The Piper at The Gates of Dawn

I've got that 40th anniversary edition. Haven't played the album in a couple of years so I can't really remember the difference in sound between the mono and stereo discs. You get a booklet showing some of Syd's artwork in that package, if that's any useful info for you. 

javajeff wrote: Thanks for the response.  I am not really interested in artwork.  I would love to hear thoughts on the music as well as the extra disc that I believe is labeled as singles.

I read somewhere that the stereo version was missing some sounds and the remastered mono version was better.  I do not own either, and it is one of the few Floyd albums that I have not bought yet.  I wonder if there are any reviews comparing the mono and stereo version.

Thanks!  you make a great case for owning both.  It sounds like it is easy to tell the difference.

irrelevant wrote: javajeff wrote: Thanks for the response.  I am not really interested in artwork.  I would love to hear thoughts on the music as well as the extra disc that I believe is labeled as singles. Ah yes the third disc, the main reason I bought the 40th anniversary edition. Going by the back cover the tracks are: 1. Arnold Layne - Available on other compilations. 2. Candy And A Currant Bun. 3. See Emily Play - Available on other compilations. 4. Apples And Oranges - That third, unsuccessful single right before Syd left, if I remember correctly. 5. Paintbox - Is on Relics. 6. Interstellar Overdrive (French edit). 7. Apples And Oranges (studio version). 8. Matilda Mother (alternative version). 9. Interstellar Overdrive (take 6).

This post should be very useful. Indeed, the third CD should be a good reason to get this version of the album, specially if you don't have the album yet, nor any compilation with those singles in the 3rd CD. Plus, my favourite version of Interstellar Overdrive is here (it's just that I like the beginning of the song very much, but then there's a bit too much noice for too long... and this version - I think the french edit - cuts it just fine for me). Plus, the alternate version of Matilda Mother is interesting (it is sort of the same song, but a different recording sounding slightly different, and the "story" being told by "Matilda's Mother" is different).

On the other side, I haven't payed too much attention between Mono and Stereo in order to say if one has a better sound than the other, or if Stereo loses sounds from the Mono... but sure enough the stereo version is a lot of fun to hear with headphones.

The Steven Wilson 5.1 surround sound mix.

himtroy wrote: MONO PLEASE!!! The stereo is abused is excessively and the organ is almost non existent.  Listen to the two different versions of Astronomy Domine and Interstellar.  If you like gimmicky noises the stereo is better, if you like to actually hear the organ and the rest of the guys then do the mono.  Think about it, if people are even considering the Mono as an option there's obviously a damn good reason.