Michael Nyman - Decay Music mp3 download

Snake Rocking

This is a delicate work easily ruined by the slightest bit of LP surface noise or turntable rumble, so the CD reissue should be cause for rejoicing for anyone who loves this recording. But not so fast...While the CD takes care of the surface noise issue, it also reveals some problems with the original recording. The opening of "1-100" has some badly distorted reverb on one of the piano tracks (near the beginning)...There is a third track, not included on the original LP, which is the same recording as the first track but heard at its proper speed (the original LP version was intentionally mastered at half the recorded speed). If you compare these two versions, you hear the same harsh distortions in exactly the same places, meaning they are on the original master recording. And thanks to the clarity of digital technology, the tape hiss on the first track, once masked by LP noise, is now plainly audible and somewhat distracting.On the upside, the percussion piece "Bell Set No. 1" sounds much more crisp and clear than on the LP, so if you are a fan of that one you're in luck. And it's interesting to hear "1-100" the way it was originally played, though I still prefer the half speed version - it's more spacious and dreamy.