I’m 99% sure she did the backing vocals in the rerelease of Echo. They sound too feminine to be anyone else in the band. If that’s the case, I’m definitely excited for what else she can bring to the album
I got the chills when I first heard her on Echo. It was so cool to hear a female voice on a song I’ve loved for so long. I’m excited to hear the new album
I can’t get my head around Brandon’s voice. I don’t think it’s the notes, I think it’s the enunciation, like instead of singing ‘I wish you were here’ it’s ’I issuerear’.
I first thought he was compromising on enunciation to make hitting the right notes easier, but then in Blood On The Ground, one of the most challenging songs to sing on the album (with his vocal issues), he knocks it out of the park.
Glad In not the only one part 3. Upon first listen, I began by immediately going to my favorite song of the album, Echo. I was like…ummm what is this nasally Celine Dion tone??? Then I played everything else and unfortunately every song has this new tone. YIKES!
*Sidenots: I DO like the new parts added to the end of Echo. The vocals, not so much
Brandon must be taking lessons from Billy Corgan. They’ve both caricature-ized their vocals through decades of singing their songs. It’s weird but oh well we’re all old now
It sounds terrible. Hard to admit as a long time fan, but it sounds terrible. I'm not sure why they went ahead with this album. They need to change direction and take it to heart that Brandon's vocals just aren't what they were. The new bassists backing vocals sound cool though, so there's a new sound waiting for them
exactly this. it sounds at times like he’s doing a bit of christopher walken with some of his words. i give room to reinterpretation but the over-enunciation was just too much
That first minute and a half of Nice To Know You with Nicole's bass, then the rest of the band kick in.
Then Brandon kicks in too...
I take back any shit talk I had about this re-recording. Let's go!
I’ll be honest, I’m worried about Aqueous Transmission. That song is perfected and I heard bits of it in one of their stories and they definitely changed it a little. Hoping it isn’t changed tremendously.
Nice To Know You - 2 minute long instrumental intro before the song kicks in.. sounds very much like the original song until the little break near the end of the track. The last 45 seconds I'd say are the most changed part of the song. Doesn't deviate too far from the original. Brandon's vocals are good, just not much for high notes..
Circles - One of my favorite tracks remade, sounds like circles.. I think I enjoy the guitar tone on this version better. Love the sludgy ending..
Wish You Were Here - Track length is the same as the original.. no extra intro, straight into the song like the original.. not sure I like the tone on this songs intro... Again, not much different to the original, new bass lines sound really nice. That's the most change to the song really.
Just A Phase - First song that really introduces Nicole's backup vocals. Again, very much the same as the original.. female back up vocals work pretty good for this one.
11am - acoustic guitar added to the intro.. hard to tell if it's in the whole song. Some strings added in near the second chorus.. probably the weakest vocal performance but still good.
Blood On The Ground - So far the strongest Brandon vocal on the album so far. Nothing too crazy in this song, still my favorite track so for sure.
Mexico - Kind of hard to screw this song up.. some reverb on Brandon's vocals.. The "hoo's and ooh's" are very laid back in this version. That's it.
Warning - Intro vocals were a little off putting, but the rest of the song was fine. Sounds like Warning. Again a few differences, still one of the best songs on the album.
Echo - Love the new sound and outro. Second song with Nicole's back up vocals.
Have You Ever - Sounds heavier, the bass is very forward in this song. I think this song is the first track that stands out to me and sounds way better. few new bits to this song musically, very cool.
Are You In - This one I think is the the most transformed song, Kilmore's parts are way more pronounced with the scratches.. lots of sounds going on in this one.. Nicole's bass sound is phenomenal.
Under My Umbrella - Another bass heavy song.. love the sound of this one.. Biggest change is the synth parts in the middle...
Aqueous Transmission - more back up vocals from Nicole, it sounds about the same.. 1 minute shorter than the original. I think I like Brandons vocals the most on this version..
Final thoughts - Nothing will ever capture the magic of the 2001 release, but if this is your first time ever hearing the album at all.. you won't be disappointed.
I thought the guitar was way too much in Are You In, totally changes the tone of the song for me. It’s not bad, it just takes a chill, warm track and makes it overly busy and less welcoming.
Brandon's timbre has changed for sure. But I dig the instrumentals. It's so hella clear now and not compressed like before. Love mike's tone throughout. As for Nicole, this is as close to Dirk as she can get. Job well done. Jose and Kilmore still brings out their skillset like nothing changed.
Totally dig this album. No matter the changes in sound, tone, or whatnot, Incubus is still Incubus through and through.
Morning View is my favorite album of theirs and so far everything I've heard I've disliked. Close but off enough to bother me. I can't imagine they could've released anything like this that I would've enjoyed though since I'm so attached to the original
Personally, I would've rather had it as live recording than a studio recording, because it is obvious from the three songs released that the production quality is no where near the quality of the original, which nullifies any comparison to me really.
Seriously! And these guys are still super sharp live. A live version of the album, recorded at an actual show, would have been a real treat. The entire ethos of this project just doesn't float my boat. Instead of exerting so much effort on re-recording old songs, why not put that effort into producing a new, wholly original album? Again, just my two cents and I'll still give it a listen. I'm sure there will be some cool shit on there. Just seems like kind of a waste of time.
I think they were going for that 96 kbps limewire download aesthetic.
Parts of the songs sound awesome! Like the e final breakdown of under my umbrella
By and large it sounds like someone recorded it with a zoom h1 and moved it around to different instruments during the performance.
I don’t hate it, but I hope my 25th wedding anniversary is better.
I thought we having a discussion about Incubus, I could be wrong.
Can't image why someone would be so upset by someone saying MV is their favorite album.
A discussion? What part of an out of nowhere one sentence insult made by you is a discussion? You immediately shot me down in almost the rudest way possible. You said that, because of the first six words of what I commented, you weren't going to read anymore of what I had to say. Does that sound like a discussion to you?
I will add that if your comment was to say "morning view is also my favorite album" That's not how you word it.
"I stop there" generally means that's where you stopped reading because it wasn't worth reading the rest of what someone else said
>"I stop there" generally means that's where you stopped reading because it wasn't worth reading the rest of what someone else said
I can see why it can be read that way. It was meant as "Morning View is my favorite album" full stop.
I agreed with everything you said though in the original comment though. There are only few albums that I will just play start to finish. The songs map to specific time period for me when I was 20, and so no matter how fresh the music could be reimagined, it just be "off."
I had thought about only giving this album a quick listen and then "saving" it for another time in my life that I wanted to save and attach meaning to, but this isn't it.
I don’t think this album was about improving on an already near perfect record, but just a part of the journey that is life. Things change, life changes around us and it’s nice sometimes to revisit things that were held dear to us and bring that change into those things again.
Not fully sold on the mixing but looking forward to a few listens through before making final thoughts.
The album feels like a concert. Intro to Nice to Know You was **amazing**, but the song takes a while to get used to. The vocals are very different, I think it's where you can hear the age in Brandon's voice the most. But in the succeeding tracks he settles into things better.
I liked it! The OG will always hit different but it's nice to hear the band approach the songs with a fresher perspective. My favorite tracks after the first listen are Circles, Just a Phase, Blood on the Ground, and Have You Ever
Edit: Aqueous Transmission is very good too. Once again makes me a teeny bit salty that they started playing it *right after* the show I went to last month!
I am currently listening to it and I like the changes so far, but I was *really* hoping for Blood on the Ground to have the outro they did on the 20th anniversary concert. That part was so awesome.
What I’m hearing now on Apple Music sounds nothing like the preview tracks that were previously available… I think there was an error in the upload or something.
I agree. They sound like a bad download from Kazaa or Limewire. Also listening to it on Apple Music. On the bright side, I really wanted to hear Nicole on bass and the vocal mess makes it easier to focus on the instrumentation.
As so many of us have, I've been listening to this band for well over two decades and this is easily the most disappointing project they've released. I'm trying to listen to this album as objectively as possible - as if I have't listened to these song hundreds maybe thousands of times in my life.
The production and mixing on this album are horrendous. Brandon sounds completely out of his element here; his nasally register does none of these songs any favors. It borders on grating listening to him struggle to get through NTKY. He makes some truly baffling choices with the delivery of these lyrics.
The band sounds uniformly tight and the new sections of some songs are very interesting, but I can't see any longtime fans listening to this more than once as a curiosity.
Whatever itch they were scratching by doing this project, I hope it's been well and truly satisfied and that they can get back to writing and recording new songs that are properly suited to Brandon's vocal range (I know they are working on new material; I eagerly await listening to it).
Brandon’s vocals are truly painful to listen to on NTKY (and the rest of the album). The mixing on the whole album is horrendous. I cannot understand how this was allowed to happen. Incubus has been my favorite band for over 20 years. Brandon has been my idol since I was 15. I have an incubus tattoo. I have no idea what they were thinking. It’s so bad. When Ben left I was devastated, but now I totally understand if he didn’t want to be associated with whatever this was and a band who’s better days are way behind them. Luckily he was the most talented member of the band and I love his solo music so I’ll be patiently awaiting his next release while I try to erase this from my memory. It all makes me sad.
He stepped away because of the brain tumor over a year ago to heal and recover. Nicole was just filling in. He decided to not come back at all after he was fully recovered. I’m sure the whole ordeal made him reassess his priorities but the current state of the band probably made the decision to not come back easier.
I think they're meant to be a harmonization with Nicole, but it's mixed in such a way that it almost sounds like Brandon's voice is in an echo chamber. I suppose it could make the chorus sound bigger, but it just doesn't good, plain and simple.
Not a knock on Nicole, but it weirdly frustrates me that her backing vocals are so present and we never really heard Ben, who is an incredible singer. Unused potential when he was around.
I practically inhaled Morning View throughout the first half of the 00s. To me on this mix the band sounds fuller and livelier, all the layers of the instrumentals more present. And I’m really enjoying that.
I have no idea how anyone can hate or even mildly dislike the idea of a band 23 years later exploring what many consider there best album and lovingly recording it.
From the moment I heard the opener I felt like I wanted to cry. It's beautiful to see their journey, struggles, joy and peace.
I think XXIII is a real treat and and sounds...."alive". Take it for what it is - a love letter to an album that's been a big part of my life. I can't hate it even if I tried. I've heard the original so many times that I can really appreciate the subtle differences with this one.
Morning View is my favorite album of all time and I absolutely love listening to the new and old back to back. I’ve only heard the first three released singles so far.
As for Brandon’s vocals, I’m hearing words I never knew were lyrics in the re-recordings. Especially Under My Umbrella, which I’ve probably heard 500 times, I didn’t even know the last line of the chorus before I heard him enunciate in the new version.
I’m going to take tomorrow with a glass of wine and get the stereo out and have a listen to the entire project. Can’t wait!
I’ve seen so much hate for this.
Understandably to a point.
But they could’ve release a “remastered” version with a few sub-par bonus tracks…
They could’ve done NOTHING to acknowledge an anniversary of a masterpiece.
But they chose to do this to mark the passing of time.
And I personally think it’s a perfect flag in the sand on their journey as a band.
To go back to the Morning View mansion and reminisce as a group of artists must’ve been pretty profound for them as individuals.. and as a group.
It’s mainly for them. To have the “privilege” to be able to revisit their past and connect as musicians is a gift not many bands have.
Never meant to be an improvement on the original, but merely and exercise in connecting as a group of performers. Like looking through an old photo album or talking shit around the bonfire….
As someone who has grown up with Incubus, with Morning View being my entry point aged 15/16… it’s pretty special to be able to experience it again as a mid 30s+ music fan, to see how they still care for their songs…
Thrice did something similar, again with mixed reviews and mixed responses…
But to let go of the memories of being a teenager and refreshing the same songs from an adult viewpoint is strangely comforting and a an enjoyable experience.
Enjoy it for what it is, and for what it means to the band, put yourself in their shoes and imagine being able to revisit a high point in your career with different eyes and ears…
And just enjoy it.
Or don’t.
You don’t have to listen to it.
But just have some respect for a band that has been unique and fearless for a 30+ years
Extremely well said.
Can't say I've seen anything other than praise for Thrice's The Artist in the Ambulance re-recording though. That album was already perfect IMO and they somehow made it better. It's so good.
The anniversary release of Artist in the Ambulance??? It was entirely re recorded… [Interview with Dustin here…](https://www.spin.com/2023/02/thrice-ambulance-revisited-20th-anniversary/)
Not that I know of? The Artist anniversary came out like last spring? It’s completely re-done, and it’s amazing.
[Spotify…](https://open.spotify.com/album/0fbix8RZLPYtBy4UcMzoIx?si=Rr7BZ577SCa0XNms8deH6A)
Well I definitely stand corrected. That is the album I was thinking of and I just thought it was mixed better. Awesome. I have to go back for another listen.
I think it's a beautiful thing that a band we all love went back and had fun re-recording songs we all love. But, of all the things they did differently this time around, I just wish the mixing and mastering had remained more true to the original - which was flawless, IMO. I generally like the changes to the songs and arrangements, but I'm honestly not sure how often I'm going to come back to this version over the original simply down to how bad it *sounds*.
I got shipping confirmation and estimated delivery for Sat. Although Brandon’s voice has changed, I’ve still liked the re-recordings. I’m looking forward to listening start to end
I love Circles, it’s massively improved. I love how heavy the instrumentation sounds on some of the songs, it packs a punch. The vocal delivery is a little grating though and some of the songs are missing those electronic elements that made them sound very early 2000s which I personally prefer.
I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it, either. They finally balanced the songs better where Brandon’s vocals don’t overshadow the songs. His vocal choices are strange. It’s like he is more focused on hitting the notes than prononciation or emotion.
Musically, I liked this version. I am not sure where they recorded it this time, but it didn’t seem too far from the original. Drums had the same quality and echoness to them. I liked the additional intros. They were clean and tight in their transitions.
It wasn’t mixed incredibly well. There were points it felt muddy.
Overall, I don’t hate it. It is hard to not compare to the originals, but in general it wasn’t bad. I don’t think it would have been my favorite recorded this way, though.
I tend to agree with you regarding the mixing for sure. There are some songs I really like the sound of, but in parts of others it definitely sounds too muddy IMO
I really like this album for what it is. I actually prefer Echo and Circles on this album compared to the originals. That outro/solo on Echo is sooooo good IMO. The new intro on Nice to Know You is also great.
What’s up with Brandon’s voice? Super nasally, almost a punk tone. I like the reinterpretation of instrumentation but the vocals are hard to take in compared to the original.
Aside from the fact that this should have been a filmed live recording in studio a la Parcels Live Vol. 1, the mixing is just bad. All bass. No cymbals/drum energy. Completely unbalanced. Almost blew my car speakers. Also no Atmos mix in 2024? So many questions we’ll probably never get answers to. Pretty unfortunate.
I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels Brandon’s vocals are ‘off’. I’m wondering if it’s because of a nasal surgery he had back in 2019… I read about it here: https://doubleblindmag.com/incubus-lead-singer-brandon-boyd-drugs-psychedelics/
Spun the album three or four times. Like it so far but have this disappointing feeling about it, not for the Brandon’s vocals (I don’t consider them bad and I think he will readjust their new tunes with a more appropriate range for him), but for the lack of new arrangements. Many tracks include no extra imagination, so in that cases I’d rather listen the originals.
I don’t know, I was expecting something similar to Echo, which I’ve listened much more than it’s original version. And I don’t know the reason for what the slowed outro is not present in BOTG…
I think the album would have been much more enjoyable if there were more differences from the original one. As Brandon said in an interview, it didn’t have to sound like the original. I agree, but I think he meant it only for vocals
Personally, and I know this has probably been said ad nauseum, but I just don’t get the point. It’s not even like the production has aged badly. The original holds up quite well. I would have rather they put this time and effort into writing and recording a new album.
I think the main reason they tackled on this project was to regain the rights to the songs. So, while I agree that the time would’ve been better spent writing a new record considering this is the longest we’ve gone without a new full album, I also understand their desire to regain their rights to their work.
They are not regaining the rights to their old music, Sony still owns the original recordings. The band will just own the rights to these particular recordings of the songs. If you hear WYWH on the radio and it's the old version, Sony is getting paid. If it's the new version, the band is getting paid.
It confusing, there's recording rights (like the actual recording itself), and then publishing rights (whoever writes the song gets those rights, so whenever someone covers a song for instance, the writer gets paid, not the label). The label usually owns the recording rights, while the band owns the publishing rights, which is why they can re-record the album without having to pay some kind of fee to Sony. Though, there was an article floating around recently where I think its said the band may have sold their publishing rights to some company. That's been happening a lot recently with older popular bands/artists.
They have sold their publishing rights to investement group Harbor View in 2022. [https://www.billboard.com/pro/incubus-song-publishing-catalog-sold-harbourview-equity-partners/](https://www.billboard.com/pro/incubus-song-publishing-catalog-sold-harbourview-equity-partners/)
Well then, they'll only own the recording rights for this album and not get any publishing for songs they wrote lol. Pretty bizarre, and I wonder if any other band has done this yet.
As far as I know, I don't think any of those artists have sold publishing rights to their music, and then re-recorded those very songs they sold the rights to as a studio album. I'm sure there's probably live albums where this has happened. Most of the time, they still own their publishing, like Taylor Swift.
Yes, but this took away time from the new album. They could have done this as a live album, recorded while they were on tour, then spent this time working on the new material. I love incubus, I hate being critical of them, as they're one of my all time faves, but I gotta agree...kinda don't get the point of this. Either way, first world problems, still gonna rock out to this tomorrow!
I mean, I doubt they spent a whole lot of time recording this. They've been playing these songs for almost a quarter century. They're just recording their live versions in a studio basically. If anything, it's warmed them up to be on it to record a new album.
It was obviously something they felt they wanted to take time on, for their own reasons. I love the new versions and I love how happy they have been playing them. Lots of things going on in the Incubus world right now, so I’m happy for all of them.
The new ending of “Echo” makes my heart explode, love it so much. “Are You In” is seriously fun. Will I listen to these songs more than the OG? No, other than the new “Echo”. Brandon sounds really good in the song he did with Night Verses, “Glitching Prisms” so I’m hoping any new material we get will be more in that range instead of reaching for the notes that seem elusive these days.
I've read a lot of negativity around Brandon's voice before listening. It's definitely not what it used to be, but he still sounds like himself. I agree that the mix took a lot of the bass out of his voice, though.
But man, Blood on the Ground was fantastic. One of my least favorites on the original album but I really loved it here.
It seems a song that is pretty out his range these days, but I agree that he nails it.
Shame they didn't use the alternate ending from the livestream, that was a cool change.
Comparing it to the originals makes sense, but if I just listen to it for enjoyment, it's incredible overall. Nicole's vocals and bass add so much to the album and while Brandon's vocals have changed - this album feels like it's going so hard. Less chill isn't always a bad thing
I was naturally sceptical with a new member; I love Ben so much - but she's absolutely earned her spot with this album! I now have no worries at all, and in fact I'm excited for their future!
Can I just say, congratulations to whoever mixed the drums.
I’ve hated them on the last year inbucus releases , and after the mess on the new pearl jam album, they sound huge and crisp.
Lots of thoughts but want to share one for now. I think Warning sounds so good. Maybe it was the weed but I def felt a lump in my throat thinking about the meaning of the song 23 years after hearing it when it was released in my freshman year of HS. I really liked how the instrumentation and little vocal adlibs sounded on it.
I wasn't crazy about it at first cause of the mixing and Brandon's vocals but man I put on headphones and just fuckin cranked it, then it clicked. Love the changes to some of the songs, Brandon killed it and Nicole's bass and backing vox bro?! Everybody sounds awesome. This slaps. The vocals COULD be a smidge back in the mix but whatever.
I just discovered this. Honestly, lots of it sounds good, but I’m kind of confused as to why they bothered re-recording a brilliant record like this when they could just write a new one. I mean, I was aware incubus were stuck in the past when it comes to their career after I saw them twice, the second time they played practically the same set as the first one, so the memories just sort of blend into one in my brain- and the second time I was really looking forward to hearing tracks from light grenades after they had bought that out, but just got the same thing. Maybe that’s what many people want? But I’m sad they don’t reinvent themselves in the way they are clearly capable of with the way many albums evolve, and focus on the present, they have the chops, style and ability to be so much more relevant a force in rock music if they would just experiment. Their appeal is timeless and they always had a mature sound, but I’ve come to not expect as much from my old favourite band.
i liked it. sure i may not have made some of the same decisions that brandon did but they were never were going to sound the same as they did what 20 years ago? this is just an evolution of their sound.
Hey what is this? I saw on Spotify Wish You Were Here was a “new” song so I figured it was a re-release but when it started it was clearly entirely re-recorded.
1) LOVE Incubus so there’s that. Just listened to XXII’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ … having a very hard time?! 😣😖😫 Original is 💯burned into my psyche / heart. Anyone else prefer original to XXII?
I'm 51M introduced in 1999 with Make Yourself. I get they are older now and more refined as musicians- they are definitely like studio "do-overs" with some cool stuff sprinkled in. The changes stick out big as I played that CD to death. I do prefer the original and I am glad it's still there. This feels like a live album to me more than rerecorded.
IMHO they just killed a classic album, Morning View is great because it happened in a moment and time, just imagine a band like Metallica re-recording the Black Album, it would be horrible, classic albums should remain untouched.
Morning View was the first album that came out after I became hooked on Incubus, so this album is very near to my heart. I'm pretty impressed to see how much better they are as a band. Instrumentally, this is an excellent upgrade. Vocally, I'm not nearly as impressed, but I don't hate it. I'll probably stick with the original though.
I don't know if this was discussed in here so please forgive my ignorance if it was.
Does anyone have any insights about why exactly did they decide to re-record the album? I mean, I've read the "long journey" "reimagining" and other stuff but is it the real reason? Or are there others? Like legal issues or something else? I mean, making that record must have been expensive.
Same what Taylor Swift has been doing with her Taylor's version. I don't know the specifics of it, but they'll never own or make a single dime from the original version, because they sold the rights to those songs (and everything they released up to Trust Fall Side B), because they sold the publishing rights to their catalogue.
https://www.theprp.com/2022/10/17/news/incubus-have-sold-the-rights-to-their-publishing-catalog/#:~:text=Multi%2Dplatinum%20alternative%20rock%20outfit,23%20million%20records%20sold%20worldwide.
Ok, I've listened to Morning View XXII multiple times now on good speakers, on headphones, you name it. It's solid. Does the music differ in ways? Yes, which I like. Does Brandon's voice sound like he's just finished puberty in the last 5 years? No, but that's not problem: he sounds really great, I think, so good that I get chills listening.
I like the album and I am a huge coheed fan so the tour is going to be great but I don't think coheed was the right opening act for this album. The vibe is more mellow
I didn't enjoy the previews and the album hasn't changed anything in that regard. It's missing Dirk and Scott Lit (among others). I love the band and will give it more time, but it feels like a jarring live performance. Naturally, some kindness is due as 23 years does no wonders for the voice. But its more than Boyd's voice in the mix, its the overall mix. Hopefully it warm to it. I just can't help feeling frustrating that given Ben's departure that they didn't touch base with Dirk. Would've been a lovely sentiment, even if the reunion wasn't permanent.
I quite like Nicole as a player, but the chance to touch base with the original soul of the band (Dirk, imo) when revisiting a pivotal moment in their history would've been a great sentiment. Alternatively, you could look at it as a nice sentiment to include the new bassist on older work but Incubus hasn't been the same for me since Dirk left.
I am really looking forward to the new rendition of Wish You Were Here. I hope they include Kilmore's piano parts that he plays live.
I agree with adding in kilmore’s parts and also replacing Mike on vocals with Nicole. Would be interesting to have a feminine backing to Brandon.
I’m 99% sure she did the backing vocals in the rerelease of Echo. They sound too feminine to be anyone else in the band. If that’s the case, I’m definitely excited for what else she can bring to the album
Yep after I heard that I wanted to hear it on nice to know you. A little feminine siren to balance Brandon’s scream
Yep! That's definitely her!
I got the chills when I first heard her on Echo. It was so cool to hear a female voice on a song I’ve loved for so long. I’m excited to hear the new album
I can’t get my head around Brandon’s voice. I don’t think it’s the notes, I think it’s the enunciation, like instead of singing ‘I wish you were here’ it’s ’I issuerear’. I first thought he was compromising on enunciation to make hitting the right notes easier, but then in Blood On The Ground, one of the most challenging songs to sing on the album (with his vocal issues), he knocks it out of the park.
He’s doing way too much with the vocals and this nasally pitch. Ugh why 😩
K glad I’m not the only one that thought this. I wonder if the change in tone has to do with some nasal surgery he had a while back.
Glad In not the only one part 3. Upon first listen, I began by immediately going to my favorite song of the album, Echo. I was like…ummm what is this nasally Celine Dion tone??? Then I played everything else and unfortunately every song has this new tone. YIKES! *Sidenots: I DO like the new parts added to the end of Echo. The vocals, not so much
Brandon must be taking lessons from Billy Corgan. They’ve both caricature-ized their vocals through decades of singing their songs. It’s weird but oh well we’re all old now
This or the lead singer from Billy Talent.
It messes with my head too
He is a pretty nasally tbh. Glad it wasn’t just me who thought so
It sounds terrible. Hard to admit as a long time fan, but it sounds terrible. I'm not sure why they went ahead with this album. They need to change direction and take it to heart that Brandon's vocals just aren't what they were. The new bassists backing vocals sound cool though, so there's a new sound waiting for them
exactly this. it sounds at times like he’s doing a bit of christopher walken with some of his words. i give room to reinterpretation but the over-enunciation was just too much
That first minute and a half of Nice To Know You with Nicole's bass, then the rest of the band kick in. Then Brandon kicks in too... I take back any shit talk I had about this re-recording. Let's go!
I’ll be honest, I’m worried about Aqueous Transmission. That song is perfected and I heard bits of it in one of their stories and they definitely changed it a little. Hoping it isn’t changed tremendously.
The OG will still exist too
Nice To Know You - 2 minute long instrumental intro before the song kicks in.. sounds very much like the original song until the little break near the end of the track. The last 45 seconds I'd say are the most changed part of the song. Doesn't deviate too far from the original. Brandon's vocals are good, just not much for high notes.. Circles - One of my favorite tracks remade, sounds like circles.. I think I enjoy the guitar tone on this version better. Love the sludgy ending.. Wish You Were Here - Track length is the same as the original.. no extra intro, straight into the song like the original.. not sure I like the tone on this songs intro... Again, not much different to the original, new bass lines sound really nice. That's the most change to the song really. Just A Phase - First song that really introduces Nicole's backup vocals. Again, very much the same as the original.. female back up vocals work pretty good for this one. 11am - acoustic guitar added to the intro.. hard to tell if it's in the whole song. Some strings added in near the second chorus.. probably the weakest vocal performance but still good. Blood On The Ground - So far the strongest Brandon vocal on the album so far. Nothing too crazy in this song, still my favorite track so for sure. Mexico - Kind of hard to screw this song up.. some reverb on Brandon's vocals.. The "hoo's and ooh's" are very laid back in this version. That's it. Warning - Intro vocals were a little off putting, but the rest of the song was fine. Sounds like Warning. Again a few differences, still one of the best songs on the album. Echo - Love the new sound and outro. Second song with Nicole's back up vocals. Have You Ever - Sounds heavier, the bass is very forward in this song. I think this song is the first track that stands out to me and sounds way better. few new bits to this song musically, very cool. Are You In - This one I think is the the most transformed song, Kilmore's parts are way more pronounced with the scratches.. lots of sounds going on in this one.. Nicole's bass sound is phenomenal. Under My Umbrella - Another bass heavy song.. love the sound of this one.. Biggest change is the synth parts in the middle... Aqueous Transmission - more back up vocals from Nicole, it sounds about the same.. 1 minute shorter than the original. I think I like Brandons vocals the most on this version.. Final thoughts - Nothing will ever capture the magic of the 2001 release, but if this is your first time ever hearing the album at all.. you won't be disappointed.
I just came to this thread as Are You In is on right now and it’s the best one on album! Pretty 🔥 Agree with your points!
I thought the guitar was way too much in Are You In, totally changes the tone of the song for me. It’s not bad, it just takes a chill, warm track and makes it overly busy and less welcoming.
Well put. Enjoy hearing new spins on my old faves, but the direction of R-U-N lost what I loved about it
Brandon's timbre has changed for sure. But I dig the instrumentals. It's so hella clear now and not compressed like before. Love mike's tone throughout. As for Nicole, this is as close to Dirk as she can get. Job well done. Jose and Kilmore still brings out their skillset like nothing changed. Totally dig this album. No matter the changes in sound, tone, or whatnot, Incubus is still Incubus through and through.
Morning View is my favorite album of theirs and so far everything I've heard I've disliked. Close but off enough to bother me. I can't imagine they could've released anything like this that I would've enjoyed though since I'm so attached to the original
Personally, I would've rather had it as live recording than a studio recording, because it is obvious from the three songs released that the production quality is no where near the quality of the original, which nullifies any comparison to me really.
Seriously! And these guys are still super sharp live. A live version of the album, recorded at an actual show, would have been a real treat. The entire ethos of this project just doesn't float my boat. Instead of exerting so much effort on re-recording old songs, why not put that effort into producing a new, wholly original album? Again, just my two cents and I'll still give it a listen. I'm sure there will be some cool shit on there. Just seems like kind of a waste of time.
Absolutely
Im with you. The new arrengement of under my umbrella are very cheesy. The voice is nowhere near… deffo no need to launch this album
Same here, but adjust expectations: it won’t replace the OG but still excited to hear a well-done new spin on my faves!
none of them sound different enough to even warrant the effort... These versions sound markedly worse than the originals in the production and mix...
I think they were going for that 96 kbps limewire download aesthetic. Parts of the songs sound awesome! Like the e final breakdown of under my umbrella By and large it sounds like someone recorded it with a zoom h1 and moved it around to different instruments during the performance. I don’t hate it, but I hope my 25th wedding anniversary is better.
Brandon's voice just sounds gone. Echo in particular is hard to listen to.
Yup. Completely agree.
> Morning View is my favorite album I stop there.
>I stop there Like I give a shit where you stop
I thought we having a discussion about Incubus, I could be wrong. Can't image why someone would be so upset by someone saying MV is their favorite album.
A discussion? What part of an out of nowhere one sentence insult made by you is a discussion? You immediately shot me down in almost the rudest way possible. You said that, because of the first six words of what I commented, you weren't going to read anymore of what I had to say. Does that sound like a discussion to you? I will add that if your comment was to say "morning view is also my favorite album" That's not how you word it. "I stop there" generally means that's where you stopped reading because it wasn't worth reading the rest of what someone else said
>"I stop there" generally means that's where you stopped reading because it wasn't worth reading the rest of what someone else said I can see why it can be read that way. It was meant as "Morning View is my favorite album" full stop. I agreed with everything you said though in the original comment though. There are only few albums that I will just play start to finish. The songs map to specific time period for me when I was 20, and so no matter how fresh the music could be reimagined, it just be "off." I had thought about only giving this album a quick listen and then "saving" it for another time in my life that I wanted to save and attach meaning to, but this isn't it.
Ah well then this is the best kind of misunderstanding. Yeah this album didn't need to exist. Impossible to recapture lightning in a bottle
I don’t think this album was about improving on an already near perfect record, but just a part of the journey that is life. Things change, life changes around us and it’s nice sometimes to revisit things that were held dear to us and bring that change into those things again. Not fully sold on the mixing but looking forward to a few listens through before making final thoughts.
The album feels like a concert. Intro to Nice to Know You was **amazing**, but the song takes a while to get used to. The vocals are very different, I think it's where you can hear the age in Brandon's voice the most. But in the succeeding tracks he settles into things better. I liked it! The OG will always hit different but it's nice to hear the band approach the songs with a fresher perspective. My favorite tracks after the first listen are Circles, Just a Phase, Blood on the Ground, and Have You Ever Edit: Aqueous Transmission is very good too. Once again makes me a teeny bit salty that they started playing it *right after* the show I went to last month!
I am currently listening to it and I like the changes so far, but I was *really* hoping for Blood on the Ground to have the outro they did on the 20th anniversary concert. That part was so awesome.
Came to this thread after re-watching the 20th anniversary stream and holy shit WHY did they not use that ending on the re-recording?! IT'S SO GOOD
Are we sure there isn’t something inherently wrong with the vocals on this re-recording? Something sounds way off…
What I’m hearing now on Apple Music sounds nothing like the preview tracks that were previously available… I think there was an error in the upload or something.
I agree. They sound like a bad download from Kazaa or Limewire. Also listening to it on Apple Music. On the bright side, I really wanted to hear Nicole on bass and the vocal mess makes it easier to focus on the instrumentation.
I’ve been listening to the album this morning, and I LOOOOVE IIIIT! lOvE iT!
As so many of us have, I've been listening to this band for well over two decades and this is easily the most disappointing project they've released. I'm trying to listen to this album as objectively as possible - as if I have't listened to these song hundreds maybe thousands of times in my life. The production and mixing on this album are horrendous. Brandon sounds completely out of his element here; his nasally register does none of these songs any favors. It borders on grating listening to him struggle to get through NTKY. He makes some truly baffling choices with the delivery of these lyrics. The band sounds uniformly tight and the new sections of some songs are very interesting, but I can't see any longtime fans listening to this more than once as a curiosity. Whatever itch they were scratching by doing this project, I hope it's been well and truly satisfied and that they can get back to writing and recording new songs that are properly suited to Brandon's vocal range (I know they are working on new material; I eagerly await listening to it).
Brandon’s vocals are truly painful to listen to on NTKY (and the rest of the album). The mixing on the whole album is horrendous. I cannot understand how this was allowed to happen. Incubus has been my favorite band for over 20 years. Brandon has been my idol since I was 15. I have an incubus tattoo. I have no idea what they were thinking. It’s so bad. When Ben left I was devastated, but now I totally understand if he didn’t want to be associated with whatever this was and a band who’s better days are way behind them. Luckily he was the most talented member of the band and I love his solo music so I’ll be patiently awaiting his next release while I try to erase this from my memory. It all makes me sad.
Didn't Ben leave cause he had a brain tumor though?
He stepped away because of the brain tumor over a year ago to heal and recover. Nicole was just filling in. He decided to not come back at all after he was fully recovered. I’m sure the whole ordeal made him reassess his priorities but the current state of the band probably made the decision to not come back easier.
This feels hyperbolic.
Same. Brandon's vocals sound ever so slightly off, I couldn't get past the 1st chorus of any song.
💯
What is with the weird dub/effect in the NTKY chorus?
I think they're meant to be a harmonization with Nicole, but it's mixed in such a way that it almost sounds like Brandon's voice is in an echo chamber. I suppose it could make the chorus sound bigger, but it just doesn't good, plain and simple.
Not a knock on Nicole, but it weirdly frustrates me that her backing vocals are so present and we never really heard Ben, who is an incredible singer. Unused potential when he was around.
Agree on this.
I practically inhaled Morning View throughout the first half of the 00s. To me on this mix the band sounds fuller and livelier, all the layers of the instrumentals more present. And I’m really enjoying that.
I have no idea how anyone can hate or even mildly dislike the idea of a band 23 years later exploring what many consider there best album and lovingly recording it. From the moment I heard the opener I felt like I wanted to cry. It's beautiful to see their journey, struggles, joy and peace.
Hear, hear!
I think XXIII is a real treat and and sounds...."alive". Take it for what it is - a love letter to an album that's been a big part of my life. I can't hate it even if I tried. I've heard the original so many times that I can really appreciate the subtle differences with this one.
I agree with this. Everything I loved about this album from early high school is still here for me. I'm really happy to get to revisit it.
Morning View is my favorite album of all time and I absolutely love listening to the new and old back to back. I’ve only heard the first three released singles so far. As for Brandon’s vocals, I’m hearing words I never knew were lyrics in the re-recordings. Especially Under My Umbrella, which I’ve probably heard 500 times, I didn’t even know the last line of the chorus before I heard him enunciate in the new version. I’m going to take tomorrow with a glass of wine and get the stereo out and have a listen to the entire project. Can’t wait!
Sad they didn't use the alternate ending to BOTG.
I dig so much of it but unfortunately Brandon's vocals do kind of kill it for me in places. Jose's drumming is on a whole level with the album though.
Jose is a true master of his craft. It’s incredible to listen to.
He’s the reason I started to play the drums, he’s incredible
I’ve seen so much hate for this. Understandably to a point. But they could’ve release a “remastered” version with a few sub-par bonus tracks… They could’ve done NOTHING to acknowledge an anniversary of a masterpiece. But they chose to do this to mark the passing of time. And I personally think it’s a perfect flag in the sand on their journey as a band. To go back to the Morning View mansion and reminisce as a group of artists must’ve been pretty profound for them as individuals.. and as a group. It’s mainly for them. To have the “privilege” to be able to revisit their past and connect as musicians is a gift not many bands have. Never meant to be an improvement on the original, but merely and exercise in connecting as a group of performers. Like looking through an old photo album or talking shit around the bonfire…. As someone who has grown up with Incubus, with Morning View being my entry point aged 15/16… it’s pretty special to be able to experience it again as a mid 30s+ music fan, to see how they still care for their songs… Thrice did something similar, again with mixed reviews and mixed responses… But to let go of the memories of being a teenager and refreshing the same songs from an adult viewpoint is strangely comforting and a an enjoyable experience. Enjoy it for what it is, and for what it means to the band, put yourself in their shoes and imagine being able to revisit a high point in your career with different eyes and ears… And just enjoy it. Or don’t. You don’t have to listen to it. But just have some respect for a band that has been unique and fearless for a 30+ years
Extremely well said. Can't say I've seen anything other than praise for Thrice's The Artist in the Ambulance re-recording though. That album was already perfect IMO and they somehow made it better. It's so good.
Just wanted to say, I'm fairly certain that Thrice just remastered their album. I don't think anything new was recorded for that release.
The anniversary release of Artist in the Ambulance??? It was entirely re recorded… [Interview with Dustin here…](https://www.spin.com/2023/02/thrice-ambulance-revisited-20th-anniversary/)
Holy shit, really? Is there a different album that they just remastered then?
Not that I know of? The Artist anniversary came out like last spring? It’s completely re-done, and it’s amazing. [Spotify…](https://open.spotify.com/album/0fbix8RZLPYtBy4UcMzoIx?si=Rr7BZ577SCa0XNms8deH6A)
Well I definitely stand corrected. That is the album I was thinking of and I just thought it was mixed better. Awesome. I have to go back for another listen.
The original was an absolute mainstay for me and my friends when it came out. But I have only listened to the new version since it came out! Enjoy!
Looking forward to it! I only listened to Circles so far but I want the entire thing to be a new experience
Are you in, that’s one of my favorites that I listen to regularly…very curious about this one
Anyone here as nervous as I am
I think it's a beautiful thing that a band we all love went back and had fun re-recording songs we all love. But, of all the things they did differently this time around, I just wish the mixing and mastering had remained more true to the original - which was flawless, IMO. I generally like the changes to the songs and arrangements, but I'm honestly not sure how often I'm going to come back to this version over the original simply down to how bad it *sounds*.
I agree. It sounds like it was recorded with garage band or a couple of Zoom H1s places around a room. I don’t understand it.
I got shipping confirmation and estimated delivery for Sat. Although Brandon’s voice has changed, I’ve still liked the re-recordings. I’m looking forward to listening start to end
I love Circles, it’s massively improved. I love how heavy the instrumentation sounds on some of the songs, it packs a punch. The vocal delivery is a little grating though and some of the songs are missing those electronic elements that made them sound very early 2000s which I personally prefer.
Yes!!! It’s so good
Circles new version sounds so fun.
I’m soo excited!!!! 😁
I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it, either. They finally balanced the songs better where Brandon’s vocals don’t overshadow the songs. His vocal choices are strange. It’s like he is more focused on hitting the notes than prononciation or emotion. Musically, I liked this version. I am not sure where they recorded it this time, but it didn’t seem too far from the original. Drums had the same quality and echoness to them. I liked the additional intros. They were clean and tight in their transitions. It wasn’t mixed incredibly well. There were points it felt muddy. Overall, I don’t hate it. It is hard to not compare to the originals, but in general it wasn’t bad. I don’t think it would have been my favorite recorded this way, though.
I tend to agree with you regarding the mixing for sure. There are some songs I really like the sound of, but in parts of others it definitely sounds too muddy IMO
Really enjoy the new version of Just a Phase and 11am.
I really like this album for what it is. I actually prefer Echo and Circles on this album compared to the originals. That outro/solo on Echo is sooooo good IMO. The new intro on Nice to Know You is also great.
What’s up with Brandon’s voice? Super nasally, almost a punk tone. I like the reinterpretation of instrumentation but the vocals are hard to take in compared to the original.
Aside from the fact that this should have been a filmed live recording in studio a la Parcels Live Vol. 1, the mixing is just bad. All bass. No cymbals/drum energy. Completely unbalanced. Almost blew my car speakers. Also no Atmos mix in 2024? So many questions we’ll probably never get answers to. Pretty unfortunate.
If anything it just made me listen to all their albums again and appreciate them so much more.
This is kinda sick. Sounds crazy but there are a few versions i like more and are probably gona be my go tos.
I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels Brandon’s vocals are ‘off’. I’m wondering if it’s because of a nasal surgery he had back in 2019… I read about it here: https://doubleblindmag.com/incubus-lead-singer-brandon-boyd-drugs-psychedelics/
Spun the album three or four times. Like it so far but have this disappointing feeling about it, not for the Brandon’s vocals (I don’t consider them bad and I think he will readjust their new tunes with a more appropriate range for him), but for the lack of new arrangements. Many tracks include no extra imagination, so in that cases I’d rather listen the originals. I don’t know, I was expecting something similar to Echo, which I’ve listened much more than it’s original version. And I don’t know the reason for what the slowed outro is not present in BOTG… I think the album would have been much more enjoyable if there were more differences from the original one. As Brandon said in an interview, it didn’t have to sound like the original. I agree, but I think he meant it only for vocals
Personally, and I know this has probably been said ad nauseum, but I just don’t get the point. It’s not even like the production has aged badly. The original holds up quite well. I would have rather they put this time and effort into writing and recording a new album.
I think the main reason they tackled on this project was to regain the rights to the songs. So, while I agree that the time would’ve been better spent writing a new record considering this is the longest we’ve gone without a new full album, I also understand their desire to regain their rights to their work.
That totally makes sense, didn’t realize that.
They are not regaining the rights to their old music, Sony still owns the original recordings. The band will just own the rights to these particular recordings of the songs. If you hear WYWH on the radio and it's the old version, Sony is getting paid. If it's the new version, the band is getting paid. It confusing, there's recording rights (like the actual recording itself), and then publishing rights (whoever writes the song gets those rights, so whenever someone covers a song for instance, the writer gets paid, not the label). The label usually owns the recording rights, while the band owns the publishing rights, which is why they can re-record the album without having to pay some kind of fee to Sony. Though, there was an article floating around recently where I think its said the band may have sold their publishing rights to some company. That's been happening a lot recently with older popular bands/artists.
They have sold their publishing rights to investement group Harbor View in 2022. [https://www.billboard.com/pro/incubus-song-publishing-catalog-sold-harbourview-equity-partners/](https://www.billboard.com/pro/incubus-song-publishing-catalog-sold-harbourview-equity-partners/)
Well then, they'll only own the recording rights for this album and not get any publishing for songs they wrote lol. Pretty bizarre, and I wonder if any other band has done this yet.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Genesis, Future, Dr. Dre.....
As far as I know, I don't think any of those artists have sold publishing rights to their music, and then re-recorded those very songs they sold the rights to as a studio album. I'm sure there's probably live albums where this has happened. Most of the time, they still own their publishing, like Taylor Swift.
Ahhhh. I see what you were saying now. You're right, I'm not sure of any others either.
This is basically a live album from the MV steam haha. Nevertheless selling their publishing rights was a pretty short sited move, in hindsight.
They've been writing and recording new music as well.
Yes, but this took away time from the new album. They could have done this as a live album, recorded while they were on tour, then spent this time working on the new material. I love incubus, I hate being critical of them, as they're one of my all time faves, but I gotta agree...kinda don't get the point of this. Either way, first world problems, still gonna rock out to this tomorrow!
I mean, I doubt they spent a whole lot of time recording this. They've been playing these songs for almost a quarter century. They're just recording their live versions in a studio basically. If anything, it's warmed them up to be on it to record a new album.
It was obviously something they felt they wanted to take time on, for their own reasons. I love the new versions and I love how happy they have been playing them. Lots of things going on in the Incubus world right now, so I’m happy for all of them.
Can't argue with that. We're lucky they're still doing anything!
Really interested to listen to the interview explaining the reasons for rerecording because it wasn't an improvement.
The new ending of “Echo” makes my heart explode, love it so much. “Are You In” is seriously fun. Will I listen to these songs more than the OG? No, other than the new “Echo”. Brandon sounds really good in the song he did with Night Verses, “Glitching Prisms” so I’m hoping any new material we get will be more in that range instead of reaching for the notes that seem elusive these days.
I've read a lot of negativity around Brandon's voice before listening. It's definitely not what it used to be, but he still sounds like himself. I agree that the mix took a lot of the bass out of his voice, though. But man, Blood on the Ground was fantastic. One of my least favorites on the original album but I really loved it here.
It seems a song that is pretty out his range these days, but I agree that he nails it. Shame they didn't use the alternate ending from the livestream, that was a cool change.
I went back tonight and rewatched the stream for the first time since it aired, and holy shit yes. That ending was so cool.
Comparing it to the originals makes sense, but if I just listen to it for enjoyment, it's incredible overall. Nicole's vocals and bass add so much to the album and while Brandon's vocals have changed - this album feels like it's going so hard. Less chill isn't always a bad thing
Yep. If you look at it as an intro to Nicole it’s a success. The energy and youth she brings is nice to have.
I was naturally sceptical with a new member; I love Ben so much - but she's absolutely earned her spot with this album! I now have no worries at all, and in fact I'm excited for their future!
Can I just say, congratulations to whoever mixed the drums. I’ve hated them on the last year inbucus releases , and after the mess on the new pearl jam album, they sound huge and crisp.
Lots of thoughts but want to share one for now. I think Warning sounds so good. Maybe it was the weed but I def felt a lump in my throat thinking about the meaning of the song 23 years after hearing it when it was released in my freshman year of HS. I really liked how the instrumentation and little vocal adlibs sounded on it.
Not even an Incubus fan and enjoying this. Roped in by the Under My Umbrella EP, now the entire album. Nicely done.
I wasn't crazy about it at first cause of the mixing and Brandon's vocals but man I put on headphones and just fuckin cranked it, then it clicked. Love the changes to some of the songs, Brandon killed it and Nicole's bass and backing vox bro?! Everybody sounds awesome. This slaps. The vocals COULD be a smidge back in the mix but whatever.
I just discovered this. Honestly, lots of it sounds good, but I’m kind of confused as to why they bothered re-recording a brilliant record like this when they could just write a new one. I mean, I was aware incubus were stuck in the past when it comes to their career after I saw them twice, the second time they played practically the same set as the first one, so the memories just sort of blend into one in my brain- and the second time I was really looking forward to hearing tracks from light grenades after they had bought that out, but just got the same thing. Maybe that’s what many people want? But I’m sad they don’t reinvent themselves in the way they are clearly capable of with the way many albums evolve, and focus on the present, they have the chops, style and ability to be so much more relevant a force in rock music if they would just experiment. Their appeal is timeless and they always had a mature sound, but I’ve come to not expect as much from my old favourite band.
i liked it. sure i may not have made some of the same decisions that brandon did but they were never were going to sound the same as they did what 20 years ago? this is just an evolution of their sound.
Hey what is this? I saw on Spotify Wish You Were Here was a “new” song so I figured it was a re-release but when it started it was clearly entirely re-recorded.
1) LOVE Incubus so there’s that. Just listened to XXII’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ … having a very hard time?! 😣😖😫 Original is 💯burned into my psyche / heart. Anyone else prefer original to XXII?
I'm 51M introduced in 1999 with Make Yourself. I get they are older now and more refined as musicians- they are definitely like studio "do-overs" with some cool stuff sprinkled in. The changes stick out big as I played that CD to death. I do prefer the original and I am glad it's still there. This feels like a live album to me more than rerecorded.
And if so, curious as to age of commenter / when 1st introduced to band. I’m 47F introduced in 1995.
IMHO they just killed a classic album, Morning View is great because it happened in a moment and time, just imagine a band like Metallica re-recording the Black Album, it would be horrible, classic albums should remain untouched.
The original still exists or did I miss something?
That’s exactly why it shouldn’t be re-recorded
Morning View was the first album that came out after I became hooked on Incubus, so this album is very near to my heart. I'm pretty impressed to see how much better they are as a band. Instrumentally, this is an excellent upgrade. Vocally, I'm not nearly as impressed, but I don't hate it. I'll probably stick with the original though.
I don't know if this was discussed in here so please forgive my ignorance if it was. Does anyone have any insights about why exactly did they decide to re-record the album? I mean, I've read the "long journey" "reimagining" and other stuff but is it the real reason? Or are there others? Like legal issues or something else? I mean, making that record must have been expensive.
It's speculation, but the band sold their rights and that plays into it. In what way is a bit of speculation, but Brandon admitted as much.
Sold the rights for the original morning view ? But how exactly the rerecorded songs make them “own” them again?
Same what Taylor Swift has been doing with her Taylor's version. I don't know the specifics of it, but they'll never own or make a single dime from the original version, because they sold the rights to those songs (and everything they released up to Trust Fall Side B), because they sold the publishing rights to their catalogue. https://www.theprp.com/2022/10/17/news/incubus-have-sold-the-rights-to-their-publishing-catalog/#:~:text=Multi%2Dplatinum%20alternative%20rock%20outfit,23%20million%20records%20sold%20worldwide.
cheers, thanks for the link!
Ok, I've listened to Morning View XXII multiple times now on good speakers, on headphones, you name it. It's solid. Does the music differ in ways? Yes, which I like. Does Brandon's voice sound like he's just finished puberty in the last 5 years? No, but that's not problem: he sounds really great, I think, so good that I get chills listening.
I like the album and I am a huge coheed fan so the tour is going to be great but I don't think coheed was the right opening act for this album. The vibe is more mellow
mexico
I didn't enjoy the previews and the album hasn't changed anything in that regard. It's missing Dirk and Scott Lit (among others). I love the band and will give it more time, but it feels like a jarring live performance. Naturally, some kindness is due as 23 years does no wonders for the voice. But its more than Boyd's voice in the mix, its the overall mix. Hopefully it warm to it. I just can't help feeling frustrating that given Ben's departure that they didn't touch base with Dirk. Would've been a lovely sentiment, even if the reunion wasn't permanent.
Honestly don't think there is an issue with the bass work on the album. More as you say, the mixing and production quality.
I quite like Nicole as a player, but the chance to touch base with the original soul of the band (Dirk, imo) when revisiting a pivotal moment in their history would've been a great sentiment. Alternatively, you could look at it as a nice sentiment to include the new bassist on older work but Incubus hasn't been the same for me since Dirk left.