TALES FROM THE LUSH ATTIC 2013 REMIX

As a huge fan of IQ, I am so delighted to say that TALES FROM THE LUSH ATTIC has finally got the attention and care it fully deserves. Back in 1983, the original recording of TFTLA was absolutely marred by poor audio and production problems and this was a large reason due to fianancial constraints and deadlines for album production to be met on time; In fact poor PETER NICHOLS, even said that what vocals you hear on the original 1983 release of TFTLA was only either a second or third take for the final vocal cut on the finished recording of the album! Talk about being pressed for time! An injustice indeed, but that has been remedied.'

Now 30 years later we get what TFTLA should have sounded like back in 1983. I should point out though, that this new album edition is no sales gimmick are cheap ploy to re-purchase an already, classic album. Actually, what you are getting my dear Prog- Heads, is an album that is totally re-tooled and remastered. First of all, the mellotron sequences are so much more clearer, warmer and cleaner sound wise. This is highly evident on THE LAST HUMAN GATEWAY. secondly, PETER NICHOLS vocals have been re-worked where he sounds like the far more professional and current NICHOLS of today. Needless to say, he doesn't sound like a kid who was trying to find his voice at the time back in 82-83'. 'Now, you can really hear the strong and confident voice of Nichols on this re-release during THE LAST HUMAN GATEWAY where he has to hold and sustain the chorus line 'I'm stiiiiiil alliiiiiive!!' It's a thing of beauty really, and I always felt that on the original recording he sounded too scratchy and off key. Well.....not any more! Also. Paul Cook's drumming finally sounds crystal clear where before it sounded like his drum parts were recorded inside of a cardboard box. Lastly, Mike Holmes guitar sounds quite different and he himself has added some new licks here and there. Actually, it's kind of a fun game where you can play 'spot the difference' in each tune. Clearly, this is a remix and is not some identical reproduction of the 1983 version while just using quality in studio sound techniques and production to mask the difference. This is not the case. As fans and Prog-Heads alike, we are being delighted to hear what TALES FROM THE LUSH ATTIC should have sounded like all along. This is the true vision from the band and nothing is held back.'

Thus, if having a fully remixed and remastered album wasn't enough, fans can be delighted where a second disc is involved in this edition as well. A DVD that's contains a live video recording from De Boerderji, Zoetermeer Holland of the entire TFTLA album from 2011. You also get Photo galleries, multitrack mixes and a plethora of Mp3 files containing interviews, original recording and mixes of the album and last but not least a 1982 original cassette recording of an album IQ did called 'SEVEN STORIES INTO EIGHT.' How can you ask for more?

Above all, you cannot ask for more for what you are given in this beautiful, re-release of what surely is an album classic. I have to say from a listening stand point, that I prefer the 2013 remix far more than that of the original 1983 recording. The sound and instrument arrangements is far superior. Actually, back when I first reviewed TFTLA I gave it a 3/5 and it was largely for the reason of the disasterpiece audio and production that took place. I can now thankfully say, especially to MIKE HOLMES who spear headed this remix project, that I can now bump TALES FROM THE LUSH ATTIC to a 5. It's so well deserved. Fans of IQ are going to love this album, especially those who can appreciate a good quality studio recording. The extras are educational and terrific too. ;)

5/5'

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