PADCAST #13: More Miaow Demo Material Discovered -- "Break The Code"
When I set out to restore old Miaow cassettes years ago, I assumed I had heard everything I could find and play without disaster. Tape flakes or dust and debris seemed more likely to be my first audio discovery. Surprisingly, they didn't turn out to be too awful. An attempt at a wash & wax was made several times. Each break in the action resulted in new software developments from our plug-in dealers. Eventually, things became affordable and amazing. I may not be able to make pure garbage sound good but, at least, I can make it tolerable.
When Cath handed three more Miaow cassettes to me, I was a bit stunned. I thought we had found them all? [Cath revealed in the RSD09 padcasts that she always knew the tapes existed in a buried suitcase.]
The newest Miaow archive cassettes contain a real assortment of issues sonically speaking. And the content? An original demo of When It All Comes Down and an unmixed demo version of Break The Code were the biggest gems! They both have all of the imperfections of tuning & timing but there is that demo's sense of urgency.
Unfortunately, the cassette formula for these three is a normal bias TDK AD stock and does not have the shine and transparency of the metal oxide from the Priceless Restoration cassette-source. And the hiss is pretty outrageous, too. There will have to be an intensive rehabbing. The third tape is (probably) completely useless since the levels are almost non existent. A virtual cacophony of tape-dragging on the head.
Included in this collection is a version of Stolen Ears, which is identical to the one found on LTM's excellent compilation, When It All Comes Down (2003). Marry Me Dusty is presented several times but it's identical to our earlier restoration, and sonically inferior.
The real shocker was the material recorded over or found in between demo material on the WIACD cassette. Apparently the tapes were an early recycling attempt (Cath is an eco-friendly, early adopter), with all three cassettes having previously recorded material. One segment in particular, a spoken word documentary, detailed the memories of Jim Jones' son and the events of Jonestown. Chilling would be an understatement. I wish we had the rights to use it.
Two new tracks to add to the Miaow restoration collection, the Priceless Innuendo Factory Demo that never-was. Here's the first one partially restored - no mastering/finishing. Break The Code, a song by Miaow Cath calls "her favorite."
Posted by The Pad at July 2, 2009 1:00 PM 
Categories: Music:Podcast
Tags: Cath Carroll Miaow Factory Records Break The Code Priceless Innuendo Lilypad Records When It All Comes Down padcasts
Categories: Music:Podcast
Tags: Cath Carroll Miaow Factory Records Break The Code Priceless Innuendo Lilypad Records When It All Comes Down padcasts
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