Great Album, Not So Great Remaster
4
By J Dawg 🐶
Considering that Green Day is one of my favorite bands, I got a little too excited when I saw that a deluxe version of this album was released and I bought it immediately. Sadly, my first impression is that I don't really like the way it sounds compared to the original. It sounds to me like it was mastered too loud and because of it there is distortion all over the place, which is surprising for an Apple Digital Master (usually they're slightly quieter with more dynamic range). The drums are so loud and compressed that the whole thing starts sounding almost abrasive at times. I guess that makes it more punk rock? I'm not sure what the thought process behind the remaster was considering that the other version on iTunes worth half the price sounds so much better. The extras are cool, I just wish the remaster sounded a little better. Hopefully it grows on me. I think I'm just too used to the way the other version sounds because I've listened to it over a hundred times. I know there are some people that probably won't even realize this has been remastered, which is crazy to me.
EDIT: Okay, I overreacted a bit. At the end of the day, I don’t necessarily regret buying this, but I do kinda wish they just used something more true to the older master. That’s the only thing keeping it from being 5 stars. Still, as a Green Day fan, it’s cool to have. One of their most underrated albums for sure.
