If you’re like me, it’s never enough when it comes to some albums. Labels could churn out monthly updates of certain albums, and I’d put my credit card on automatic. One of those albums is the great Close To The Edge from YES. Our first real update of the album (aside from the Rhino remaster from 2003) was the SACD of the album from Audio Fidelity. Then, not too long after that SACD release, it was announced that Steven Wilson would be remixing the classic in 5.1 surround, and high resolution Stereo. Well, it doesn’t take much to get me excited when it comes to this album. More is ALWAYS better for me.
Many of us already know that this is coming. What we lacked were clarifying details, which we now have via the official YES website. Here’s the info:
We already know that October 29 is the release date for both versions of the remixed album (DVD-Audio, and Blu-ray Audio). We also know that the 5.1 Surround mixes are from the original multi-tracks, as are the new Stereo mixes. The high resolution Stereo remasters are from the original flat stereo masters. We also knew there would be extras.
The CD/DVD-Audio package will contain the following:
• New 5.1 Surround Mix 96kHz/24bit from original multitracks
• New 5.1 Surround Mix Lossless 96kHz/24bit from original multitracks
• New Stereo Mix Hi-Res 96kHz/24bit from original multitracks
• Original Stereo Mix Hi-Res 96kHz/24bit flat transfer from the original Stereo Master tapes
• Numerous audio extras Hi-Res 48kHz/24bit including single edits & studio run- throughs
The CD/Blu-ray-Audio package will contain the following (NOTE the exclusive extras found on the BD-Audio package:
• New 5.1 Surround Mix DTS-HD 96kHz/24bit from original multitracks
• New Stereo Mix LPCM 96kHz/24bit from original multitracks
• Original Stereo Mix LPCM 192kHz/24bit flat transfer from original master tape
• America – Original Stereo Mix LPCM 192kHz/24bit flat transfer from original master tape
• Instrumental Versions – New Stereo Mix LPCM 96kHz/24bit **EXCLUSIVE**
• Needle-drop of Original UK Vinyl LPCM 96kHz/24bit A1/B1 pressing **EXCLUSIVE**
• Numerous Audio Extras LPCM 96kHz/24bit including single edits & studio run throughs
The CD will be filled to the max with the new mix of the album as well as a new mix of “America”, and an early mix and assembly of “Close To The Edge”.
The CD/DVD-Audio set is being packaged in a double digipak housed in a slipcase. The CD/BD-Audio set will be housed in a mini-vinyl replica gatefold card sleeve. Both sets will contain a booklet with liner notes by Sid Smith, more photos, and plenty of new info to tie it all together. The original artist of Close To The Edge, Roger Dean, will provide updated artwork.
The best part? This new version of Close To The Edge is called “first release in the series”. Relayer? Finally? New Fragile?, Tales From Topographic Oceans?
The complete specs. Oh, and thank you, Panegyric! And deepest appreciation to Stephen Wilson, too!:
CLOSE TO THE EDGE
CD
New Stereo Mixes
Close To The Edge – 18:43
And You And I – 10:09
Siberian Khatru – 09:01
Additional Tracks
America – 10:31
Close To The Edge – 18:42 – Early assembly/Rough mix
DVD-A
New Stereo Mixes
Close To The Edge – 18:43 – New Stereo 24/96 MLP Lossless
And You And I – 10:09 – New Stereo 24/96 MLP Lossless
Siberian Khatru – 09:01 – New Stereo 24/96 MLP Lossless
5.1 Surround Mixes
Close To The Edge – 18:43 – 5.1 Surround 24/96 MLP Lossless – dts 96/24
And You And I – 10:09 – 5.1 Surround 24/96 MLP Lossless – dts 96/24
Siberian Khatru – 09:01 – 5.1 Surround 24/96 MLP Lossless – dts 96/24
Original Stereo Mixes
Close To The Edge – 18:43 – Flat Transfer from original master – 24/96 MLP Lossless
And You And I – 10:09 – Flat Transfer from original master – 24/96 MLP Lossless
Siberian Khatru – 09:01 – Flat Transfer from original master – 24/96 MLP Lossless
America
America – 10:31 – 5.1 Surround 24/96 MLP Lossless – dts 96/24
America – 10:31 – New Stereo – 24/96 MLP Lossless
America – 10:31 – Flat Transfer from original master – 24/96 MLP Lossless
Additional Material
Alternate album
Close To The Edge – 17:42 – Early assembly/Rough mix – 24/48
And You And I – 10:18 – Alt. version – 24/48
Siberia – 09:20 – Studio run-through of Siberian Khatru – 24/48
Single versions & edits
Total Mass Retain – 03:21 – single version, mono – 24/48
And You And I – 03:29 – promo single version, mono – 24/48
America – 04:13 – single version, mono – 24/48
NTSC Region 0 hybrid DVD-A, compatible with all DVD players & DVD-rom drives
BLU-RAY
New Stereo Mixes
Close To The Edge – 18:43 – New Stereo 24/96 LPCM
And You And I – 10:09 – New Stereo 24/96 LPCM
Siberian Khatru – 09:01 – New Stereo 24/96 LPCM
5.1 Surround Mixes
Close To The Edge – 18:43 – 5.1 Surround 24/96 LPCM & DTS-HD MA
And You And I – 10:09 – 5.1 Surround 24/96 LPCM & DTS-HD MA
Siberian Khatru – 09:01 – 5.1 Surround 24/96 LPCM & DTS-HD MA
Original Stereo Mixes
Close To The Edge – 18:43 – Flat Transfer from original master – 24/192 LPCM
And You And I – 10:09 – Flat Transfer from original master – 24/192 LPCM
Siberian Khatru – 09:01 – Flat Transfer from original master – 24/192 LPCM
America
America – 10:31 – 5.1 Surround 24/96 LPCM & DTS-HD MA
America – 10:31 – New Stereo 24/96 LPCM
America – 10:31 – Flat Transfer from original master – 24/192 LPCM
Additional Material
Alternate album
Close To The Edge – 17:42 – Early assembly/Rough mix – 24/96 LPCM
And You And I – 10:18 – Alt. version – 24/96 LPCM
Siberia – 09:20 – Studio run-through of Siberian Khatru – 24/96 LPCM
Single versions & edits
Total Mass Retain – 03:21 – single version, mono – 24/192 LPCM
And You And I – 03:29 – single version, mono – 24/192 LPCM
America – 04:13 – single version, mono – 24/192 LPCM
Blu-Ray Exclusive
New Stereo Instrumental Mixes
Close To The Edge – 18:43 – New Stereo 24/96 LPCM
And You And I – 10:09 – New Stereo 24/96 LPCM
Siberian Khatru – 09:01 – New Stereo 24/96 LPCM
America – 10:31 – New Stereo 24/96 LPCM
Vinyl needle-drop transfer
Close To The Edge – 18:43 – A1/B1 UK vinyl transfer 24/96 LPCM
And You And I – 10:09 – A1/B1 UK vinyl transfer 24/96 LPCM
Siberian Khatru – 09:01 – A1/B1 UK vinyl transfer 24/96 LPCM
NTSC, all regions, LPCM playable in all Blu-Ray players & Blu-Ray drives
One of the more interesting aspects of this release will be the comparison with the AF SACD recent release. Audio folks will have a field day with this!
I don’t think a near simultaneous release of this kind and magnitude has happened before.
Now I am really looking forward to this. Glad I pre-ordered the Blu-ray version.
To quote ric flair about this release whooo! and if this is the first of more bring on Relayer
MARowe could not agree more this will be huge, only 3 tracks on the original album, and some extras, can’t wait.
Can someone tell me what differentiates the original stereo masters from the needle drop of the U.K. pressing? I would think they should be the same or very close.
Matt, thanks for the update. Very Cool! Hopefully, the CD/BD won’t be housed in one of those aggravating cardboard sleeves that open in the center (guaranteed to fingerprint/scratch your discs). What is a “needledrop transfer?”
The “needle drop” is the digital reproduction of the UK LP issue. Purpose? I don’t know other than an extra.