The Gaslight Anthem - History Books (October 27th 2023) Album • Page 89

I think Hello Exile sounds horrible in comparison to their other albums. Sure it was a choice, but I don’t think it was a good one. But it also doesn’t help it has some of their weakest songs on top of that too.

 

Damage is the one that truly needs it.

 

hello exile is the menzos best record tbh

 

correct

 

Grrr I here the clicking or popping or whatever finally and I’m exclusively blaming @bradpetrik

 

My grandma is on hospice and these lyrics have really been hitting.

 

I don't think Hello Exile is as bad as the original mix for History Books, but I will say that I didn't truly appreciate that album until I listened to the From Exile version that was stripped down

 

Hello Exile’s production is definitely less of an issue than the original History Books, but you can hear the band so much better on SOIWT. I think it was just jarring at first going from After The Party to Exile. Songs are strong enough for it to not matter much, and the vocals being a little further back in the mix sells the nostalgia. I won’t defend whatever that vocal fade in on Strawberry Mansion is though haha. Damage is a better example for sure.

 

I have zero issues with Damage or Hello Exile, History Books on the other hand does sounded just not right. When they released the EP, man, Positive Charge became a top five Gaslight Anthem song, while I never though that way when they released the original album.

 

Legit might be their best album.

 

Crazy how much better this sounds. Massive improvement

 

Are we going to talk about Goodness production next?

 

Really can’t get over how much better this sounds.

 

is this a thing? People hated the production on Goodness? I just absolutely love that album, but I also loved Hello Exile.

 

I got no beef with Goodness

 

definitely sounds better but i wouldn't say this massively changes my opinion on the record

 

Goodness is perfect

 

It’s the vocals being noticeably lower compared to Home. I remember when Piano Player was released, the producer went into either Reddit or here to defend it saying it was exactly how the band wanted it to sound.

 

That is one of my favorite produced albums of all time, no notes. Everything about that record's sound is immaculate and so thematic. The drums in particular, they sound so natural and yet have this spaciousness unlike any other recording I've heard. I think the vocals sit perfectly with the the lyrical themes of nature and relationship building on the record, as Christian is surrounded by the music in the same way he's becoming a part of a larger whole.

 

I feel like Piano Player was the only song on that album I recall sounding off with the vocals and it was clearly intentional

 

PETER!

 

I just basically always want the vocals out front, I’m too into lyrics.

 

same.

 

Prior to the mix being fixed I discounted this album from existence entirely, it was unlistenable. With the mix fixed, it takes a deserved position as the least-good Gaslight album and is passable, containing maybe 3-4 worthwhile tracks overall.

If we're doing things right regardless of the business case, going back to finish Get Hurt properly I think would be a good use of their time.

Otherwise, we'll see what the next one brings.