. I'm hearing 80's reverb all over, and I'm adding this to my priest cd collection. A new appreciation for this album.
I am one of the few who prefer the original mix - it has its flaws, but it sounds like albums sounded in 1974 - nothing more, nothing less. Trying to make it into a metal album doesn't suit the matrerial, to my ears it sounds too harsh and mechanical. For all its shortcomings, the original always felt like a cohesive package, while the new one... I don't like the additional distortion on the guitars nor the 1990s drum sound much, they just feel anachronistic to me. Yes, it sounds heavier, but also less dynamic and not really like Priest sounded in 1974... I actually prefer the remix original producer Rodger Bain did for Gull in 1981, that one was done much more sympathetic to the original work, it sounded clearer and a bit heavier without trying to twist it into something it isn't. But, as the majority of folks like it, thumbs up, it's all a matter of taste and the original album's still around. And, hell, what do I know anyway, I like "Ram It Down" and "Turbo"!😛
@LairoftheAlchemist I totally dig the remix. I agree with much of your analysis. Besides the obvious improvement in sound, the other difference are great especially the original cold endings, the Cheater harmonica track and subtle differences in the Winter songs. It's fantastic!
I haven't heard the remix yet, but I'm looking forward to it. My favourite Priest song is "Run of the Mill", and even the 1980 remix on the compilation album Hero, Hero is *much* better than the original. As you said, the original sounds pretty flat and lethargic, which is a real disservice to the songs. All the songs are excellent, so I'm really stoked to hear the remixes!
Looking forward to getting a physical copy of this when it’s released but having mixed feelings. Been a fan since’76 so Gull Records have certainly had a fair bit of my money with their various re-hashed releases, Guess it’s only fair the band finally get some reward. 🤘🏻
I am surprised by how much I am enjoying it! I do have a lot of affection for those first two JP albums as well. This remix is really cool. Yeah, Rob's voice sounds wider in the mix and the drums do sometimes sound a bit too modern ... but most of the time Allom gets it pretty right. The guitars are pointy and crunchy in all the right places, the bass sounds just fantastic. Rocka Rolla has always been unappreciated to my mind, I hope this brings a lot of people closer to this album. Are we getting a remaster of the original in addition to the remix, a la Sabbath's Live Evil box?
I'll definitely be checking this out, but I never had an issue with the sound of this album...... I personally think it sounds great, I dig how the cold, almost brittle guitar sound gives the album a creepy vibe. I've always felt its not the amount of distortion that makes a guitar riff heavy.....its the riff itself and how it's played. What little bits I have heard seem to have drums more upfront in the mix, giving the songs more energy. Not a bad thing, so I'm excited for this. One thing I'm already disappointed by, is I was really hoping we'd get the complete version of "Caviar and Meths".
I don’t have control over where the ads go, I watched the video the other day for instance, and there were two 6 second ads at the beginning and then no ads for the entire video. Not sure what the logic UA-cam uses for inserting videos. I agree that it sucks to have an ad one minute into the video.
I know Judas Priest never liked the mix of Rocka Rolla. They complained for years that the producer took all the heaviness out of the songs. So I'd be interested in getting this. Never Satisfied has always been my favorite song on the album
I have (had?) Rocka Rolla on cassette, taped from one of my friends' albums, sometime in the mid 80's. I disliked it from the moment I heard it and have only listened to it a few times and probably not in the last 30 years or so. Sad Wings on the other hand is one of my favorite Priest albums and I do have the Gull CD version. I suppose I'll give the former another listen someday, but who knows.
I found this remixed version of the album on youtube and just had to give it a listen. While I did find it an interesting listen, I still prefer the original mix. I guess there's a certain charm to the original mix with it's raw sound. I don't know. Maybe this is closer to what Judas Priest had originally intended and there are a few things you can't hear on the original mix. I do wish though that they could have included an extended version of Caviar and Meths. It's my understanding that the original version was longer. Perhaps any such versions have been lost? Still I do like this new mix of that track.
It’s not been announced officially but yes, on some forums they have stated that remixed Sad Wings is coming next year. I wish people would do more of these. I love them as they are as well but it’s not like they’re gonna come take your original away, now we have have more and I’m sure I’ll enjoy both versions going forward.
Yep sometimes it’s the original flaws, Raw and underproduced that makes an original recording so great !! I will have to check out Rock a Rolla tho On a side note : doesn’t the title track Rock a Rolla remind you of UFO ? Like they could have written that??
Priest signed the rights over 2 Gull as part of the initial Sony deal. (Gull had to release the band before Sony could sign them from Robs book) Now- I've got several versions of this. 1st press Japanese or UK Lps that are fantastic. (They lack nothing) I suppose I'm in the minority here, but I don't feel this "remaster" was warranted. The early versions of Tyrant Epitaph & Ripper that Bain rejected are not included. The original 14-minute long Caviar & Meths was not included. The bump up in the rhythm guitar track, even bleeding over into the acapella vocals, is unpleasant & overwhelming - the drum kit (excruciating on bass & floor tom) includes what sounds like a bass boost. I swear it sounds like it was added or (rerecorded by Scott Travis) Contrary this mix does not "open this lp up" or allow it to breathe, it clutters it & there is noise, either musical instruments or what not carrying notes constantly where original mix allowed the lp & songs to "breathe" it now does not. The good news: Band members are set to reap some rewards after all of these years & have a say in this part of their legacy. A publishing company REACH obtained rights from GULL & are apparently all about working with band. (KK stated he is signed w/Reach Music) The harmonica is present throughout "Cheater" that's very cool. IMHO The remix/remastering attempts to rewrite history - giving this lp a "metal mix" - this was not a metal lp! Rob & company repeatedly stated the lp suffered because of Rodger Bain production- but his production was sufficient on black sabbath & budgie albums? The production was appropriate for the songs written. My biggest fear now, is they will try to "improve" Sad Wings of Destiny. God Forbid! SACRILEGE!
The Rocka Rolla Remix 2024 on vinyl costs $49!! JP is my favoured band, but ...NO, not spending $49 for it!! There are better and cheaper LPs to buy: Medieval Death LP and free DVD and the Mordicus “Rights ‘n Trials” LP. If you want to know more Google [Medieval Death LP and free DVD + Mordicus “Rights ‘n Trials” LP], then check audio, videos etc. \m/
To my ears, I hate it. The albums sounds compressed, the drums seem muffled and the separation of Glenn and KK's guitars are gone. 20 Seconds into the first track One For The Road is evident. The original start off on the right speaker until the band comes in and on the 50th it starts off with the guitar in the center.
I really haven't enjoyed what I've heard from it personally. I am glad they got the control back, and if remixing it makes them happy then they deserve it. But this remix went too far for me as a big fan of the original - it overlooks Ian Hill's extraordinary bass that, in all honesty, was as a highlight of JP before they stayed from progressive rock. The added clarity is nice at times, but I also found the overuse of things like reverb and compression unnecessary.
Sorry this is terrible. Way to ruin a classic dark 70s album and make it sound like a bad 80s album. Way too much compression, reverb, pitch correction, replacement, augmentation, editing, everything is way too much not what it was. Sucks the soul and magic right out of it. Sterile and 80s dated sounding now, which does not match the 70s music. JP and this album are my fave. Orig early 70s mix best. 70's music should stay sounding 70s, that is the point. Way too bright crisp cold thin, adding things not there before, etc. Can't believe they ruined it this bad. Messing this much with a 70s album is sacrilege and clueless backwards thinking, as if they feel need to pander to younger people and compete with overproduced "modern" metal production, which is also generic and sterile, but at least of it's era. This is like a bad out of time dream, sounding like a 70s band that never made an album til the 80s but still played 70s music so dated by the 80s so failed at both being good 80s music, and failed at playing 70s music with a cool 70s sound, neither are cool. Real JP fans are making fun of this already saying its done by AI lol. Does anyone want the first sabbath or Zep albums to sound like a bad stereotypical 80s or modern metal production? That is what this is. Total garbage. I love JP and this album but this is hilariously sad. Most all priest fans want them to always stay sounding late 70s early 80s in music and production style and that is it, they never beat that era, only ruined their rep 1985 to present with commercial pandering fails at every move.
I always loved rock ‘n’ roll. It always got a bad wrap, but there was some great songs and I think this new version was great. Hopefully it’ll get the recognition it deserves.
They really nailed it. It has everything it was missing. This is the way the band wanted it to sound. Priest!!!
I’m glad Priest got the rights to their albums. 😊
I'll buy it. The irony is, this album to my ears anyway always sounded better than Sad Wings of Destiny so if they go with that classic album next as I'm sure they will, it should be interesting to hear that one as well.
I really hope they remix Sad Wings as well. It always felt like there was a sheet over the speakers.
You're exactly right it sounds like a priest album sandwiched between screaming and defenders. I'm hearing 80's reverb all over, and I'm adding this to my priest cd collection. A new appreciation for this album.
Great review John .
Going to wait till cd is released on cd .
Sounds great Take care.
I am one of the few who prefer the original mix - it has its flaws, but it sounds like albums sounded in 1974 - nothing more, nothing less. Trying to make it into a metal album doesn't suit the matrerial, to my ears it sounds too harsh and mechanical. For all its shortcomings, the original always felt like a cohesive package, while the new one... I don't like the additional distortion on the guitars nor the 1990s drum sound much, they just feel anachronistic to me.
Yes, it sounds heavier, but also less dynamic and not really like Priest sounded in 1974... I actually prefer the remix original producer Rodger Bain did for Gull in 1981, that one was done much more sympathetic to the original work, it sounded clearer and a bit heavier without trying to twist it into something it isn't.
But, as the majority of folks like it, thumbs up, it's all a matter of taste and the original album's still around. And, hell, what do I know anyway, I like "Ram It Down" and "Turbo"!😛
I definitely agree about those drums. They don't sound right to me in this mix either!
You are not.
Yes! I was looking forward to this ,John!!
Ha! I beat you in here :)
What do you think of the remix? I'm guessing you are a big fan of the album.
@mozsab only by 7 mins and I'm working sooo,it's essentially a tie
@LairoftheAlchemist I totally dig the remix. I agree with much of your analysis. Besides the obvious improvement in sound, the other difference are great especially the original cold endings, the Cheater harmonica track and subtle differences in the Winter songs. It's fantastic!
I haven't heard the remix yet, but I'm looking forward to it. My favourite Priest song is "Run of the Mill", and even the 1980 remix on the compilation album Hero, Hero is *much* better than the original. As you said, the original sounds pretty flat and lethargic, which is a real disservice to the songs. All the songs are excellent, so I'm really stoked to hear the remixes!
Run of the Mill is my favourite also.
The only description i have is A PUBLICITY STUNT. From a priest fan since 1978
Got a Sad Wings backpatch so I will look forward to a possible remix but still love the original. Never checked out the first album but I will now.
I think the remaster does sound heavier, I love it. I liked the original mix as well, it was of the first albums I got from them.
Looking forward to getting a physical copy of this when it’s released but having mixed feelings. Been a fan since’76 so Gull Records have certainly had a fair bit of my money with their various re-hashed releases, Guess it’s only fair the band finally get some reward. 🤘🏻
The remix makes it 10 times better
I am surprised by how much I am enjoying it! I do have a lot of affection for those first two JP albums as well. This remix is really cool. Yeah, Rob's voice sounds wider in the mix and the drums do sometimes sound a bit too modern ... but most of the time Allom gets it pretty right. The guitars are pointy and crunchy in all the right places, the bass sounds just fantastic. Rocka Rolla has always been unappreciated to my mind, I hope this brings a lot of people closer to this album. Are we getting a remaster of the original in addition to the remix, a la Sabbath's Live Evil box?
I'll definitely be checking this out, but I never had an issue with the sound of this album...... I personally think it sounds great, I dig how the cold, almost brittle guitar sound gives the album a creepy vibe. I've always felt its not the amount of distortion that makes a guitar riff heavy.....its the riff itself and how it's played. What little bits I have heard seem to have drums more upfront in the mix, giving the songs more energy. Not a bad thing, so I'm excited for this. One thing I'm already disappointed by, is I was really hoping we'd get the complete version of "Caviar and Meths".
Looking forward to the vinyl !
Not even a minute in and ads already? Damn!
I don’t have control over where the ads go, I watched the video the other day for instance, and there were two 6 second ads at the beginning and then no ads for the entire video. Not sure what the logic UA-cam uses for inserting videos. I agree that it sucks to have an ad one minute into the video.
Thanks.
Sabbath Live Evil remix is excellent too
I know Judas Priest never liked the mix of Rocka Rolla. They complained for years that the producer took all the heaviness out of the songs. So I'd be interested in getting this. Never Satisfied has always been my favorite song on the album
I have (had?) Rocka Rolla on cassette, taped from one of my friends' albums, sometime in the mid 80's. I disliked it from the moment I heard it and have only listened to it a few times and probably not in the last 30 years or so. Sad Wings on the other hand is one of my favorite Priest albums and I do have the Gull CD version. I suppose I'll give the former another listen someday, but who knows.
From What ive heard it sounds pretty good 👍
I found this remixed version of the album on youtube and just had to give it a listen. While I did find it an interesting listen, I still prefer the original mix. I guess there's a certain charm to the original mix with it's raw sound. I don't know. Maybe this is closer to what Judas Priest had originally intended and there are a few things you can't hear on the original mix. I do wish though that they could have included an extended version of Caviar and Meths. It's my understanding that the original version was longer. Perhaps any such versions have been lost? Still I do like this new mix of that track.
Good points
It’s not been announced officially but yes, on some forums they have stated that remixed Sad Wings is coming next year. I wish people would do more of these. I love them as they are as well but it’s not like they’re gonna come take your original away, now we have have more and I’m sure I’ll enjoy both versions going forward.
That should be interesting to hear.
@@LairoftheAlchemist Agreed. Really enjoy your channel!
@@JosephSterle Thanks so much!
Yep sometimes it’s the original flaws, Raw and underproduced that makes an original recording so great !! I will have to check out Rock a Rolla tho
On a side note : doesn’t the title track Rock a Rolla remind you of UFO ? Like they could have written that??
Priest signed the rights over 2 Gull as part of the initial Sony deal.
(Gull had to release the band before Sony could sign them from Robs book)
Now-
I've got several versions of this.
1st press Japanese or UK Lps that are fantastic.
(They lack nothing)
I suppose I'm in the minority here, but I don't feel this "remaster" was warranted.
The early versions of Tyrant Epitaph & Ripper that Bain rejected are not included.
The original 14-minute long Caviar & Meths was not included.
The bump up in the rhythm guitar track, even bleeding over into the acapella vocals, is unpleasant & overwhelming - the drum kit (excruciating on bass & floor tom) includes what sounds like a bass boost.
I swear it sounds like it was added or (rerecorded by Scott Travis)
Contrary this mix does not "open this lp up" or allow it to breathe, it clutters it & there is noise, either musical instruments or what not carrying notes constantly where original mix allowed the lp & songs to "breathe" it now does not.
The good news: Band members are set to reap some rewards after all of these years & have a say in this part of their legacy.
A publishing company REACH obtained rights from GULL & are apparently all about working with band. (KK stated he is signed w/Reach Music)
The harmonica is present throughout "Cheater" that's very cool.
IMHO The remix/remastering attempts to rewrite history - giving this lp a "metal mix" - this was not a metal lp! Rob & company repeatedly stated the lp suffered because of Rodger Bain production- but his production was sufficient on black sabbath & budgie albums?
The production was appropriate for the songs written.
My biggest fear now, is they will try to "improve" Sad Wings of Destiny.
God Forbid!
SACRILEGE!
I was expecting it to be more radical, to be honest.
Pity they didn't change that cover picture, or at least offer an alternative version.
The Rocka Rolla Remix 2024 on vinyl costs $49!! JP is my favoured band, but ...NO, not spending $49 for it!! There are better and cheaper LPs to buy: Medieval Death LP and free DVD and the Mordicus “Rights ‘n Trials” LP. If you want to know more Google [Medieval Death LP and free DVD + Mordicus “Rights ‘n Trials” LP], then check audio, videos etc. \m/
Wow! That's crazy expensive!!
To my ears, I hate it. The albums sounds compressed, the drums seem muffled and the separation of Glenn and KK's guitars are gone. 20 Seconds into the first track One For The Road is evident. The original start off on the right speaker until the band comes in and on the 50th it starts off with the guitar in the center.
I hope this inspires Metallica to remix AJFA
My Spidey Sense is tingling: I'll wager AI was used to remix the album.
I've wondered that myself
I really haven't enjoyed what I've heard from it personally. I am glad they got the control back, and if remixing it makes them happy then they deserve it. But this remix went too far for me as a big fan of the original - it overlooks Ian Hill's extraordinary bass that, in all honesty, was as a highlight of JP before they stayed from progressive rock.
The added clarity is nice at times, but I also found the overuse of things like reverb and compression unnecessary.
Sorry this is terrible. Way to ruin a classic dark 70s album and make it sound like a bad 80s album. Way too much compression, reverb, pitch correction, replacement, augmentation, editing, everything is way too much not what it was. Sucks the soul and magic right out of it. Sterile and 80s dated sounding now, which does not match the 70s music. JP and this album are my fave. Orig early 70s mix best. 70's music should stay sounding 70s, that is the point. Way too bright crisp cold thin, adding things not there before, etc. Can't believe they ruined it this bad. Messing this much with a 70s album is sacrilege and clueless backwards thinking, as if they feel need to pander to younger people and compete with overproduced "modern" metal production, which is also generic and sterile, but at least of it's era.
This is like a bad out of time dream, sounding like a 70s band that never made an album til the 80s but still played 70s music so dated by the 80s so failed at both being good 80s music, and failed at playing 70s music with a cool 70s sound, neither are cool. Real JP fans are making fun of this already saying its done by AI lol. Does anyone want the first sabbath or Zep albums to sound like a bad stereotypical 80s or modern metal production? That is what this is. Total garbage. I love JP and this album but this is hilariously sad. Most all priest fans want them to always stay sounding late 70s early 80s in music and production style and that is it, they never beat that era, only ruined their rep 1985 to present with commercial pandering fails at every move.
original.