Steven Wilson Remixes Classic Rush Album “Made in Japan” in Deluxe Edition

Deep Purple: No Retreat in Sight, New Album “= 1” Signals Continued Hard Rock Dominance

London, UK – Deep Purple, the undisputed titans of hard rock, have emphatically reassured fans that retirement is not on the horizon. In a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, iconic frontman Ian Gillan dismissed any thoughts of stepping away, stating that provided that their “forces will support them,” the legendary band will continue their musical journey. this sentiment echoes the realistic yet resolute outlook previously shared by drummer Ian paice, who in December highlighted the band’s commitment to performing at their peak, emphasizing that the moment their energy levels decline, they will know when to call it a day, long before it becomes a disservice to their legacy.

This commitment to enduring performance is underscored by the recent release of their twenty-third studio album, “= 1”.This highly anticipated record marks a notable shift in the band’s lineup,with Simon McBride stepping in as guitarist,taking the place of the long-serving steve Morse. The British group also recently graced Italian stages with two electrifying concerts as part of their european tour, showcasing their continued vitality.

“= 1,” produced by the esteemed Bob Ezrin,features 13 tracks and solidifies the current lineup of Ian Gillan,Roger Glover,Ian Paice,Don Airey,and simon McBride. While Deep Purple no longer finds itself in direct competition with the foundational giants of 70s hard rock like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, their focus remains steadfast on enjoying their craft and delivering a signature sound that has become their undeniable trademark.

The album prominently features a return to the forefront of guitar-driven riffs, with Simon McBride showcasing a style that at times evokes the spirit of Gary Moore. McBride’s guitar work engages in a dynamic interplay with keyboardist Don Airey,who masterfully upholds the legacy of the incomparable Jon Lord. Airey’s performance revitalizes the classic fusion of guitar riffs and organ that defined Deep Purple’s most celebrated era, all anchored by the unwavering rhythmic foundation provided by Ian Paice.

While some critics might perceive “= 1” as containing familiar stylistic elements or occasional repetitions, it stands as the most cohesive and powerful collection of songs from the band since their “Perfect Stranger” era. The album has already yielded successful singles such as “Pictures of You” and the live-show-ready “Portable Door.” Furthermore, “= 1” offers a wealth of potential future hits like “If I Were you” and “Show Me,” alongside standout tracks like the remarkable “Now Your Talkin'” and the spirited rock and roll of “Old-Fangled Thing.”

deep Purple’s message is clear: they are not ready to rest on their laurels. With “= 1,” they have proven that their passion for creating impactful hard rock remains as fervent as ever, ensuring that the flame of their enduring legacy continues to burn luminous.

What specific techniques did Steven Wilson employ to enhance the clarity of instruments like Geddy Lee’s bass and Alex Lifeson’s guitar in the remix?

The Landmark Live Album Reimagined

rush’s iconic live album, Made in Japan, originally released in 1981, has received a stunning remix and reissue courtesy of Steven Wilson. This deluxe edition, released on July 19, 2024, offers fans a fresh viewpoint on the band’s electrifying performances captured during their 1981 tour supporting the Moving Pictures album.Wilson, renowned for his meticulous work remixing albums by artists like King Crimson, yes, and Jethro Tull, has applied his signature sonic clarity and depth to this Rush masterpiece. The Made in Japan remix is available in various formats, including a 2CD/Blu-ray set and a limited-edition vinyl box set.

What’s New in the Steven Wilson Remix?

Wilson’s approach wasn’t about “fixing” Made in Japan; it was about revealing it’s inherent qualities with greater fidelity. Here’s a breakdown of the key improvements:

Enhanced Clarity: The original mix, while energetic, suffered from some muddiness, particularly in the low end. wilson’s remix separates the instruments, allowing each element – Geddy Lee’s bass, Alex Lifeson’s guitar, and Neil Peart’s drumming – to breathe.

Expanded Dynamic Range: Wilson has restored a wider dynamic range, meaning the quiet parts are quieter and the loud parts are louder, creating a more immersive and impactful listening experience.This is particularly noticeable on tracks like “Tom Sawyer” and “Xanadu.”

Instrumental Separation: Previously obscured details in the instrumentation are now brought to the forefront. Listen closely, and you’ll hear nuances in Lifeson’s guitar work and Peart’s intricate drum fills that were previously lost in the mix.

Respect for the Original: Crucially,Wilson hasn’t radically altered the character of the original recording. He’s enhanced what was already there, rather than imposing a new sonic signature. This ensures the remix remains true to the spirit of Rush’s live performance.

deluxe Edition Contents: A Collector’s Dream

The Made in Japan Deluxe Edition isn’t just about the remix; it’s a comprehensive package for Rush enthusiasts.

2CD set: Includes the complete remixed album on CD 1 and the original 1981 mix on CD 2. This allows for direct comparison between the two versions.

Blu-ray Audio: Features the remixed album in high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit stereo, as well as a 5.1 surround sound mix created by Wilson. This is a significant upgrade for audiophiles.

Vinyl Box Set (Limited Edition): This highly sought-after edition includes four 180-gram vinyl LPs: the remixed album, the original mix, and two lps of previously unreleased live recordings from the 1981 tour.

Extensive Liner Notes: The package includes detailed liner notes with insights from Wilson, as well as archival photos and memorabilia.

The Meaning of “Made in Japan”

Made in Japan holds a special place in Rush’s discography. It captured the band at a creative peak, showcasing their instrumental prowess and songwriting maturity. The album’s success helped solidify Rush’s status as one of the leading progressive rock bands of the era.

Past Context: Released during a period of significant change in the music industry, Made in Japan demonstrated the enduring appeal of live albums.

Fan Favorite: The album remains a staple of Rush fans’ collections, and its songs continue to be performed live by tribute bands around the world.

Influence on Live Albums: Made in Japan set a high standard for live recordings, influencing countless artists and producers.

Steven Wilson’s Remix Ideology: A Deeper dive

Wilson’s approach to remixing is characterized by a deep respect for the original artist’s vision. He avoids heavy-handed manipulation, rather focusing on clarity, balance, and dynamic range.

Analog focus: Wilson prefers to work with the original analog tapes whenever possible, believing they capture a warmth and depth that is frequently enough lost in digital transfers.

Subtlety is Key: He emphasizes that a good remix should enhance the original recording, not overshadow it.

Collaboration with Artists: Wilson actively seeks input from the original artists, ensuring they are happy with the final result. His work on Rush’s catalog was done with the full cooperation and approval of the band members.

Comparing the Remix to the Original: A Listening Guide

For those unfamiliar with the original Made in Japan, comparing it to the remix is a revealing experience.

| Feature | original Mix (1981) | Steven Wilson Remix (2024) |

|——————-|———————-|—————————–|

| Bass clarity | Muddy, less defined | Clear, punchy, well-defined |

| Drum Dynamics | compressed | Expanded, more impactful |

| Guitar Detail | Some frequencies lost| More nuanced, detailed |

| Overall Sound | Energetic, raw | Polished, immersive |

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