[Muldfeld]

Hey, Interpolers,

I saw TOTBL (I'm guessing an import version) including The Specialist on sale at CD Universe.
http://www.cdunivers...&cart=574864125
My question is how good is the quality of The Specialist? Is it some crappy Black Sessions thing or a studio recording? Also, will this version include lyrics or anything else?

Thanks in advance. :)

[Sboarder9]

I didn't know that Specialist was included on any version of TOTBL, but it is a studio recorded song with good sound quality (also its a very good song). However, I don't know if the lyrics will be included for that one. If its that big of a deal, buy the CD and look up the lyrics online.

[TranceNNy]

Specialist I believe, is on the Japanese and the Australian imports. The quality is a bit less compared to the other TOTBL songs but you can barely notice a thing. Its not as low quality as the Black Sessions.
I highly doubt any lyrics are included.

[daniel1_4_91]

on the mexican version of the album specialist and interlude are included on totbl....and there are no lyrics whatsoever......so my guess is that no lyrics will come with that version.....maybe the regular lyrics.......but from what i can tell thats not an original pressing...

[Erwin]

I bought the Japanese version with Specialist and Interlude. It also has a booklet with lyrics and a special cardboard casing-thingy (like Antics). I'd buy that one, if you'd like a special version of TotBL.

About Specialist: the studio-version isn't much different from live-versions, in my opinion.

[Muldfeld]

Thanks a lot, folks. Your mention about Interlude made me look further. I think this is the New Zealand version. If I'm paying for an album with extras, I might as well get that as well, even if it costs me $25. I think I'll get the Japanese version on Amazon.ca. I was just hoping that, since the Japanese version of "Our Love to Admire" has lyrics, early albums might, too.
Thanks again.

[stellchic]

one of the TOTBL versions was the Korean version. this included the lyrics (in korean and english) and a boooklet of photos taken in New York. and a slip case for both the cd with the original booklet, the extra booklet of band mate pictures, and the fold out page with all of the lyrics. if i'm not mistaken i think it's still on sale for a lower price at idealcopy.com... it is. but now they call it the "ASIAN RELEASE"

IDEAL COPY TOTBL ASIAN RELEASE

[appollo four fourty]

TranceNNy, on Jul 29 2007, 11:01 PM, said:

Specialist I believe, is on the Japanese and the Australian imports. The quality is a bit less compared to the other TOTBL songs but you can barely notice a thing. Its not as low quality as the Black Sessions.
I highly doubt any lyrics are included.

:huh: :huh: :mellow: :mellow: its the same quality. And both the Korean and the JAP version has lyrics booklet just not for specialist.

[TranceNNy]

^^^^

I hear the quality a bit different. And weren't they recorded at different times? (Specialist from TOTBL)
Maybe its just me, but I can definitely hear a difference although it is subtle.

[Muldfeld]

stellchic, on Jul 30 2007, 03:20 PM, said:

one of the TOTBL versions was the Korean version. this included the lyrics (in korean and english) and a boooklet of photos taken in New York. and a slip case for both the cd with the original booklet, the extra booklet of band mate pictures, and the fold out page with all of the lyrics. if i'm not mistaken i think it's still on sale for a lower price at idealcopy.com... it is. but now they call it the "ASIAN RELEASE"

IDEAL COPY TOTBL ASIAN RELEASE

Thanks very much for registering to even answer my question!

[Muldfeld]

appollo four fourty, on Jul 30 2007, 06:23 PM, said:

:huh: :huh: :mellow: :mellow: its the same quality. And both the Korean and the JAP version has lyrics booklet just not for specialist.

Lyrics? That's great!

[Scavenger]

I know this an old thread but I wanted to add something: The Australian release of TOTBL has always had The Specialist as track 12. When the album first came out I didn't know it was a bonus track. I was so used to hearing it as the closing song. But I notice a lot of people on this board say the Australian release doesn't include it :/

[jsundheim]

Since when does the Black Session version of Specialist suck? I think it's the best damn version of the song.

[Balmain]

jsundheim, on 19 June 2012 - 01:06 PM, said:

Since when does the Black Session version of Specialist suck? I think it's the best damn version of the song.

Back when Interpol was on top of their game, they released the Black Sessions EP. This live ep was in no way living up to their live reputation. It wasn't the best Interpol-live recording, there are many bootlegs/amateur recordings which sound way better.
One might say listening to it now, it might now sound alot better seeying Interpol isn't the live act it used to be.

[Serpent Swells]

appollo four fourty, on 30 July 2007 - 02:23 PM, said:

:huh: :huh: :mellow: :mellow: its the same quality. And both the Korean and the JAP version has lyrics booklet just not for specialist.

I don't think it's the same quality. The recording for Specialist has always seemed a bit muddier than that of TOTBL's to my ears. Also, the guitars aren't as crisp and the drums sound much more restrained.

By the way, I'm using a pair of Beyerdynamic headphones.

[Doo (type 2)]

We have to bear in mind that PDA/NYC/Specialist were recorded, mixed and mastered before the other tracks on TOTBL (as far as I understand).

And as Specialist wasn't included on any regular version of TOTBL, it may not have recieved the same mastering/mixing treatment as NYC, PDA and the rest of the regular tracks on that album.

[appollo four fourty]

If you take a gander at my rate my collections thread I posted up a few pics of my collection. Anyways, I have 2 different Jap versions and the mexican verisons. One of each contains specialist and interlude. The Australian version contains specialist only. Quality wise it is the same as the rest of TOBL.

[Muldfeld]

I've come upon this thread by accident, and I must say I'm very happy I bought this import, which is from South Korea, has the lyrics and a great sounding (from what I can tell) "Specialist" and also "Interlude". Thanks, all.

I'm glad I bought the "Black Sessions" CD, but the playing isn't great sounding and recorded incredibly low.