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Wanted to buy the 2004 remixed and remastered CD version of Countdown to Extinction - I only had it on cassette. Google suggested that this one wasn’t as heavily criticized as the Rust in Peace remix.

But after comparing the original pressing to the 2004 version… no friggin’ way I’m buying it now. I really don’t like the changes. The original sounds more raw, natural, even a bit playful, while the 2004 version feels “beefed up,” and the guitars definitely sound different to my ears.
Why fix what isn’t broken? Sad.

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Wanted to buy the 2004 remixed and remastered CD version of Countdown to Extinction - I only had it on cassette. Google suggested that this one wasn’t as heavily criticized as the Rust in Peace remix.

But after comparing the original pressing to the 2004 version… no friggin’ way I’m buying it now. I really don’t like the changes. The original sounds more raw, natural, even a bit playful, while the 2004 version feels “beefed up,” and the guitars definitely sound different to my ears.
Why fix what isn’t broken? Sad.

View attachment 45737
Anyone knows how the 2004 Youthanasia sounds compared to the original? I had the original on tape once but it got lost after moving to another house.
 
@Azas said:

Wanted to buy the 2004 remixed and remastered CD version of Countdown to Extinction - I only had it on cassette. Google suggested that this one wasn’t as heavily criticized as the Rust in Peace remix.

But after comparing the original pressing to the 2004 version… no friggin’ way I’m buying it now. I really don’t like the changes. The original sounds more raw, natural, even a bit playful, while the 2004 version feels “beefed up,” and the guitars definitely sound different to my ears.
Why fix what isn’t broken? Sad.
All of the remixes/remasters from that period of Megadeth are terrible. The only good ones are KIMB and SFSGSW. When Dave started adding vocals and guitars everything turned to shit.
 
Anyone knows how the 2004 Youthanasia sounds compared to the original? I had the original on tape once but it got lost after moving to another house.
Buy at your own risk :D
from Google:
"The 2004 re-release of Megadeth’s
Youthanasia—which was actually a remix and remaster rather than just a remaster—is polarizing, though often considered one of the better-fared, if not the best, of the controversial 2004 Megadeth reissues. While some fans and critics appreciate its modern clarity and balanced production, a significant number of fans find it inferior to the 1994 original due to altered,, drier, or "modern" drum sounds and altered vocal dynamics.

Perception of Sound Improvements

  • Clarity and Balance: Many listeners felt the 2004 version improved on the original by offering better balance, with vocals and harmonies made more pronounced.
  • Vocal Prominence: The 2004 remix brings Dave Mustaine’s vocals forward in the mix, allowing for better audibility of backing harmonies that were buried in the original mix.
  • Specific Tracks: Several listeners noted that songs like "Addicted to Chaos" benefited from the remix, praising the clearer vocal harmonies in the chorus.
Perception of Sound Shortcomings

  • Drums and Bass: A common complaint was that the drums felt "dry," "fake," or lacked the original's "gated" sound. Some felt the punchy, "scooped" sound of the original was lost.
  • Loss of Atmosphere: Critics felt that the 2004 mix removed the specific, moody atmosphere of the 1994 production, often describing the new version as sounding thinner or "flat".
  • Altered Song Elements: The remix includes changes to the songs, such as an added solo at the end of "Train of Consequences," which some listeners felt ruined the original vibe.
Overall Consensus
While many purists prefer the 1994 original, the 2004 Youthanasia release is generally accepted by newer fans for its cleaner, louder, and more "modern" sound, occasionally regarded as a decent alternative rather than a complete botch-job, unlike some other 2004 Megadeth remasters. However, seasoned fans frequently recommend the original 1994 mix for its superior, more impactful production."
 
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