Trouble - Manic Frustration

[Rockbox1590]

I've got amquestion about his album that has bugged me since I first bought it in 1990. Was the production intentionally trying to sound like it was made in the '70's or did somehing happened during the mixing? The bass is really low in the mix unless the rhythm and lead guitars play certain riffs and chords. I love the album, but has really been confused about the sound of it.

 

[labrekk]

I've got amquestion about his album that has bugged me since I first bought it in 1990. Was the production intentionally trying to sound like it was made in the '70's or did somehing happened during the mixing? The bass is really low in the mix unless the rhythm and lead guitars play certain riffs and chords. I love the album, but has really been confused about the sound of it.

This is a killer disc but you're right, the production is very 70s. I think it was the purpose. As for me, I've "remixed" it myself, adding more bass, and now it sounds very good.

 

[TychoCelchu]

hmm, I never thought it sounded '70s (bass is quite prominent or at least distinguishable in the 70s albums I have) but it is very, very bottom light. I'd say it's more like 1989-era Metallica, but not as dry.

 

[seh750]

I always thought this CD sounded fantastic! But I will admit, Manic Frustration happens to have been my first ever CD (had LPs and cassettes before that) so at the time it probably sounded fantastic compared to everything else I had.

Will have to pull it out and give it a listen.


Edit: Grabbed the discs, realized I was thinking of the wrong one. The self-titled Trouble album has my first CD. Looks like Manic Frustration came out later, and yeah I remember that one sounding a bit less polished. Will now spin both.

 

[TychoCelchu]

Come on baby, touch the sky!

 

[mitchgx]

After the pure brilliance (and brilliant Rick Rubin production) of the s/t album, I found Manic Frustration to be a bit of a letdown. They clearly were going for a very different sound...I sort of considered it psychedelic-metal. I found the album a bit too in-your-face.....still, there's some good stuff on there, as well as the follow-up Plastic Green Head.

 

[Palabra de Dios]

Good, album. Thought the production fits with the music. It still pales in comparison to the amazing Psalm 9 and The Skull.

 

[Logan5]

Both Def American albums are way overdue for a remaster/reissue

 

[labrekk]

Good, album. Thought the production fits with the music. It still pales in comparison to the amazing Psalm 9 and The Skull.

Psalm 9 was indeed excellent, but both s/t and Manic Frustration are much better IMO than the very depressing (and boring for the most part) The Skull...But I'm not the greatest doom fan to start with, so I prefer Trouble when they're more upbeat.

 

[labrekk]

Both Def American albums are way overdue for a remaster/reissue

I would agree with this. But as they were never the greatest sellers, I guess we could wait a long time...Better do a self-made remaster with a few softwares....