David Bowie - A New Career In A New Town: 1977-1982 (Expanded Edition 2017) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/96kHz]

Analyzed: David Bowie / Low
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DR Peak RMS Duration Track
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DR9 -0.02 dB -10.56 dB 2:47 01-Speed of Life (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.02 dB -11.45 dB 1:52 02-Breaking Glass (2017 Remastered Version)
DR7 -0.03 dB -8.53 dB 2:25 03-What in the World (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.02 dB -11.34 dB 3:04 04-Sound and Vision (2017 Remastered Version)
DR10 -0.04 dB -11.67 dB 3:35 05-Always Crashing in the Same Car (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.02 dB -9.75 dB 2:57 06-Be My Wife (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.04 dB -10.44 dB 2:55 07-A New Career in a New Town (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.05 dB -12.79 dB 6:27 08-Warszawa (2017 Remastered Version)
DR12 -0.09 dB -15.16 dB 3:48 09-Art Decade (2017 Remastered Version)
DR10 -1.43 dB -16.42 dB 3:29 10-Weeping Wall (2017 Remastered Version)
DR10 -0.06 dB -13.89 dB 5:43 11-Subterraneans (2017 Remastered Version)
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Number of tracks: 11
Official DR value: DR9

Samplerate: 96000 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 24
Bitrate: 2933 kbps
Codec: FLAC
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Analyzed: David Bowie / Heroes
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DR Peak RMS Duration Track
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DR8 -0.29 dB -9.89 dB 3:37 01-Beauty and the Beast (2017 Remastered Version)
DR7 -0.29 dB -8.80 dB 3:08 02-Joe the Lion (2017 Remastered Version)
DR8 -0.30 dB -9.72 dB 6:11 03-"Heroes" (2017 Remastered Version)
DR8 -0.19 dB -9.09 dB 3:20 04-Sons of the Silent Age (2017 Remastered Version)
DR8 -0.25 dB -9.45 dB 3:50 05-Blackout (2017 Remastered Version)
DR7 -0.26 dB -9.01 dB 3:11 06-V-2 Schneider (2017 Remastered Version)
DR10 -0.30 dB -14.82 dB 4:00 07-Sense of Doubt (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.30 dB -12.97 dB 5:06 08-Moss Garden (2017 Remastered Version)
DR11 -0.30 dB -16.08 dB 4:36 09-Neuköln (2017 Remastered Version)
DR8 -0.28 dB -10.20 dB 3:47 10-The Secret Life of Arabia (2017 Remastered Version)
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Number of tracks: 10
Official DR value: DR8

Samplerate: 96000 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 24
Bitrate: 3048 kbps
Codec: FLAC
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Analyzed: David Bowie / Heroes EP
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DR Peak RMS Duration Track
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DR8 -0.22 dB -9.62 dB 6:07 01-"Heroes" / "Helden"
DR8 0.00 dB -8.65 dB 3:39 02-"Helden" (German Single Version) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.30 dB -9.57 dB 6:05 03-"Heroes" / "Héros"
DR7 -0.30 dB -9.25 dB 3:34 04-"Héros" (French Single Version) [2017 Remastered Version]
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Number of tracks: 4
Official DR value: DR8

Samplerate: 96000 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 24
Bitrate: 3046 kbps
Codec: FLAC
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Analyzed: David Bowie / Stage (Original Version)
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DR Peak RMS Duration Track
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DR8 -0.49 dB -8.94 dB 3:25 01-Hang On to Yourself (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -10.15 dB 3:34 02-Ziggy Stardust (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.49 dB -12.32 dB 3:57 03-Five Years (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -10.41 dB 2:56 04-Soul Love (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -10.36 dB 2:34 05-Star (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.49 dB -12.76 dB 8:52 06-Station to Station (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.49 dB -10.87 dB 4:08 07-Fame (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -10.18 dB 4:38 08-TVC 15 (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.50 dB -11.54 dB 6:53 09-Warszawa (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR7 -0.49 dB -8.71 dB 2:45 10-Speed of Life (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -10.37 dB 3:11 11-Art Decade (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR10 -0.50 dB -13.11 dB 3:13 12-Sense of Doubt (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR10 -0.50 dB -12.14 dB 3:31 13-Breaking Glass (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -9.88 dB 6:20 14-"Heroes" (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -9.83 dB 4:25 15-What in the World (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -9.60 dB 4:03 16-Blackout (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.50 dB -10.83 dB 5:12 17-Beauty and the Beast (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
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Number of tracks: 17
Official DR value: DR9

Samplerate: 96000 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 24
Bitrate: 3084 kbps
Codec: FLAC
================================================================================

Analyzed: David Bowie / Stage (2017 Version)
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DR Peak RMS Duration Track
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DR9 -0.50 dB -11.55 dB 6:53 01-Warszawa (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -9.87 dB 6:19 02-"Heroes" (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -9.83 dB 4:25 03-What in the World (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.30 dB -9.90 dB 2:50 04-Be My Wife (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.30 dB -10.28 dB 6:17 05-The Jean Genie (Live)
DR8 0.00 dB -9.60 dB 4:01 06-Blackout (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR10 -0.50 dB -12.95 dB 3:08 07-Sense of Doubt (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.09 dB -9.34 dB 2:41 08-Speed of Life (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR10 0.00 dB -12.67 dB 3:22 09-Breaking Glass (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 0.00 dB -10.77 dB 5:07 10-Beauty and the Beast (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.50 dB -10.96 dB 4:13 11-Fame (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.50 dB -12.32 dB 3:57 12-Five Years (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -10.41 dB 2:56 13-Soul Love (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.50 dB -10.18 dB 2:28 14-Star (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR7 -0.27 dB -8.45 dB 3:22 15-Hang On to Yourself (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.49 dB -10.09 dB 3:30 16-Ziggy Stardust (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.50 dB -9.87 dB 3:59 17-Suffragette City (Live)
DR8 -0.49 dB -10.16 dB 3:02 18-Art Decade (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR8 -0.44 dB -9.29 dB 3:56 19-Alabama Song (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.49 dB -11.87 dB 8:43 20-Station to Station (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR7 -0.32 dB -8.69 dB 7:22 21-Stay (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR7 -0.40 dB -8.90 dB 4:36 22-TVC 15 (Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
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Number of tracks: 22
Official DR value: DR8

Samplerate: 96000 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 24
Bitrate: 3201 kbps
Codec: FLAC
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Analyzed: David Bowie / Lodger
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DR Peak RMS Duration Track
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DR9 -0.30 dB -10.84 dB 2:55 01-Fantastic Voyage (2017 Remastered Version)
DR10 -0.29 dB -12.02 dB 2:57 02-African Night Flight (2017 Remastered Version)
DR10 -0.30 dB -11.06 dB 3:20 03-Move On (2017 Remastered Version)
DR11 -0.29 dB -12.66 dB 4:13 04-Yassassin (Turkish for: Long Live) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.30 dB -11.22 dB 3:45 05-Red Sails (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.30 dB -10.94 dB 4:01 06-D.J. (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.30 dB -10.57 dB 3:08 07-Look Back in Anger (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.30 dB -10.76 dB 3:19 08-Boys Keep Swinging (2017 Remastered Version)
DR10 -0.30 dB -11.84 dB 3:00 09-Repetition (2017 Remastered Version)
DR10 -0.29 dB -11.56 dB 4:19 10-Red Money (2017 Remastered Version)
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Number of tracks: 10
Official DR value: DR10

Samplerate: 96000 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 24
Bitrate: 3098 kbps
Codec: FLAC
================================================================================

Analyzed: David Bowie / Lodger (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
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DR Peak RMS Duration Track
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DR9 -0.32 dB -11.46 dB 2:53 01-Fantastic Voyage (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
DR10 -0.32 dB -11.38 dB 2:56 02-African Night Flight (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
DR8 -0.32 dB -9.44 dB 3:25 03-Move On (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
DR10 -0.32 dB -12.08 dB 4:14 04-Yassassin (Turkish for: Long Live) [Tony Visconti 2017 Mix]
DR8 -0.32 dB -9.85 dB 3:47 05-Red Sails (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
DR9 -0.32 dB -11.05 dB 3:59 06-D.J. (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
DR8 -0.32 dB -9.97 dB 3:10 07-Look Back in Anger (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
DR8 -0.32 dB -10.34 dB 3:22 08-Boys Keep Swinging (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
DR8 -0.32 dB -10.67 dB 3:01 09-Repetition (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
DR9 -0.32 dB -11.69 dB 4:18 10-Red Money (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
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Number of tracks: 10
Official DR value: DR9

Samplerate: 96000 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 24
Bitrate: 3053 kbps
Codec: FLAC
================================================================================

Analyzed: David Bowie / Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)
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DR Peak RMS Duration Track
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DR9 -0.30 dB -10.63 dB 4:17 01-It's No Game (Part 1) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.30 dB -11.70 dB 3:16 02-Up the Hill Backwards (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.30 dB -10.95 dB 5:13 03-Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) [2017 Remastered Version]
DR9 -0.30 dB -11.97 dB 4:26 04-Ashes to Ashes (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.29 dB -11.21 dB 4:50 05-Fashion (2017 Remastered Version)
DR9 -0.30 dB -10.56 dB 6:58 06-Teenage Wildlife (2017 Remastered Version)
DR8 -0.30 dB -10.10 dB 3:37 07-Scream Like a Baby (2017 Remastered Version)
DR8 -0.29 dB -10.07 dB 3:47 08-Kingdom Come (2017 Remastered Version)
DR8 -0.30 dB -10.74 dB 4:56 09-Because You're Young (2017 Remastered Version)
DR7 -0.49 dB -10.54 dB 4:26 10-It's No Game (Part 2) [2017 Remastered Version]
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Number of tracks: 10
Official DR value: DR9

Samplerate: 96000 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 24
Bitrate: 3065 kbps
Codec: FLAC
================================================================================

In the last few days there has been mounting criticism from some of the audiophile community about perceived mastering errors on Parlophone’s new David Bowie box set A New Career In A New Town.

In terms of specifics, criticisms levelled include the following points:

• There is a volume drop during the title track of Heroes at around the 2.50 mark
• Low has a rather overcooked bass-heavy remastering which spoils side one, in particular.
• Various issues with the Lodger remaster, including a similar increase in bass some tape/noise flutter being present and an incorrect fade-up on the beginning of Red Sails
Not everyone complaining has problems with all of the above, but there is a general consensus that given the status of the iconic track, the Heroes issue is disappointing and rather puzzling. The accusation is one of sloppiness; lack of quality control.

In fact, the strength of feeling is reflected in the reviews on Amazon UK, many of which bring up these issues. There have been enough complaints for the UK arm of the online retailer to actually stop selling the CD box set for the time being (it’s still available from third party sellers) so this issue is obviously of concern to the record label.

SDE put these criticisms to Julian Stockton, David Bowie’s publicist and and as a result I was invited to Warner’s London HQ this morning to discuss this issue in some depth, with Julian and Tim Fraser-Harding (President, Global Catalogue, Recorded Music for Warner Music Group).

‘Bottom end’ on remastering
During a conversation that lasted close to two hours, the team stressed how much time and energy had gone into both getting the music and the presentation of this set right. I was told, for example, that over 50 vinyl test pressings for just one of the albums in A New Career In A New Town were checked. In terms of the issue around the mastering and the additional bass or ‘bottom end’ on albums like Low and Lodger, the point was strenuously made that Tony Visconti has never been involved in remastering these albums before, and what you hear on these new remasters is how he always wanted them to sound. Back in the 1970s, there was only so much bottom end you could deliver, due to the limitations of vinyl, but this was an opportunity to address that. Visconti of course, was the producer of all four records (Low, Heroes, Lodger and Scary Monsters) and therefore ‘in the room’ when they were being made. He has the credibility to make this call, even if the sound isn’t to everyone’s taste (or what they are used to via previous remasters). This approach was discussed with Visconti and agreed on beforehand. In other words, the object was never to make these sound as much like the original vinyl pressings as possible. Warner Music/Parlophone categorically reject the notion that these sound differences constitute any kind of error or fault with the box set.

Heroes ‘change in volume’
In terms of the problem on the title track of Heroes, it was explained that this is down to an issue on the master tape. It was stressed that for all four albums, the label went back to the original analogue master tapes for new digital transfers (done at 192/24). The issue on the master tape of Heroes is described as a ‘loss of energy’ on that title track that starts at around the 2.42 mark, and lasts for about four or five seconds. Parlophone stressed that they were very keen to maintain the integrity of using the original master tape. So rather than ‘fly in’ a section from another tape generation or source (such as a safety copy) they kept to the original master tape transfer and the track Heroes was given a boost of high frequency during the period of this loss of energy. When this high frequency boost finishes (around the 2.50 mark) the effect creates the impression of a drop in volume but Parlophone insist that this simply isn’t the case. The level is consistent with the start. Again, Warner Music/Parlophone reject the notion that this disc is in any way faulty. You are listening to the original master tape with this slight frequency adjustment for a short period in the middle of Heroes to correct an issue inherent with the master tape itself. I asked why this issue on the master tape hadn’t come up before and was told that it was probably because this was the first time in a very long time that the original master tape was being used and no-one knows when the issue with the tape may have come about.

Tape hiss etc.
Warner Music / Parlophone emphasised that there was no de-noising at all on any of the remasters within this box set any hiss present is as per the original master tapes.

Above is a summary of the issues discussed at the meeting, but below you can read a statement in full issued by Julian Stockton, David Bowie’s publicist:

“DAVID BOWIE A NEW CAREER IN A NEW TOWN – HEROES

Concerning ‘Heroes’ what fans are hearing is not a level drop. This is, through mastering, an attempt to resolve an issue that exists on the original master tape.

On the flat unmastered transfer, there was a temporary loss of energy on the track just before 2.50. During the album mastering some high-frequency automation (in the region of +- 6dB) has been added in order to compensate for this. So to clarify, there is not a drop in volume, there is a high frequency boost for a couple of seconds at the loss of energy which then returns to normal and the track continues to the end at a level consistent to the start.

As the co-producer of ‘Heroes’ Tony Visconti, was both fully involved and approved the remastering of this and all original albums within the set.

DAVID BOWIE A NEW CAREER IN A NEW TOWN – REMASTERING

The albums contained in A New Career In A New Town are how Tony Visconti, who was not involved in past remasterings, always wanted them to sound. He was previously hampered by the restrictions of vinyl regarding the bottom end.

Any tape hiss on the albums comes straight from the original analogue tapes. For A New Career In A New Town, there was no de-noising as had happened on the previous remastering of these records. The hiss is far more true to the sound of the original analogue tapes which Bowie and Visconti would have heard when making the record.”